With a shortage of 20,000 trained drivers, trucking is a potential career path for those willing to commit to life on the road. Experienced drivers can make as much as $60,000 annually.

Truckers: Driving America’s business

By Michael Corby
FCCJ Media Relations Coordinator
March 25, 2007

America’s truck drivers have a responsibility unlike that of any other occupation. Try to think of another job that requires an individual to be solely accountable for property belonging to others, for so long a time, traveling with it in any variety of conditions.

Planes, ships and trains have crews or teams to share tasks as well as one another’s companionship. Truckers usually travel alone, responsible for the safe delivery of their loads, but also the safe operation of their equipment while being on guard for the safety of the others sharing the roadways with them.

“If you bought it, a truck brought it,” is the motto within the trucking industry. It holds true. Trucking is the only mode of transportation that can deliver goods door to door. Items can make long trips across oceans, travel by air, rail or even highway, but to get the goods on the shelves, they’re going to be delivered by truck.

There is a national and local need for trained truckers. According to the Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, truckers held about 2.8 million jobs in 2004; however, the American Trucking Association reported a shortage of at least 20,000. With the expansion of JAXPORT and major warehouses under construction by Bridgestone Firestone, Michaels Stores, Laney & Duke Terminal Warehouse and ICS Logistics, the local need for drivers is clear.

To answer the employer need, Florida Community College at Jacksonville recently announced a commercial vehicle driving program to start this fall. The workforce certificate program consists of four 80-hour courses that will prepare students to pass the Florida Commercial Driver License Test. Students will train on simulators and in vehicles, actually receiving about 1,000 miles of on-road training.

The FCCJ program will be the area’s only public program and will meet the requirements of the Florida Department of Education and the Professional Truck Driver Institute. PTDI certifies truck driver courses and is the nation’s top recognized advocate for the standards and professionalism for truck driver training.

The life of a trucker has interesting challenges. Tight scheduling and traffic can be stressful. Modern communication has made long periods of time alone not quite so lonely, and trucks are sometimes equipped with beds and microwaves, making it easier to live in your truck. Long periods of time away from home can be difficult on family life though.

There’s a lot to know as well. Reading and math skills are essential. Many truckers maintain their equipment to save time and money. Special shipments such as hazardous materials require special knowledge.

Many of those who are cut out for trucking are dedicated. Five independent truckers and owner/operators who have lease agreements with Sea Star Line (a Jacksonville based carrier that ships between the U.S. and Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic and U.S. Virgin Islands) recently revealed a little of their lives for anyone considering trucking as a career.

“I like the freedom. The pay is good and there’s always something different,” said Larry Proctor, an owner/operator with 19 years in the industry.

Proctor does medium distance hauls and comes home to Jacksonville about every other day, when he sees his wife of 28 years.

Steve Cannon and Patricia Ross drive together. It’s probably the only way they would have made 48 runs to Los Angeles from Jacksonville in a year. Steve has 25 years in the business; Patricia has eight, which began when she and Steve became a couple. It’s becoming more common to see married couples and partners trucking. They can not only travel farther faster; they also get to spend time together.

John Snook drives only in Florida and is home every day. Samuel Murphy’s home is in North Carolina, but when he’s not driving his truck he’s often sleeping in it. With more than 50 years of trucking experience each, they agree that they’d like to see new truckers on the road have more driving experience.

Drivers on average earn more than $17 hourly; experienced drivers can earn $60,000 or more annually.

For more information about FCCJ’s commercial vehicle driving program, call 904.646.2300.

*Tuition and fees are subject to change by action of the College’s District Board of Trustees. Current tuition and fees will be posted at the time of registration.