As we roll into 2019 I have been watching some of the career paths for truck drivers and wonder why people don’t take a more serious look at the trucking industry as a viable career choice. There are good and bad stories out there from the world of transportation but those willing to push through some of the downfalls of the industry generally do quite well.
I was reading an article about a driver and his seven year journey to business owner. I thought it was interesting that in seven years which is not long in an industry like ours the driver built a small trucking business as an owner operator owning two trucks, his own authority, and money in the bank. I wonder how many people in other fields in seven years in their industry have the ability to go from employee to business owner working at the same company. Here is the actual story if you care to take a look. https://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/threads/my-7-years-journey-as-a-truck-driver-to-owner-operator.1347305/
Not to long ago I had the pleasure of interviewing another driver who had a similar experience in only five years. He was working in a factory and decided to act on an advertisement that he had seen saying he could make money in the trucking industry. He did what most people don’t do and took the next step to do the homework of learning more about the industry. Since that initial day he has now gone debt free, owns his own truck, takes time off when he wants, and is now giving back to the industry to help new drivers. You can listen to the actual interview here on the podcast. http://theleadpedalpodcast.com/lp285-making-money-as-an-owner-operator-with-mike-shree
With these stories in mind and I am sure you have a host of your own stories you have heard, which ones are true? We have all heard of the truck drivers that went bankrupt or the drivers that can’t find a job in the industry. I personally know drivers with several trucks that have been operating well into their seventies and enjoy the industry. You can go to truck shows all over the country and see people with a passion for trucks and the people that drive them. How many events have we seen where drivers are stepping up to the plate to help fight cancer or help special needs athletes have quality of life through sports?
The next time you see someone talking negatively about the industry take it with a grain of salt and ask for a personal experience as to why they feel that way. I personally believe that trucking is one of the most viable opportunities for people to get involved in a successful business and improve their lives. It starts with proper training, signing on with a quality carrier, and operating as a professional driver. The Truck Training Schools Association is a great place to start.
About the Author
Bruce Outridge has been in the transportation industry for over 30 years. He is an author of the books Driven to Drive and Running By The Mile, and host of The Lead Pedal Podcast for Truck Drivers. TTSAO also known as the Truck Training Schools Association of Ontario has certified member schools in the truck training vocation ensuring quality entry level drivers enter the transportation industry. To learn more about the TTSAO or to find a certified school in your area visit www.ttsao.com