It is a fact that some people join the trucking industry without any expectation of earning money. They joined it just to be on the road and experience the joy and challenges that come along with it.
However, people like these are very few in number.
Normally, almost everyone chooses the trucking career to make money.
Now, the question that might come to your mind is: what is the average annual salary of a trucker? Is it true that the salary also depends on the kind of truck a driver is driving?
In this blog, we will unravel the mystery of how a truck driver is paid. We will also discuss the types of trucks that rule the trucking industry.
So, if you’re planning to start your career in the trucking industry, read our blog to get a clear picture of what to expect from this career.
The average truck driver's salary
You won't be able to figure out what a trucker's average salary is because it depends on so many different things.
But it is being noted that commercial truckers earn, on average, $20.49 per hour.
Moreover, a driver who is HazMat certified earns 34% more than normal truck drivers, and OTR (over the road) drivers also earn more than regional drivers, on average $56,818 per year.
Bonuses are not included in these national average rates.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics gives similar numbers. The average hourly wage for tractor-trailer drivers is $22.66, no matter where they work or how much experience they have.
New truck driver vs. experienced truck driver salaries
We are all aware that when we are new to something, we will learn. It is always our experience that gives wings to our earning capabilities.
A new trucker earns about $20.40 an hour. This pay is actually training pay in many cases, as rookie drivers choose to go to driving school for training and licensure.
Once the driver is fully trained and licensed, then your actual pay will depend on where you get the job and whether you become an independent owner-operator.
But generally speaking, an experienced truck driver makes more money than a new driver, and especially the ones who hold certifications.
So, if a trucker levels up with his skills from time to time, then you will be able to make really good money in a few years.
With time and experience, you can also find ways to increase your pay by taking advantage of mileage-based earnings.
CDL vs. non-CDL truck driver salaries
For any trucking job, one must have the CDL (commercial driver’s license), but there are some trucking companies that hire drivers for certain jobs without the CDL, which is generally not recommended.
If something goes wrong, the Department of Transportation (DOT) will look into it and may take legal action; if you are found guilty, you will be penalized.
Even if they are just starting out, CDL truck drivers make more than drivers who don't have a CDL.
Thus, go to driving school, earn your CDL, and become a well-paid legal truck driver.
OTR trucker’s salary
Many people consider OTR trucking to be typical truck driving. OTR drivers frequently travel for up to four weeks at a time while working alone or in two-person teams to cover enormous distances. OTR drivers require a Class A, B, or C CDL license, depending on the exact machinery they will be driving. A HAZMAT (hazardous materials) endorsement is also an option, and it pays more. Cost per mile, or CPM, is the unit of measurement used to describe an OTR truck driver's wage, together with bonuses.
As an OTR truck driver, you can earn a nice living, but you need to be aware of the potential threats to your income. Pay close attention to federally imposed hours of service restrictions that have an impact on how much driving you can do each day and each week. Consider the effects of delays as well (sometimes referred to as "detentions" in the trucking business). Even bad weather and bad road maintenance can affect how much money you make in the end.
Owner-operator’s salary
One of the best ways to earn a good living as a truck driver is to become an owner-operator. According to Indeed.com, the average owner-operator salary is around $290,000 per year. But there are a few limitations. Your income will solely depend on how much you bring in (revenue) compared to how much you spend (expenses).
Owner-operators incur overhead costs such as the price of buying or leasing a truck (together with yearly maintenance fees), as well as the price of fuel, insurance, and, of course, taxes. You'll be in charge of locating your own clients (including covering client acquisition fees) and settling your own prices in the meantime. There are several strategies you may use to increase your income while reducing your spending, but ultimately, the onus is all on you. Depending on your personality and sales abilities, this may or may not be a good thing.
Small vs. large company trucking salaries
If you're looking for a job as a truck driver, go for a business that has a solid reputation. Large businesses typically have a lot of extra money available, but how they use it depends on the company. Small businesses tend to spend every dollar they have on training their drivers.
Highest income potential for truck drivers by freight types
There are many factors that influence a truck driver's salary, but one of them is the type of freight they haul.
Check out here to know the kind of cargo and the rates you might earn.
LTL
Less than truckload freight, or LTL freight, describes shipments that don't fill the vehicle to the brim. There are no minimum size limits for traditional LTL. Volume LTL must weigh at least 5,000 pounds, have a minimum of six pallets, and range in size from 12 to 32 cubic feet. The carrier then creates a full truckload by combining these smaller loads from various shippers. Both can be used by truck drivers to fill their vehicles and cut down on deadhead miles.
Flatbed
Instead of conventional enclosed trailers, flatbed truck drivers tow flat, open trailers. These are excellent for moving objects that are unusually shaped or proportioned, but they present additional driving difficulties. You must make sure the load is supported and weather-protected. These extra duties necessitate a certain skill set and may increase income.
Dry Van
Dry van trailers are simply vehicles for moving boxes without air conditioning. Though there are also small 28-foot trailers, they commonly range in length from 48 to 53 feet. Liquor, medical supplies, and auto parts are just a few non-perishable items that shippers prefer for dry van delivery since it is cost-effective. Typically, there is an abundant supply of dry van loads. As of January 9, 2023, the average annual pay for a dry van driver in the US is around $63,956 a year.
Reefer
A reefer is a refrigerated trailer that is used to carry perishable items like milk, meat, or some pharmaceuticals that need to be kept cold or frozen. Reefer trucks can be more difficult to maintain than dry vans because the cooling system needs to be kept in peak condition. However, it may also result in increased remuneration.
Heavy Haul
Heavy haul loads are made up of overweight and/or enormous things, such as heavy-duty military equipment or aircraft parts. To transport large weights, you'll require specialized tools and additional authorizations or certifications. To plan safe routes, organize for escorted cars, or temporarily elevate electrical lines, you might also need to collaborate with a number of experts. A heavy-duty truck typically pays well to cover these additional jobs.
Hot Shot
Hotshot truckers transport small, urgent loads. Hotshot truckers, as opposed to fast shippers, use load boards to find jobs whenever they have the time, rather than keeping vehicles on reserve for specific loads. Due to shippers' frequent willingness to pay more to transport products quickly, hot shot rates can be high.
So, are you ready to start your career in trucking and upgrade your life? Are you ready to work with the highest paying truck loads?
If, yes! Then don’t wait; get up and take charge of your life.
Trucker Social is always there to guide you.