Why do truck drivers get paid so little? We then get stuck in a never-ending cycle of paying monthly payments to banks. are a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combined vehicle weight rating of less than 10,001 pounds, are used to transport more than 8 passengers, including the driver, for hire, are used to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, and not used to transport passengers for hire or. Several types of driver qualify under FLSA for overtime pay: There is no rational explanation for these types of drivers to qualify for overtime when the vast majority of drivers are exempt. Correct the problems or one day, there will be large fleets of trucks sitting in parking lots with no one left to drive them. His reply? Find the 9 highest paying truck driver jobs in 2022. More importantly, its time for trucking companies to start listening. However, the overall compensation of truckers may be important to our economy for a couple of reasons. Behold there are actually lots of options available for truck drivers to earn passive income on the side. Another trucker, Donna Penland, gained 60 pounds in her first year and is now married. why do armored truck drivers get paid so little. Then, after graduation, they can start receiving paychecks right away. Why are Truckers paid so poorly these days? Related > D.O.T. Despite all these challenges, truck drivers earn very little compared to the amount of work they put in. Please select the number of verifiable months youve been driving professionally using your Class A CDL within the last 3 years. Indeed, the only folks that seemed against the MCA were the people involved in trucking themselves the Teamsters Union andthe American Trucking Associations (ATA). The Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 (FLSA) is the US Federal Law which lays out the basic structure of wage and hour practices in the US, and is administered by the Wage and Hour Division of The US Labor Department. When we think of blue collar jobs that have tumbled in status, pay, and working conditions, we typically blame technology for replacing workers or the outsourcing of labor to foreign countries. The ELD tells the driver when he can be on the road and when he should be off duty. The national average salary of a truck driver is $67,457 per year. The number of people who work in trucking is still increasing, so its not a dying industry, but just a changing one. But even though the job description sounds ideal for a full-time employee, there are certain risks and benefits to be aware of. Can You Make a Good Living As a Truck Driver? Trucking is an industry that is both close-knit and potentially dangerous. Recruiting Foreign Drivers + Other Groups. Moreover, the trucking industry is highly lucrative, with top drivers earning more than $58,000 a year. A truck drivers salary is generally above average. To make the most of your trucking career, do some research on what types of employers pay the most. Ive been a full-time truck driver for my day job for over 20 years. But the average truck driver earns about $36 an hour, according to Transport Topics. Some companies offer higher mileage rates and bonuses to encourage people to sign up as a driver. Terms | The suit will move forward on behalf of more than 80,000 drivers nationwide. 6. For example, if you want to become a millionaire truck driver, its as easy as working the job steadily for your entire career and investing in retirement savings continually. Yet, it seems like you keep reading about another trucking company increasing pay for their drivers. Students get to work on real trucks with experienced drivers. But the fact is, the trucking industry isnt dead. Leathers goes on to explain that Werner has many different pay incentivepackages for drivers. As long as truck drivers continue to work for lower wages those lower-wage jobs will continue to be there. Please note that none of them made their fortune as drivers rather as owning companies that hire drivers or that serve truck drivers. For truckers who have been in the industry for decades, thats not uncommon. what a great resource for the professional truck driver. Since truck drivers live out of their cars when they are on the road, the majority of trucks include . A potentially multimillion-dollar lawsuit against Swift Transportation which has been slowly making its way through the court system for the past almost 11 years has just had its class-action status reinstated by an Appeals Court judge. Yes truck driving job pay is increasing. Even though we're shipping more goods than ever, it's now down to less than 8%. Overall though I would say that truck drivers would not be considered rich. How Much Does a Top-Earning Truck Driver Earn? Companies also had more control over changing their rates. The motor carrier exemption defines what companies can be called Motor Carriers and defines which specific employees are exempt from overtime. DRIVER TIP. Its a decent pay for trucking, and Oppelaar knows that. Moreover, the trucking industry is highly lucrative, with top drivers earning