Driving a commercial semi-truck can be a fantastic career for the right people. It lets you be your own boss, work independently, explore the country, and work in an industry with plenty of demand. However, driving a semi-truck also comes with its challenges.

While most people can pick up the skills and knowledge required for being a semi-truck driver, there are certain personality traits you’ll need to have to be successful in this industry. This guide explores some of the main requirements of being a semi-truck driver, including the pros and cons of this career path.

What Does a Semi-Truck Driver Do?

A semi-truck driver is a professional truck driver responsible for operating large commercial vehicles called semi-trucks. This typically involves transporting goods long distances and requires a specialized commercial driving license (CDL).

While that definition of a semi-truck driver is incredibly straightforward, a lot goes into driving and handling semi-truck deliveries.

Being a professional truck driver involves much more than having good driving skills and a basic understanding of commercial vehicle mechanics. Drivers play a vital role in the supply chain of many different industries, and they need to have a range of skills to help them remain successful on long trips.

Let’s list some of these commercial truck drivers’ main tasks and responsibilities.

Driving and Navigation

The primary responsibility of a semi-truck driver is to drive the semi-truck, or tractor-trailer, between goods. This is to transport goods from one place to the next.

Driving a semi-truck is challenging and involves navigating various terrains, highways, and urban areas. You’ll need to adhere to all local traffic laws and safety regulations. You’ll also need to understand the goods you’re hauling and ensure you drive safely so as not to damage these goods.

Loading and Unloading

Sometimes, semi-truck drivers may be responsible for loading and unloading cargo onto the trailer. However, at many shipping and receiving points, some specialized workers handle these tasks.

Whatever the case, truck drivers must have a solid understanding of the cargo they’re carrying and how to handle it. If the truck driver is responsible for handling the cargo, then they’ll need to have the right cargo handling equipment available.

Inspecting the Vehicle

Before starting a journey, the driver must perform pre-trip inspections to ensure the semi-truck works properly. This includes checking the brakes, tires, lights, and other essential components.

Being a semi-truck driver means you have a great deal of responsibility for managing an expensive vehicle.

Truck drivers should have a good basic knowledge of how their vehicle works and what the different components of the vehicle do. This will help you identify issues like bad shocks or a bad starter before they become serious problems.

Planning Routes

Drivers must plan their routes efficiently to reach their destination on time while considering road conditions, traffic, and weather.

The more experienced you are as a commercial driver, the better you’ll get at planning routes efficiently. While you can use GPS systems to help with this process, having plenty of experience driving the same routes enables you to make smarter decisions.

Of course, you’ll need to ensure that any route you take suits the size of your commercial truck.

Maintaining Records

Semi-truck drivers must keep accurate records of their driving hours, mileage, fuel consumption, and any incidents during their trips. This documentation is crucial for regulatory compliance and employer records.

For example, you might have to deal with a semi-truck accident or any unplanned incident on the road. Dealing with commercial insurance companies will require detailed records of the incident.

Following Regulations

Driving a semi-truck is different from driving a regular car. Truck drivers must adhere to various regulations, including hours of service rules, which dictate how long they can drive and when they need to take rest breaks to prevent fatigue.

This is all covered when you take your commercial driving license test. However, you must stay current with regulations in each state, as driving laws can differ from place to place.

Communication

Communication is vital for truck drivers. They need to stay in touch with dispatchers, shipping and receiving personnel, and their employers to provide updates on their progress and any potential issues.

Driving a truck is not just about moving goods from place to place – it’s about being a vital part of the supply chain. Many depend on semi-truck drivers to make timely deliveries, so keeping everyone updated is essential.

Safety and Security

Semi-truck drivers need to prioritize safety on the road. This means ensuring their cargo is secure and properly loaded to prevent accidents and damage during transit. It also means driving safely and considering all other road users.

Routine Maintenance

You can only be a semi-truck driver if you have excellent time management skills. Long-haul trucking often involves tight delivery schedules, so effective time management is crucial for meeting deadlines and customer expectations.

You’ll also need to keep calm under pressure, as you never know what could happen on the road that shortens your delivery schedule.

Time Management

You can’t be a semi-truck driver if you don;lt have great time management skills. Long-haul trucking often involves tight delivery schedules, so effective time management is crucial for meeting deadlines and customer expectations.

