Trucking is a developing industry that forms an essential role in our nation’s transportation and logistics economy. In fact, about 70% of all freight material comes by truck. Without the reliable delivery of goods, small businesses around the country simply would fall apart.
Thus, drivers are always in demands and they will find their work stable with plenty of opportunity for growth. Depending on their location and hauls, the typical driver might make a salary of around $40,000 with even more in bonuses.
These benefits don’t come without some costs. Truckers work long, irregular hours throughout the week. They may drive 3 to 14 hours at a time, far from home across the country and back. There is little consistency for when their work might start and end on a given day.
Life on the road can seem an exciting adventure to some. Others would prefer more time with their family and loved ones. In any career, it’s important to have a healthy balance between your professional and personal life.
6 Ways to Balance Your Life as a Trucker
What’s the secret to balancing life as a trucker? Every person has unique circumstances, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. However, you’ll find these 6 suggestions helpful:
1 – Works Towards a Consistent Schedule
If you’re just starting out, you’ll find that many entry-level trucking jobs might have rather limited options for you in terms of the types of hauls and benefits you receive. Don’t settle for less than what you need for your personal life! Look for jobs that allow you the flexibility to make ends meet while also enjoying time to yourself.
If you aren’t sure about taking long-haul trucking jobs to unfamiliar territory, don’t be afraid to put your foot down and ask your operators for more accommodating routes. You shouldn’t feel pressured to work jobs outside of your comfort zone.
Every day may be a different scenario in terms of traffic and road conditions. But, as you advance in your career, you should develop a sense of how to effectively manage your time. Ideally, you want your preferred routes on a relatively a consistent workload. When you have clear expectations of the week, you can better plan for time with family.
Of course, this implies having a management team that communicates with you on a consistent basis. If you have an operator that consistently sends out assignments last minute or hardly replies to emails, that’s not a good sign for the company. You deserve an employer that puts drivers first in everything. Always try to negotiate work on your terms.
If possible, you should get your workload in writing to keep operators accountable. Ensure that your hometime is clearly defined. Your spouse and family need to know your schedule. So, it’s important not to frequently make sporadic changes to your assignments, just on the whim of your employer.
2 – Become a Local Owner Operator
As you continue your job hunt, you might come across ads stating “owner operators needed” or “looking for owner operators”. This means the company has opportunities for you to either drive a vehicle you can lease or own. There are pros and cons of this arrangement, as opposed to over the road driving jobs where you drive a company vehicle.
You’ll have the advantage of personalizing your truck. You won’t have to worry about any stranger using it. However, you’ll likely need to handle some of the maintenance and insurance yourself.
The biggest plus comes with enjoying the freedom to craft a better schedule for yourself. Since you are fully responsible for the vehicle, you don’t need to worry about docking it at a facility or working around a company’s schedule. You basically drive when you want, where you want. You also have the leeway to decide which business suits your needs.
You’ll also control your fuel costs. Certain trucking companies might have strict rules about the exact path of routes and the type of fuel you can select. As the owner of your vehicle, you have the power over your navigation for routes. You can optimize fuel consumption in any way you determine best.
Smaller, local trucking companies might not have the option for you to lease or own your ride. It’s important to ask for clarity vacancies and potential for growth.
Becoming an owner operator is an investment financially. Be sure you’re committed to the costs and responsibility of maintaining the truck. Whether you intend to buy used or new from a dealer, you should take the time to adequately research the performance and preferences. Read reviews and compare the price tags across multiple sources.
The vehicle you own also needs to be the correct class for the jobs you’re working. Trucks are categorized according to weight and cargo limits by the DOT into three classes: A, B, and C. Ask your potential employers about the expected jobs. If you don’t have the right class certification, you may have the opportunity for company sponsored CDL training.
3 – Keep Reminders of Home
If you are an owner operator, you have the freedom to keep reminders of your home and family in your cabin (likewise, you could do the same on an over-the-road trucker job. Just be careful not to leave personal effects inside overnight for someone else to damage or steal).
You might connect with someone through a memorable photo of them. Posting pictures and notes throughout your cabin will help motivate you to prioritize what’s most important. The family should always come first.
Maybe your spouse loves flowers or a certain song on the radio. Don’t be afraid to make the experience truly your own by decorating the truck with mementos of loved ones.
These reminders will help you constantly have loved ones on your mind. When you’re always thinking of your family, you’ll begin planning what stories to share from your trip. You might even remember to pick up a souvenir for them along the way. And, takes lots of pictures! Selfies along the road will brighten your loved ones day and show you care.
Long hours on the road might feel lonely to some, but if you keep the environment filled with good vibes, you’ll drive with an energetic, positive attitude.
4 – Delegate Tasks and Responsibilities
Since you’ll be away from the house for long hours at odd times throughout the week, plan together with your spouse how to fairly divide of chores and duties. Unfortunately, the reality is you won’t be able to make it every family event. So, be sure to clearly communicate and plan together what you will make as a family. Try not to make promises you cannot keep and be flexible.
For example, maybe you determine to make it to every other of your son’s baseball games. Whatever the routine is, make it consistent and transparent with family.
You probably don’t want to spend too time on menial tasks around the house, like cleaning and laundry. Unless these are moments of bonding, prioritize time with family around activities that you’ll really enjoy. Many truck drivers pay for cleaning companies to handle housekeeping chores.
5 – Take Advantage of Technology
We’ve been blessed in the 21st Century with the ability to connect through technology in ways never thought possible. On every haul, take full advantage of your phone to communicate with loved ones.
Obviously, abide by the laws and don’t text and drive! If your device doesn’t already have the functionality, purchase a Bluetooth car speaker. Even if you don’t have the time or attention for an extended conversation, just leaving a short voicemail from time to time can mean the world to your loved one.
Using Skype or FaceTime, you can interact with family in countless ways at rest stops.
For instance, you with a video chat you could…
- Read your child a bedtime story
- Give family a virtual tour of the freighter and any landmarks
- Share a meal together
- Play a board or card game
- Sing karaoke
- Have a dance party
Social media also provides an outlet to document and share your adventures. Although, you don’t need to overshare publicly your time on the job. Keep yourself professional as you keep connections alive online on Facebook, Instagram, etc…
Get creative! Taking initiative and being cute with technology can go a long way in strengthening bonds with loved ones.
6 – Be There Emotionally
Finally, remember that every relationship takes effort. It’s easy to get frustrated and just accept situations. If you don’t take the time to effectively communicate with your spouse or children, you’ll naturally feel distant. Make yourself available emotionally. Since you’re not there all the time physically, make the most of your time and take the extra steps to communicate.
Being there emotionally means you have you don’t give up on them and you’re open and honest about everything. Physical distance doesn’t have to be a significant barrier, as long are committed to making every moment count.
If you have a family emergency, give that your full attention. Your life shouldn’t revolve around work in any profession. You can never replace time lost with loved ones. Make sure in your employer values you as a human being first, and they are sympathetic and willing to support you through a crisis.
Critical Supply Solutions Inc will give you the time and flexibility to orient your life around what matters most. We are always looking for new and experienced drivers. Check out our homepage for a list of vacancies and a link to apply online.