Are you fascinated by big trucks? Have you ever wondered what it’d be like to drive one? Or maybe you’re just curious about what these big guys in big trucks earn? This piece on the highest-paid truck drivers in the world will answer your queries.
Truck drivers have been around for a very long time, and their value to every country’s economy is enormous.
Their importance was again acknowledged during the worldwide lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
With many businesses closed during this period, consumers resorted to online shopping. For those ordering things across state lines, the delivery of their orders was left in the hands of truck drivers.
These drivers operated but in strict adherence to health guidelines, and as the need for their services sky-rocketed, their wages got better.
Today, the world has gone back to virtually before the pandemic, but the need for truck drivers is still very much the same.
Therefore, in this article, we’d be looking at countries with the highest paid truck drivers in the World.
Table of contents
Introduction
Truck drivers are as important as trucks are to every transportation system. They are charged with some of the most essential services one can think of. These services include; garbage collection, fire, and construction services.
They also transport from one city to other goods of daily use, consumer products, foodstuff, grains, and agricultural produce.
Trucks or the truck business isn’t just an integral part of our transport system, it now has an enormous impact on the economy.
With this in mind, it has become pertinent that we take care of our truck drivers in the best ways possible. After all, they deliver such vital goods and services.
The sad tale is many countries ignore this fact – and boy! Do they pay for it?
Meanwhile, there are a few countries that pay their truck drivers handsomely. Nonetheless, how much a truck driver earns is highly dependent on their location, the size of the vehicle, and the organization they work for.
Additionally, seniority and experience, among other factors can contribute to this.
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Is Truck Driving a Good Career Choice?
According to the American Trucking Association, good truck drivers with clean track records are not readily available. Therefore, anyone who is looking to have a career in trucking can have an illustrious one if they protect their CDL license.
Truck Driving is definitely a promising career you can rely on.
Below, we will discuss the highest paid truck drivers in the world.
Is Truck Driving Hard?
This line of work is not for everyone, but for some, it’s a dream job. As hard as it might seem, the good thing is you get to see new cities every day, and it’s somewhat flexible, unlike 9-5 jobs.
So if you’re preparing to go to school to get your CDL, it’s important to understand what you’d be up against. This will help you ascertain if truck driving is indeed for you. Let’s see some of the real difficulties truck drivers face.
1. Truck Drivers Spend Lots Of Time Alone
My friend Mike is a loner, so much so that I don’t even know how he’s my friend. He’s a great guy nonetheless with lovely kids and a beautiful wife. However, he’s had trouble keeping jobs. And this is not because he’s not great at these jobs but because he’s a loner. They typically interfere with “his lone times”
So he decided to try out something entirely different from what he’s used to (9-5), and it’s been two years and counting as a truck driver, and I doubt if I have ever seen him this happy on a job.
The long hours on the road accords him the opportunity to enjoy his own company as much as he wants and still make money off it.
So, if you’re like Mike, then you should definitely give truck driving a thought. Imagine that feeling you get on a long road trip when you get into the groove of driving. Plus you’ll get to meet lots of new friendly faces from places across the country.
Truck Driving is a solitary gig, you only interact with people at truck stops, gas stations, and warehouses. But if you love to spend time alone like most CMV drivers, you can use your time on the road to reflect and listen to music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more.
However, if being alone is not for you, you can team-drive with others so that they can alternate shifts. Additionally, you’ll be part of a giant community of drivers nationwide.
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2. Working Long Hours Can Be Hard for Truck Drivers
Any CMV driver can tell how long the hours are if you ask how hard their job is. Some drivers go as much as 2500 miles weekly to meet deadlines. And some of these rides happen late at night or early in the morning.
But the good news is that you control your schedule to a large extent.
Therefore, you may clock more hours than someone at a Monday–Friday desk job, but you get to set your own pace, have a degree of financial stability, and get to see new places every day.
This is one of the reasons truck drivers get paid one of the highest salaries in the world.
3. Is Truck Driving Hard on Your Body?
It has been established that you will travel across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as a truck driver. And there are very long hours, which can be hard on your body.
But it doesn’t have to be. All you need is to ensure that you eat healthily and include fruits and vegetables in your meal plan.
Additionally, make sure you’re getting some exercise during stops and breaks, and take time to get a good night’s rest.