You’ll also need to be able to keep calm under pressure, as you never know what could happen on the road that shortens your delivery schedule.

Pros of Being a Semi-Truck Driver

Being a semi-truck driver may not be easy, but it’s a rewarding career for the right people. Here are some of the main advantages of becoming a semi-truck driver.

Job Stability

The trucking industry plays a crucial role in transporting goods across the country, so there’s always plenty of demand for truck drivers.

As long as you have proven yourself as a reliable semi-truck driver, work should always be available. This means truck driving can provide excellent job stability and security. The demand for truck drivers is continually growing.

Earning Potential

There’s no cap on what a semi-truck driver can earn. Experienced truck drivers who manage busy delivery schedules can earn a great income. Long-haul truck drivers could earn more due to longer distances and higher mileage pay.

There are also many different types of semi-truck businesses you could run. Once you’ve bought a semi-truck and have some experience in the logistics industry, many doors open up for career opportunities.

Independence

You’ll often work independently as a truck driver, spending long hours on the road without constant supervision. While this isn’t everyone’s ideal work environment, many people love it.

Being a semi-truck driver is an excellent solution if you want to be your own boss, work independently, and not worry about annoying coworkers or office politics.

Travel Opportunities

Forget about sitting behind a desk all day – being a semi-truck driver means you could travel all over the country.

Truck driving allows you to travel to different places and experience diverse landscapes and cultures all the time. No two days are the same, so it’s a great career path for anyone with a sense of adventure.

Quick Entry

Compared to many other professions, becoming a truck driver requires less time for training and certification.

You only need the correct commercial driving license to start hauling your first delivery. Of course, buying a truck and building up a client base may take a bit longer, but with the right approach, getting started as a truck driver can be much quicker than in many other industries. Instead of qualifications, hands-on experience matters the most.

Cons of Being a Semi-Truck Driver

While driving semi-trucks can be a fantastic career path, it also comes with challenges. Here are some main reasons that put people off becoming semi-truck drivers.

Extended Hours and Time Away

The biggest con of becoming a semi-truck driver is spending extended periods on the road.

The long hours spent truck driving can lead to fatigue and reduced time with family and friends. Long-haul drivers need to spend extended periods away from home, which can quickly result in burnout.

However, there are options for semi-truck drivers to run shorter routes to avoid extended time away from home.

Health and Safety Risks

Driving a truck involves spending long hours sitting still in a chair. If you can’t exercise enough or eat healthy meals, this could cause some health concerns.

Commercial truck driving can also be hazardous, with many potential risks from accidents, adverse weather conditions, and other road users. If you aren’t prepared for all driving conditions or start getting tired behind the wheel, you face severe safety hazards.

Isolation and Loneliness

Spending extended periods alone on the road can make semi-truck drivers feel isolated and lonely. If you’re a particularly social person, driving a semi-truck might not be for you – especially if you plan long-haul trips.

Regulations and Stress

Truck drivers must adhere to strict regulations concerning driving hours, rest breaks, and cargo transportation. Violating these regulations can lead to fines or legal consequences.

Truck drivers who aren’t good at managing their schedules could be tempted to overlook specific regulations that could put them in danger.

How to Become a Semi-Truck Driver

Becoming a semi-truck driver is a fairly straightforward process. While the exact steps may look slightly different based on the type of truck you drive, where you operate, and what you plan to carry, here is a general outline of the process:

• Basic requirements: First, you must be at least 18 or 21 years old for interstate driving. You’ll need a clean driving record and might have to pass a background check and drug screening.
• Get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL): To operate a semi-truck, you’ll need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). You’ll first need to get a CDL learner’s permit, then enroll in a CDL training program at truck driving school. After completing the CDL skills test, you can obtain your license. The exact process and rules for getting these licenses can differ from state to state.
• Gain experience: Most trucking companies require some driving experience before hiring new drivers. You’ll start in entry-level positions, like local delivery or short-haul routes, to gain experience.
• Consider endorsements: Endorsements extend the possibilities of your CDL and truck driving career. Consider obtaining extra endorsements on your CDL to expand your job opportunities, such as HazMat (Hazardous Materials), Tanker, and Doubles/Triples.
• Apply for jobs: Being a semi-truck driver involves spending plenty of time applying for truck driving jobs that match your qualifications and preferences. Understand the different types of trucking jobs, such as long-haul, regional, and local routes, and consider specializing in a specific area.

