Date : 07-Dec-2025 10:33 am
The US trucking industry is one of the most crucial parts of the country’s economy. Anything you buy here, be it groceries to furniture, has been bought for you by a truck. And those trucks are being driven by some highly skilled and hardworking truckers. Many people misunderstood how their daily life goes. Where do they eat? Where do they take rest? Where do they stay?
If you are thinking about working for your CDL license, then understanding the real lifestyle of a trucker can help you make an informed choice. This blog is all about their lifestyle and some myths and facts. :
Life of a US Truck Driver
Truck drivers start their shifts early, mostly at 5 or 6 am. The very first thing in their job is thoroughly checking their truck, including tires, brakes, engines, and joints. Every truck driver in the US covers an average distance of 300 to 500 miles. This much driving takes a big chunk of their time. In addition to that, they also manage plenty of other tasks. They talk with dispatchers for updates, follow the assigned delivery routes, and stop now and then for meals, gas filling, and handling paperwork.
For meals, they either choose a rest stop or a restaurant. Many truckers also pack their own food to eat healthier and save money. Some truckers even bring a microwave or a small refrigerator in which they put their food and save their money. After they have finished their deliveries, they park their trucks at dedicated truck stops. If their home is near then they go there.
Truck drivers work under a special federal law, which is the Hours of Service (HOS) rule. As per this rule, all US truck drivers must drive up to a maximum of 11 hours in a 14-hour shift. They must also take at least 10 hours of rest before they go for their next shift. This rule is necessary for drivers’ safety and limits their exploitation by the trucking companies.
Life of a Truck Driver: Myth Vs Reality
There are 6 major myths that people have about a truck driver's life. And if you also had that, then please get them busted right now.
Myth 1: Truck Drivers are always driving.
Reality: They have flexible routes, fixed driving time, and manageable schedules.
Some drivers do travel long distances but not everyone spends weeks away from their home. There are plenty of drivers who drive local or regional routes so that they reach home on time. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that truck drivers in the US usually work for around 8 to 10 hours a day.
But as they gain more experience and skills, the door to different job options opens up. And in that, they can choose a job as per their lifestyle preferences. Some choose long-distance adventures, while some prefer local routes so that they can reach home daily. This flexibility in trucking is highly appreciated by truck drivers.
Myth 2: A Truck Driving job makes you lonely.
Reality: Drivers do connect with their families and make new friends while driving.
Times have changed now. At truck stops, they make new connections with other truck drivers. The rise of social media, enhanced voice & video calling facilities, and social meetups has made truckers live a quite social life. Each truck driver has their favourite social media app using which they maintain connections with their loved ones.
Myth 3: Truck driving is a physically challenging job.
Reality: Truck driving can be made into a healthier and relaxed job.
No doubt driving for long hours is tiring. But the new-age trucks are equipped with advanced features which give the driver more comfort without even compromising on the safety. It can be ergonomic seats, air conditioning, sleeping cabins, and a spacious driving area. Also, the truck driver stops have gyms, large walking areas, and healthy food options too.
Many truck drivers focus on their fitness. They bring light exercise equipment with them. Truck drivers also choose to go for a short walk sometimes. All truck drivers now know the value of hydration, stretching at intervals, daily light exercises, healthy food, and sound 7-8 hours of sleep. They learn to maintain their energy and focus on long-haul driving routes.
Myth 4: You don’t need CDL training.
Reality: Professional training builds safe and skilled drivers.
Driving large commercial vehicles requires much more than just a license. Safety, road awareness, and vehicle control are essential skills that are only learned from professional CDL training. At CDL training, students choose from Class A CDL and Class B CDL license training. And in those programs, they are taught through hands-on driving lessons, classroom teaching, and real-world safety standard training.
Myth 5: Truck Drivers have zero work-life balance.
Reality: The trucking industry offers freedom and growth.
Trucking demands a lot of focus and dedication, but it also offers freedom and flexibility. Truck drivers love the fact that they are not tied to a desk job or any fixed office hours. They love to drive on the road, manage their own time, and travel to new places every time.
The average annual salary of a heavy truck driver in the U.S. is about $55,000 per year. And for experienced or specialized drivers, the income can reach up to $80,000 or more per year. Source. Local and regional drivers with Class B CDLs also earn stable incomes, but with predictable hours and the same daily routes. And as they gain experience, they can move into high-paying jobs. They can also become instructors or even start their own trucking company.
Conclusion
The life of a truck driver is not overly discussed, but it does offer a highly satisfying, rewarding, and flexible life. It does require discipline and more working hours but the freedom, travel opportunities, and strong earning potential are unmatchable. So, if you had been thinking of pursuing this career, then you should also know that proper CDL training is needed for that. At Fremont Truck Driving School, you will get the best CDL training with the latest classroom programs, hands-on driving classes, and safety training. Contact us to know more about it.