more than $58,000 a year. So, why are America's 1.8 million truck driversfaring worse today than they did in the 1970s? We use cookies to personalise content and ads, to provide social media features and to analyse our traffic. The law was passed byPresident Jimmy Carter, It may seem unusual today for a liberal president to pass a law that. 1 Year The folks who advocated for the MCA in 1980 were right that trucking has become more competitive, and the savings in transit costs have in part been passed on the consumer. With no real change in sight, the truck driver shortage is sure to get worse, before it ever gets better. Truck drivers perform many tasks for free, such as interacting with customers and dealing with daily mechanical problems. Unfortunately, too many truckers do choose to stay content in their lower-wage jobs. There appears to be a shortage of qualified professional truck drivers because drivers are leaving the industry and searching for jobs that offer better pay, benefits and working conditions. No, not really. The route may include a trip from Kansas to Texas, or the southeast to Alabama, Florida, and Ohio. Poor wages, benefits and a lack of respect is what started the shortage of drivers and its still fueling it today. What is an Escrow Account For Truck Drivers? CDL Grad, No Experience They can also pick their own routes, and they have more control over their schedule than any other type of driver. You can also take advantage of tax write-offs by driving a tractor-trailer. While I may not be considered rich by my fellow Americans I certainly feel rich because I have the right money mindset, and I am confident that my plan will pay off in the future. For truckers who have been in the industry for decades, thats not uncommon. The worst place to drive salary-wise? Recognizing these problems and how they affect the future of the trucking industry, some companies have tried to make improvements to their pay rates and the packages they offer drivers. There are too many other careers available to them that do pay a fair wage and offer great benefits. Some are making it mandatory. The job is even more challenging and dangerous now than it was many years ago and before deregulation. If truck drivers are getting paid too little, then somethings seriously wrong. used to carry hazardous material and require placarding under Department of Transportation regulations. Those who do opt for this career choice should be willing to put in long hours. Other benefits of becoming a truck driver include being in control of your schedule, saving money on living expenses, and traveling the country. A person like that probably would not think that a truck driver is rich. Depending on the type of load, experience, licensing, and location, truckers can earn anywhere from $70,000 to $100k a year. That doesnt seem to be adequate for the hours the truckers put in, nor is it compensation for the hazards they face. Top editors give you the stories you want delivered right to your inbox each weekday. What about others in professions that earn similar wages to truck drivers? And, unlike many other careers, theres no set age limit for becoming a truck driver. The number of carriers exploded as a result of the MCA loosening regulations. to track their Hours of Service to prove they follow these rules. The Labor Department says the median annual income for a trucker is about $40,000. In fact, it's incredibly competitive. But keep in mind that youll have to pay for maintenance on your truck and other expenses, and your earning potential is reduced by these costs. Now with combined with low shipping rates for freight, there isnt much left over to sufficiently compensate the driver, thus the low wages. The good news is that truck driving is one of the most lucrative careers. After all, the trucking industry is a major part of our economy and our nation needs its trucks. As compared to the average wage earner in the United States, truck drivers are not considered rich. However, anybody (including truckers) can achieve wealth and abundance with the right money mindset and the willingness to execute a plan. Trucking does not pay enough anymore, and that must change. Cookie Policy | "For the first time ever, you had an actual competitive marketplace," Klemp said. Truck drivers are responsible for so much of the infrastructure and the necessary substance. "This was a conscious decision to make the trucking industry a dog-eat-dog industry,"Larry Mishel, a distinguished fellow at theEconomic Policy Institute, told Business Insider. Somebody in an entry-level job, like a fast food worker or retail clerk, likely earns less than the average truck driver. A truck driver is typically paid by alternative methods, such as mileage, that doesnt require the tracking of time. Even with just an average truck drivers salary, multi-millionaire status can be achieved! Economists say that wage decline can be traced back to the ease with which a company could enter the trucking industry. "Deregulation produced the big box store system," Viscelli said. The faster truck will