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NAPSI)-According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, trucking carriers will need at least 600,000 additional drivers nationally by 2010. This increasing demand for truck transportation and the limited supply of experienced drivers make driving a lucrative career option for the right kind of person.
"We're looking for people who want to work hard and succeed," said Robert Low, president of Prime Inc., North America's largest refrigerated carrier. "We offer drivers all the training and tools to set up their own successful and rewarding trucking business." Prime, Inc. is based in Springfield, Missouri. The company currently works with more than 3000 drivers, most of whom are independent contractors.
Truck driving can also pay surprisingly well. The average starting pay in the trucking industry is more than $32,000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. That compares with $28,000 for the average laborer job. Through incentives, fuel discounts, and other similar programs, truck drivers can quickly earn $45,000 to $60,000 a year on their own or $80,000 to $120,000 as a team.
Despite the money, the trucking "way of life" is not for everyone. Much time is spent away from home in an office that always travels with you but modern conveniences such as satellite communications and cell phones help keep drivers in touch with friends and family. Some drivers, particularly couples and retirees are also entering the trucking profession as "teams," opting to keep each other company on the road while avoiding the dangers of downsizing and job uncertainty in today's corporate world.
Despite the benefits of job security, independence and potential financial rewards, experienced drivers say it is the freedom of the open road that lures them to the trucking industry and the trucker's "way of life." "I've always wanted to see this country and truck driving makes both that and earning a good living possible," says Tom Cross, a 10-year trucking veteran and independent contractor with Prime Inc.
Once they start their driving career, drivers admit that the support of a trusted company becomes the key to a long-term career in trucking. "Any trucking company can offer me a job; I found a company that gives me success," explains Cross. "I've been in other industries and driven for several trucking companies. I came back to Prime because no other company has helped me make such a great living while being able to see so much of this beautiful country."
For more information on opportunities in trucking, visit www.primeinc.com or call 1-800-224-4585. Professional drivers are encouraged to stop by Prime's terminal at the intersection of Interstate 44 and Highway 65 in Springfield, Missouri.
The trucking industry is facing a driver shortage.