Is Trucking Life for You?

Trucking is more than just a job; it’s a lifestyle. For many, life as a truck driver is as close to freedom as you may ever get. Trucking has fed my wanderlust, spawned my spirit of adventure, and allowed me to explore many sights, places, and experiences unavailable to those chained to a daily grind or workplace.

I especially liked interstate and rural driving. The countryside changes daily with the movements of nature. Every day, every week, every month, and every season brings something new. It may be lambing season, milking time, harvest, sowing, or plowing. There’s great beauty in a flowering canola crop and the bird and insect life that coincides with the flowering gums and wattles. It may be drought, flood, or perhaps the rejuvenation of a fresh spring morning. Regional drivers see them all.

There is undoubtedly a lustful appeal to taking the helm of a big rig and harnessing its size, weight, and horsepower. You quickly develop a patient mindset, understanding there’s a long way ahead – so relax and make the most of it. There’s also confidence gained from hauling premium machinery and the satisfaction of getting that load to its destination on time and in one piece.

Truck Driving Isn’t For Everyone

Truck driving certainly isn’t for everyone. Some don’t like driving, others lack confidence, and many see trucking as monotonous. Many don’t want to spend the time away from home and loved ones, but others thrive on it! Contrary to popular belief, trucking isn’t gender specific. There are plenty of women in trucking!

I must admit that you must like your own company. Personally, I love solitude, but there’s plenty to keep you company and entertained while concentrating on the road ahead. Music is my first love, but there are also talking books, podcasts, and the radio. Often, I’ll spend hours behind the wheel in silence and love every minute of it!

Who can describe the beauty of parking under a crystal-clear Milky Way at a remote wayside stop miles from the interference from city lights and pollution? Then there’s the cute energy of seeing freshly born lambs, foals, or calves on a frosty morning, a bearded dragon or red-bellied black startling your path as you unceremoniously wake them on the side of the road – and most love the twinkle of city lights as you approach a major CBD in the dead of night while most people are asleep. Truck driving offers a million sights, sounds, and experiences every day.

Yes, there can be problems. Sometimes, there are fires, floods, adverse weather conditions, roadworks, traffic congestion, accidents, and other holdups. You may be late getting underway because you must wait for your next load. Sometimes, there are holdups at the destination loading bay. That’s what I meant by the word mindset. You have to go with the flow. What will be, will be.

You may visit a favoured truck stop, where the food is often terrific. Many drivers enjoy banter and fellowship with other drivers and fellow truckers; alternatively, you can indulge your favourite delights from the onboard cool box. It’s up to you.

I was one of the lucky ones, as I could sleep anywhere, anytime. I was often awakened from my sleep with the engine shutting down thanks to the three-minute turbo-timer delay on the ignition! Truck stops can be noisy, but you get used to it. I mostly slept better in the sleeper cab than in my home bed.

The life of a truck driver is often misunderstood by those who don’t experience it firsthand. While many people view truck driving as grueling and monotonous with long hours, those living on the open road know it can be a gratifying and enjoyable career.

Freedom and Independence as a Truck Driver

One of the greatest joys of being a truck driver is the freedom that comes with it. Unlike office workers confined to a cubicle or desk, truck drivers can see the country and experience new places daily.

Another benefit of truck driving is the sense of independence that it provides. As a truck driver, you are your own boss, responsible for navigating the roads and delivering your cargo safely and on time. This sense of autonomy can be incredibly empowering, and many truck drivers thrive on the challenge of being self-sufficient and resourceful on the road.

Trucking as a Career

Trucking can be a very lucrative career, or perhaps you prefer a part-time gig – both are available. Company drivers can earn good salaries and enjoy permanent employment benefits, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. In contrast, others may sub-contract their skills or even own their own truck, and all are in high demand. You can choose to to drive locally with flexible work hours, or over the road as a long haul trucker. Even as an OTR trucker, you can schedule stretches between jobs to enjoy family life.

The trucking industry has undergone significant changes in recent years, with technological advances and safety features making the job safer, easier, and more enjoyable for drivers. Most modern trucks have automatic transmissions, state-of-the-art navigation systems, comfortable seating, driver health monitoring, and advanced safety features such as lane departure warning systems and automatic emergency braking. All these things help support drivers in heavy traffic and other challenging traffic conditions.

There are very few educational qualifications to be a company driver, and many companies will help you obtain the correct license type for their vehicles. Age can be a slight disadvantage as vehicle insurance can be difficult for drivers under 25, but don’t let that put you off, as good truck drivers are always in demand to keep this big country moving.

Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just starting out, a truck driving career offers freedom, job security, adventure, and a sense of independence that’s hard to find in other professions. I highly recommend checking out if trucking is right for you!

Start Your Trucking Career Now with Credit One

If you’re looking to start a career in the trucking industry, we can help. We’ve put together expert guides on how to become a truck driver and a finance guide for first-time truck buyers. If you’re thinking of starting a business, we also have specific truck finance tips for new businesses to help you toward your goal.

At Credit One, we also offer a range of finance options and truck loans such as truck chattel mortgages, truck finance leases, and unsecured business loans that are designed to help new truckers getting their start.

Our team of truck finance specialists have access to a range of lending providers and competitive interest rates, we make it easy to get your first truck or trailer and get out on the road. Try our truck loan calculator to find out just how affordable financing can be, or contact us for more information and to get a quick quote.

And if you’re wondering what your first truck should be, why not find inspiration by browsing the range of trucks for sale at Only Trucks today!