The more experience you build up as a professional truck driver, the easier it will be to take on more jobs, start a semi-truck business, and make more money.

Conclusion

There are many different avenues potential truck drivers can follow. This includes driving short local routes or hauling goods across the country.

Whatever type of semi-truck business you get involved in, it’s important to understand the pros and cons of being a driver and exactly what is required in driving professionally. Becoming a truck driver can be highly rewarding if you can work with the cons of this career.

One of the most important steps in developing your semi-truck career is owning your semi-truck. This can help you become your own boss and start working on your own terms.

At Mission Financial Services, we help all kinds of drivers secure financing for their ideal semi-truck. Get in touch to see how we can help boost your professional driving career.

Looking to get cheap semi-truck insurance but unsure whether it’s worth it? The answer depends on the value the commercial truck policy offers and how well it suits your trucking insurance needs.

Cheap commercial truck insurance might be worthwhile if it provides all the protection your trucking business requires and remains reasonably priced.

To find affordable commercial truck insurance for your trucking business, examine the following:

• Average commercial truck insurance cost
• Type of coverage required
• Rating factors for determining commercial trucking insurance cost

Also, there are a few things you can do to get high-quality trucking insurance at reduced rates.

How Much Truck Does Commercial Insurance Cost?

Commercial truck insurance costs about $736 monthly for specialty truckers and around $1,125 monthly for transport truckers. That’s approximately $8,832 and $13,500 annually for top commercial insurance companies.

Other insurance companies set their national average monthly cost lower–between $250 and $450. If you’re a leased owner-operator, expect to pay around $3000 to $5000 annually to insure your tractor-trailer and about $1600 for your truck driver.

If you’re an owner-operator with your own authority, you’ll pay more (about $9000 and $12,000 annually). For owner-operators who are a new authority, insurance cost increases further to nearly $16,000 annually.

Cheap semi-truck insurance falls on the lower end of the estimated average prices. However, the exact amount you’ll pay varies based on the type of coverage you need and the rating factors for different insurance companies.

What Type Of Commercial Trucking Insurance Coverage Do You Need?

Commercial truck insurance covers costs of injury, property damage, and other losses from accidents involving your truck. There are different types of trucking insurance coverage options to help pay for these costs and more, including:

Primary Liability

Primary liability coverage pays for an injured party’s medical bills resulting from an accident caused by one of your truck drivers.

The insurance company also covers all the repair costs for damages incurred on the injured party’s vehicle. But it won’t cover your driver’s medical bills or your truck’s damages. For this, you’ll require additional coverage, like physical damage.

Insurance cost for primary liability coverage ranges from $5000 to $7000 annually.

Physical Damage Coverage

Unlike primary liability coverage, physical damage coverage pays for all the damage and losses your commercial vehicle might face while on the road. This includes collision and non-collision damages. That is damages and losses from crashes, theft, vandalism, and harsh weather.

Physical damage coverage costs between $1000 and $3000 annually.

Medical Payments

Medical payments truck insurance covers the medical expenses of all parties injured in an accident caused by your truck. This includes you, your drivers, and your passengers.

Non-Trucking Liability Coverage

Non-trucking liability insurance covers you when using your truck for non-business purposes. Say you got into an accident while driving your truck for grocery shopping: A non-trucking liability will cover the medical and property damage expenses. It costs about $400 annually.

Motor Truck Cargo Coverage

Insurance companies offer truck cargo insurance policies to cover the freight for-hire truckers’ transport during transit. Most fleet managers require transport truckers to insure their freight in transit. Truck cargo insurance offers protection in case of an incident, like a fire or spilled cargo.

The cost of cargo insurance for several commercial insurance companies ranges from $400 to $1800 annually.

Bobtail Insurance

Driving your semi-truck without its trailer is known as deadheading or bobtailing. Motor carriers require Semi-truck owner-operators who make such trips to have bobtail insurance coverage. It often costs around $350 to $400 annually.

