How modern truck driving offers long-term career opportunities

“Truck driving is absolutely a skill. It requires training and development. And some segments, such as timber transportation, require exceptionally skilled drivers who know how to manoeuvre heavy loads in difficult conditions.

“But the drivers who really excel are those that acquire specialised skills in addition to driving. For example, being able to operate auxiliary equipment like loading cranes, high vacuum hoses or hydraulic pumps. Good people skills and the ability to build relations with customers are also valuable. Overall, there is a broad range of skills you can develop so that you’re not just hauling goods from A to B.”

“Again, those that really excel in this industry are those that can acquire new skills and take on highly specialised roles. For example, a driver who can perform basic vehicle repairs, like changing a leaking hydraulic hose, can be incredibly valuable for a business that operates in remote areas as it saves them downtime and maximises productivity. Many specialised roles can be hard to fill, which creates opportunities for drivers to secure good salaries and excellent job security.”

Good people's skills and social interaction are increasingly important for modern-day truck drivers.

“This might have been true in the past, but modern trucks and trailers have improved significantly in recent decades. Trailers are made from lighter materials like aluminum, and everything is designed to make it much easier to operate. The equipment for loading and unloading is better too, and no longer requires a lot of physical strength. 

“Driving and maneuvering a truck is less strenuous, thanks to advances in power steering, and changing gears and braking require less effort. Inside the cab, it is now far more comfortable with less noise, fewer vibrations, and better ergonomics. It is still a physical job, but it is nowhere near as strenuous as it has been. And for a lot of people, getting some physical exercise compared to working in the office is a good thing.”

“These days drivers have more choice in terms of work shifts and finding a schedule that best fits their lifestyle. Increasingly transport companies are operating trucks out of the same depot, so the driver leaves and returns to the same place in one shift and can return home every night. Not only does this make it easier to find drivers, but it also increases the utilization of the truck.

“There are still long-haul shifts around, where a driver can be away for long periods, but then they are compensated with time off. For example, being away for four days and then getting four days off. And for some drivers, this actually suits them and gives them an even better work-life balance.

“There are different options available, and if you’re a well-established driver with a good reputation, it becomes easier to find a work schedule that provides you with the optimal balance.”

Truck cabs are increasingly high-tech workspaces, with drivers needing to be proficient with a range of digital tools.

“That’s completely false. There is not a single part of the job that women cannot do just as effectively. With the way trucks and trailers are designed these days, and all the loading equipment that is available, the job no longer requires excessive physical strength. Even in the past, when truck driving was more physically demanding, there were female drivers, and now the industry is even more accessible.”