Looking Back at 2014: 3 Highlights for Truckers
2014 was an important year for truckers. Here are some of the highlights that made truck driving a great career in 2014.
3. Pay Increased Significantly for Truck Drivers
Many of the country’s largest retailers released ad campaigns in 2014 to advertise new compensation packages for skilled drivers. Wal-Mart was one of the larger advertisers, offering qualified drivers with CDLs a $76,000 salary plus benefits. This is a significant increase, as average annual pay for drivers in 2013 was under $50,000, up roughly 28 percent from around $39,000 in 2000, according to data from ATA and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Driver pay skyrocketed in 2014 and is expected to continue to climb in 2015. Learn more.
2. Trucking Added New Jobs, But Driver Demand Is Still High
The trucking industry added thousands of new jobs to the American economy in 2015, but demand is still very high for skilled drivers. As the economy picks up speed, there’s a greater need for truckers. As people start spending more money, there’s additional freight to move, and skilled drivers are needed to move it. Several of the largest long haul trucking companies in the U.S. are currently hiring. Those companies include Swift Transportation , Schneider National, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, and Werner Enterprises – all of which are currently aggressive hiring drivers. Learn more.
1. Technology Made Drivers Lives Easier
Both truck engineering technology and the incorporation of technology like mobile apps have pushed the needle on new technology meant to help drivers. Peterbilt introduced password protected trucks – drivers enter the password into a 5-inch screen on the instrument panel, within the driver information center. After the code is entered, the engine must be started within six minutes, or the code will need to be re-entered. The “Weigh My Truck” App allows drivers to weigh their truck, have weights displayed on their smartphone, and pay for the transaction within the app via PayPal, all without ever having to leave their vehicle. We’re looking forward to seeing what new technology will be created to help drivers in 2015!