Is being a truck driver hard?

Yes, being a truck driver is hard. While becoming a truck driver is not hard, working as a trucker can be. Many truck drivers must work long hours, spend lots of time away from home, and remain seated for most of their workday.

Most truck drivers spend long hours sitting in one position, and this can lead to a host of health problems (e.g., obesity, chronic back pain). Other aspects of trucking that make the job difficult include road congestion, tight scheduling, bad road quality, working overtime, and low pay.

However, the term truck driver covers a wide variety of different jobs with varying degrees of difficulty.

• Flatbed

  • Requires special knowledge and training to operate (e.g., thorough understanding of how to secure and transport goods)

  • Very high pay rate.

• Dry Van

  • This does not require additional experience beyond a trucking license. This is rated one of the easiest trucking jobs.

  • Low pay rate.

• Tanker

  • Requires special knowledge and training to operate, especially regarding safety protocols.

  • Tanker trucks transport liquids, which is one of the most difficult and dangerous things to transport.

  • They are the most sought-after trucker job in the field.

  • High pay rate.

• Freight Haulers (Refrigerated)

  • This requires special knowledge and training to operate, especially safety.

  • Transporting temperature-sensitive items requires lots of preparation and care.

  • High pay rate.

• LTF Freight Truckers

  • This does not require additional experience beyond a basic trucking license.

  • It can be stressful dealing with traffic but usually have regular set hours.

  • Fair pay rate.

• Local Truck Drivers

  • This does not require special training.

  • Usually paid by the hour.

  • Can be stressful dealing with traffic, but usually have regular set hours.

  • Low pay rate.

• Oilfield Truck Driver