The lifestyle of a trucker has many layers to it and varies greatly from person to person. While just about anyone can become a truck driver with some training, the job is not for everyone.
Being a professional truck driver is very demanding, both on the job and at home. This can create an unpredictable amount of stress for drivers and their families, especially if they don’t know some basic truths about the trucking lifestyle. In today’s article we are going to look at time away from home.
Trucking is not a Monday to Friday Job
Most trucking companies do not have clients and freight that will have you running from Monday to Friday so that you can be home on the weekends. We’re not saying that these positions do not exist, but they are few and far between. Even a regional job will have you leaving on weekends to make Monday deliveries. It’s just the way the industry works. If you are not prepared to give up your weekends, you may have a tough time finding work and may want to reconsider a career in trucking.
As a Driver You will be Away From Home
This may seem like a no brainer, but you’d be surprised by how many people enter their trucking career thinking that they will be home more than away and still make enough money to support their family. Truck drivers are paid per mile, therefore the more miles you run, the more money you earn. The industry has changed a lot over the years. Most companies no longer expect drivers to be out for months on end; instead they have their long haul drivers’ home every 7 to 12 days. Home time will vary, but generally drivers’ can expect 3 to 4 days in. This generally gives drivers the miles they need to earn a great living and ample home time to spend with loved ones.
Trucking in the Busy Season
There are certain times of the year when there is more freight than available trucks to move it. This can cut into a drivers’ home time or keep them out on the road longer. While many trucking companies aim to provide their drivers with a healthy work/home balance it isn’t always possible. The thing to remember is that in the long run it balances out. While you may not get as much home time in November and December, you may find yourself twiddling your thumbs in January.
Drivers’ and Their Families need to be Prepared for the Unexpected
Things like break downs, shipping delays and bad weather are unpredictable and can keep drivers’ out over the road longer than expected. These delays can also cut into a drivers’ home time. This can be tough on drivers’ and families especially when everyone was looking forward to spending some much needed time together. It is important to know that everything doesn’t go according to plan all the time.
Len Dubois Trucking understands the importance of a healthy work/home balance for professional truck drivers. Many of our office staff and management team come from trucking families or have been over the road long haul drivers. We know that there is no way to sugar coat it. Being a professional truck driver will require you to be away from home and from your loved ones. Knowing the truths about time away from home can help you decide if a career in trucking is right for you and your family.
