Myth: Truckers cause lots of accidents.
Fact: Truckers are 3 times less likely to have an accident and over 60% of accidents that do occur involving semis are caused by other drivers. Most commonly it is because of other drivers driving in blind spots or abruptly braking in front of them.
Myth: Trucking isn’t for women.
Fact: Like many jobs, the trucking community is becoming more and more diverse every day. There are over 300,000 Class A CDL women truckers. That is barely over 7% of the driver workforce, but that number is steadily increasing. As a matter of fact, women are 4 times more likely than to pass their CDL certification tests on their first attempt.
Myth: Being a truck driver is easy.
Fact: Yes and No. Just complete and pass your training and CDL test first, which isn’t hard if you have had the proper training. To be a good truck driver you need only uphold the law, work hard, and commit to doing a good job.
Trucking, just like any kind of driving, takes constant focus on the road, and can be very mentally taxing. While working long hours truckers must be in complete control of a multi-ton piece of metal flying at high speeds down the highway. Some trucking jobs require a driver to load and unload freight, but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be to physically taxing.
Myth: Truckers are hardcore scary.
Fact: Truckers are people, and they are good people, in fact they are well documented “Good Samaritans”, who are often the first to stop when they see a collision or motorist in trouble. Today truckers have groups and associations that they are a part of that focus on helping on and off the road. Some of these are:
Myth: Drivers aren’t skilled.
Fact: Drivers take their job seriously, they understand the responsibility they have out on the road. They want to deliver our goods efficiently and make it to the next stop safe. They get up for work every morning and work hard to meet deadlines. Truckers are some of the most reliable and committed people you’ll ever meet. Trucking is more than a job for most, involving a commitment to their trade which encompasses their entire lives.
Myth: Truckers are poor and dirty.
Fact: A truck driver makes a pretty good living, often exceeding 60K a year. Truck drivers are skilleds and they are out there representing their companies. They may be driving longer each day than the average person, but that doesn’t mean that they are living in their truck. Even on long hauls drivers don’t have to look far to find a truck stop with showers and laundry facilities.
Myth: Drivers are partiers.
Fact: Drivers are held to a pretty high standard these days. Clean driving records are a prerequisite to being and staying a truck driver. Truckers are additionally required to take regular drug tests and can’t have any major marks on their driving records. These expectations are set by their employers and insurance companies.
Myth: Truckers spend days without sleeping.
Fact: Seriously? Don’t be dumb.
