Earn More MoneySeptember 13, 2021November 1, 2021

How Much Money Can Truck Drivers Earn?

Many people have looked for various ways of making money. However, there are many ways that money can be made. Through developing skills, taking university/college courses, and going into a trade. One popular trade that I have personally looked into as a career path in the past is becoming a truck driver. To my knowledge, truck drivers made a lot of money. Therefore, it was a no-brainer for me. However, for some people being a truck driver way not align with their goals and lifestyle.

According to people who I have spoken to that worked in the field, you can earn quite a considerable amount of money. However, there is a cost involved. The cost is a work-life balance. For example, there are many truck drivers who transport goods across various states and provinces. As you can imagine, this can take many days. Therefore, many truck drivers are gone from home for extended periods of time. This effectively removes any sort of work-life balance. However, not all truck drivers travel long distances. There are various types of truck drivers. However, we will look into that further later in this article. Furthermore, we will take a look into how you can become a truck driver and the average income.

Types Of Truck Drivers

If you are looking to become a truck driver, there are a few things you must keep in mind. The first is that there is not just one type of truck driver. There are various types of drivers that complete different tasks. For example, there are the long haul drivers who transport good long distances. This is often done in the larger, 16-wheeler trucks. However, there is a list of driving positions that you can choose from.

These roles include but are not limited to flatbed trucks, dump trucks, towing trucks, moving vans, and heavy truck drivers.

Flatbed truck drivers, for example, drive a specific type of truck. This truck has a flat platform on the back and is used to transport heavy equipment. This includes but is not limited to items such as building materials and vehicles. In the case of vehicles, flatbeds allow companies to transport multiple vehicles at one time. Furthermore, for many goods, flatbeds allow for easier loading and unloading of contents.

Moving truck drivers typically drive local and smaller trucks. However, this can vary. depending on a few factors. These factors include how much furniture clients have and how far they are moving. Typically, you’ll see clients moving from city to city. However, it is not uncommon for your clients to move across provinces, states, or even countries. Therefore, if you’re looking to become a truck driver, look up the various different types in more depth. Once you’ve seen one that you’re comfortable within, then search that particular type in greater detail.

How To Become A Truck Driver?

Luckily, becoming a truck driver can be quite easy when it comes to the process. There are many instances where people who have no formal education become truck drivers. Even those who have not completed high school. However, the requirements to become a truck drive varies depending on the company. Some companies will have a minimum requirement of high school education. Furthermore, if you’re driving bigger trucks, you will need certain certificates.

As a rule of thumb for any job, especially in trades, you should have a high school diploma. As this is the typical minimum requirement. If you have that, the next mandatory requirement is a driver’s license. There is no way around this one as it is against the law to operate a motor vehicle without one.

A & D-class Licenses

Now, depending on the type of trucks you’re driving, you will need an additional license. This is called the A-class license. The A-class license will allow you to operate a vehicle that is carrying a total weight of up to 10,000 pounds or 4,600 kilograms. For this, you’ll have to become certified through the regulating bodies. If you’re looking to haul trucks that are carrying more weight, you will need an additional license. This is called the D-class license. This license will allow you to carry up to 24,000 pounds or 11,000 kilograms.

However, some places will only need a regular license and they will provide training on driving their trucks. Although this is a possibility, you can go an alternative route to be better prepared. For example, you can go into schooling for driving trucks. Some colleges offer this. Furthermore, there are businesses and resources that’ll help you learn, similar to driving school for your G-class license.

Lastly, you need to complete a medical evaluation, a knowledge test, and complete a mandatory entry-level training course.

It is important to note that depending on the type of truck you’re driving, you may need additional certificates and training.

How Much Money Can A Truck Driver Earn?

Now that we have covered the various types of truck drivers and how to become one, it’s time to look at how much they earn. For this section, we will take a look at how much those who drive a tractor-trailer earn. This is one of the most commonly drove trucks. Therefore, we will take a look at how much they earn in particular.

Above is a picture that provides an average base salary for those who drive tractor-trailers. This average is based on over 700 submitted salaries. As you can see, you will most likely be earning an average of just over$60,000 per year. However, it should go without saying that this number is not set in stone.

For example, there are many companies that’ll pay you well over this amount. I have personally met people who earn over $100,000 per year from driving a truck. Therefore, your salary can also depend on the company. Furthermore, you can get paid more if you’re going extremely long distances.

Another benefit is that with more experience you can be paid more. Similar to many other jobs, the more experience you have, the likelihood of you earning more in income increases.

Branch Off

Lastly, once you’ve gained experience and capital, you can branch-off and create your own business. This can be done in a few ways. However, one popular way would be to register your company, buy a few trucks, and land contracts with companies. This will be similar to when you were working for a company. However, you’re the owner this time, setting up the contracts and dispatching your employees on jobs. This way can earn you a considerable amount of money.

There are many people who earn millions of dollars a year from earning a highly successful trucking company. However, as you are the owner, you will be taking on a lot of risks. Furthermore, the initial capital is not cheap. I’ve personally asked an owner and said that a good starting amount is $400,000. However, this is on the low side.

Therefore, if you don’t mind taking the risk and have a solid plan, owning your own trucking company may be a good idea. However, you should always have a plan on how you’ll go about it.

Shameed Chris Khan

Shameed is just a man on a mission to help those around him gain financial success. Obsessed with writing about all things finance, this GTA native is constantly learning and sharing his experiences with others.