Living the Semi Life: What it takes to Live on Driving a Semi truck across wide expanses of countryside may sound romantic, but like any job it has its pros and cons. It is a solitary and unhealthy lifestyle, but it will also give you the chance to see new places and meet new people. If the following attributes describe you, you may have what it takes to be a semi-truck driver.
Qualified to Drive
You may think the only requirement to becoming a truck driver is knowing how to drive, but there are actually quite a few steps to becoming a qualified truck driver. The federal requirements stipulate that you must be at least 21 years old, pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical, and have a valid CDL, proving you're qualified to operate a semi-truck. New drivers must take a training course to get certified. Then, each company has its own requirements for hiring, such as previous driving experience. A
Tractor Trailer Accident Attorney recommends keeping your licenses and certifications up to date with changes and expirations as well.
Can be Alone
A perk of driving a semi is that you get to work alone, without a boss looking over your shoulder. But all those hours behind the wheel, away from family, can get lonely. A successful truck driver will be comfortable spending lots of time alone with their thoughts. On the bright side, you'll get to meet lots of new people on the road if you're comfortable meeting strangers. Truck stops are open at all hours, and the community of truck drivers is pretty close-knit.
Have Wanderlust
If you are a long-haul trucker, you'll get the opportunity to see parts of the country you may never otherwise see and it can be an exhilarating job for anyone how dreams of exploring. Just keep in mind that a lot of that sight-seeing will be done out of your window going 65 miles an hour.
Be Willing to Work Hard to Stay Healthy
Leading a healthy lifestyle from behind the wheel can be especially challenging. Sitting for long hours, irregular sleep patterns, and poor eating habits can wreak havoc on fitness and health. Many companies require drivers to pass regular physicals, so drivers must
make a concerted effort to work healthy eating and exercise into their schedule.
Driving a semi-truck can be a stressful, lonely, and monotonous job, but it can also be exciting and rewarding. If the descriptions above sound appealing, you may have what it takes to drive a semi-truck for a living.the Road
