Q: Are truck drivers happy?

No, truck drivers are not happy. Truck drivers score well below average in job happiness and satisfaction. Truck driving was rated in the bottom 10% of careers compared to all other industries. Truck drivers themselves rated their profession a 2.7 out of 5 stars in terms of career happiness.

Q: Do truck drivers make good money?

Yes, truck drivers make good money . While there is a great deal of variability in earning depending on the type of truck driver and whether you own your own tricking driving company, the average salary for a truck driver is $68,000. Truck drivers that work for a company team earn around $0.48 - $0.75 per mile, while a company solo truck driver earns around $0.40 - $0.68 per mile, and an owner operate driver earns between $0.94 - $1.79 per mile.

Q: How many hours can a truck driver drive?

Truck drivers can drive for 11 hours. After that, they are required to take a ten-hour break. In 2020, truck drivers were allowed to begin working 14-hour days , rather than the limit of 12 hours previously in place. This is only for travel up to 150 miles. In order to gain as much drive time as possible, a truck driver usually will have a 7-3 split, which allows the driver to split the required ten-hour break into two segments -- with one segment no shorter than seven hours.

Question 1

Are truck drivers happy?

Accepted Answer

No, truck drivers are not happy. Truck drivers score well below average in job happiness and satisfaction. Truck driving was rated in the bottom 10% of careers compared to all other industries. Truck drivers themselves rated their profession a 2.7 out of 5 stars in terms of career happiness.

Question 2

Do truck drivers make good money?

Accepted Answer

Yes, truck drivers make good money. While there is a great deal of variability in earning depending on the type of truck driver and whether you own your own tricking driving company, the average salary for a truck driver is $68,000. Truck drivers that work for a company team earn around $0.48 - $0.75 per mile, while a company solo truck driver earns around $0.40 - $0.68 per mile, and an owner operate driver earns between $0.94 - $1.79 per mile.

Question 3

How long does it take to get a CDL?

Accepted Answer

A CDL license can take anywhere from three weeks to six months to get. The median time is three months.

A person can obtain a truck driving license in as little as three weeks (e.g., freight truckers, local truck drivers) or as much as six months for more specialized truck drivers (e.g., refrigerated freight haulers, tankers).

Question 4

How many hours can a truck driver drive?

Accepted Answer

Truck drivers can drive for 11 hours. After that, they are required to take a ten-hour break.

In 2020, truck drivers were allowed to begin working 14-hour days, rather than the limit of 12 hours previously in place. This is only for travel up to 150 miles. In order to gain as much drive time as possible, a truck driver usually will have a 7-3 split, which allows the driver to split the required ten-hour break into two segments -- with one segment no shorter than seven hours.

Question 5

How many hours do truck drivers work?

Accepted Answer

Truck drivers can be on the road for no more than eleven hours of daily driving with a fourteen-hour workday cap. Because fatigued truck driving is a leading cause of truck accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) established hours-of-service regulations.

Question 6

How much does a trucking company make?

Accepted Answer

A trucking company makes anywhere between $2,000 to $5,000 a week in the United States. An owner/operator can expect to make this in a week, while an investor in a trucking company can expect to earn between $500 to $2,000 per week.

Trucking companies make a wide variety of revenue in the United States, which depends on many factors. Some elements that will affect how much a trucking company makes include:

Mileage driven by company trucks
Frequency of home time, days off, and re-sets
Driver performance
Vehicle maintenance and repairs
Type of trucking company (tow truck, dump truck, hot shot, dry van, flatbed, etc.)
Developments within a particular trucking industry and market
Seasonal fluctuations
Additional services
Additional expenses

Question 7

How much does it cost to start a trucking company?

Accepted Answer

It costs anywhere between $100,000 to $200,000 to start a trucking company in the United States. This can vary depending on the size and scope of your business, and larger trucking companies require more startup capital.

You also might only need $10,000 to $20,000 of your capital to start it because the rest might be able to be obtained through a small business loan.

Here's a breakdown of the average cost of the requirements of starting a trucking business:

Registering your trucking business. This is a cost you must account for if you want to operate your trucking company legally.
Registering your trucking business is a one-time cost that can be up to around $1600. A company must register all the necessary permits to legally transport loads within the country. The registration is first done on a state level.
Other costs associated with this include:
- Getting the Tax ID number for your business is a one-time cost of $79.
- Obtaining your MC and DOT number is a one-time cost of $300.
- Heavy vehicle tax is a cost you must prepare to deal with annually. This can be anywhere from $100 to $500 per year.
Additional costs may exist depending on your company's location, services, and clients.
Purchasing vehicles. Purchasing trucks for your company is one of the most expensive facets.
The price of a new truck starts at an average of $113,000. A sleeper truck costs around $125,000, and a trailer costs around $50,000. Many start their trucking business by leasing trucks and then purchasing them.
You might also want to consider purchasing used trucks. Used trucks are priced much lower than brand-new ones. Especially when the business requires specialty trucks like long combinations or loggers, new trucks can cost a small fortune.
The average price of a used class 8 truck in the United States is $43,808.
- Maintenance costs for used trucks. The one downside of purchasing used trucks is that they will already have many years of operation, which might mean a lot of repair and maintenance costs.
  A repair on the road costs two to three times more than repairs in your business's home location.
- IRP plates registration and IFTA. Another annual cost to keep in mind is IRP plate registration and IFTA.
  This can cost you between $1500 to $2000 per year. IRP license plates are meant for trucks traveling specifically on the interstate. IFTA typically comes with the IRP sticker and is renewed yearly as you pay fuel taxes.
- Insurance costs. One of the most expensive annual costs you will have, aside from paying your drivers, is insurance.
  Insurance services for your trucks and business can cost anywhere from $9000 to $12,000 per year.
- Hiring and paying truck drivers. Hiring drivers is a big cost.
  The average truck driver in the United States earns $59,925 per year.
  What you pay your truckers will also depend on many factors, such as their experience level, the distances they drive, the frequency of trips, what they are hauling, etc.
  - Additional equipment costs. This varies depending on the type of trucking company you are starting. However, most have additional equipment costs of some kind.
  ELD, trailer trackers, and dash cams are good tech for a trucking business. All three items together cost around $1000 per year.
  Out of these three items, the only requirement is an ELD. An ELD is a tech that captures a driver's driving status to ensure they comply with local, state, and federal regulations.
  It automatically tracks a driver's hours of service and alerts to any violations. The average cost of ELD is $350 per year.

