What to Know Before You Become a Truck Driver
Before embarking on a new career path, it’s important to do your research and understand exactly what becoming a truck driver entails. Your work schedule, income, and job responsibilities are all going to change, so it’s important to be mentally, physically, and emotionally prepared.
Before you decide to become a truck driver, learn the answers to the following questions:
Do You Make Good Money as a Truck Driver?

While the amount of money you make shouldn’t entirely rule your decision about whether or not to pursue a career, it’s important to know that you’ll be financially stable if you become a truck driver.
As a truck driver, your income can vary. The following factors will affect how much money you make if you become a truck driver:
- The thoroughness of your training
- The length of your route
- The skill level of the delivery
- Whether you work for a contractor or a private fleet
You can decide how much training and certification you want to receive that will enable you to drive more types of trucks. At Flexible Freight, we offer the thorough training that employers are looking for in truck drivers, so contact us to register for courses if you want to become a truck driver.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Truck Driver?

The amount of time it takes to become a truck driver varies depending on which class of Commercial Drivers License you’re trying to get certified for. In general, a commercial driving school will take about seven weeks to complete in order to receive a Class A CDL.
Class B CDL certification can take less than a week since the types of trucks you’ll be driving don’t require as much skill to maneuver.
Other than the license class you’re trying to get certified for, factors that affect how long it takes to become a truck driver include:
- Endorsements to your license, such as passengers, HAZMAT, or doubles/triples
- Whether you’re going to school part-time or full-time
- The number of driving hours you’re required to complete
- The number of classroom hours required for your courses
At Flexible Freight, we offer training for Class A CDLs. This gives you the most amount of options in trucks you’re able to operate after you’ve successfully completed your training. Contact us to learn more about what we cover in our courses.
What Are the Physical Demands of Truck Drivers?

You probably already know this, but you’ll spend a lot of time on the road when you become a truck driver. This work exposes you to a variety of environments and work tasks.
Generally, you’ll be in the enclosed space of your truck cab while you’re on the road. You may also be required to help with loading and unloading goods. This task can expose you to extreme heat or cold, so wearing the proper clothing is vital.
Different trucks offer different amounts of room, so you may feel more or less comfortable depending on how cramped the vehicle is. Your truck may also vibrate while in motion, make loud noises, and flash bright lights. Truck driving may also expose you to loud noises and bright lights of other vehicles and warehouses.
Are Truck Drivers in Demand?

Most of the consumer goods we purchase are available to us only because they were delivered by truck. This means that truck drivers are always in demand to make sure products can be delivered. Whether for a grocery store, mail courier, or a construction company, products and materials need to make it to their destination to ensure the success of these businesses.
Truck drivers are in high demand, which means that you won’t struggle to find work. This provides job security and gives you leverage when trying to find a truck driver job that pays well. Contact Flexible Freight to register for our driving school, and gain access to choice companies around the country.