Trucking: Drivers Enjoy Stability, Independence, Opportunity Industry Is In Need Of Professional Truck Drivers (NAPSA)—While many industries are experiencing layoffs, the trucking industry is dealing with a shortage of drivers. Over the next few years, trucking companies will need to hire 100,000 new drivers across the United States. This comes on the heels of an upswing in the economy as manufacturers ramp up production of goods for consumption domestically and abroad. To attract and retain drivers, some trucking companies are offering free training, increased wages and competitive benefits. New drivers at trucking companies such as Schneider National, North America’s largest truckload earrier, typically earn $30,500 to $40,500 in theirfirst year. Experi- enced drivers earn $43,500 to $55,500 per year. There are many other factors that make truck driving an attractive career. Regional and dedicated opportunities enable drivers to enjoy more time-at-home on a daily or weekly basis, new tools increase comfort while on the road and others makeit easy to stay in touch with family and friends via the Internet. In addition, truck driving is a stable career that is virtually immune to many of the issues plaguing the American workforce, including outsourcing and loss of jobs due to technology improvements. Other benefits include the variety of work and the opportunity to work independently outside an office or factory environment. Becoming a Truck Driver The best way to begin a career as a professional driver is by enrolling in a training program. Programsare available in most Ko o Today’s professional truck drivers enjoy more time at home, increased comfort on the road. parts of the country and some trucking companies, such as Schneider National, offer company-paid training as well as meals, lodging and transportation to training centers. “The driver training program prepared me for what I needed to know about becoming a professional truck driver, and most importantly, safety,” said Mike Neph, a driver who began training with Schneider National in January. Neph is now driving on his own, enjoying the freedom of the open road and earninga greatliving. “I spent the last 10 years in an office working with computers. Now that I’m out here on my own, I know I'll never go back to that.” Some drivers do make the choice to transition into management, maintenance, instruction or expand their knowledge and skills by hauling different types of freight. Schneider National offers a variety of career progression options throughout the U.S. For more information about a career in trucking, call 1-800-44PRIDEorvisit www.schneider.com.