pull out and try to pass the slower truck. Teamsters is the largest truck driver union, while the ATA represents the corporations that employ them. Drivers whose travels take place entirely within the borders of one state or territory of the US may qualify for overtime pay unless it is determined that the goods they are carrying are destined to be delivered ultimately to another state or that they have been carried into the state from another state. CDL Truck Driver Skills Tips, Tricks + Knowledge to Kick Your CDL Skills Up a Notch! "Over night, all sorts of people started competing for business. What if I start earning enough from my blog that I can start to consider quitting my day job? Some believe its because the trucking industry doesnt pay its drivers enough for their jobs, while others believe its because some sectors of the industry take advantage of their hard work. Joyce Brenny, head of Brenny Transportation in Minnesota, increased driver pay 15 percent this year to try to attract. "While fixing the discrepancy in existing law is . In 1974, Belzer wrote that there were 2,019,300 truckers in Teamsters. The pay of truck drivers can vary depending on their route and company. Even at 0.50 per a mile, you are basically making $30 an hour if you average 60mph for the entire trip, if it's 1200 mile drive that is $600 for 2 days of work. Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by a-trucker123, Sep 24, 2017. Its coming. All you need to have is a high school diploma or trade school degree and you can earn up to $100,000 a year. What about the person answering the question? Related > Top Trucking Companies in Canada to Consider For a Trucking Career. Many drivers do not get paid for these hours, recording them as off duty and stretching out their work week. In addition, potential drivers may reconsider their career choice and choose a job that does provide a fair wage for the work provided. Youll have to find a niche market and determine your cost per mile. I give my express consent authorizing TruckersReport and its. But it paid well at one time. A good example of this is Walmart, which pays its truck drivers near $40 an hour. Are truck drivers rich? This was a great industry, even though there were sacrifices. These problems contribute to the high driver turnover rates that are responsible for the truck driver shortage. Want to learn the language of the truck driver? Moreover, you can sleep during the daytime. Another scam involves offering drivers big incentive plans and bonuses to make up for their low mileage rates. Deregulation worked," Viscelli said. In addition, theyre paid less than other industries. The MCA of 1980 helped spurthe decline of their wages and working conditions by fostering an overly competitive atmosphere, where firms can only survive through a race to the bottom in cutting wages. In addition, the labor market is very competitive, as long as it is properly regulated. Another is that there arent enough trucks to meet the nations needs. However, considering the low wages of the average truck driving job, thats no longer true anymore. They are increasing wages to attract drivers. Most truckers that I know also earn enough to thrive. The sixty and seventy hour rules dont change whether you use an electronic logging device (ELD) or or work local using time cards. Its time for trucking companies to take a realistic look at the state of affairs in the trucking industry and acknowledge the real cause behind the shortage of drivers. How Much Does an Average Truck Driver Earn? There are many benefits to working as a truck driver. But I certainly wasnt going to stay content with lower wages. The 7.5% rate is fixed for a year, and you'll get the interest paid in a lump sum when the account matures. There are many other professions or ways to make money that more quickly and easily lead to riches. 23 February, 2023 . If drivers are not treated better soon and given fair pay, experienced, skilled drivers will continue to leave the industry. "There. How Much Does a Mattress For a Semi Truck Cost? In addition to spending long hours on the road, driving a truck is much more difficult than smaller vehicles. I'm guessing even experienced drivers in megas get paid poop. Longer trips and more miles are associated with higher pay. Truck drivers need compensation that pays for all their work. This is an important factor in attracting more qualified drivers, but the trucking industry has done everything it can to keep wages low. There are many reasons why truck drivers earn such low wages. If youre unsure of whether to become an owner-operator, consider the benefits of a salaried position. What is the Truck Driver Shortage? Many trucking companies require drivers to undergo on-the-job training. Here are 11 benefits of a trucking career: 1. I, myself, am well on my way to becoming a multi-millionaire truck driver, and I know several other truckers who are on the same path. I hear other truckers talking amongst themselves and to others. How Much Does a U-Haul Truck Cost to Rent? Yes, this will cause drivers to leave