Being a long haul driver for a transport company like Classic Transport offers many perks and a unique lifestyle opportunity. It also comes with its own challenges, especially for those making transport driving their career. Below we dive into the rewards and realities of driving long haul.
Understanding the Lifestyle
Long haul driving isn’t just a job, it is a lifestyle. As you are on the road for many hours, or even days, your vehicle is your office. Luckily the view is constantly changing, and each trip can take you to a completely new location, allowing you to see more of North America. However, as you are spending most of the day in your vehicle, making time to stop for bathroom and food breaks is important, especially as you don’t have your own bathroom or kitchen.
Be Prepared to Plan
Part of living the long haul lifestyle is planning and researching. For each trip you make, make sure to do some research before you leave to find truck stops, restaurants, and hotels along the way. If you have the flexibility in scheduling, consider what attractions or sights you want to stop at as well. By planning ahead and knowing where you want to stop for food or sightseeing, you can break up the drive. This makes it much more manageable, and ensures you stay safe on the road by taking breaks.
Enjoy the Independence
Working as a long haul driver for Classic Transport offers a lot of independence. You can choose to be a towaway, driveaway, or multi-haul driver, and you can choose when you want to work. There are often different routes or destinations to choose from as well. The open road offers an unparalleled sense of independence and freedom, giving you a break from the monotony of day-to-day life. Choosing when and how to spend your breaks from driving can be a welcome change for those who have worked a standard 9-5 in the past.
Reap the Financial Rewards
The financial incentives are a great reason to consider a long haul driving career. Classic Transport offers competitive rates per trip, including a 50% upfront payment to cover costs like fuel during the journey. Drivers also have access to a range of discounts for hotels across America. Finally, drivers can choose how much they want to make each month depending on how many assignments they want to take on.
Travel and See the Country
One of the biggest advantages of long haul driving is the unique opportunity to be paid to see the country. With Classic Transport, drivers can accept jobs across the US and Canada. This allows drivers to see more of their own country and even explore the neighboring country. Every journey is a new experience with its own amazing scenery and towns to explore.
The Mental and Physical Challenges
Being by yourself for hours on end can take its toll on your mental well-being. The long hours and days away lead to loneliness, which can be detrimental to mental health. Furthermore, being away can cause friction with friendships and relationships. For many drivers, making set times to contact loved ones throughout the journey can help alleviate feelings of isolation.
You must also consider the fact that you will be sedentary for many hours on end. This can affect your physical health, and if not managed well can cause serious health issues. Finally, the lack of access to a kitchen during most of your long haul journey, means that you will be eating at restaurants or truck stops. Many of these meals are not the best nutritionally and can have a lot of unnecessary calories.
These factors could increase your risk of weight gain and other health issues. However, smart drivers will schedule in time to go for walks throughout the journey or even have access to a nationwide gym membership. This allows you to continue to stay fit while driving long hours, and can give you access to a clean bathroom and shower.
As you can see, a career as a long haul driver has many more rewards than challenges. However, it is important to consider all of the above when applying to become a driver. Getting to set your own hours and choose your routes can help combat the biggest issues around mental and physical health for transport drivers. This is why working for a transport company like Classic Transport is much better than that of a typical employed long haul driver.
Learn More About Classic Transport
Classic Transport has its headquarters in Elkhart, Indiana and offers various cross-country transport solutions across the US and Canada. Visit their website today to learn more about becoming a towaway, driveaway or multi-haul driver.
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