February 17, 2022
If you're looking for a job in the trucking industry, now is the best time to do so. According to the American Trucking Associations, the United States is experiencing a shortage of truck drivers. This means that there are plenty of trucking companies out there looking for qualified people to complete jobs.However, trucking is not for everyone. As with many other professions, trucking has its pros and cons. One of the reasons why drivers quit is the long time away from home. But in the past years, many have taken on short-haul trucking jobs.Curious to know whether driving a truck is for you? How is short-haul trucking better than long haul? In this article, we'll talk about the pros and cons of being a truck driver and why many drivers are switching to short-haul trucking.
Truck driving can be a rewarding profession whether you're a long or short-haul driver. But like many jobs out there, it also has its drawbacks. Below are some advantages and disadvantages of being a truck driver:
Truck driving is a rewarding job for those who love exploring open roads. They are not tied to a desk and can earn as much as $82,605 a year. However, there's a huge difference in the job description for long-haul and short-haul truck drivers.A typical workday for a long-haul truck driver begins with loading the cargo and making sure that all paperwork is signed and complete. Once everything is checked, the drivers will drive for thousands of miles to deliver the cargo. As soon as they get to their destinations, the drivers will then drop off the payload and complete the paperwork for the delivery.On the other hand, short-haul drivers have a more active workday. Drivers usually spend only a day on the road (as opposed to days or weeks with long haul) and drop off packages to multiple locations. As drivers travel only short distances, they are more involved in coordinating deliveries and loading and unloading packages.Here's a comparison of what long-haul and short-haul trucking involve:Long-Haul TruckingShort-Haul TruckingTime away from homeDrivers spend more days on the road, so they are rarely at home.Drivers can come home every night, depending on the distance covered.On-road expensesEating out during breaks can put a dent in a driver's budget.Since drivers can spend more time at home, showers and meals are not part of their daily expenses.DistanceLong-haul driving covers more than 250 miles.Short-haul trucking has a shorter route of 150 to 250 miles.Truck typeLarge trucks like tractor-trailers are often used in delivering goods.Uses smaller vehicles that can enter smaller roadsUnloading freightsDrivers don't have to unload frequently since deliveries cover longer distances.Drivers spend more time unloading because of the short distance and multiple stops.Truck operating expensesHigher operating expenses (maintenance, fuel, etc.) due to long distancesLower maintenance and fuel costs because of shorter routesRisksHazardous weather conditions, dangerous terrains, and detours are part of the job.Drivers navigate familiar terrain (usually in cities), so daily routes are predictable.
Short-haul trucking can be classified into two categories:
With relatively shorter routes, short-haul truckers get to enjoy a better work-life balance. However, short-haul trucking rates are also lower because of the shorter routes and minimized risks. Short-haul truckers earn an average of $38,640 per year.
Short-haul trucking may be the best option for drivers who are looking to start a career in trucking. With short-haul driving, truckers can enjoy a work-life balance that is challenging to achieve when driving long-haul. Since routes are shorter, truckers can complete multiple deliveries in one day and still have enough time to spend with their families. However, short-haul trucking pay is lower compared to long-haul. If that is something you are willing to compromise, then short-haul trucking may work to your advantage.