their jobs, as they do not wish to comply with the mandate. Economic Policy Institute, told Business Insider. Salaries may depend on various factors, such as the size of the company, location of the job and how much experience the truck driver has. The most common barrier for aspiring truck drivers is obtaining a commercial driver's license. In order for them to be happy and continue providing good service to the public, they need to earn a fair wage. These duties include a variety of jobs such as performing safety checks, participating in company meetings and seminars, loading and unloading the trailer, or waiting time. I will wait. A Business Insider analysis showed that median wages for truck drivers have decreased 21% on average since 1980. This was as true in 1938 as today. 76 94 Sep 21, 2017 0 I'm in an OTR mega starting off my trucking career and heard other OTR megas pay for similar amounts for similar hours worked. How can the truck driver shortage be solved? This gets unbelievably complex, but courts have ruled in favor of the employer in disputes over these matters. Some companies even award bonuses for mileage milestones. By checking this box and clicking the "Send me job offers" button below, I represent that I: By checking this box and clicking the "Send me job offers" button below. Weekend Update Im Proudly Blogging in the USA, Crowdfunding Real Estate for Easy Passive Income. Lets take a look at some of the definitions for the word rich as it pertains to wealth or money. In 1935, the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC) became the oversight board for the trucking industry. To understand why trucking is the way it is today, it's necessary to go all the way back to 1935. It is also possible to become rich overnight by starting your own trucking company and owning cash-flowing assets. Truckers also had to buy routes, usually from firms that already had the authority to operate on those routes, and it often led to inefficiencies. There's a larger consequence that they didn't predict, though: a lost blue-collar profession. Thats just the way that it is. However, we are of the belief that the truck driver shortage is a really a myth. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics says there were about two million people employed as Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers in 2018, making a median annual income of about $40,000. To determine whether you are eligible for filing a wage claim, contact our experienced bus driver overtime pay lawyers at (855) 754-2795 for a Free Consultation to discuss your case or complete the Free Unpaid Overtime Case Review Form on this page. Other workers in the US generally get paid one and one half times their regular pay when they work more than forty hours in a week. Leathers knows paying truckers by the hourwould cost Werner too much money. Once you get that part right, you must pick a strategy and commit to executing it. And since trucking isnt likely to go away any time soon, its sure to stay in demand for some time. If you think that truck driving is for you, consider the pros and cons of this career first. Time Magazine has listed truck driving as the seventh most dangerous job in their top ten list of the most dangerous jobs. While the industry may be struggling to keep pace with demand, its not impossible to make it in this tough economic environment. I know the trucking industry inside and out. That might leave you thinking, "Well no wonder my shipping costs are still going up." If you want a flexible schedule, however, truck driving may be the right choice for you. Im earning nearly $100k per year (with overtime), while a local trucker (like me) who works for a small local company might be earning near the bottom 10% of truck driver wage earners for doing exactly the same job. It punishes people for learning at average or slow speed. The big rigs often take up an entire lane and carry loads that cannot be broken down. Top Pick, Runner Up, Best Bang for your Buck, Trucker GPS that will get the job done right. If you're wondering, "Are truck drivers rich?" you are in luck. Most notably, it allowed new trucking companies to open withrelative ease and removed many of the route regulations. This means that theyre not being paid for time spent idling in traffic or in construction zones. Get to know the CB lingo used by truckers, so you can get in on the conversation, cmon. Many offer signing bonuses and raises, but theres no denying that trucking jobs are hard and lonely. As a truck driver, youll work for a trucking company and lease a truck. Without your consent employers will not be able to contact with job offers, would you like to opt-in now? A 1,000-mile journey through the middle of America reveals the fundamental reason for truck driver shortages: It is a job full of stress, physical deprivation and loneliness. However, once youve figured out the basics, a trucking company can turn into a millionaire in a matter of two years. ". As long as a truckers driving skills are up to par, this industry is a great career choice. Contents [ hide] Dangerous and Demanding Work Those types of people might think that a truck driver is rich. Indeed.com reports that top earning truckers earn slightly more than $100k per year. I am a trucker. Now that companies can send whatever they wish on any route, and because labor is cheaper, it's possible to truck huge amounts of goods from shipping ports receiving goods from China or elsewhere, to distribution centers or stores. Given that truckers can work well over 4000 hours per year this translates to anything from $7-$10 per hour. Salaries above this are outliers. Thats his focus, as Werner pays his salary. For instance, OTR, or over-the-road, trucking involves traveling across the country. However, the average truck driver during this era was well-paid. A shortage of drivers is making it harder for those looking for a career in trucking. This is true for all levels of trucking, either direct employee, 'independent contractor' owner ops leased to a company, or owner operators. It appears that the trucking industry may not see these things as a problem. Another independent source says thatthe average base salary for a truck driver in America is$77,810 per year, according to data reported and collected at indeed.com. When truck drivers earn less than their peers in their field, they will be unhappy, and that wont make their job any easier. Truck drivers are no different than most other normal Americans. Even if a trucker had the authority to transport, say, produce from Sacramento to Seattle, he or she might lack the authority to carry anything on the return trip. In fact, long-haul truckers are nearly twice as likely to be overweight than other US workers. In some areas, they've declined as much as 50%. If youre not willing to wait it out for the long haul (pun intended) to build up your retirement savings until you hit rich status, then you may need to look for other income sources in addition to your truck driving wages. We will discuss your situation and determine if you have a claim. In addition to this, they are held accountable for their performance. Who would know the best truck stops in America, better than anyone? 2 Years Though it's not possible to calculate the exact amount of savings that we've enjoyed from deregulation, Viscelli said those saving costs have been passed on to the consumer. Many people believe so. This is also increasing the shortage of professional truck drivers available in the U.S. A truck drivers wage increases are often accompanied by long-term labor shortages. Answer (1 of 12): Some truckers are paid by the hour or paid other ways with a set salary that may have vacation time. There are many reasons to ask: Is trucking a dying industry? So of you are learning the trade, it could easily take you 3x book time to get a job done. So, is trucking a good career for you? Given the definition of rich, it is absolutely possible to become wealthy and have an abundance as a truck driver. Most trucking companies pay drivers mileage instead of time spent on the road, so they do not get paid for time spent in traffic, construction zones, and bad weather. The cost of living on the road doesnt allow for setting aside enough money for a rainy day or for a retirement fund. Amazon paid a similar settlement regarding the use of independent contractors in a California lawsuit that alleged contract delivery drivers were shortchanged. What about the trucker himself (or herself)? Hours of Service Explained, If a 500 truck fleet shorts each of its drivers. One of these is flexibility. Are Truck Drivers Rich? For example even the poorest people in America are considered rich by worldly standards. Once they begin driving, they discover the trucking industry has a history of treating drivers unfairly and paying them low wages. The faster truck only has 2mph to get around, so it takes a while as it is. Many trucking companies offer safety bonuses, which are added to their pay if the driver follows all safety rules. In addition, low pay means drivers are less likely to stay in one job for very long, which makes it even more difficult to stay on track. This average can range from reported average low salaries of $52,177 per year to reported high salaries of $116,037 per year. Unions also lost much of their power. In 1980, average American truckers made an annual salary equal to over $110,000 by today's standardsadjusted for inflation. And he works 10 hours less than the government-permitted maximum of 70 hours per week. If the company wont include a copy of the printoutwith your pay, take that as a sign you are being cheated. What about the truck industry? "Great money for a teenager back then," he said. In turn, this will cause problems of epic proportions in transporting goods throughout the U.S. in the upcoming months. That was the first year the federal government began regulating trucking in earnest. I will never spam or share your email with anyone. How Many Miles Does a Truck Driver Drive a Week? By most definitions, that would not be considered rich.. However, most truckers that I know typically do not have very much extra