General Liability

General liability coverage pays for injuries or property damages that are work-related but not directly connected to driving your truck. These might include accidents that happen on your business premises or on a motor carrier or for-hire trucker causes away from your physical location.

A few scenarios general liability insurance covers include:

• Property damage and bodily injury liability coverage: Liability protection when an incident at work (covered in the policy) causes property damage or physical injuries to someone. For example, a customer getting injured in a slip-and-fall accident on your premises
• Personal and advertising injury liability: Coverage for non-physical injury due to a motor carrier’s negligence
• Products/ completed operations: Covers property damage or bodily injury resulting from erroneously delivering another person’s goods.

General liability insurance costs between $500 and $600 annually.

Commercial Truck Insurance Rating Factors To Consider

Commercial trucking insurance companies calculate your commercial truck insurance rates based on the following factors:

Government Requirements

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets a minimum coverage all truckers must meet, depending on a vehicle’s weight and the freight hauled.

If your vehicle weighs over 10,001 pounds and you transport non-hazardous freight across state lines, FMCSA requires $750,000 combined single limit (CSL) coverage. This means your commercial truck insurance should be able to pay up to $750,000 in combined bodily injury and property damages in an accident.

Private carriers and other for-hire truckers moving hazardous materials must meet $5,000,000 minimum CSL coverage.

USDOT Authority

If you operate under your authority, your USDOT operating history will affect your commercial truck insurance rates. A high crash history might increase your rates.

Operating Radius

Commercial truck drivers who travel across states pay higher rates than those who operate locally.

Cargo

Transporting some cargo is riskier than others, and insurance providers consider this when calculating commercial insurance rates. For instance, insuring a semi-truck moving heavy farm equipment or more dangerous cargo will likely cost more than insuring another truck moving consumer products, like shoes. The higher the risk, the higher your rates will be.

Location

Commercial auto insurance rates vary from state to state. Owner-operators in Mississippi enjoy the lowest rates ($3,552 annually), while their counterparts in New Jersey pay the highest rates (about $20,763).

Vehicle Type

It costs more to insure heavy trucks like tractor-trailers compared to lighter ones. That’s because a semi-truck weighs more and will likely cause more severe damage in an accident than a light box truck carrying similar cargo.

Driving Record

Your driving record and the driving records of all your truck drivers affect your commercial truck insurance cost. A speeding ticket on your driving record can increase your semi-truck insurance cost by thousands.

How To Get High-Quality Commercial Truck Insurance At Affordable Rates

You can find affordable commercial truck insurance coverage that offers the highest value for your specific business by:

• Requesting truck insurance quotes from multiple companies: First, identify your business insurance needs. Then, ask for several quotes and go through each to find insurance that will meet all your needs at a reasonable price.
• Asking about discounts: You can get several discounts to reduce the cost of a truck insurance policy you’ve identified as the best for your business. Some common discounts to help you save money include:
• Business experience discount: You qualify for this if your business is three years or older
• Commercial driving license (CDL) discount: You can receive this discount if you’ve had a valid CDL for a minimum of two years
• Paid-in-full discount: This helps you save up to 15% of your truck insurance policy’s total cost.
• Choosing higher deductibles: Higher deductibles will help you get cheaper monthly premiums
• Keeping a clean driving record: This will ensure your insurance costs remain low in the future.

Conclusion

Whether cheap semi-truck insurance is worthwhile depends on how well a commercial truck insurance policy meets your business’s insurance needs. If it covers all aspects of your business, it’s worth it. If it doesn’t, it’s not worth it because you might spend more settling claims and other uncovered costs out-of-pocket.

Check out our add-on coverage offers to find affordable truck insurance alternatives for different types of coverage.

If you’ve been in a truck accident, getting the right semi-truck accident lawyer on board is one of the first things you’ll need to do.

A truck accident attorney represents the truck driver or trucking company after an accident. They help trucking companies and drivers access fair settlements from insurance companies. They also make the process of commercial truck insurance claims and possible lawsuits easy to navigate.

This guide explores exactly what a truck accident lawyer does, and what you need to consider when choosing one.

Semi-Truck Accident Lawyers: Overview

A semi-truck accident lawyer works in tort law, which means they work to fix private or civil wrongs or injuries. This is remedied through compensation of damages.

