The American Trucking Association projects that trucking freight will have volume growth of 3.4% for 2018-2023. If you are thinking of a trucking career and how best to keep pace with this growth, we have some insights that will help you navigate your options.

Drive Your Trucking Career Forward

Are you fascinated by big rigs? Have you hoped to become a truck driver since you were a toddler? Now that you’re ready to make your childhood dream come true, what type of driving career do you want?

Like most things in life, starting your career is not easy. There are many factors to consider before you take a job as a truck driver. Asking some questions ahead of time helps you determine where and how you want to work, which in turn, will determine just how happy and successful you will be in your career.

Here are few things every new truck driver should consider:

• What days and how many hours do you prefer to work?
• Do you want to be on the road for long periods of time?
• Would you like regular time off to spend with your family?
• How much money would you like to earn? Are you in debt?
• Are you a self-starter? Are you a risk taker?
• Do you chafe under the someone else’s rules?
• What are your long-term career and financial goals?

Answering these questions will help you decide whether you want to drive for a fleet company or become an owner operator. The accompanying chart developed by InstaPay compares the work hours, responsibilities, financial factors and more for fleet drivers and owner operators. There is no correct answer here; the option that feels right for your situation is the right choice for you. And remember: you can always change the direction of your career as you drive into your future!