Truck driving doesn’t have the best reputation among some groups, especially when compared to what appear to be more “cushy” jobs. However, although automation is on the horizon, it is still in its infancy, and it will be a very long time before trucks are fully automated and driving without anyone in them. As a result, 2018 is as good a time as any to start a truck driving career, whether you’re a young millennial or a middle-aged person who’s feeling like a change of career.

Rising demand

When considering a truck driving career, remember that there are is a rising demand for truck drivers due to the fast-paced 24/7 lifestyle that we’re continually adopting, what with the days of 24/7 stores and same-day home deliveries being upon us. In fact, a 2017 report from the American Trucking Association states that the industry needs to hire approximately 900,000 more staff to meet rising demands. If you’re a good driver who is looking for a career which should be easy to get into and provide you with multiple benefits, you should certainly consider a truck driving career.

A need for younger drivers

The average age of those with a truck driving career is now 55 and rising, meaning that the majority of truck drivers on the roads are scarily close to retirement. Although a truck driving career is not an easy sell to the younger generations, the demand is certainly there and many fleets would be more than willing to bring the average age of their drivers down a little bit. Truck drivers also have to meet certain health requirements, and it’s often easier for younger people to meet such requirements.

Do bear in mind, however, that you need to be at least 21 if you want to cross many state lines. Nonetheless, Neil Abt, who is the Senior Editor over at Fleet Owner, has stated that the industry is trying to making it easier for younger truck drivers to join by creating: “graduated licensing programs that would allow 18-20-year-olds into the industry, as opposed to them starting a career elsewhere and being gone by the age of 21.”

There are many perks

The vast majority of large trucking companies offer their team a plethora of decent perks, tempting more and more people to start a truck driving career. For example, you will often receive a full pension, full healthcare, and a 401(k) which is matched by the company at hand.

It’s becoming more inclusive

Although the truck driving industry is traditionally male-dominated, 93% male dominated in fact, there are increasing efforts to get women involved in the field too. As Ellen Voie, President and CEO of the Women In Trucking Association (WIT) puts it, the industry is now much easier for women to work in:

“There’s very little physical exertion anymore. Even the hood releases and the dollies are hydraulic. You just push a button. There aren’t any challenges that women have that men don’t when it comes to the job.”

So, should you begin a truck driving career in 2018? You’re the ultimate judge of that. Just bear in mind that demand is rising, the perks are plentiful, and the technology is continually making drivers’ lives easier!