4. Truck Driving Can Be Hard, But Rewarding
Truck driving isn’t always easy, but once you complete TDI’s three-week truck driving school and launch your career, the benefits far outweigh the challenges.
So, the next time someone asks, “Is truck driving hard?” tell them that you’ll be able to travel the country, find job security, and get independence that you could only dream of working in an office.
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Countries that Need Truck Drivers in 2023?
The United States of America recently experienced a shortage of truck drivers. The American Trucking Association opined that the industry is 8000 drivers short.
So, the USA is one of the countries that will need truck drivers in 2023. Other countries you should consider if you intend to work as a truck driver include Australia and Norway.
How Much is a Truck Driver Salary in Canada?
Truck drivers’ salary in Canada is dependent on several factors including employer and years of experience. Also, licensing is very important.
However, truck drivers in Canada earn $24.02 per hour on average.
Countries that have the Highest Paid Truck Drivers in the World
Here are a few countries that pay their truck drivers handsomely (US Dollars).
- Australia
- Switzerland
- NORWAY
- CANADA
- UNITED STATES
- DENMARK
- GERMANY
- ITALY
- SWEDEN
- NETHERLANDS
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Highest Paid Truck Drivers in the World
Having looked at what truck driving is all about and how hard it can be, and of course why it’s a good career choice, We’d be looking at countries with the highest-paid truck drivers in the World.
#1. Australia
Australia has over 700,000 truck drivers, and the average salary is AU $100,00 for interstate HC & MC truck drivers. Truck drivers based in New South Wales might earn a little higher, as they are among the highest-paid truck drivers.
Average Salary – $70,000
#2. Switzerland
Truck drivers in Switzerland make an average of CHF64,000 every year and this can rise to be as high as CHF92,000.
Average Salary – $64,000
#3. Norway
Most truck drivers work 7.5 hours a day, 5 days a week, earning an average of 550,000 NOK. Those willing to put in extra hours and take long-distance trips can make as high as 800,000 NOK.
Average Salary – $58,000
#4. Canada
Depending on different factors, a long-distance tractor-trailer driver can make between CAD70,000 and CAD75,000.
Drivers who specialize in localized pickup and delivery earn, on average, around CAD40,000, while a long-haul tractor-trailer operator based in Alberta should earn over CAD100,000 annually.
Average Salary – $56,000
#5 United States
According to a survey by the American Trucking Associations, the median salary for a truckload driver working a national irregular route was over $53,000.
Those based in Alaska were the highest-paid while those based in West Virginia made the least amount.
Average Salary – $53,000
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#6. Denmark
The largest share of Danish truck drivers had a monthly income of between 24,000 – 27,000 Danish Kroner. The highest paid can make over 43,000 Danish kroner every month.
Average Salary – $47,000
#7. German
German truck drivers can bring in an average of €34,000 annually. This can rise to as high as €53,000 yearly for the top-paid drivers.
Average Salary – $38,000
#8. Italy
The average annual pay for truck drivers based in Italy is around €32,500.
Average Salary – $36,500
#9. Sweden
The largest share of Swedish truck drivers has a monthly income of between 22,000 to 25,000 Swedish Kronor.
Average Salary – $34,500
#10. Netherlands
The average income of a truck driver in the Netherland is $48,000 per annum. This can, however, varies from one organization to the other.
Average Salary – $34,000
Conclusion
Truck driving like most other endeavors has its challenges, however, it also has its intrinsic benefits. To excel in this field, one must be disciplined while discharging his or her duties.
You must also do your possible best to extricate yourself from any actions on the road that might have your license revoked.
Whatever legit reason you want to pursue a career in trucking, there’s space for you to thrive.
Finally, I’d like to think that I have answered some if not all of the questions you might have concerning truck driving. If not, kindly let us know in the comment section.
Good luck.
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FAQs Highest Paid Truck Drivers in the World in 2023
Australia
Switzerland
NORWAY
CANADA
UNITED STATES
DENMARK
GERMANY
ITALY
SWEDEN
NETHERLANDS
Trucks are essential to many supply chains since they transport 72% of the items we use in the American economy.
There is also a shortage of truck drivers in nations like Germany, France, Denmark, and Norway.
In the UK, a truck driver makes an average pay of £22,510 year, or £11.54 per hour.
Most experienced professionals earn up to £29,700 per year, while entry-level roles start at £20,977.
References
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