A Simple Plan:
Long Haul Trucking
Long haul trucking is a challenging career with lots of time on the road. It involves hundreds of miles per trip, and drivers must be aware of interstate and national regulations. Moreover, they must be physically and mentally prepared to drive their trucks for long hours.
The pay for long haul trucking is high, and most carriers offer a variety of employee benefits. Some even provide paid vacations and health insurance. However, fuel prices are on the rise, which can make it difficult to budget. Plus, there is a shortage of truckers, which threatens the American economy. So, drivers can expect to sacrifice a lot of their personal life, including family, for a better career.
In addition to the money, long haul trucking offers the opportunity to see new places and explore the world. For example, many drivers spend their days traveling across several states, or they may go into Mexico or Canada for business. Nevertheless, they are often away from their homes for weeks at a time. They may also miss their families’ events.
Drivers are required to pass a physical exam and a driving test before they are allowed to take their first trip. They must also undergo training. During their time on the road, they must make sure that their truck is in good condition. Furthermore, they must inspect the cargo they are carrying before and after they deliver it. If there are any problems, they must report them.
Since a long haul driver will be away from their homes for a longer period of time, they have to plan their routes carefully. They must take breaks regularly, and they must provide proof that they took them. Unlike short-haul drivers, they are not allowed to exceed eleven hours of driving in a day. As a result, they must rest for ten hours between their longest drives.
In addition to the physical demands, long haul drivers face challenges like vehicle breakdowns and the danger of inclement weather. Additionally, they must be able to handle customer complaints. But in spite of the challenges, it is a rewarding career. Most long haul drivers enjoy their jobs, and their job satisfaction is high.
Because of their time on the road, long haul drivers spend more on food, lodging, and personal care than their short-haul counterparts. They spend most of their time on freeways, but there are also some opportunities for exploring and enjoying the sights of the countryside.
While long haul drivers have to face numerous difficulties and inconveniences, they also have the satisfaction of a challenging, rewarding career. And since they are not restricted by a home base, they can save a lot of money. Another plus is that the job is generally safer than other shipping methods.
In addition to the physical demands, there are many administrative tasks involved in long haul trucking. The truckers must check their trucks, fill out paperwork, and document their deliveries. Their loads need to be securely loaded into the trailer, and the cargo must be protected from damage.
