3 Common Misconceptions of Being a Truck Driver

1. 3 Common Misconceptions of Being a Truck Driver Truck drivers have many stories to tell; it is just that most of these stories are unheard of. There are a lot of misconceptions on what it is like being a truck driver— from being dirty and uneducated. These ideas are cemented by the entertainment industry. Truck drivers are often portrayed with bad image in movies, wearing tattered jeans, and oversized filthy shirts, smoking cigarettes, while holding a gun in one hand. We listed some of the most common misconceptions when it comes to being a truck driver: 1. Truck driving has little pay We often perceive that truck drivers wear the same dirty clothes everyday. This is one reason why we think they are paid with a menial amount. Contrary to popular belief, a truck driver earns between $65,000 to $95,000 every year. According to Ken Skaggs, a 30-year veteran trucker, “Some trucking companies will work you hard for low pay, work you hard for good pay, work you easy for low pay, and work you easy for good pay.” Skaggs also mentions in his blog that recent experience is an important factor if you want higher pay. Who would want to get paid with a menial amount when you are miles and hours away from your family? 2. Truck driving school is expensive As they say, everything comes with a price. We often think that entering a truck driving school is expensive but in fact, it is not. Private schools range in price generally from $3000 to $5000. Take note that this is for a three to eight weeks program, before getting a class A CDL license. This is a good price to pay, considering your compensation after graduation. However, if you are really looking for a cheaper alternative, there are public schools that offer training courses for as low as $2,000. There are also companies that sponsor your training, making sure you get the best training you can ever get. Although be careful, as there might be companies who might be paying their graduates cheaply. Above all these, one important thing to consider in choosing your school is that you will be given enough driving time to hone your skills. 3. Truck drivers are only for men While it is true that driving a truck is far different from driving an ordinary car, it is a misconception that truck driving is only for men. Indeed, a truck is huge, but this does not mean that women cannot handle driving one. In fact, it has been recently reported that there are opportunities opening up for women truck drivers. One challenge of being a female truck driver is that your male counterparts may not see you as an equal. Truck driving as a dirty-man’s job has become a stigma, and this further leads to gender stereotyping and sexism. There are stories of sexual harassment, or even discrimination. Carol Nixon, a truck driver since 1990 says that she had experiences wherein male truck drivers would simply look down on her and say “You don’t look like a driver.” These are just some misconceptions, and surely, there are more stories left untold.