The injured or affected parties in truck accidents can seek compensation from the negligent party for their losses. This is where truck accident lawyers come into play.

Truck accident lawyers typically work on compensating their clients for damages that relate to:

• Lost income from their trucking business
• Medical expenses
• Damage to the vehicle
• A loss of earning capacity
• Emotional distress
• Wrongful death or physical pain or suffering

You also get personal injury lawyers, who work on a wider range of cases, such as a car accident or an accident in the workplace. Truck accident lawyers are types of personal injury lawyers, but they focus specifically on truck accidents.

So, if you ever end up in a truck accident, one of the first things to do is to get in contact with an experienced truck accident attorney. They can help to fix the situation and get the deserved compensation to the truck driver.

What Does a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Do?

Depending on the case and truck crash, truck accident attorneys can perform quite a wide range of tasks. This includes the following.

Investigate Truck Accident Cases

The first thing any truck accident lawyer does is investigate the details of the truck crash to establish whether there is a viable case.

Truck drivers will approach a lawyer, and the lawyer will figure out just how strong and valid their case is. Lawyers will usually only take on a truck accident case if they can see that the case has a high chance of winning.

Gather Evidence for Truck Accident Claims

When a lawyer decides to take on a truck accident case, they will need to start investigating the case and gathering all of the required evidence.

This typically involves investigating the scene of the accident, reviewing any pictures or camera footage of the accident, and gathering statements about the trucking accident from any possible witnesses. The lawyer will also evaluate the damage to the vehicle and get familiar with the expenses and medical reports of the client.

Once the evidence has been gathered, the lawyer will start building a case around it. This is why it’s so important for truck drivers to take photos and take down all the details straight after truck accidents happen.

Send a Demand Letter

Depending on the truck accident and the case, a truck accident lawyer might need to send a demand letter to the insurance company of the at-fault driver. This letter outlines the details of the truck accident and demands specified compensation.

Negotiate With Insurance Companies

One of the most important reasons to work with an experienced truck accident lawyer is to access their insurance negotiation skills. Insurance companies are very good at finding ways to pay the least possible amount on a settlement. With a truck accident attorney, you get the best chance at maximizing your truck accident claim.

Lawyers know how to negotiate with insurance companies about trucking accidents. They understand their client’s legal rights, and the details of insurance policies, and always communicate with the insurance company. This can help any truck driver or trucking company get the settlement they deserve after a trucking accident.

Prepare Complaints

In many cases, the trucking accident lawyer’s job ends after negotiating with the insurance company. However, if the insurance company fails to settle at the right amount, the lawyer may need to send a complaint to the at-fault party. This is one of the first documents sent out in truck accident lawsuits.

Prepare Cases for Trial

If a truck accident case goes to trial, the lawyer will start preparing the case. While many cases settle before going to trial, truck accident lawyers need to prepare the case for the worst.

This process focuses on gathering the right evidence, understanding relevant case law, speaking to witnesses, drafting statements, and so on.

Provide Representation at Trial

Finally, if truck accidents do go to court, truck accident lawyers will provide legal representation to the truck driver throughout the trial.

How to Find the Right Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer

Finding the right semi-truck accident lawyer requires careful consideration, as these lawyers play such a crucial role in resolving truck accidents.

Start by researching lawyers with expertise in trucking accidents and personal injury law. Look for experience, reputation, and track record of successful case outcomes.

Ideally, look for recommendations from trusted sources, like other truck drivers, friends, family, or legal professionals. Schedule consultations with potential truck accident attorneys to discuss your case and understand their communication skills and responsiveness.

Consider the fee structure of each truck accident attorney and ensure it aligns with your budget. Finally, trust your instincts and choose a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable and confident in their abilities to represent your interests.

Conclusion

With a good lawyer on your side, any trucking company or driver will be in a far better position after a crash.

You must use an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer to get a fair settlement and compensation after a truck crash. As trucking crashes can have such a major impact on any truck driver’s health and business, ensuring you get this right is essential.

This is why having the right semi-truck accident attorney available is one of the most valuable things you need to prepare if any commercial truck accidents take place.

If you’re looking to finance a semi-truck, make sure to swing by Mission Financial Services for competitive pricing and top-tier advice.