Over the past 25 years, our instructors at Northern Colorado Truck Driving Academy (NCTDA) have heard every myth and misconception about truck driving. We’re here to set the record straight about the most popular misunderstandings, including: being away for long periods of time, low pay, difficulty finding a job, loneliness, and a tough training schedule.
Myth 1: Truckers are away from home for weeks.
Many people don’t pursue truck driving because they don’t want to be away from their family and friends for days or weeks on end. In reality, in Colorado, the vast majority of truck drivers sleep in their own beds every night. In fact, out of all of our NCTDA graduates, 90% go home to their families every night.
This misconception stems from the two types of truck drivers: long-haul and short-haul. Long-haul or over-the-road (OTR) drivers transport goods across state lines. This type of work can lead a driver to be states away for several days. However, when they return home, they often get an extended break to make up for time away from home.
Short-haul drivers, on the other hand, work locally. They often drive the same routes, allowing them to become familiar with their territory and the roads. Many work typical working hours, allowing them to spend evenings with their loved ones.
Myth 2: Pay is low.
Certified truck drivers can make a very good living. Our brand new NCTDA graduates earn an average of $70,000 to $90,000 a year right after graduating from our program. This isn’t including benefits, which can quickly take the total value past six figures.
As a truck driver earns experience, they can shift into more specialized roles such as hazmat, livestock, or tanker truck driving. In Colorado, more experienced drivers also have the opportunity to take on more difficult routes, including driving through the mountains. Moving into any of these positions can significantly increase a driver’s pay.
Myth 3: It’s difficult to get a job without experience.
Some people get discouraged because they think it will take months or years to work up enough driving time to get a job as a truck driver. This isn’t the case. After you complete your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) training and testing, you can begin applying for well-paid positions right away.
The ease of finding a job often comes down to networking. At NCTDA, for example, we work with 65 local employers who are actively hiring recent CDL graduates. This gives our students a leg-up in securing work after completing their CDL training.
Myth 4: Truck driving is lonely.
Some workers are energized by being around others. For these people, the thought of sitting in a truck alone all day sounds daunting. This is again leaning into the stereotype that all truck driving is long-haul.
Instead, many local drivers’ days are full of small interactions. This can include talking with customers at pick-up and drop-off and checking in with supervisors.
Technology has also completely changed how truck drivers communicate. Hands-free gear allows drivers to connect with other drivers, dispatchers, and loved ones while on the road. These communications, along with endless options for podcasts, music, and audiobooks, can make a driver’s job feel more connected than ever.
Myth 5: The training to become a truck driver is complicated.
Many people assume that the training process to become a truck driver is long, and the certification process is difficult and complicated. At NCTDA, we’ve curated our training to prepare drivers for every step of the truck driving certification process: getting your DOT medical card, UA screening, permit, and more. Our experienced instructors provide one-on-one, hands-on driving instructions to help you feel confident about your driving ability.
For a Class A CDL, a new driver can be certified in as little as three to four weeks. For a Class B or passenger/bus CDL, the training can be completed in just three or four days. We know the test is the nerve-wracking part, so we do everything in our power to help our students feel prepared for their exam.
Choose a CDL Training Program That Has Your Back
At NCTDA, we’ve been setting truck drivers up for success for 25 years. If you want to enroll in high-quality CDL courses with experienced professionals, reach out to us today. Let us show you how a career in truck driving could be the perfect profession for you.