Over-the-road (OTR) driving is as much a lifestyle as it is a career, and it will affect your loved ones’ lives as well as your own. With some effort on both ends, trucking with a family is definitely possible, and it can be a great way to earn a stable living doing essential and in-demand work. It only takes a few weeks to earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and get started. The high earning potential brings many individuals to the trucking industry, including those with families.
TRIP PLANNING
When you’re planning your route, get your family involved. Let them help you pick out stops and give them a timeline of where you’re going to be at different points of your trip. This can help your family feel like they are a part of your daily life on the road.
USE TECHNOLOGY
This helps you stay up to date with what is going on in everyone’s lives. You can also text during breaks and send photos of interesting truck stops or roadside attractions. With modern technology, it’s easier than ever to stay in contact with your family even if you are far away from home.
HOME TIME
While it is important to take the time you need for yourself, you should also make sure you are taking advantage of the time you have with your family. Prioritize the most important events, but also be realistic about when you will and won’t be able to get home.
CONSIDER TAKING A FAMILY MEMBER ON THE ROAD
Many trucking companies give you the opportunity to bring a passenger on a haul. Consider taking one of your loved ones out on the road for a short trip so they can see what your day-to-day life is like. You should plan ahead and pick a short and relatively easy haul when possible.
YOUR GOALS
A CDL can open many doors for you, and not all of them require you to spend weeks on the road. However, if you do prefer long-haul, make sure your family is on board with this decision.
Start Your Career with San Jose Truck Driviing Schooll. To learn more about joining the trucking industry, contact us today.
