Choosing Trucking As a Second Career

It is the desire of many a young man, and some young women, to be behind the wheel of one of those big 18 wheelers. You have but to look at their face when one of the big rigs rumbles down the road to know that this is what a good many dreams are made of. Some of these young people, when they grow up, will fulfill that dream by becoming a trucker. A number of them will do it as a full-time career, but some will pursue trucking as a second job of sorts.

Some Part-Time Truckers Work with Partners

Once you get that commercial driver’s license and pool together some of your hard-earned savings, it’s time to buy a semi. Many individuals find a partner to assist them in their semi driving endeavor. Then it’s time to start searching for loads. With a partner, half the time, you can drive. When you’re not on the road, you can pay attention to the business, while your partner takes over for the rest of the driving time. It’s not uncommon for married couples to pursue this line of trucking, as well as friends, or simply business associates.

Don’t Call It a Midlife Crisis!

Any number of would-be truckers have found themselves 50 years old, divorced, and totally disillusioned or unsatisfied with their current career. So what happens next? Many have decided that it’s time to hit the road in one of those big long haulers. Truth be told, situations like this are becoming more and more common. Additionally, the trucking industry is finding more women behind the wheel than ever before. Wanderlust is not confined to one gender, after all.

Being a Truck Driver Offers Many Challenges

As with most things, there are positive and not so positive parts about a trucking job. It can, at times, be lonely. Lots of fast food will be in your future. And the physical demand can be more than some can take. If you thought that spacious, grandiose scenery would be the main thing you’d be looking at – you’re only partially right. Most of what you see will entail traffic, white lines, asphalt, etc. And let’s not forget that, frequently, truckers can be treated with what might be considered less than a respectful attitude.

But Trucking Has Its Rewards

The good news is that both financially and personally, trucking can be rewarding. In many cases, you work when you want to work, and you do what you want to do. This is particularly applicable if you are a contract driver. Your workdays can be as long or as short as you like, as long as you are in keeping with the specific trucking rules of the road. And veteran truckers can make a substantial income. The more hazardous the load, the bigger the paycheck. But that kind of driving isn’t for everyone and requires a special license. The point is, there are a considerable number of favorable options available for today’s truckers.

Through the year 2005, it is determined that some 890,000 new drivers will be needed in order for the trucking transportation industry to replace drivers who are retiring and keep up with demand. Mickey will be here every step of the way with our parts, trailers, trucks, vans, excellent customer service, and the high-quality workmanship found in every one of our service centers throughout the nation. If you are a new driver, or even if you’ve been in the business for a while, and would like to find out what Mickey can do for your current mode of transportation, give us a call.