If you own a trucking business, then you may have dealt with the challenge of hiring high-quality candidates. In today's career world, it's not unusual for employers to struggle when searching for the right employee for the job.
As a business owner, you can attract a larger pool of applicants when you focus on the positive aspects of the position you want to fill.
The life of a trucker isn't for everyone. But, there are plenty of reasons that many people choose this career.
Among Canadian men, "truck driver" is the most often cited occupation, according to Truckinfo. In the United States, approximately 3.5 million people work as truck drivers.
When hiring, you have to share a realistic job description, while pointing out what makes the work worthwhile.
Read on to learn what you should share with your potential employees about a career in the trucking industry, and the life of a trucker in general.
1. Independence Defines the Life of a Trucker
Many drivers love the freedom that their job provides.
There is no one looking over their shoulder when they are driving a truck. They won't be confined to a cubicle, warehouse, or crowded office.
Truck drivers can stop for a break when needed, roll down your windows and breathe the fresh air, or turn up the radio tunes and sing along without anyone around to interfere.
Life on the road is great for people who don't need much supervision to stay motivated and whose job satisfaction doesn't depend on socializing with others. That said, there are plenty of opportunities to chat with people along the way. Truckers tend to encounter a lot of interesting folks on their routes.
2. High Earning Potential
In 2015, the median salary for a truck driver was around $40,000 and for drivers of private fleets, such as those working for Walmart, the median salary was $73,000, according to a report by CNN News. Around the same time, the average median net wage for Americans was $28,031, according to My Budget 360. On average, truck drivers earn at least $10,000 more than the average American worker.
Over the several years, the shortage of truck drivers has caused truckers' salaries to increase 8 to 12% each year. As a truck driver, there's the potential to earn a high-paying salary with a relatively short period of job training. Due to the shortage, pay has consistently remained above average, especially for workers without a college degree.
3. Employer Benefits
Most trucking companies offer employees competitive benefits, including valuable perks such as health and dental insurance, retirement plan options, as well as paid sick time and vacation time.
For many employees, benefits can be a major selling point. The high costs associated with obtaining things such as personal health care is often one of the reasons that employees consider full-time work in this industry. For a family, the savings that insurance benefits offer can easily add up to tens of thousands of dollars or more.
4. Long Hours Away From Home
Despite the fact that it's not uncommon for truckers to make over $100,000 per year, the stakes may be too high for some.
In a recent article published by the Washington Post, truck drivers cite time away from home as one of the hardest things about the job. Some of the workers interviewed blame their time on the road as the cause of their divorce and some felt their job kept them from being available to their kids over the years.
This is an important aspect of truck driving that may impact an employee's decision. People with family obligations might be uncomfortable with the amount of time they will spend away from home. While this might deter some from taking on the job, it can benefit company owners, as well as drivers, to disclose this information prior to entering into an unfavorable work agreement.
Men and women who do not have family commitments might find the industry more appealing than those who have others depending on them at home.
5. Truckers Get Paid to Travel
People that enjoy traveling to unique destinations and cities may find that truck driving is the perfect work opportunity.
Truck drivers have the chance to see sights in cities, towns, and along highways all across the country. In some cases, they may even have routes that include territories spread all over North America.
6. Flexibility and Job Security
Due to the shortage of truck drivers combined with long periods on the road, companies tend to offer employees flexible options whenever possible. Some workers may be able to choose from a variety of locations, have a choice in working hours, and more.
In addition, competent truck drivers enjoy solid job security. They often have a wide range of companies who are constantly recruiting dedicated workers, in the event they decide to change jobs within the industry.
Looking for Advice to Boost Your Truck Driving Business?
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Our professional expertise extends beyond the life of a trucker, to cover the details of the industry that company owners have to deal with.
If you're looking for a professional partner that you can trust, and is committed to helping companies like yours advance, we have what you are looking for. Contact us today to initiate a conversation!
