Making a career change can be both exciting and daunting, especially if you’ve been in the same job for a long time. Deciding to leave a well-known path behind and embarking on a new journey can be a scary thought. However, it can also be a great opportunity to explore other career options that offer potential for growth and development. This is especially true for truck drivers considering a career change. With the right career plan in place, you can make the transition from truck driver to another field a successful and prosperous endeavor. In this blog post, we’ll explore the process of changing careers for truck drivers and discuss the various job opportunities available for those looking to make the switch. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of making a career change, and provide some tips for a successful transition. With the right resources and guidance, you can make the switch from truck driver to a new and exciting career with ease.
- Warehouse worker.
- Forklift operator.
- Bus driver.
- Driving instructor.
- Equipment operator.
- Crane operator.
- Mechanic.
- Driver.
Why change careers from being a truck driver?
Changing careers might appeal to you for several reasons. For instance, truck drivers may spend extended periods of time driving and away from their homes, families, and friends. Here are a few typical explanations why truck drivers change careers:
10 career change options for truck drivers
Here are 10 possible career change options for truck drivers:
Warehouse workers’ primary responsibilities include a variety of tasks such as picking up goods from trucks and shelves, keeping track of lot numbers for parts and supplies, and packing orders for shipping. The majority of warehouse workers are employed either full- or part-time, and they typically work indoors. They typically only require a high school diploma and don’t require advanced degrees or any kind of specialized training.
A forklift operator’s main responsibilities include operating forklifts in manufacturing or warehouse settings. They move bulky items across the factory floor, to and from delivery trucks, and on shelves. Tracking inventory, ensuring the quality of the inventory, and performing routine equipment maintenance are some of the responsibilities. Forklift certification, which is frequently provided by the employer, is something that most employers demand of forklift operators. Forklift drivers typically work full-time, indoors with some outdoor work.
Bus drivers are experienced drivers who operate a school bus or city bus. They either drive a predetermined route around a region or transport passengers to and from specific locations. Like truck drivers, bus drivers typically spend their entire shift inside a vehicle and spend a lot of time sitting down. Most bus drivers work full-time, but some work part-time or whenever there is a need for school transportation.
Driving instructors are typically seasoned drivers who lend their expertise to instruct others on how to safely operate motor vehicles as one of their main responsibilities. Instructors prepare lesson plans, evaluate students’ driving prowess and road knowledge, and administer driving exams. Truck drivers can frequently find employment as truck driving instructors, instructing upcoming truckers on how to operate a vehicle and observe traffic regulations. When administering driving tests, driving instructors typically spend the majority of their time indoors.
Equipment operators perform a variety of tasks using mechanical or electrical equipment. Typically, operators operate machines like bulldozers, tractors, and excavators in the construction industry. Operating heavy machinery can be similar to operating a big truck and requires similar levels of caution and dexterity. Operators typically have advanced training or certifications to operate their particular equipment and work full-time outdoors.
Primary responsibilities: Crane operators move materials and objects on a construction site using heavy machinery such as cranes and lifts. Similar to truck driving, the job demands caution, accuracy, and knowledge of large machines. On construction sites, crane operators typically work full-time and spend a lot of time both inside the crane and outside. With formal training and certification, truck drivers can use their expertise in operating heavy machinery and precision tools to become crane operators.
Primary responsibilities include repairing vehicles using a variety of tools and techniques. This can apply to both bigger vehicles like trucks and tractors as well as smaller vehicles like cars and vans. Mechanics often work indoors and work full or part time. An excellent career choice for ex-truck drivers who want to work with vehicles without doing much driving is becoming a mechanic. Most mechanics have at least a high school diploma and various certifications in specific vehicle repairs.
Primary duties: Drivers are skilled professionals who work in transportation. They move both people and light items like food and office supplies. Drivers can work in many different industries, and having experience behind the wheel of a truck can be a great place to start. The majority of drivers spend their days in a car, occasionally getting out to deliver packages or greet passengers. Drivers typically only require a drivers license and no additional advanced training or certifications, depending on the industry.
Dispatchers’ main responsibilities include guiding fleets and individual vehicles at dispatch centers. They plan routes for transportation and give trucks and emergency vehicles calls. Due to their prior experience and knowledge of the trucking industry and transportation routes, former truck drivers may succeed in the position of dispatcher. Typically, dispatchers work full- or part-time shifts, and they spend their days indoors in an office environment.
Van drivers’ main responsibilities include driving large commercial vans and delivering goods or transporting passengers. Van drivers can be employed in a variety of industries and spend the majority of their time driving or loading and unloading cargo and passengers. Van drivers may enjoy the job because they can still operate a vehicle, but the responsibilities and payload are typically lighter. Most van drivers can start working with just a standard drivers license.
Career Change to a Truck Driver?? I Need Your Help!!!
FAQ
What can you do instead of trucking?
- Highway Maintenance Technician: …
- Engineering Equipment Operator: …
- Construction Equipment Operator: …
- Bus Driver: …
- Tractor Trailer Technician: …
- Terminal Manager: …
- Delivery Driver:
What transferable skills do truck drivers have?
- Passenger interaction.
- Local traffic regulations.
- Local route knowledge.
- Technology-based navigation.
- Clean driving record.
- Impeccable safety history.
- Reporting and documentation.
- DOT standards.
What is the most profitable truck driving job?
- Ice Road Drivers. …
- Oversized Load. …
- Specialty Vehicle Haulers. Salary: $67,000 to 89,000. …
- Team Drivers. Salary: $65,700-$80,300. …
- Private Fleet. Salary: $87,500. …
- Mining Industry Drivers. Salary: $55,000 to 79,000. …
- Liquids / Tanker. Salary: $75,000. …
- Hazmat Drivers. Salary: $55,000 to 73,000 or more.
Is truck driving a transferable skill?
The fact that driving is not a skill, truck drivers do not have transferable skills, and that mining, fishing, and agricultural work typically do not require skills that are easily transferable to other jobs were also mentioned.