Question 8

How much does truck driving school cost?

Accepted Answer

Truck driving school cost ranges anywhere from $425 to $10,000. Prices depend on the type of CDL class type, city and state, number of hours of training, and whether you take it at a college or independent school. The median cost of trucking school is $3,500.

Question 9

How to become a truck driver with no experience

Accepted Answer

You must research requirements, obtain a CDL license, and check with your local DMV in order to become a truck driver with no experience. For details on these steps and others you can take to become a truck driver with no experience, use this guide:

Question 10

How to get a CDL job with no experience

Accepted Answer

You get a CDL job with no experience by gaining and mentioning driving experience on your resume. Apply to lots of different carriers. The most important thing to remember is to apply to as many trucking companies as possible. The more companies you apply to, the greater your chances of landing a job.

Question 11

How to get a local truck driving job with no experience

Accepted Answer

To get a local truck driving job with no experience, use this guide:

Research the requirements of local truck driving positions. In terms of education, a high school diploma or equivalent is usually required for most local truck driving positions. Post-secondary education is almost never required for these roles.
Local truck driving role requirements can be different depending on the size and weight of the truck you will be driving. Some companies with smaller trucks may only require you to have a regular driver's license with a clean driving record; however, this is rare.
Large trucks require you to have a CDL license.
Get a CDL license. Getting a CDL license will open you up to as many different local trucks driving positions as possible. It is highly recommended that you obtain one.
CDL licenses fall into three different categories:
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
Trailer gross weight rating restrictions separate Class A, and Class B. Class A license allows you to drive tractor trailers, while a Class B license clears you to drive straight trucks, box trucks, and large passenger buses.
A Class C license allows you to drive smaller vehicles, like passenger vans and certain delivery trucks. Most local truck driving positions require a CDL license.
Check with your local DMV. Different states have different requirements for getting a driver's license and a CDL license, so you should check with your local DMV to find out the specific restrictions in your state.
Look into CDL endorsements as well because these give you the ability to apply to a wider range of local driving jobs. Common CDL endorsements include hazardous material and tank vehicle endorsements.
Search online and network locally. Once you have gotten your CDL and any endorsements, search online for local truck driving positions. If you are in a town of significant size or a city, these positions shouldn't be hard to find.
You should also use your network of family, friends, and past co-workers to seek out local truck driving work.

Question 12

How to get into hot shot trucking

Accepted Answer

To get into hot shot trucking, you must have the required licenses, driver's insurance, and equipment, and you must be registered through the state, but most importantly, you must own your own truck.

Question 13

How to get into the trucking business

Accepted Answer

To get into the trucking business you need to meet the basic requirements of the field, obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL), and complete a course at a truck driving school. Here are some details on these steps and others you can take to get into the trucking business:

Question 14

How to start a box truck business

Accepted Answer

You need to take stock of your resources, determine a specialized form of trucking, and obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) in order to start a box truck business. Here are details on each of these steps and others you can take to start a box truck business:

