If you’re a truck driver, there are many ways to maximize your earnings and make the most out of your career.
Do you have your Class A CDL? Are you searching for ways to maximize your profits as a truck driver? If so, you’ve come to the right place!
This blog post answers questions about how much truck drivers make and gives ten tips on earning more money while driving. Whether you are an experienced truck driver with years under your belt or just starting, these tips will guide you to make the most of your career!
How much do truck drivers make?
As mentioned in the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, the median annual salary for truck drivers in the United States is $74,417. However, there is a broad income range, with the lowest 10 per cent earning less than $32,282 per year and the highest 10 per cent earning more than $102,322.
Salaries also vary depending on the type of goods transported and the distance you have driven. For example, long-haul truck drivers who transport goods over long distances typically earn higher salaries than those who make shorter trips. So generally, the compensation varies mainly on the type of goods and the trip’s length.
Tips to Increase Trucking Income
Several factors can affect how much money you earn as a truck driver. They include:
-
Take Up CDL Training
This training will help secure high-paying jobs with good companies. The perfect thing about this training is that it is inexpensive, and most schools will even offer job placement assistance after you complete the program.
-
Use CDL Endorsements:
You can get various CDL endorsements for your CDL license that will enable you to transport different types of cargo. Suppose you have more endorsements or approvals; you will have more job opportunities. Furthermore, some companies will pay a premium for drivers with specific endorsements. It will help increase your overall income.
-
Drive for a Company That Offers Bonuses and Incentives
One of the best ways to maximize your earnings is to drive for a company that offers bonuses and incentives. Some of the most common bonuses and incentives include mileage bonuses, safety bonuses, and referral Programs. Ask about these programs when you are interviewing with different trucking companies.
-
Get Paid for Your Experience
Many trucking companies will pay their drivers more if they have more experience. If you have been driving for a while, mention this when negotiating your pay rate with a potential employer.
-
Join a Union
If you are a truck driver, joining a union is one of the best ways to maximize your earnings. Unions represent workers in various industries and fight for their rights. Truck drivers who are members of unions earn higher wages and have better working conditions than those who are not.
-
Become an Owner-Operator
It is an excellent idea to become an owner-operator. Because owner-operators are independent contractors who own and operate their trucks, their pay is typically higher than drivers who work for trucking companies.
-
Haul High-Paying Loads
How much do truck drivers make? The answer to this question usually depends on the type of hauls the drivers make. Some of the most lucrative loads include hauling hazardous materials, oversize loads, and live animals. If you carry these loads, negotiate a higher pay rate with your employer.
-
Drive Extra Miles
When you want to earn more money as a truck driver, one of the best things you can do is drive extra miles. Many trucking companies will pay their drivers a bonus for driving additional miles. It is a perfect opportunity to earn extra money, so ask your employer if they offer this bonus.
-
Keep Your Truck in Good Condition
Keeping your truck in good condition is crucial to increasing your overall income. It comprises regularly maintaining and repairing your vehicle and keeping it clean. A well-maintained truck will likely break down less often, saving you time and money in the long run.
-
Protect Your Trucking Reputation
A good reputation is one of the most crucial things to have as a truck driver. If you want to maximize your earnings, it is essential to protect your reputation. It means driving safely and responsibly, being courteous to other drivers, and meeting your delivery deadlines.
You can do various things to maximize your earnings as a truck driver. By following the tips listed above, you will be on your way to earning more money. Remember, the more experience you have, the more job opportunities are available.