If you’re thinking of changing careers, a move into the truck driving industry may offer you more benefits than you might think. Due to a shortage of trucks drivers, many trucking companies are paying even more for qualified truck drivers to haul loads across the country. With more than 70% of the nation’s economy being delivered by trucks, more truckers will continue to be needed as the economy grows. In other words, the trucking industry has plenty to offer interested candidates. Consider the following benefits of being a truck driver.

Good pay- With a national shortage of drivers, companies are willing to give bonuses and increased pay for truck drivers, particularly for long-haul truckers. Companies also pay substantially more for reliable, safe truck drivers because they are rare. In fact, truck drivers can earn more than some college graduates. Another bonus is that unlike some companies, truck drivers are usually guaranteed pay raises as they add on years of experience.
Benefits- Most trucking companies offer major benefits for their employees. Benefits for truck drivers can include medical, dental, vision, prescription medication coverage, life insurance, and retirement plans. Truckers may also receive paid vacation and holidays. Their great benefits rival many large companies, even some in the Fortune 500 category.
Bonuses- Trucking companies may offer bonuses for certain loads carried or distances traveled. Bonuses may also be given for safety records or longevity with a company.
Flexibility- A flexible schedule is available to truck drivers through many trucking companies. Truck drivers can also decide what type of hauls they would like to drive. Truck drivers can decide between local runs, long distance runs or cross-region runs. Some companies even allow pets or children to come along during the traditionally solo rides.
Changing Scenery- Truckers can see most of the U.S. while they work. The scenery constantly changes and there are usually points of interest to see along the way. Is your office view as good as a trucker’s view? Becoming a truck driver can be a great way to start seeing and doing.
Job Security- Truck driving provides job security for those that move frequently. It also promises a secure job market because trucking companies always need drivers, particularly if you have a few years of safe driving under your belt. A truck driving job is as secure as you make it.
Teams- Working as a team with a spouse or colleague gives truckers a way to earn a higher income on long runs. Teams receive bonuses for making faster deliveries and can earn over $100,000 per year.

With benefits better and above some office jobs, a career as a truck driver may be the right move. If you’re interested in switching to working in a mobile office as a truck driver, start searching for available truck driving jobs in your area.

Maintaining one of the largest refrigerated transportation fleets in the industry, C.R. England remains one of the nation’s leading trucking companies. So it would come as no surprise that the Salt Lake City based company also has one of the most advantageous and flexible owner operator programs, enabling truck drivers to own their own business.

An owner operator is a self-employed commercial truck driver who operates his or her own truck, either hauling free-lance (with no attachment or contract with one particular company) or contracting their services by entering into a lease agreement with a firm that has long-haul trucking needs. C.R. England provides different lease programs adept for all levels of experience, skills, and needs of owner operators. Such programs include the Premier Program, Master Premier Program, and the Career Advancement Team (CAT) Program.

Truck drivers that sublet through C.R. England can lease up-spec equipment anywhere from six to 36 months. As an added incentive, England offers the six month demo program, in which a driver can lease a truck with the option to cancel after the six months (as opposed to traditional three-year leases). This allows drivers to walk away or join the England workforce as a regular company driver if they discover leasing is not for them.

And the advantages to C.R. England’s programs do not stop there; with no credit requirement and no down payment required to qualify, the programs provide an attractive alternative for drivers looking to further their career. Other benefits include top-of-the-line spec. tractors, a nationwide fuel cap of $1.25 per gallon (no matter what the price at the pump is), and pay up to $1.53 per mile.

But not all the advantages of such an opportunity and program are so well defined or easily categorized; they are not tangible nor are they necessarily the same for every person. These benefits are what can only be described as personal perks. It is the new-found sense of professional independence and achievement many drivers experience upon becoming independent contractors. Free from a constant authority figure, confining cubicle, and other conventional office restraints, C.R. England lease operators have the unique opportunity to explore the country on their own terms.