Take stock of your resources. To start a box truck business, you must first determine what equipment you already possess and what equipment you might need to purchase or rent.
This also applies to your finances, do you have enough capital to start the business, or do you need to get a small business loan? You can also ask for loans from friends and family or seek out investors for your business.
If you don't have the capital in place, make sure you draw up a detailed business plan that you can present to any of the parties just mentioned. The more prepared and tedious you are with your business plan, the more likely you are going to be able to secure the funding that is needed.
You need enough operating cash on hand to start a profitable box truck business. It is crucial to figure out what you will pay yourself and the minimum profit you need to make to succeed.
You also need to have systems and tools in place to track and record expenses, payments, shipments, and other important data and information.
Determine a specialized niche for your box truck business. You should choose your specialty in relation to the resources you have on hand or can gain before starting your business.
There are different kinds of trucks and trailers to handle different types of loads. Most box truck businesses have medium-sized trucks, typically larger than pickup trucks.
Trucks come in different classes:
Class 3 medium-duty trucks have a weight limit of 10,001-14,000 pounds. Mainly contractors and last-mile delivery drivers use this class, but you can also use them for lighter box truck loads.
Class 4 medium-duty trucks have a weight limit of 14,001-16,000 pounds. These are heavier trucks, but they're still classified as non-commercial.
Class 5 medium-duty trucks have a weight limit of 16,001-19,500 pounds. Many of the lightest commercial trucks are categorized as Class 5.
There are also some jobs that require the use of trailers. Bumper pull trailers are generally shorter and less expensive. They're easy to use, which is why they're popular with civilian drivers. But they can't haul as much, typically less than 10,000 pounds.
Gooseneck trailers have a tighter turn radius than bumper pull trailers. They can also usually carry larger, heavier loads. This can be an advantage when delivering to construction sites or other remote areas with little space to turn around. Tilt deck trailers tilt at an angle, so it's easier to load heavy cargo.
Lowboy trailers have a low center of gravity, ideal for the heaviest loads. Dovetail trailers work well if you're hauling cars or other equipment with wheels.
The great thing about starting a box truck business is that you can choose to only haul low-weight cargo if you want. You can also choose to specialize in refrigeration hauling; these are utilized in the food, medical, and other perishables industries.
The more specialized you can do your business, the more likely you will be to attract more clients and to have clients refer you to others seeking similar services. You should specialize in something that makes sense to your budget, but don't worry, you can always pivot after you have gained enough profit.
Another step in this area is coming up with a proper name for your company. You'll need a unique name you can register and open a business account with.
Try picking a name that lines up with the type of specialized box truck services you are going to provide. It should be short and sweet, so it's easy to remember from a marketing standpoint. In addition, you should also set up an LLC during this step to protect yourself from liability claims.
Get a CDL license and EIN. Getting a CDL license is something you will need, and any drivers that you hire will need it. It is almost always a requirement to start a box truck business.
Box trucks can be driven as rentals by people with normal driver's licenses; however, to be a professional box truck driver and work for a business or company, the driver must obtain a CDL license.
CDL licenses fall into three different categories:
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
Trailer gross weight rating restrictions separate Class A, and Class B. Class A license allows you to drive tractor-trailers, while a Class B license clears you to drive straight trucks, box trucks, and large passenger buses.
A Class C license allows you to drive smaller vehicles, like passenger vans and certain delivery trucks.
The next step is to get federal and state tax IDs. Your employer identification number (EIN) is critical to starting and growing your business. It helps with matters like opening a business bank account and paying taxes. Essentially it is like a social security number but for your business. In certain states, you may also have to get a tax ID as well.
You now should apply for the proper licenses and permits for your box truck business. This guarantees that the business stays legally compliant. The licenses and permits you may need for your business varies, depending on what industry your business is in, what state, the specific location of your business, and other factors as well.
Secure a motor vehicle record (MVR). This step is fairly simple in most states, but you should still do the proper planning in the event of delays.
In most states, there is a fee you must pay to get a motor vehicle record. In certain states, you can also accomplish this online and get a digital version. In other states, drivers may need to pick up a physical copy or have it mailed to their home address or to your business address.
Obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC). These credentials are critical if you want to have variety in the types of loads you can legally haul with your business.
A TWIC also lets you access secure areas, such as ports and other maritime hauling-related facilities. You should only take this step if it applies to your box truck business model.
Apply for a DOT number. A DOT number or Department of Transportation number is a box truck requirement that can be a little more challenging than other steps.
You have a few different options to complete this step:
Trucks can get their own box truck authority, establishing their Department of Transportation (DOT) and MC number connected to their LLC. But if you're only using box trucks, it may not be worth getting your own authority because it involves a lot of paperwork.
You could also lease on another company's authority so they put their numbers on your truck. Essentially they "lease" your vehicle from you. Most companies charge for this service, but it is an easier way to go.
No matter what, though, you need a DOT number to operate your box truck business, so you must obtain one.
Get a DOT physical and medical card for all of your drivers. You may also be required to get your drivers to undergo DOT physicals and get medical cards.
These health examinations performed by the Department of Transportation are meant to evaluate truck drivers' physical, mental, and emotional abilities to make sure they are fit to be hauling loads.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires truckers to complete and pass these tests in order to maintain commercial truck driving licenses. This applies heavily to your hot shots business if you are planning on using vehicles for interstate commerce in certain weight categories or want the legal ability to haul hazardous materials.
Get all the proper insurance. A box truck business means you need a variety of insurance.
Business insurance is necessary to protect your LLC from liabilities and other possible claims. You also obviously need auto insurance for all of your vehicles.
It is highly recommended that you seek the counsel of an experienced insurance agent to determine all the necessary insurance policies you should get for your business.
Purchase or rent your vehicles, equipment, and office space. Depending on how much start-up capital you have, you may be able to purchase all of the necessary vehicles and equipment.
Depending on what kind of box truck business you are starting, different items and vehicles may need to be purchased or rented.
You must also consider renting office space. If you can run your business from home somehow, that's a great way to save on costs; however, you need parking areas for your fleet when they are not engaged in service.
Many box truck business owners start off by leasing many of these things, and as their business becomes more successful, they start to switch to purchasing.
Average costs of starting a box truck business. Now we'll take a look at how much capital you will need in general to start your box truck business.
On average, starting a box truck business in the United States costs between $25,000 to $45,000. This can vary depending on the size and scope of your business. You also might only need $10,000 to $15,000 of your own capital to start it because the rest might be able to be obtained through a small business loan.
Here's a breakdown of the average cost of the requirements of starting a box truck business:
Registering your box truck business is a one-time cost that can be up to around $1600. To legally transport loads within the country, a company has to register all the necessary permits. The registration is first done on a state level.
Getting the Tax ID number for your business is one-time cost of $79.
Obtaining your MC and DOT number is a one-time cost of $300.
Purchasing trucks for your company is one of the most expensive facets. The price of a used box truck is around $10,000. The one downside of purchasing used trucks is that they will have many years of operation already on them, and this might mean a lot of repair and maintenance costs.
One of the most expensive annual costs you are going to have, aside from paying your drivers, is insurance. Insurance services for your trucks and business itself can cost you anywhere from $9000 to $12,000 per year. This also really depends on the size of your box truck fleet.
Hiring drivers is also another high cost. The average truck driver in the United States earns a salary of $38,025 per year. What you pay your drivers will also depend on many factors, such as their experience level, the distances they drive, the frequency of trips, what they are hauling, etc.