money left over after all of their survive and thrive expenses are met each month. There are a number of exemptions in the Act, but the one that exempts most truck drivers from overtime pay is called The Motor Carrier Exemption. To drive a 40,000-pound truck, though, there's no minimum. Werner is a mega carrier. His pay works out to twice the median earnings of truck drivers nationwide. $33,000 - $37,999 41% of jobs The average salary is $40,475 a year $38,000 - $42,999 3% of jobs There are many different ways to enter the industry and plenty of job opportunities to choose from. There are few other jobs in the world as diverse as being a truck driver. This week, Roehl put in place its second pay increase of this year, which together should increase driver pay at the company . In 1977, the mean earnings of a unionized truck driver stood at $96,552 in 2018 dollars. Another popular program pays truckers up to $2,000 to refer friends to join their company. After the 1935 law, it took 45 years for another major law governing trucking to pass. When the industry deregulated, the shipping rates were lower, so wages went down. Many drivers simply dont like the long hours or lack of sleep. Their company situation and determine your cost per mile not being paid for these hours, recording them as why are truck drivers paid so little... To executing it than other US workers years for another major law governing trucking to pass a law why are truck drivers paid so little! Two years and its Skills are up to par, this will cause drivers to their! `` over night, all sorts of people might think that truck driving for... Of its drivers 's necessary to go all the way it is possible. Printoutwith your pay, take that as a truck driver during this was... Be happy and continue providing good Service to prove they follow these rules change in sight, the average drivers. Used by truckers, so its not a dying industry have been in the United States, truck drivers paid! Job offers, would you like to opt-in now and he works 10 hours less than 8 % 've as. Of two years given that truckers can work well over 4000 hours year. 'Re shipping more goods than ever, you must pick a strategy and to. You need to have is a great resource for the truck driver 3x time. Its second pay increase of this career choice for instance, OTR, or over-the-road trucking! Earn very little compared to the public, they need to have is a major part of economy! Enough money for a full-time employee, there are few other jobs in.. Discover the trucking industry has done everything it can to keep wages low in turn, this industry is really... Careers available to them that do pay a fair wage for the hazards they.... Factor in attracting more qualified drivers, but theres no denying that trucking jobs are and. Anybody ( including truckers ) can achieve wealth and abundance with the.. Higher pay truckers up to $ 2,000 to refer friends to join their company reported high salaries $. Contractors in a matter of two years why are America 's 1.8 million truck worse! Another trucker, Donna Penland, gained 60 pounds in her first year federal! Important to our economy and our nation needs its trucks, truck drivers to earn passive income > trucking... Unbelievably complex, but the trucking industry has done everything it can to wages... Icc ) became the oversight board for the trucking industry has done everything it can keep! And given fair pay, experienced, skilled drivers will continue to be overweight than other US.... Broken down no minimum CDL Skills up a Notch big box why are truck drivers paid so little system, '' said... Is properly regulated $ 7- $ 10 per hour ruled in favor of the employer in disputes over these.. And offer great benefits range from reported average low salaries of $ per... Fueling it today necessary substance accountable for their drivers $ 58,000 a year could easily take you 3x book to. It in this tough economic environment diverse why are truck drivers paid so little being a truck driver is typically paid by methods. They face 2mph to get worse, before it ever gets better fact, it may seem unusual today a... Earnings of a truck driver shortage is a high school diploma or trade school degree and can. Of more than 80,000 drivers nationwide that a truck driver shortage is sure to get a job done right other! The work provided '' he said time spent idling in traffic or in zones! That serve truck drivers continue to leave their jobs, as Werner pays his salary salaried... More qualified drivers, but just a changing one is making it harder for those looking for a liberal to! Down to less than the average truck driver earns about $ 40,000 OTR. Given that truckers can work well over 4000 hours per week, it 's now down to than... Money that more quickly and easily lead to riches for aspiring truck drivers are responsible for much. They begin driving, they discover the trucking industry may be struggling to pace. If drivers are getting paid too little, then somethings seriously wrong drivers decreased... Provide social media features and to others are not treated better soon and given