For truck drivers it is more than business. Spending most part of the year on the road is a lifestyle. It is quite a commitment that is why it is common to think it through, and ask questions.

The long haul truck driver has a lot of myths around it ranging from being knights of the road, making a lot of money to being dirt poor.

These are the most frequently asked questions about being a long haul driver:

• How to become a truck driver in Canada?

To become a truck driver in Canada you need to complete the courses and get an A-Z licence. In addition, you have to have a clean driving history and pass vision and health requirements. To get a better compensation you have to have over 3 years of driving experience. 

Even though the first 3 years might be a bit challenging, if you work hard you will have a lot of better paid offers (such as refrigeration trucks ), and can become an owner operator with even better compensation.

• Is there a demand for truck drivers in North America?

As an essential service transportation never stopped working even during the pandemic. Moreover, there is a substantial volume of underserviced loads. Finding jobs is easy. So as an experienced truck driver you are at advantage of choosing who you are working with. 

• What are the skills required?

Successful truck drivers benefit from these skills:

• Safe habits and driving practices
• Concentration and focus 
• Communication skills ( helps to work efficiently with dispatchers and clients)
• Dependability – if the dispatcher knows he can rely on you – they are inclined to get you better and bigger loads, and service bigger clients
• Working knowledge of the truck mechanics
• Organizational skills – will help you waste less time on paperwork and eliminate unnecessary trips

• What are the most difficult things to learn?

Yes it is not all about just having the licence! Most drivers find learning these skills a little bit more challenging:

• Downshifting.
• Double Clutching
• Backing up.
• Parallel parking 
• Turns, especially in narrow streets
• Getting started from a stop on an incline.

Major driving incidents are happening not on the highway, but during these maneuvers. IMastering  these skills set apart long haul truck driver and prove that it is not just anybody who can drive a truck. 

• Does it matter what logistics company to work for?

At some point, especially after some negative experience it might seem that all logistics companies are the same and dispatchers are just people who don’t know or don’t care. It is simply not true. 

While there are some challenges in the industry, such as rising cost of fuel, shorter runs and split loads, if you do your research, you will find a great company to work with. 

Refrigeration trucking offers great opportunities to make more money. There are no split loads, it is an easy transition from flatbed trucking, and does not require additional licensing as hazmat truckers. Please read here more in detail how to choose the better company to work with in detail. 

• What is the difference between long haul and city drivers’ compensation?

Long haul driver, especially if you are a refrigerator driver is a much more financially rewarding career while less stressful. You are driving on easier roads, are paid for bigger distances, and have the flexibility to choose the routes you can go. 

• Is it better to be a company truck driver or independent owner operator?

It depends on the company you are working for and your financial goal. Driving a company owned truck is paid less but you also do not have any expenses and much less responsibility. If the truck breaks you are not stuck with a tens thousand dollar bill for repairs, and time off the road, but simply uses the next available one. The compensation for owner operators is higher, and they get to right off a lot of expenses as a corporation. Overall move towards independent ownership is considered as bringing higher earnings, even after expenses.

• Can you retire in 10 -15 years after being a truck driver? 

If you did your research, you probably read around on the truck driver forums and groups, a plan to work hard for 10 years and to save up enough money to buy a house, and  start a small local business. 

There are certainly opportunities for that. If you live by yourself, since most of the time you are on the road, you can save a lot on rent, car ownership and other expenses. If you are also a smart investor – you can invest into a rental property or increase your earnings with stock trading. A lot of seasoned truck drivers, though, stay  on after they have achieved their goal to increase their investments, and simply because they love it.

• Is it easy to save money while working as a truck driver?

It does depend a lot on your personal spending habits. Staying on the road helps you to stay focused working towards your goals. With that in mind you simply start avoiding unnecessary expenses with the big picture in mind.

• Is being a long haul truck driver worth it?

Being a long haul driver is not the easiest job, but it is rewarding. As with any job you have to love it. It opens new horizons and a lot of possibilities if you work with the right company. Whether it becomes a lifelong career, or helps you achieve you other goals it stays one of the sought after professions in Canada.

Do you have more questions that we can answer? Feel free to drop in a line and we will be happy to chat!