Debunking Myths: Careers in Trucking

Myths and misconceptions are common, especially when it comes to something popular. 

The trucking industry experienced a boom during the COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in the need for new truck drivers. Many people enrolled in a truck driving school to become certified drivers during this time. They had to endure hearing the misconceptions that come with the profession such as the job being unsafe and having a low salary. 

The myths around trucking are mostly false. Keep reading as we debunk them - separating fact from fiction. 

Myth 1: The Pay is Bad

People assume that truck driving jobs don’t pay well and steer away from the profession. However, that is generally not the case. You will find thousands of drivers who have made a career out of driving trucks and earning well. 

According to Talent.ca, the annual truck driver salary ranges between $42,900 to $65,001. It varies based on experience and from one province to another. The salary falls well within the range of the national average salary. So, truck drivers earn enough to maintain a good standard of living. 

Myth 2: It is Boring

Driving for long hours with limited breaks sounds tiring and boring. But for most truck drivers, every trip is filled with excitement. There is a lot of planning that goes into driving trucks from mapping out your route to ensuring your truck is in order so there are no problems on the road. 

Even when you are on the road, you have to be alert at all times, plan each turn and avoid other vehicles and obstacles along the way. You have the radio, truck stops, and the constant need to keep your eye on the road to keep you entertained while you drive. The only way you will be bored as a truck driver is if you hate being out on the road. 

Myth 3: It is a “Man’s Job”

Most people think of a man when they think about a truck driver. The thought of a woman driving a truck doesn’t even cross their mind. 

Yes, being a truck driver might not be for everyone. Maybe you don’t like being out on the road for a long period or just prefer a desk job. But, when someone wants to join the profession, they can no matter their gender. 

The ratio of women to men truck drivers is low in Canada as women only make up 3.5% of the truck driver population. But you find more women taking up the profession in the past few years. 

Myth 4: There is no job security

The moment people hear about the lack of job security with a profession, they turn away from it. After all, the last thing you want is to have to change fields after you’ve invested so much money and time in one. 

The reason why many feel that there is no job security in trucking is that it is a specialised job that doesn’t necessarily have normal working hours. You don’t go in five or six days a week from 9 to 5. There is also concern about autonomous semi-trucks potentially taking truck driving jobs from humans. 

The current rise that we see in the trucking industry is here to stay. There has been an increase in demand for truck drivers, and that will remain. Most truck drivers have made a career out of the profession, working for decades. So, there is plenty of job security in the field, as long as you work hard and stay committed to driving. 

Myth 5: It is Unsafe

 This particular myth is partially true. There are safety hazards that come with being out on the road. Truck drivers need to be aware of the weather and road conditions to ensure they can drive safely. Most companies consider road conditions and give time off to drivers when they are bad. 

Besides road conditions, there are chances of theft. Trucks carrying specific goods may come under scrutiny or of interest to criminals, which may lead to attempted robbery and delays. But the chances of such incidents happening are low. 

Become a truck driver today!

The trucking industry continues to grow and with it, so does the need for new drivers. There is no time better than the present to take up the profession. Most of the bad you hear about it are purely misconceptions. Truck drivers are well paid, enjoy their job, and have job security. 

To learn more about how you can become a certified truck driver in Manitoba contact Professional Transport Driver Training School. You can inquire online or call us at 204-925-1587.