Question 15

How to start a hot shot business

Accepted Answer

Take stock of your resources, determine a specialized form of trucking, and obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) in order to start a hot shot business. Here are details on each of these steps and others you can take to start a hot shot business:

Take stock of your resources. To start a trucking business, you must first determine what equipment you already possess and what equipment you might need to purchase or rent.
This also applies to your finances; do you have enough capital to start the business, or do you need to get a small business loan? You can also ask for loans from friends and family or seek out investors for your business.
If you don't have the capital in place, make sure you draw up a detailed business plan that you can present to any of the parties just mentioned. The more prepared and tedious you are with your business plan, the more likely you are going to be able to secure the funding that is needed.
You need enough operating cash on hand to start a profitable hot shot business. It is crucial to figure out what you will pay yourself and the minimum profit you need to make to succeed.
You also need to have systems and tools in place to track and record expenses, payments, shipments, and other important data and information.
Determine a specialized form of trucking for your business. You should choose your specialty in relation to the resources you have on hand or can gain before starting your business.
There are different kinds of trucks and trailers to handle different types of loads. Most hotshot trucks are medium-sized but typically larger than pickup trucks.
Trucks come in different classes: Class three medium-duty trucks have a weight limit of 10,001-14,000 pounds. Mainly contractors and last-mile delivery drivers use this class, but you can also use them for lighter trucking loads.
Class 4 medium-duty trucks have a weight limit of 14,001-16,000 pounds. These are heavier trucks, but they're still classified as non-commercial.
Class 5 medium-duty trucks have a weight limit of 16,001-19,500 pounds. Many of the lightest commercial trucks are categorized as Class 5.
There are also some jobs that require the use of trailers. Bumper pull trailers are generally shorter and less expensive. They're easy to use, which is why they're popular with civilian drivers. But they can't haul as much, typically less than 10,000 pounds.
Gooseneck trailers have a tighter turn radius than bumper pull trailers. They can also usually carry larger, heavier loads. This can be an advantage when delivering to construction sites or other remote areas with little space to turn around. Tilt deck trailers tilt at an angle, so it's easier to load heavy cargo.
Lowboy trailers have a low center of gravity, and it's ideal for the heaviest loads. Dovetail trailers work well if you're hauling cars or other equipment with wheels.
The great thing about starting a hot shot business is that you can choose to only haul low-weight cargo if you want. You can also choose to specialize in refrigeration hauling; these are utilized in the food, medical, and other perishables industries.
The more specialized you can do your business, the more likely you will be to attract more clients and to have clients refer you to others seeking similar services. You should specialize in something that makes sense to your budget, but don't worry, you can always pivot after you have gained enough profit.
Another step in this area is coming up with a proper name for your company. You'll need a unique name you can register and open a business account with.
Try picking a name that lines up with the type of specialized trucking services you are going to provide. It should be short and sweet, so it's easy to remember from a marketing standpoint. In addition, you should also set up an LLC during this step to protect yourself from liability claims.
Get a CDL license and EIN. Getting a CDL license is something you will need, and any drivers that you hire will need it. It is almost always a requirement to start a hot shot business.
CDL licenses fall into three different categories:
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
Trailer gross weight rating restrictions separate Class A, and Class B. Class A license allows you to drive tractor-trailers, while a Class B license clears you to drive straight trucks, box trucks, and large passenger buses.
A Class C license allows you to drive smaller vehicles, like passenger vans and certain delivery trucks. Most local truck driving positions require a CDL license.
The next step is to get federal and state tax IDs. Your employer identification number (EIN) is critical to starting and growing your business. It helps with matters like opening a business bank account and paying taxes. Essentially it is like a social security number for your business. In certain states, you may also have to get a tax ID as well.
You now should apply for the proper licenses and permits for your hot shot business. This guarantees that the business stays legally compliant. The licenses and permits you may need for your business varies, depending on what industry your business is in, what state, the specific location of your business, and other factors as well.
Secure a motor vehicle record (MVR). This step is fairly simple in most states, but you should still do the proper planning in the event of delays.
In most states, there is a fee you must pay to get a motor vehicle record. In certain states, you can also accomplish this online and get a digital version. In other states, drivers may need to pick up a physical copy or have it mailed to their home address or to your business address.
Obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC). These credentials are critical if you want to have variety in the types of loads you can legally haul with your business.
A TWIC also lets you access secure areas, such as ports and other maritime hauling-related facilities.
Apply for a DOT number. A DOT number or Department of Transportation number is a hot shot trucking requirement that can be a little more challenging than other steps.
You have a few different options to complete this step:
Hotshot trucks can get their own trucking authority, establishing their Department of Transportation (DOT) and MC number connected to their LLC. But if you're only doing hotshot trucking, it may not be worth getting your own authority because it involves a lot of paperwork.
You could also lease on another company's authority, so they put their numbers on your truck. Essentially they "lease" your vehicle from you. Most companies charge for this service, but it is an easier way to go.
No matter what, though, you need a DOT number to operate your hot shot business, so you must obtain one.
Get a DOT physical and medical card for all of your drivers. You may also be required to get your drivers to undergo DOT physicals and get medical cards.
These health examinations performed by the Department of Transportation are meant to evaluate truck drivers' physical, mental, and emotional abilities to make sure they are fit to be hauling loads.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires truckers to complete and pass these tests in order to maintain commercial truck driving licenses. This applies heavily to your hot shots business if you are planning on using vehicles for interstate commerce in certain weight categories or want the legal ability to haul hazardous materials.
Get all the proper insurance. A hot shot business means you need a variety of insurances.
Business insurance is necessary to protect your LLC from liabilities and other possible claims. You also obviously need auto insurance for all of your vehicles.
It is highly recommended that you seek the counsel of an experienced insurance agent to determine all the necessary insurance policies you should get for your business.
Purchase or rent your vehicles, equipment, and office space. Depending on how much start-up capital you have, you may be able to purchase all of the necessary vehicles and equipment.
Depending on what kind of trucking you choose for your business to specialize in, this will dictate what types of trucks you should purchase or rent and how many you need to add to your fleet to get your business going and be profitable.
You must also consider renting office space. If you can run your business from home somehow, that's a great way to save on costs; however, you need parking areas for your fleet when they are not engaged in service.
Many hot shot business owners start off by leasing many of these things, and as their business becomes more successful, they start to switch to purchasing.

