Commercial driving is an industry that keeps the economy on the move. These drivers are the individuals who keep the shelves from going empty in your grocery store, ensure there’s gas at your local station, and deliver online orders to your doorstep. As of 2024, there were roughly 3.6 million professional truck drivers in America, getting all of these tasks done.
With the demand growing for fast deliveries and the like, it’s unsurprising that there are numerous openings in this sector. This is a popular job with a relatively good annual salary on offer, but there are numerous considerations to think over before looking to switch careers.
This post has outlined three of the key aspects aspiring drivers should be aware of before becoming truck drivers.
Physical and Mental Health
One of the most important aspects to consider before becoming a commercial driver is your physical and mental health. Although driving does not seem like a risk to a person’s health, it can lead to issues such as circulation problems in the feet and legs, lower back pain, and poor posture. These issues can be eased by taking breaks during longer drivers and staying adequately hydrated.
However, truck drivers and the like also commonly experience cancer, diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, and musculoskeletal disorders; all of which are the result of the sedentary nature of the job. Being sat for long journeys, eating fast food, and exercising less can see these issues become worse, and they can be more difficult to treat in further development.
Not only are there risks to your physical health in this job, your mental health might also be impacted. Again, the sedentary lifestyle, with a lack of exercise and socialization as well as the poor diet, can take its toll. This is why many commercial drivers will find themselves struggling with anxiety, depression, or work-related stress at some point during their careers.
Driving and Training
Of course, to be a commercial driver, you will need to have a valid driver’s license and experience on the road. This can extend to defensive driving techniques, which allow you to understand and practice safe driving habits no matter the weather or road conditions. Although these skills might feel slightly different in a car than a truck, maneuvering a large vehicle, like reversing and navigating tighter spaces, is a must, but you might require additional training for this.
Finding an instructor or driving school that offers commercial driver’s license (CDL) driving training is essential. These experts, such as the ones available at Ferrari Driving School Brooklyn NY, can offer the essential education and hands-on experience that aspiring truck drivers need. With this course, you can obtain the necessary license with the correct endorsements for the type of vehicle you want be driving.
Lifestyle Changes
The lifestyle changes that occur after becoming a commercial driver can affect your physical and mental health, as previously mentioned. These changes to your everyday life should be considered well before making the decisions to begin this career. One thing to think about is how often you might be away from home due to long routes and overnight stays, so you might begin missing your family and friends.
Additionally, this career requires a relatively flexible schedule. Truck drivers can be on the road at times of the night and day, weekdays and weekends. This does not change during the holidays either, as the cargo they are hauling will be required at the destination, and this can be a tough transition if you are used to getting time off at Christmas and New Year’s.
