Updated Dec. 13, 2021
The trucking world comes with a lot of false stereotypes that lead interested drivers away from the industry. United Truck Driving School understands that many trucking misconceptions are out there and they have managed to debunk them all. Keep reading to learn more.
There is No Such Thing as a Smart Trucker
Hollywood paints an irrational stereotype that often shows truck drivers to be unintelligent and less sophisticated. This is completely untrue. Truck drivers see the world and visit far more places throughout the country than a person working solely from an office building, factory, or other structured business space. Traveling the open roadways exposes a driver to things he or she has never seen or heard before, and these new experiences will make a person more worldly and more cultured.
Truck drivers also go through extensive schooling in order to be trusted with freight on the open road. They must pass exams and acquire the proper licensing before becoming a professional in the trucking industry.
Truck Driving is a Man’s Job
More and more women are becoming commercial truck drivers every day. According to an article by the National Post, “Female truckers are sliding into long-haul cabs as companies seek to end a U.S. driver shortage, and they’re proving to be better behind the wheel than men.”
The trucking industry wants more female drivers because they are just as smart and equipped as men to handle big rigs and transport freight across the coasts. They also need them to fill in the employment gaps as more baby boomers retire from the industry.
Truckers Must Drive All Day and All Night
The misconception that truck drivers have no life off of the road is a common one. However, many truck drivers enjoy their lifestyle because they get to set their own working hours. Jobs.net explained that a truck driver does never have to punch a time card. “Days can begin really early. Many drivers like to move with the light; others prefer to drive through the night.”
Along with this, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Department of Transportation (DOT) has implemented Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. HOS refers to the maximum amount of time drivers are permitted to be on duty including driving time, and specifies the number and length of rest periods, to help ensure that drivers stay awake and alert. In September of 2020, FMCSA implemented changes to the regulations to “provide greater flexibility for drivers without adversely affecting safety” and were “based on thousands of comments FMCSA received from industry, safety advocacy groups, Congress, and the American public”. The changes included Adverse Driving Conditions Exceptions, Short-Haul Exceptions, 30-Minute Break Requirements, and Sleeper Berth Provisions.
Truck Driving is Boring
Truck drivers often get to ride in well-outfitted rigs that offer comfort and convenience. Plus a driver can be constantly entertained while logging miles thanks to today’s multitude of radio choices that can include: podcasts, downloadable audiobooks, and satellite radio. Truck drivers can also stay in touch with loved ones while working, by having in-depth conversations through hands-free devices that make the time on the road go by quickly. Mountain views, ocean sights, sunsets, sunrises and a constantly changing landscape are just a few of the views that a truck driver gets to see on the daily. Life on the open road is never boring.
If truck driving sounds interesting to you, contact United Truck Driving School today to learn more about your opportunities. United provides both Class A and Class B CDL training within San Diego and Riverside, CA. In just 4-weeks, you could be on the road with your new CDL.
