You may be wondering if attending truck driving school to get your CDL is worth it?
Or if being a truck driver is worth it?
If you’re pondering making a career change in your life, taking the steps to choose and enrol in a trucking school can make you wonder, “Is a CDL worth it?”
Any and all changes in your life can bring about a level of worry about wondering if you’re making a good choice.
That’s normal.
But here’s the thing.
There are multiple benefits to becoming a truck driver. It can be a great career if you manage it well.
The Benefits of a Truck Driving Career
Able to Get Into a Career Fast
One of the best things about a trucking career, is that you can enrol in a CDL school at most any time, and start getting a pay check (although it can be low during training), within a short time.
There aren’t many programs which offer this kind of opportunity to get earning asap!
Truly, you’re getting paid to learn. Doesn’t get much better than that.
After all, no one wants to be without a paycheck for long. Yep you need to learn, but man, you want to earn!
There are college grads who enter into learning programs for a few years who do not earn nearly as much as a truck driver upon graduation AND who may have difficulty securing employment.
A truck driving school can help get you behind the wheel relatively soon after you start a CDL training program, so you can start earning. Pretty attractive.
Decent Pay
Not all truck driving jobs pay well.
But there are good paying CDL driving jobs to be had.
It’s a matter of researching trucking companies which do the kind of trucking you are looking for and run the lanes you want.
Return on Investment
Choose a good truck driving school with a solid training program. Such a program will provide you with the driving skills and knowledge you’ll need to become a safe professional driver.
That way, you’ll get a great return on your investment.
There are private CDL schools, free CDL training (company sponsored training) and community college CDL training programs available.
Each of these types of truck driving schools come with their own specific advantages.
Whether you pay your own way to a private CDL school or enter into a paid CDL program, if you select the best school with a solid training program, you will get good return on the money and time you have invested in your future career.
Heck, if you check out the financial aid programs, grants and special programs available, you may even qualify for one of the 10 ways to pay for your CDL training and you get trained for next to nothing!
Related >Company Sponsored CDL Training – The Honest Answers You’ve Been Looking For
Job Security – Look at the Ton of Trucking Job Ads!
Ever look online for truck driving jobs?
There are no shortage of ads for openings for professional truck drivers. It’s a great time more than ever before, to be getting into a CDL career, with so many jobs to be had.
Holding a CDL is great job security.
So if you’re tired of getting laid off from jobs due to a work shortage, a professional driving career could be just the ticket for you.
You Can Travel For Free
If you decide that OTR (long haul trucking) is your thing, you’ll have the chance to see some of the awesome sights in North America. Kind of like getting paid to see the sights!
Work the Schedule You Choose
Most jobs are scheduled and are very rigid in nature. As a truck driver, it is possible to work at a schedule which is fluid and to your liking.
Maybe as an OTR driver your preference is 7 days on the road and 3 at home. Or perhaps you’d prefer to work all day and be home every night.
There are plenty of types of trucking jobs with a variety of schedules, so it should be easy to find something that suits your wants and needs.
Related >7 Things You Need To Know About Your First Year as a New Truck Driver
Love Trucks + Love to Drive?
If you have a deep seated love for big machinery or a love to drive, a trucking career you would certainly be for you!
Love Freedom?
Most professional truck drivers we know are definitely independent by nature.
Individuals who like to be out on their own, rather than sitting at a desk with a boss lurking over their shoulder, will definitely like the element of freedom which is part of a driving job.
There’s a definite lack of direct supervision which many drivers like a lot.
Got a 4 day trip to deliver your freight? Start the day when you’re ready and rested.
Plan the 4 days at a pace which suits you. Definitely a great perk to make your own decisions.
Read More >5 Important Things You Should Know About a Career in Trucking
Crave Variety?
If the thoughts of sitting at a desk day after day or doing the same thing at a 9-5 job daily sends chills up and down your spine, a CDL career will certainly appeal to you.
Every day is different as a truck driver.
Your destinations may vary from day to day, you’ll interact with a variety of people, see different things and meet other drivers too.
Room For Improvement/Advancement
After a driver has some years of experience, there are many opportunities to increase their earnings by getting into more lucrative types of trucking such as tanker work, heavy haul and other specialty niches in the trucking industry.
These niches do pay more than the average general freight companies, which most new drivers seek out after their training.
Read More >9 High Paying Truck Driver Jobs You Should Know About
So Are CDL Schools Worth It?
Yes. Indeed they are.
Investing either your time (to attend a paid CDL training school/job) or your money (to attend a private trucking school) is certainly worth your investment.
Attending a well chosen truck driving school, can pay off many times over.
A truck driving career if handled properly and managed, can be a solid and lucrative long term career for any man or woman who decides to go after it.
It’s vital to weigh your options and really think through what you want.
If any of the above appeals to you, you may wish to consider a truck driving career.
Truck driving can be a dream career if you are suited to it.
More Articles Which May Be of Interest to You
- The Best Trucking Companies to Work For USA
- CDL Truck Driving Schools Guide to Your Road For Success
- The Complete Guide to Choosing a Truck Driving School
- Why Lease Operator Programs Can Be a Terrible Career Move
As a seasoned expert and enthusiast in the field of trucking and CDL careers, my extensive knowledge is derived from years of hands-on experience, in-depth research, and staying abreast of the latest developments in the trucking industry. I have worked closely with various trucking companies, CDL training programs, and drivers to understand the nuances of the profession and provide valuable insights.
Now, let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
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CDL (Commercial Driver's License):
- The article emphasizes the significance of obtaining a CDL for individuals considering a career in truck driving. A CDL is a specialized license required for operating commercial vehicles, and attending a truck driving school is a common pathway to acquiring it.
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Trucking School and Training Programs:
- The article suggests that enrolling in a reputable trucking school is crucial for a successful career. It highlights the diverse options available, including private CDL schools, free CDL training (company-sponsored), and community college CDL training programs.
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Return on Investment (ROI):
- The concept of ROI is discussed in relation to choosing a good truck driving school with a solid training program. The article emphasizes that a well-chosen program provides the necessary skills and knowledge for a safe and professional driving career, ensuring a positive return on the investment of time and money.
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Job Security:
- The article underscores the current demand for professional truck drivers, citing the abundance of job ads in the industry. Holding a CDL is presented as a source of job security, appealing to individuals seeking stability in their careers.
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Travel Opportunities:
- The article mentions that opting for Over-The-Road (OTR) trucking provides an opportunity to travel and explore different parts of North America. This is framed as a unique benefit, allowing drivers to be paid while experiencing new sights.
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Flexible Work Schedule:
- The flexibility of work schedules in the trucking industry is highlighted. Unlike many traditional jobs, truck drivers can choose schedules that suit their preferences, whether it's long-haul trips with extended time on the road or local routes with daily returns home.
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Independence and Freedom:
- The article portrays truck driving as a career choice for individuals who value independence and freedom. The lack of direct supervision and the ability to make personal decisions, such as planning the delivery schedule, are presented as attractive aspects of the profession.
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Career Advancement:
- The article discusses the potential for career advancement in the trucking industry. Experienced drivers can explore more lucrative opportunities, such as tanker work, heavy haul, and specialized niches, leading to increased earnings.
In conclusion, the article strongly advocates for the value of attending CDL schools and pursuing a truck driving career, presenting a comprehensive overview of the benefits and opportunities associated with the profession.
