Are you looking for a second career after retirement? If so, you should seriously consider going into trucking. The demand is as high as ever. Not only do tractor-trailer drivers receive great pay, but they also get to experience the excitement of being on the road.

With that said, let’s look at the many benefits of pursuing a second career in truck driving after retirement.

How Do You Become a Truck Driver?

The first step to becoming a professional trucker is to get your commercial driver’s license. This means you must receive the proper training at a truck driving school.

To find a school near you, simply search online. You’re bound to find one with a 30-mile radius. The average cost is around $3,500.

While truck driving school is not free, there are several financial assistance programs available. Some companies even offer up-front paid training.

Expect the entire trucking course to last a minimum of four weeks. Classroom instruction and road training are given. After graduating from a truck driving program, you’ll have plenty of options to consider.

After school, it’s time to decide which type of truck driving you want to do. Over-the-road trucking, which involves transporting cargo over long distances, is great for folks who love to travel. On the other hand, local trucking will allow you to be home every day of the week.

Remember, there are some fees associated with becoming a truck driver. However, these will vary from one state to the next. For instance, while the cost to get a commercial license in North Carolina is only $30, it’s $60 in Texas. You’ll also have to pay for a road test, which is typically less than $40.

What is the Average Salary?

Understandably, many people are interested in a truck driver salary. It’s among the highest paying careers in the country.

The average yearly salary for truckers is $43,680, which equates to more than $21 an hour. However, some employers will pay even more. For example, Walmart is offering truck drivers nearly $90,000 a year.

What are the Benefits of Retirees Looking to Drive Trucks?

Opportunity to Travel

After retiring, some seniors naturally start to become a bit bored. Trucking is the perfect second career for folks who enjoy traveling. From New York City to San Diego, over-the-road truckers have an opportunity to explore the entire country. Each day is a new adventure. The best part is you get paid to drive.

While on the road, you won’t have to sacrifice a bit of comfort. Modern truck sleepers come loaded with all the latest amenities. Some of the highlights include thermoelectric coolers, flat-screen televisions, Wi-Fi, and an HVAC unit. The cab’s bunk bed is also large enough for you to stretch out.

Contrary to popular belief, truckers aren’t limited to eating junk food. While traveling from one town to the next, you’re destined to find some great truck stops. Some of these truck stops have delicious restaurants, which are known for their home-cooked meals.

A Life of Abundance

Many seniors have a retirement check coming in every month. However, it may not be enough money for them to enjoy a life of abundance. Because trucking pays so well, you’ll have a much bigger bank account. Whether you’re looking to buy that dream car or vacation in a foreign country, trucking will make your goals more attainable.

Your extra income can also be put into a savings account or a grandchild’s college tuition fund. This career will open the door for you to do a variety of different things. In the event of a crisis, you’ll always have some extra money to lean on.

Great Benefits

You can’t ignore the outstanding benefits packages that are given to truckers. They enjoy excellent medical insurance and 401(k). The extra peace of mind is well worth it.

Unlike some careers, trucking doesn’t force you to work tirelessly. You’ll have a lot of vacation time and paid sick time. This means you won’t have to miss precious family moments like high school graduations and the birth of a grandchild.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, there are many reasons why seniors should consider truck driving. While the money is great, you may find the freedom to be even more rewarding.

To determine if the trucking industry is right for you, make sure to do your research.

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This article was worked on by a variety of people from the Autoversed team, including freelancers, editors, and/or other full-time employees.