Three Different Jobs Truckers Can Do

1. What Sorts of Non-Driving Tasks Do Truck Drivers Perform?
2. Bus Driver
3. Types of bus driving jobs
4. Benefits of being a bus driver
5. Delivery Driver
6. Why should I become a delivery driver?
7. It's easy money
8. Flexible hours
9. Construction Equipment Operator
10. The Implications of High Automation on Trucking
11. Final Thoughts

Truck drivers have various opportunities to supplement their income with side occupations. However, not everyone is aware of how to discover these possibilities.

In this post, we'll go over three different jobs truckers can do to earn extra income. We'll also talk about why each job has its pros and cons and how to get started with each opportunity.

Read on if you're looking for a new way to make money.

What Sorts of Non-Driving Tasks Do Truck Drivers Perform?

A large percentage of truck drivers do non-driving work. In fact, it's been found that about 80% of truck drivers spend up to a few hours per day performing non-driving tasks.

These include loading and unloading freight, delivering packages, picking up supplies, and even cleaning and repairing trucks. This makes sense since many such jobs can often be done while waiting for a load or delivery.

See below for three jobs that truckers can use their skills to transition into without much delay or learning.

1. Bus Driver:

The world of bus driving is vast and diverse. From high school students to retirees, there are plenty of opportunities for those interested in becoming bus drivers.

But before you start looking into getting one of these positions, it helps to know exactly what you're signing up for. Here's everything you need to know about bus driving:

Types of bus driving jobs

There are several types of bus driving jobs. Depending on where you live and what type of route you take, you might find yourself driving school buses, charter buses, intercity buses, commuter buses, sightseeing tours, or even tourist vans.

Benefits of being a bus driver

Being a bus driver offers several benefits. First off, you'll earn a decent living. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median yearly earnings for bus drivers in the US was $29,690.

Additionally, you'll be exposed to new places and cultures. Finally, you'll be able to see beautiful sights while traveling throughout the country.

2. Delivery Driver

Many people don't know what it takes to become a delivery driver. Some people may think that all you have to do is pick up packages and drop them off at people's houses. And yet, there is so much more to it than that.

After reading this, you'll better understand how delivery drivers make a living, as well as some compelling arguments for exploring this career path for yourself.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary of a delivery driver is about $28,000 per year. However, that amount varies depending on where you live and whether or not you drive an independent contractor vehicle.

Why should I become a delivery driver?

If you're considering becoming a delivery driver, here are three main reasons why you should.

It's easy money

One reason why so many people choose to become delivery drivers is that they enjoy making money. After all, who doesn't love being paid for doing something they enjoy?

Plus, you won't have to deal with any paperwork or taxes if you work for a company. That means you can spend more time enjoying life and less time worrying about paying bills.

Flexible hours

Another benefit of working as a delivery driver is that you get to set your own hours. This means you can decide when you want to go to sleep at night and wake up in the morning.

If you prefer to work during the day, you can do that too. The only downside is that you may have to wait until later in the evening to pick up orders.

3. Construction Equipment Operator

Many truckers have the necessary license required for the construction equipment operator. Examples of such equipment include tractors, bulldozers, excavators, cranes, loaders, skid steer attachments, telehandlers, and wheel loaders, as well as graders, rollers, and compactors.

Construction uses a variety of heavy machinery, such as dump trucks, motor graders, asphalt pavers, concrete mixers, and cement mixers. Each machine needs its own class. Tractors need class B licenses, whereas loaders need class G.

State licensing requirements vary. Some states need three years of experience before granting a CDL. Others need a written and road exam before granting a CDL. After that, you must renew every five years.

Construction equipment operator remuneration varies by location. PayScale reports a construction equipment operator's typical hourly wage is $18.50 to $24.90. North Dakota pays the most at $22.60 per hour. California pays $17.30 per hour.

Every state has construction equipment operators. Cities have the most jobs. New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, Houston, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, Boston, Washington DC, and Minneapolis employ many construction equipment workers.

The Implications of High Automation on Trucking

Trucking companies are using automated driving technology. 40% of truckers surveyed believe autonomous vehicles would be ubiquitous within 15 years. Most research on self-driving cars focuses on long-distance travel, not city streets.

Most of these companies are focusing on long-haul or interstate trucking. Therefore there will be fewer short-haul jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics expects the number of truck drivers to expand by 5% per decade through 2026. The BLS anticipates population growth to fuel the growth, not hiring.

Level 4 automated trucks will affect 420,000 truck drivers or 30% of active US truck drivers. In normal situations, these vehicles will operate automatically. However, they still require manual intervention from the driver for planning, loading, and unloading.

About 310,000 are for-hire freight workers, such as owner-operators, contractors, brokers, shippers, carriers, etc. This group represents the majority of automated truck drivers.

Final Thoughts

Truckers are skilled workers who can easily transition to other career paths outside the trucking industry should they want to.

Truck drivers are ready to go in many careers, including bus driving, construction equipment operations, and delivery driving services. This is good news as many trucking jobs are expected to go with the introduction of automation down the line.

In conclusion, trucking jobs aren't always glamorous. But if you have the right attitude, they can be rewarding and fun. And if you like being outdoors, driving long distances, and working hard, then trucking may be the perfect job for you.

If you are interested in furthering your career as a trucker, or if you want to learn more about jobs related to trucking that you could take up, reach out to A1 Auto Transport today. We have a comprehensive staff of well-trained and happy professional truckers who are always happy to welcome more skilled workers to our company.