Question 16

How to start a trucking business

Accepted Answer

You need to take stock of your resources, determine a specialized form of trucking, and obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC) in order to start a trucking business. Here are details on each of these steps and others you can take to start a trucking business:

Take stock of your resources. To start a trucking business, you must first determine what equipment you already possess and what equipment you might need to purchase or rent.
This also applies to your finances. Do you have enough capital to start the business, or do you need to get a small business loan? You can also ask for loans from friends and family or seek out investors for your business.
If you don't have the capital in place, make sure you draw up a detailed business plan that you can present to any of the parties just mentioned. The more prepared and tedious you are with your business plan, the more likely you are going to be able to secure the funding that is needed.
You need enough operating cash on hand to start a profitable trucking business. It is crucial to figure out what you will pay yourself and the minimum profit you need to make to succeed.
You also need to have systems and tools in place to track and record expenses, payments, shipments, and other important data and information.
Determine a specialized form of trucking for your business. You should choose your specialty in relation to the resources you have on hand or can gain before starting your business.
There are different kinds of trucks and trailers to handle different types of loads. Most trucking businesses have medium-sized trucks, typically larger than pickup trucks.
Trucks come in different classes:
Class 3 medium-duty trucks have a weight limit of 10,001-14,000 pounds. Mainly contractors and last-mile delivery drivers use this class, but you can also use them for lighter trucking loads.
Class 4 medium-duty trucks have a weight limit of 14,001-16,000 pounds. These are heavier trucks, but they're still classified as non-commercial.
Class 5 medium-duty trucks have a weight limit of 16,001-19,500 pounds. Many of the lightest commercial trucks are categorized as Class 5.
There are also some jobs that require the use of trailers. Bumper pull trailers are generally shorter and less expensive. They're easy to use, which is why they're popular with civilian drivers. But they can't haul as much, typically less than 10,000 pounds.
Gooseneck trailers have a tighter turn radius than bumper pull trailers. They can also usually carry larger, heavier loads. This can be an advantage when delivering to construction sites or other remote areas with little space to turn around. Tilt deck trailers tilt at an angle, so it's easier to load heavy cargo.
Lowboy trailers have a low center of gravity, ideal for the heaviest loads. Dovetail trailers work well if you're hauling cars or other equipment with wheels.
The great thing about starting a trucking business is that you can choose to only haul low-weight cargo if you want. You can also choose to specialize in refrigeration hauling; these are utilized in the food, medical, and other perishables industries.
The more specialized you can make your business, the more likely you will be to attract more clients and to have clients refer you to others seeking similar services. You should specialize in something that makes sense to your budget, but don't worry, you can always pivot after you have gained enough profit.
Another step in this area is coming up with a proper name for your company. You'll need a unique name you can register and open a business account with.
Try picking a name that lines up with the type of specialized trucking services you are going to provide. It should be short and sweet so it's easy to remember from a marketing standpoint. In addition, you should also set up an LLC during this step to protect yourself from liability claims.
Get a CDL license and EIN. Getting a CDL license is something you will need, and any drivers that you hire will need it. It is almost always a requirement to start a trucking business.
CDL licenses fall into three different categories:
- Class A
- Class B
- Class C
Trailer gross weight rating restrictions separate Class A and Class B. Class A license allows you to drive tractor-trailers, while a Class B license clears you to drive straight trucks, box trucks, and large passenger buses.
A Class C license allows you to drive smaller vehicles, like passenger vans and certain delivery trucks. Most local truck driving positions require a CDL license.
The next step is to get federal and state tax IDs. Your employer identification number (EIN) is critical to starting and growing your business. It helps with matters like opening a business bank account and paying taxes. Essentially it is like a social security number but for your business. In certain states, you may also have to get a tax ID as well.
You now should apply for the proper licenses and permits for your trucking business. This guarantees that the business stays legally compliant. The licenses and permits you may need for your business varies, depending on what industry your business is in, what state, the specific location of your business, and other factors as well.
Secure a motor vehicle record (MVR). This step is fairly simple in most states, but you should still do the proper planning in the event of delays.
In most states, there is a fee you must pay to get a motor vehicle record. In certain states, you can also accomplish this online and get a digital version. In other states, drivers may need to pick up a physical copy or have it mailed to their home address, or to your business address.
Obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC). These credentials are critical if you want to have variety in the types of loads you can legally haul with your business.
A TWIC also lets you access secure areas, such as ports and other maritime hauling-related facilities.
Apply for a DOT number. A DOT number or Department of Transportation number is a trucking requirement that can be a little more challenging than other steps.
You have a few different options to complete this step:
Trucks can get their own trucking authority, establishing their Department of Transportation (DOT) and MC number connected to their LLC. But if you're only doing trucking, it may not be worth getting your own authority because it involves a lot of paperwork.
You could also lease on another company's authority so they put their numbers on your truck. Essentially they "lease" your vehicle from you. Most companies charge for this service, but it is an easier way to go.
No matter what, though, you need a DOT number to operate your trucking business, so you must obtain one.
Get a DOT physical and medical card for all of your drivers. You may also be required to get your drivers to undergo DOT physicals and get medical cards.
These health examinations performed by the Department of Transportation are meant to evaluate truck driver's physical, mental, and emotional abilities to make sure they are fit to be hauling loads.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires truckers to complete and pass these tests in order to maintain commercial truck driving licenses. This applies heavily to your hot shots business if you are planning on using vehicles for interstate commerce in certain weight categories or want the legal ability to haul hazardous materials.
Get all the proper insurance. A trucking business means you need a variety of insurance.
Business insurance is necessary to protect your LLC from liabilities and other possible claims. You also obviously need auto insurance for all of your vehicles.
It is highly recommended that you seek the counsel of an experienced insurance agent to determine all the necessary insurance policies you should get for your business.
Purchase or rent your vehicles, equipment, and office space. Depending on how much start-up capital you have, you may be able to purchase all of the necessary vehicles and equipment.
Depending on what kind of trucking you choose for your business to specialize in, this will dictate what types of trucks you should purchase or rent and how many you need to add to your fleet to get your business going and be profitable.
You must also consider renting office space. If you can run your business from home somehow, that's a great way to save on costs; however, you need parking areas for your fleet when they are not engaged in service.
Many trucking business owners start off by leasing many of these things, and as their business becomes more successful, they start to switch to purchasing.
Average costs of starting a trucking business. Now we'll take a look at how much capital you will need in general to start your business.
On average, starting a trucking business in the United States costs between $100,000 to $200,000. This can vary depending on the size and scope of your business. You also might only need $10,000 to $20,000 of your own capital to start it because the rest might be able to be obtained through a small business loan.
Here's a breakdown of the average cost of the requirements of starting a trucking business:
Registering your trucking business is a one-time cost that can be up to around $1600. To legally transport loads within the country, a company has to register all the necessary permits. The registration is first done on a state level.
Getting the Tax ID number for your business is a one-time cost of $79.
Obtaining your MC and DOT number is a one-time cost of $300.
Purchasing trucks for your company is one of the most expensive facets. The price of a new truck starts at an average of $113,000. A new sleeper truck costs around $125,000, and a trailer costs around $50,000.
Specialty trucks are priced even higher. Many choose to start out their trucking business by leasing trucks and then purchasing them once their business has grown and is successful.
You might also want to consider purchasing used trucks. Used trucks are priced much lower than brand-new ones. Especially when the business requires specialty trucks like long combinations or loggers, new trucks can cost a small fortune. The average price of a used class 8 truck in the United States is $43,808.
The one downside of purchasing used trucks is that they will have many years of operation already on them, and this might mean a lot of repair and maintenance costs. A repair done on the road costs two to three times more than repairs done in your business's home location.
Heavy vehicle tax is a cost you have to prepare to deal with annually. This can be anywhere from $100 to $500 per year.
Another annual cost to keep in mind is IRP plate registration and IFTA. This can cost you between $1500 to $2000 per year. IRP license plates are meant for trucks traveling specifically on the interstate. IFTA typically comes with the IRP sticker and is renewed every year as you pay fuel taxes.
One of the most expensive annual costs you are going to have, aside from paying your drivers, is insurance. Insurance services for your trucks and business itself can cost you anywhere from $9,000 to $12,000 per year.
ELD, trailer trackers, and dash cams are good tech to have for a trucking business. All three items together cost around $1000 per year.
Out of these three items, the only requirement is an ELD. An ELD is a piece of tech that captures a driver's driving status to ensure they comply with local, state, and federal regulations. It assists in the automatic tracking of a driver's hours of service and alerts them to any violations. The average cost of ELD is $350 per year.
Hiring drivers is a high cost. The average truck driver in the United States earns a salary of $59,925 per year. What you pay your truckers will also depend on many factors, such as their experience level, the distances they drive, the frequency of trips, what they are hauling, etc.

