10 Unexpected Reasons Why Refrigerated Truck Drivers Love their Jobs

 

There are many different kinds of trucks you can drive and loads you can haul once you get your commercial driver’s license. However, some drivers are particular about what they transport. This could be due to safety, expertise, or the additional skills utilized beyond driving a truck. Here are 10 unexpected reasons why refrigerator truck drivers love their job!

Reason #1 The Pay Is Excellent

We are still in the midst of a nationwide driver shortage making trucking a lucrative job. However, drivers who transport temperature-controlled items such as produce and refrigerated, and frozen goods often make a bit more—especially if transporting fragile produce and food items. And the bonuses and benefits are impressive.

Reason #2 You Can Be Your Own Boss

If you have always dreamed of being an owner-operator, one of the most in-demand sectors for drivers is reefer trucks. Why? Major corporations simply don’t have the attention to detail required to ensure that each of their drivers understands the delicate nature of refrigerated loads. No matter where you live in the country there is a demand for independent drivers and small trucking companies.

Reason #3 The Cornerstone Of Our Country

Without truck drivers  country produce selections would be limited and boring. There is a sense of pride that comes with delivering the necessity that is food from one corner of the country to another, or at least being part of the transport team.

Reason #4 Long-Distance Isn’t Your Only Option

Yes, long-distance driving is part of the supply chain but if you love to drive, but want to be home in the evenings, or at least more frequently—driving a small or midsized refrigerated truck provides allows you to drive locally or just to your surrounding states, keeping you home more often.

Reason #5 Independence

Even if you work for a large nationwide trucking company and have a manager you report to, trucking is a job that enables you to be independent. Yes, you need to stay connected—which thanks to technology is easier than ever! However, when it comes to the day-to-day decisions you are the primary decision maker. And, if you simply prefer to work alone this is the job for you.

Reason #6 You Get To Travel

Even if you just drive within your state or surrounding cities refrigerator truck driver’s jobs allow you to do a bit of traveling. You get to visit towns you may not otherwise find your way to. You also get to meet a lot of new people.

Reason #7 Time To Get Things Done

Do you ever find yourself wishing you had more time, and that the obligations of the day make it too hard to get everything done? While on the road you have the time to enjoy some of the little things in life. Listen to the books on tape, music that inspires you, and when you get to your hotel at night you have distraction-free time to work on a variety of goals.

Reason #8 No Office Politics

If corporate politics and small-town office politics makes your head reel, no worries as a truck driver. Yes, you are part of a team and you need to keep your team up-to-date—but your job is clear and measurable, with no grey-area to debate.

Reason #9 Trucks Are Awesome

Some people love vintage cars or hot rods, and some of us love trucks! If you love trucks why not drive one for a living? Driving a truck of any size is not to be taken lightly. Not only do you need to obtain a CDL, you must have superior situational awareness. If you enjoy the challenge that comes with maneuvering a large vehicle, are mechanically inclined and have a keen attention to detail truck driving might be right for you. As refrigerated trucks become more technologically advanced, drivers also have the opportunity to expand their mechanical and technical skillset.

Reason #10 Low Impact

Without a doubt, you will need to invest time in stretching from head to toe to ensure that you don’t get to stiff and sore after a long day on the road. However, compared to construction, assembly lines, ironworking and construction—trucking is comparatively low impact. Depending on your contracts and trucking company you may have to load and unload your truck, but with the correct equipment, support and tools this should be enough to keep you in shape without too much risk. But again, don’t forget to stretch as you go—and at the end of the day.

There are many more reasons to consider refrigerator truck driver jobs, both for current truckers—and for those looking to make a career change.