Deciding if Trucking is for You: The Truth No One Tells You

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Thinking About Trucking? Read This First!

So, you’re thinking about getting into trucking? Maybe you’re dreaming of the open road, no boss breathing down your neck, and paychecks that actually mean something. Sounds good, right? But hold up—before you trade your 9-to-5 for a 70-hour workweek on wheels, let’s talk about what trucking is really like. Because once you start, it ain’t so easy to turn back.

What’s the Appeal?

Let’s start with the good stuff. Trucking is one of the few careers where you can make decent money without a college degree.

Money Talks – Entry-level truckers can make anywhere from $50,000 to $80,000 a year, and owner-operators can break into six figures if they play their cards right.

Freedom (Sort Of) – No office drama, no micromanaging boss, and no pointless meetings. You set your schedule—at least, to a degree.

Travel the Country – If you’ve got a wandering soul, trucking lets you see places most people never will (though mostly from a highway view).

Job Security – AI isn’t taking over this industry anytime soon. As long as goods need to move, truckers will be in demand.

Sounds sweet, right? But now, let’s get to the part they don’t advertise.

What They Don’t Tell You

1. The Hours Are Brutal

Think you’ll be working eight-hour days? Think again. The federal limit is 70 hours per week, and many truckers push that to the max. That means long, grueling shifts, unpredictable sleep schedules, and a constant battle between making money and having a life.

2. Loneliness is Real

If you like peace and quiet, trucking is paradise. If you like having a social life, well… it’s going to be tough. Many drivers spend weeks or even months away from home. Relationships can suffer, and not everyone’s built for that kind of isolation.

3. The Pay Ain’t Always as Good as It Sounds

Yeah, you can make good money, but let’s break it down:

Company drivers get paid per mile. That means if your truck ain’t moving, you ain’t making money. Traffic, breakdowns, and waiting at shippers all cut into your earnings.

Owner-operators? Sure, you can make six figures, but you also have six-figure expenses. Fuel, maintenance, insurance—it all adds up fast.

And don’t forget unpaid work—loading, unloading, waiting at docks. The clock is ticking, but your paycheck isn’t growing.

4. Health Takes a Hit
Sitting for hours, fast food at truck stops, little sleep—it’s a recipe for disaster. High blood pressure, diabetes, back problems, and obesity are common in trucking. If you’re not disciplined about your health, trucking will wreck you.

5. The Rules & Regulations Are a Headache

You thought your last job had too many rules? Wait until you deal with DOT inspections, electronic logging devices (ELDs), hours-of-service rules, and a never-ending maze of regulations. Make a mistake, and it could cost you big money—or your license.

Is Trucking for You?

So, knowing all this, should you become a trucker? Here’s a simple test:

✅ Are you okay with long hours?
✅ Can you handle being away from home for weeks?
✅ Do you like driving (like, REALLY like driving)?
✅ Can you manage your own schedule, finances, and health?
✅ Are you okay with a little uncertainty and unpredictability?

If you answered yes to all, trucking might be a great fit. If you hesitated on a few, you might want to rethink it.

Alternatives to Traditional Trucking

Not all trucking jobs require you to be gone for weeks at a time. Here are some alternatives:

Local or Regional Trucking – You’ll be home more often, but the pay might be lower.

LTL (Less-Than-Truckload) Driving – More structured schedules and shorter routes.

Owner-Operator with a Plan – More freedom, but only if you manage it right.

Bottom Line: Do It for the Right Reasons

Trucking isn’t just a job—it’s a lifestyle. Some love it, some hate it, and plenty burn out fast. If you’re in it just for the money, you might not last long. But if you genuinely enjoy driving, don’t mind the solitude, and can handle the grind, trucking can be an amazing career.

Want to learn more about life as a trucker? Check out LifeAsATrucker.com for real insights from drivers in the industry.

Thinking about making extra money while trucking? Visit TruckerSideHustle.com for ways to earn income without leaving the road!