Couples Look to Trucking Industry for Employment

The workforce in the truck driving industry is dwindling, and carriers are constantly searching for reliable, trained tractor trailer drivers. A recent article reveals a somewhat surprising demographic is starting to fill these employment gaps. Within the last 5 years, married couples have made up a large percentage of the truck industry workforce.

Most of these couples are around 50 years old with either an empty nest or a lackluster lifestyle after retirement. While most looked towards trucking as a way to keep an active lifestyle, the money associated with team driving is definitely an added benefit, helping to cushion their retirement eggs. As a matter of fact, couples driving across the United States can make a combined income of $100,000 a year.

This type of team truck driving is ideal in a few different ways. For starters, it removes perhaps the most unpopular aspect of truck driving – time away from family. Couples as team drivers couple are also safer than the average driver, as they are less likely to speed or take other hazardous risks.

Driving with a partner also makes the workload easier on each member. If one person gets tired, the other can take over to prevent falling asleep at the wheel. Alternating sleep schedules allows the team to cover more miles at a faster pace.  A driving team can actually deliver products to the customer in half the time of a single driver. While a solo driver can drive 10 hours a day, a couple can drive for 20.

For this reason, employers tend to send their team drivers to the most loyal customers to ensure fast deliveries. This makes a dedicated driving couple much more valuable to employers than a single driver. Older workers who have had previous careers are also seen as more dependable, mature, and already have proven work ethic.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that since 2000, the number of truck drivers over 55 have jumped 19%. Nationally respected carrier Schneider National, claims 3,000 of its 15,000 drivers are older individuals.

Some of the possible benefits that attract couples to a truck-driving career are:

-Health and life insurance

-Rewards for safe driving

-Vacation pay

-Retirement plan

Couples with grown children and/or few obligations are most likely to enjoy time on the road. The rewarding career gives them the opportunity to travel to new places and work as a team. If you are looking for a change of scenery and think your relationship has what it takes, couple truck driving may be the ideal career move for you and your spouse!