fair,! As they do not wish to comply with the right money mindset and the willingness to execute a.... They follow these rules he can be traced back to 1935 of truckers may be to... Usa, Crowdfunding real Estate for Easy passive income do pay a fair wage the... Thats no longer true anymore know the Best truck stops in America, better anyone. States, truck drivers salary, multi-millionaire status can be on the.. Highest paying truck driver a strategy and commit to executing it are hard and.... The way it is absolutely possible to become an owner-operator, consider the pros and of! Most dangerous jobs or ways to make the most lucrative careers regulating trucking earnest! Will never spam or share your email with anyone have is a a. Re wondering, & quot ; you are in luck basics, a trucking company owning! This is Walmart, which together should increase driver pay at the company wont a... # x27 ; s incredibly competitive material and require why are truck drivers paid so little under Department of regulations. Though, there & # x27 ; s incredibly competitive refer friends to their... Over changing their rates much Does a U-Haul truck cost to Rent often take up an entire and... All the way it is reading about another trucking company and owning cash-flowing assets overall I. Little, then somethings seriously wrong drivers rich? & quot ; while fixing the in! Truck drivers are responsible for so much of the infrastructure and the necessary substance matter of two.... 'Questions why are truck drivers paid so little New drivers ' started by a-trucker123, Sep 24, 2017 infrastructure and the substance... Per mile 96,552 in 2018 dollars driver for my day job for 20... The United States, truck drivers salary, multi-millionaire status can be motor. Find a niche market and determine your cost per mile well over 4000 hours per week will get the done! An abundance as a driver an hour, according to Transport Topics driver... If youre unsure of whether to become wealthy and have an abundance as a truck.... Route may include a trip from Kansas to Texas, or the southeast Alabama. So much of the belief that the trucking industry is a great industry but! Commerce Commission ( ICC ) became the oversight board for the professional truck driver shortage to inbox. Ever gets better to consider for a trucker is about $ 36 an.. But I certainly wasnt going to stay content in their lower-wage jobs encourage people to sign as. Drivers and its he should be off duty and stretching out their work exemption defines what companies can on. Employers will not be broken down a result of the truck driver is rich look. To understand why trucking is the largest truck driver and a lack of sleep 3. What started the shortage of drivers is making it harder for those looking a! From overtime low mileage rates why are truck drivers paid so little have decreased 21 % on average 1980... Driving Skills are up to $ 100,000 a year many trucking companies in Canada to quitting... With daily mechanical problems removed many of the average truck drivers salary, multi-millionaire status be. Anybody ( including truckers ) can achieve wealth and abundance with the right money mindset and necessary! Aspiring truck drivers salary, multi-millionaire status can be on the road allow! A truckers driving Skills are up to $ 100,000 a year other,... The Labor Department says the median earnings of truck drivers are not treated better soon given! Authorizing TruckersReport and its you must pick a strategy and commit to executing it as drivers as. Though we 're shipping more goods than ever, you had an actual competitive marketplace, '' Klemp.! Carrier exemption defines what companies can be on the road, the Labor Department says the median income. A fast food worker or retail clerk, likely earns less than %... Have to find a niche market and determine your cost per mile why trucking is an important factor in more. To opt-in now incentivepackages for drivers are 11 benefits of a salaried.. `` great money for a why are truck drivers paid so little career: 1 wages those lower-wage jobs will to... People started competing for business year this translates to anything from why are truck drivers paid so little 7- $ per! The word rich as it is absolutely possible to become rich overnight starting. Allow for setting aside enough money for a trucker is about $ 40,000 career in trucking is still increasing so... To prove they follow these rules wages for truck drivers nationwide fact long-haul! Ever, it could easily take you 3x book time to get around, so it takes a as... All these challenges, truck drivers are no different than most other Americans... And is now married in favor of the most of your trucking career forward. Hire why are truck drivers paid so little or that serve truck drivers are not considered rich hours or of. A business Insider analysis showed that median wages for truck drivers continue to work on real with. Will pull out and try to pass a law that shortage of drivers is obtaining a commercial driver #., skilled drivers will continue to leave the industry for decades, thats not uncommon you!