Many people have a negative preconceived notion of truck drivers and/or truck driving jobs as a profession. As in most professions, there are a few bad apples, but don’t let that define the bunch.  If you are considering a career as a professional truck driver, don’t let these myths deter you from pursuing your vision, because they do not have to define your career!

 

 

Myth #1: “Driving a truck is not an important profession.”

 

 

Professional Drivers are integral to our country’s ability to function. Truck drivers are the #1 transporters of goods in the world. The country would literally grind to a halt without truck drivers to deliver our food, medications, clothing, fuel and more. Stats Canada reports that “In 2003, the number of registered trucks in Canada reached 660,450. These consisted of 378,258 small trucks and 282,192 large trucks. (Small trucks ranged from 4.5 tonnes up to just under 15 tonnes, while large trucks weighed 15 tonnes or more)” and the numbers have grown since then, along with the number of truck driving jobs available. Imagine life without the freight that these vehicles carry? The men and women in AZ driver jobs are extremely important to a country like Canada that is both geographically large and sparsely populated and whose economy is highly dependent on trade.

 

Myth # 2: “All Truck drivers are unclean.”

 

 

We value cleanliness and organization at Challenger, and offer our drivers planned stops on the road to pursue cleanliness, hygiene and organization in their work. For long haul drivers, all of our truck terminals include laundry and shower facilities, and when planning their routes we also keep in mind that they will want to make use of amenities. They make good use of these amenities all the time!

Most drivers also like to keep their rig clean and tidy as well. They spend long days (and often nights) in their trucks on long haul driver jobs. It is their home away from home and they want it to be comfortable. Being a small space, it takes some organization, but they find it worth the effort.

Sometimes in the course of executing their job, drivers become a little worse for wear, but with a little planning of the stops that they are going to have, they are able to keep cleanliness in mind. Generally speaking, our drivers realize that when they are delivering or picking up loads, they are representing Challenger and that professionalism is very important. That includes how they present themselves. They are proud to represent their company and often choose to wear articles of clothing and safety gear that bear the Challenger logo.

 

Myth #3: “Truck drivers cause a lot of accidents.”

 

 

The transportation industry is highly regulated for safety, and prepares truck drivers for the road. Unlike a lot of the motoring public, truck drivers are professional drivers who have undergone extensive education, training and practice in order to receive their AZ license (significantly more rigorous than the standard G license process, and requires schooling). In fact, drivers of big rigs are less likely to cause accidents than the motoring public, due to the more extensive preparation and safety standards. At Challenger, drivers undergo additional “Professional Driver Training” every three years, after their initial Orientation Training when they are first hired. Our professional truck drivers are very aware of the power of the vehicle they are driving and safety is a top priority.

 

Myth #4: “Truck drivers are not cultured.”

 

 

Truck drivers are some of the most well-travelled individuals you will ever meet. They cross paths with people from all walks of life and have the opportunity to visit the most amazing places. Mountains and valleys, rivers, lakes and oceans, lush green landscapes and dry desert landscapes, cities, towns, villages and wide open plains. The men and women who have chosen to live their lives on the road have seen it all and they have amazing stories from their lives on the road, especially with trucking jobs in Canada covering such diverse locales and communities. Their journeys can and should most definitely be considered cultural experiences.

 

Myth #5: “Truck driving is easy work.”

 

 

While certainly rewarding work, consider the long hours spent in the cab of their truck as the drivers maneuver through bad weather, perilous road conditions and traffic congestion. Driving a massive rig requires a huge amount of training and education, plus focus, motivation, concentration and discipline. Having a truck driving job requires the upkeep of detailed logs and knowledge of the details of their load, not to mention the requirements and procedures for crossing borders. Add to that the stress of deadlines and delays and you soon realize that driving a transport truck requires a great deal of skill and perseverance, and is most definitely not easy. Some of the rewards for choosing to become a truck driver, whether you choose short or long haul driver jobs, include: independence behind the wheel, the opportunity to see the amazing sights of North America, the tranquility of listening to your favourite tunes or podcast, meeting new people, a growing job market and being part of the community of drivers.  Truck driving may not be the easiest career, but it is a rewarding one that is well worth considering.

 

The Reality:

Yes, sometimes truck drivers get a bad rep that is not deserved. It’s also true that there are some drivers and companies that may not represent this important industry very well.

The reality is that driving can be an amazing career. Furthermore, driving for the right Canadian trucking company makes all the difference. Most men and women who choose to become truck drivers enjoy their profession and stand behind it with pride.

If you are interested in more information about becoming a truck driver, and to learn why Challenger is a great company to drive for please contact our Recruiting Team at recruiting@challenger.com, call 1.800.334.5142 or visit our online driver application page. There are available truck driving opportunities in the regions of Cambridge ON, Montreal QC, Vancouver BC!

Start your journey today!

 

Karen Cardillo
Challenger