Question 17

How to start a trucking company without driving

Accepted Answer

To start a trucking company without driving, you need to take stock of your resources, determine a specialized form of trucking, and obtain a Transportation Workers Identification Credential (TWIC). Here are details on each of these steps and others you can take to start a trucking business without driving:

Question 18

Is being a truck driver a good career?

Accepted Answer

Yes, being a truck driver is a good career. Being a truck driver has many benefits, and many in the career enjoy the daily variety their work brings them.

A truck driver earns a decent living, and college degrees are not required to become a truck driver. On average, first-year truck drivers can earn between $50,000 to $70,000 annually.

Getting work as a truck driver also doesn't take very long. The majority of truck and freight companies in the United States only require potential truck drivers to obtain their CDL license. To do this, they must take a training course that lasts three to four weeks.

Another reason truck driving is a good career is that truckers are in high demand right now. There is currently a truck driver shortage in the United States, so if you have a CDL, you shouldn't have much difficulty finding work.

Truck driving is also for lovers of the road. Travel is what they do every day, and many cite the freedom the job gives by getting to travel all over the country or even internationally as a major perk. When you are a truck driver, to some extent, you can be your own boss. And if you're a contractor, you enjoy even more freedom and higher profits.

And finally, bonuses are another great aspect of truck driving. Truck drivers earn bonus pay for safe driving, productivity, bringing in hauls consistently on time or early, and for years of service.

Here are some of the top reasons truck driving is a good career:

There are minimal education requirements, usually only a high school diploma or equivalent
Starting a career in truck driving doesn't take long
Truck drivers in their first year earn, on average, $50,000 to $70,000 annually
Truck drivers are in high demand
You get to travel and see new places for work
Many truck drivers get very good employee benefits
Truck drivers can earn extra bonuses on top of their base salaries
A career in truck driving means you get to be your own boss

Question 19

Is being a truck driver fun?

Accepted Answer

Yes, being a truck driver is fun. While truck driving is not going to be something that all people consider fun, it's quite satisfying for solitary adventurous souls. There is the excitement to be had when driving a mammoth-sized truck and being able to honk that horn anytime you want, especially when given the gesture from kids and some adult still children at heart driving by.

