CDL-A drivers: LEASE TO PURCHASE 2021-2025! TAKE HOME 2000$+ - transportation - job employment - craigslist (2024)

FAQs

Do truck drivers ever get to go home? ›

In some cases, when you are driving locally you will be able to get home every night, though many local drivers work very long days. Many regional drivers come home two to three times each week. Some companies do their best to have you home for a certain amount of hours every weekend.

Yes, truck driving jobs are very much in demand in 2024. In fact, there are far more open trucking positions than truckers. This is forecasted to continue throughout the next decade, as the industry is projected to grow by 11% through 2031, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Getting your foot on the career ladder can be difficult in some fields. Many require college degrees before you can even be considered, and snagging that first job is tough when every job posting lists experience as a must. Truck driving is different. Entry into this field is relatively easy and quick.

One of the primary reasons why CDL Class A truckers are leaving California is due to the state's high living costs. The cost of housing in California is notoriously high, with many truckers finding it difficult to afford a home or apartment in the state.

And that problem can be summed up in one statistic – truck driver turnover is hovering between 80 and 90%. The trucking industry cannot continue to operate this way. More importantly, YOU cannot continue to operate this way. It costs anywhere from $5,000 to $10,000 to replace a driver, depending on your industry.

Getting a CDL in 2024 is a good investment.

The American Trucking Associations, a non-profit organization that represents the interests of the trucking industry in the United States, say that the trucking industry is expected to grow by 10% over the next decade, and there is a high demand for truck drivers.

The trucking industry is a highly competitive and unforgiving space. According to Tank Transport, 31,278 trucking companies either shut down or shifted their services to larger fleets within the first four months of 2023, due to falling freight rates and rising fuel costs​​.

The trucking industry is going through a transformation, adapting to new technology, sustainability measures, and changing consumer demands. The transformation also includes improvement in areas of fleet management, vehicle and fuel efficiency, and driver safety.

Their work requires exceptional driving skills and the ability to manage life on the road, often away from family and home comforts. With the current truck driver shortage, long haul truckers are in higher demand than ever. In 2023, the average annual salary for long-haul truck drivers is approximately $71,196.

The job of a truck driver is demanding, requiring a unique blend of skills, resilience, and dedication. The long, irregular hours on the road, the pressure to meet tight delivery schedules, and the constant battle against fatigue and loneliness paint a more sobering picture of the trucker's world.

What is the hardest part about truck driving? ›

An Isolated Environment. One challenging aspect of being a truck driver is the prolonged periods of isolation. Truck drivers can spend weeks away from their families and loved ones. This solitude, while peaceful for some, can lead to feelings of loneliness and disconnect for many.

How long do drivers usually stay out on the road? Over-the-road drivers typically stay out for 4-6 weeks at a time before coming home. There are, however, many drivers who prefer to stay out longer, or take "home time" somewhere other than their actual home.

For truck drivers who travel across state or country lines, the answer may be every few days or weeks. For truck drivers who stick to routes closer to home, they may go home every night, just like an office worker on a typical 40-hour workweek might.

The Long-Haul Driver Difference

Long hours and tight deadlines can make it a challenging job. In most cases long-haul drivers will be away from home for two or more weeks and then home for several day. Some long-haul drivers choose to stay out months at a time to maximize profits.

When drivers go home, most people will do one of the following: Park the tractor and trailer at one of your company's terminals if it's within 50 miles or so of your house and drive your own vehicle home. Park the tractor and trailer at a truck stop or local business (with permission) and get a ride home from someone.