Commercial Truck Insurance Company | Truck Insurance Pros

1. washingtonpost.com > America has a massive truck driver shortage. Here’s why few want an $80,000 job. Driver pay increased by 15% this year to try to attract more drivers. Yet, about51,000 more drivers are needed to meet the demand. Many drivers now earn $80,000 We asked truck drivers for their views. Michael Dow “I have been divorced two times because of truck driving.” Yearly income: $45,000 Daniel Gollnick “I see those ads for big driver bonuses, but it's a complete joke.” Yearly income: $45,000 Age: 48 Age: 28 Have you gotten a raise? “ Would you recommend this job? “ I'm anticipating I'll make $85,000 to $120,000 this year. It's the easiest money you can get without a college degree. ” ” 120,000 85,000 Why don't people want this job? Is the industry in a crisis? “ ” There are not enough truckers. $14 “ I was making $14 or $15 an hour driving for the big carriers. ” “ I've been running around doing extra runs. ” $15 “ People flipping hamburgers are demanding $15 an hour. ” Donna Penland “I gained 60 pounds because it's a sedentary life.” Have you received a raise? “ I got a $3,500 signing bonus. But they don't just give you $3,500. I received $500 after 30 days and another $1,000 after 60 days. They spread it out. ” Age: 50 Yearly income: $50,000 $500 30 days Would you recommend this job? “ ” No. Not to most of my friends... You just drive, sleep, drive, sleep. $1000 60 days Boris Strbac “I wouldn't let my kids even think about doing this.” Is the industry in a crisis? “ ” We are seeing record bookings this year and record pay per mile. The reason is there aren't enough drivers. Age: 45 Would you recommend this job? “ The majority of police treat drivers like criminals. We get pulled over for stupid stuff. ” Lee Klass “You can kiss your social life goodbye.” Ryan Kitchel “It's more than getting behind a steering wheel and driving.” Age: 70 Yearly income: $50,000 Age: 36 Yearly income: $100,000 How can companies attract more drivers? “ - What's frustrating about being a truck driver? “ ” Less rules, more money. Car drivers today have no understanding of what we do. They cut us off all of the time. ” + What has changed about truck driving in 40 years? “ ” Why aren't more people becoming truckers? “ ” You got to be able to do your paperwork. You got to watch your surroundings. You have to keep the truck and trailer in line. It's a tough life, and there are too many regulations now. There's a ton more electronic monitoring than when I started. Donald Rich “Companies don't want to hire you until you have six months of experience.” Have other companies tried to lure you away? “ Yes. Other companies have already tried to lure me away. I've had calls from eight or nine companies already. ” Age: 53 Yearly income: $60,000 What do you like so far about trucking? “ It pays twice as much as the restaurant business. And the potential is there to make a lot more. ” 2x