Question 20

Is being a truck driver worth it?

Accepted Answer

No, being a truck driver is not worth it. That is unless you own your own business or work in a high-paying specialized area of trucking (e.g., refrigerated flatbed or cross-country flatbed).

Question 21

Is it hard to be a truck driver?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 22

What are careers in trucking?

Accepted Answer

Truck driver, freight forwarder, and freight broker are careers in trucking. Here are some details on each of these careers and others in the trucking industry:

Truck driver

Question 23

What disqualifies you from getting a CDL?

Accepted Answer

There are many things that can disqualify you from getting a CDL; these include:

Convicted of driving under the influence of alcohol
Convicted of driving under the influence of a controlled substance
If you refuse to take an alcohol test
If you leave the scene of a motor vehicle accident
If you have driven a commercial vehicle without having a CDL
If you are responsible for negligent driving that resulted in the death of individual or multiple deaths
Citations for texting while driving

Serious traffic violations that disqualify you from getting a CDL include:

Reckless driving
Improper or erratic lane changes
If you weave between traffic
If you don't check your blind spots
If you fail to signal when turning
If you frequently change lanes in heavy traffic
If you pass in lanes where commercial trucks are not allowed
If you drive too close to other vehicles

Question 24

What is the age requirement for a CDL?

Accepted Answer

The age requirement for the CDL is 18 years old. If the applicant is under 21 years old, however, they will be restricted to intrastate only.

The types of trucking jobs available to someone under the age of 21 years old include: local delivery drivers, dump truck drivers, construction and lumber delivery drivers, oil field drivers, tow truck drivers, and livestock delivery drivers.

Question 25

What is the first step to becoming a truck driver?

Accepted Answer

The first step to becoming a truck driver is to enroll in a truck driver school. In order to do that, an individual needs to first decide what kind of truck driver he or she would like to be.

Question 26

What is the highest-paying truck driving job?

Accepted Answer

The highest-paying truck driving job is an owner-operated truck driver. A truck driver who own his own truck(s)can average $154,475 a year. The tops earners average $300,000 and the lower 25% average $95,453. A close second is luxury hauler truck driver who can earn up to $100,000 annually.

Question 27

What trucking company hires inexperienced drivers?

Accepted Answer

There are many truck companies that hire inexperienced drivers. Here are ten well-known companies that are known to hire drivers without previous truck driving experience:

Pam Transport. You can apply to this trucking company if you have a valid driver's license and are at least 21 years old.
TransAm. This company accepts newly graduated truck drivers as applicants.
Covenant Transport. You need to be at least 18 years old and have a well-written cover letter and a valid driver's license to apply to this trucking company.
US Xpress Inc. You can earn up to $75,000 a year working for this trucking company.
Swift Transportation. To qualify for this trucking company, you must have a valid driving license, be 21 years of age, and have strong communication skills. Swift Transportation offers training and professional support to its drivers.
KLLM Transport Services. You need to be at least 21 years old to apply to this trucking company and have a valid driver's license.
Maverick Transportation. To qualify for a truck driving position at this company, you must live within the area of assignment, be at least 21 years old, and have a valid driver's license.
Stevens Transport. This trucking driving company requires you to be at least 22 years old, have a valid driver's license, and have a passion for truck driving.
Schneider National Inc. You need to be at least 21 years old and have a valid driver's license to apply to Schneider National Inc.
Roehl Transport. This company offers CDL training and has job opportunities for both experienced and inexperienced truck drivers.

While you often don't need professional truck driving experience to be hired by one of these companies, you may need to already have your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to be considered eligible for certain companies.

CDL licenses fall into three different categories:

Class A
Class B
Class C

Trailer gross weight rating restrictions separate Class A and Class B. Class A license allows you to drive tractor-trailers, while a Class B license clears you to drive straight trucks, box trucks, and large passenger buses.

A Class C license allows you to drive smaller vehicles, like passenger vans and certain delivery trucks. Most local truck driving positions require a CDL license.

Question 28

What is a good starting salary for a Truck Driver?

Accepted Answer

A good starting salary for a truck driver is $39,000 in the United States. That puts you in the 10th percentile of annual income for a truck driver in the U.S., which is about what you would expect if you were new to the field. The average salary for truck drivers is $59,684, but that normally requires some level of experience to achieve. Furthermore, a good starting salary for a truck driver can vary by state.

Question 29

Do truckers pay for gas?

Accepted Answer

Truckers pay for gas in two different ways. Typically, truck drivers either pay for gas by using a company card or by using their own funds and then get reimbursed by the company they work for.

Question 30

How are truck drivers paid?

Accepted Answer

Most truck drivers are paid on a cents-per-mile basis. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual income for truck drivers in 2014 was $39,520. The bottom 10% of truck drivers earned a median of $25,740, while the top 10% brought home a median of $61,150.

Question 31

How much can a truck driver make a year?

Accepted Answer

Truck drivers make an average salary of $68,000 a year. The typical starting salary is $63,000, and after six to ten years, it increases to $72,235. An alternative to getting paid an annual salary is to be paid per mile driven. The average for that is.48 to.75 cents a mile, up to 6,000 miles per week.

Question 32

How much do ice road truckers make?

Accepted Answer

Ice road truckers make $30,000 to $40,000 in three months. Meaning if an ice road trucker could work a year straight with very little vacation time, they may earn an annual salary of $120,000 to $160,000.

Question 33

How much does a normal truck driver make?

Accepted Answer

A normal truck driver makes anywhere from $25,740 per year up to $70,000 per year, with a median income of $39,520.

Many companies pay their truck drivers by the mile -

The average truck driver's pay per mile is between 28 and 40 cents per mile.
Most drivers complete between 2,000 and 3,000 miles per week.
That translates into average weekly pay ranging from $560 to $1,200.
If you drove all 52 weeks in a year at those rates, you would earn between $29,120 and $62,400.

Question 34

What is the highest-paid trucking company?

Accepted Answer

The highest-paid trucking company is Walmart. Walmart is currently offering truck drivers a starting pay of $95,000 per year with opportunities to be at $110,000 by the year's end. In comparison, Amazon is ranging between $50,000-$60,000 on average, and Sysco is averaging around $80,000. The overall average salary for a truck driver is around $60,000.

Question 35

What is the highest-paying trucking company?

Accepted Answer

The highest-paying trucking company is GP Transco. On average, the salary for a truck driver working at GP Transco is $90,000. Following behind GP Transco is Barr-Nunn, where the average salary is $87,142, and Walmart, with an average salary of $87,013.

GP Transco has one of the lowest turnover rates of all trucking companies, and this is partly because of the great salary and benefits. GP Transco truck drivers also report happiness with the transparency and support the company provides.

Question 36

Can a truck driver make 100k?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can make $100,000 per year as a truck driver. While possible, it is unlikely to earn over $100k as a truck driver because even higher-paid positions do not typically earn more than $89,000 per year. The average annual salary for a truck driver is $59,684. For example, truck drivers in District of Columbia whose salaries are in the 90th percentile earn an average salary of $113,000.

Question 37

Is being a truck driver hard?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 38

How long does CDL training take?

Accepted Answer

CDL training takes around seven weeks to complete in the United States. The length and cost of CDL training both depend on whether you choose a private program or a public program. Most public CDL training programs take around seven weeks to complete, while private programs at specific companies can vary in length.

Question 39

How long does it take to get your CDL license?

Accepted Answer

It can take anywhere from three weeks to six months to get your CDL. The difference in duration can depend on a few factors. The biggest factor is whether or not you decide to pursue formal training before receiving your CDL. It is not required, but many companies prefer hiring someone who has passed a formal training course for a CDL.

Question 40

What is a factoring company in trucking?

Accepted Answer

In trucking, a factory company is a company that buys a trucker's unpaid invoices in return for a factoring fee which is deducted once the full payment has been collected from the customer. A factoring company is a middleman between the customer and the trucker in taking and paying invoices.

Question 41

What percentage of Truck Drivers are female?

Accepted Answer

9.4% of truck drivers are female in the United States. This is -0.2 percentage points lower than last year. Additionally, the percentage of female truck drivers has increased by 2.5 percentage points since 2010. That means there are a total of 135,455 female truck drivers in the U.S. and 1,305,559 male truck drivers in the United States. Note that Zippia's estimate accounts only for the 1,441,014 people with the specific job title of truck driver and doesn't include grouping similar job titles, or people with potentially similar credentialing.

Question 42

What skills should a truck driver have?

Accepted Answer

Skills that a truck driver should have include a mixture of hard and soft skills needed to transport goods successfully. Most truck drivers need to develop a diverse set of skills to be successful.

Question 43

Is truck driving a good job?

Accepted Answer

Yes, truck driving is a good job. A truck driver earns a decent living and college degrees are not required to become a truck driver. On average first-year truck drivers can earn between $50,000 to $70,000.

Question 44

What are the best gifts for a truck driver?

Accepted Answer

Seat-mounted organizers, a portable slow-cooking oven, or a portable refrigerator are the best gifts for a truck driver. Knowing what a typical day in a driver's life is like can help narrow your search for the best gift ideas for a truck driver.

Question 45

What are the pros and cons of being a truck driver?

Accepted Answer

The pros of being a truck driver are job security and an independent work day, while the cons include isolation and the potential for an unhealthy lifestyle. Here is a more detailed look at the pros and cons of being a truck driver:

Pros:

Job Security. The demand for truck drivers remains high, with over three-quarters of all shipments reaching their destinations by truck. As long as you keep a clean driving record, you will have a job as a truck driver.
Independent Work Day. Unlike many other jobs, truck drivers can be by themselves and choose what they want to do throughout their day. You can choose the music you listen to, when you want to stop, and even what you wear day to day.
Good Pay. Truck driver requirements include holding a high school diploma and having a valid driver's license, but some truck drivers can make over $90,000. This means that with few requirements, you can make good money as a driver.

Cons:

Isolation. Although many people may enjoy the independence of being a truck driver, you are often away from friends and family for a long time and that can become difficult to manage.
Potential for Unhealthy Lifestyle. Being on the road for a long time without access to a kitchen can often lead to consistent intake of fast food. It is easy to drink lots of soda and eat lots of fries, which is an unhealthy lifestyle. It is important to plan ahead with healthy snacks and choose healthier options on the road
Fatigue. Driving for long periods of time can be extremely tiring, and truck drivers must be aware and take steps to prevent this. Consistent working out, naps, and breaks will help to combat fatigue.

Question 46

What is a typical day for a truck driver?

Accepted Answer

A typical day for a truck driver consists of driving around 8 to 12 hours a day delivering goods, checking routes, updating paperwork, and dealing with vendors. The day starts off with the truck driver arriving at the truck depot hub to pick up their truck and equipment. The truck is usually inspected to ensure that it has good tires and oil. The address is then verified and put into Google maps or Wave. Then the driver is off driving to their drop-off location.

Question 47

who has the best lease purchase program in the trucking industry?

Accepted Answer

KSM Carrier Group has the best lease purchase program in the trucking industry. KSM Carrier Group has a zero-down lease purchase program for their trucks.

You can also choose to work as a company driver first, and then transition into their zero-down lease purchase program.

Frequently asked questions about truck drivers

Questions about becoming a truck driver