Should trucking be a family affair?

Driving a truck, driving a highway, doing a long distance transport or driving a big truck, no matter what you call it, driving a diesel truck across the country is an honorable career. Truckers help the rest of the country by delivering items needed to fill stores. Makes one wonder if trucking should be a family affair.

Some truckers have followed in their father’s footsteps. Your children want to follow their own and become drivers too. In fact, it is not uncommon for many generations of a family to be truck drivers. However, is it a good idea?

No one will deny that being a truck driver is hard work. It can be very lonely, both for the driver and for those at home. It is not easy for children to spend most of their time without a parent in their lives. Unfortunately, this is one of the dangers of being a truck driver.

There are other aspects of trucking that make the job difficult. The danger of being on the road many hours a day, long trips with little sleep and the possibility of developing health problems are some of these aspects. Sometimes you wonder why someone would want to be a driver, but there they are doing what needs to be done to get the job done.

It’s no wonder truck drivers’ kids often want to do what daddy does when they grow up. They understand the difficulties and commitment it takes to be a driver. However, for most it is not just a job, it is a lifestyle. In fact, it is a lifestyle that these drivers cannot easily give up.

Should a son or daughter follow in their parents’ footsteps and become a truck driver? No one except your family can make that decision. They should be aware of the requirements of driving a truck, the dedication it will require, and be better able to make an informed decision based on their own experience.

Some parents will tell their children that although they love what they do, the sacrifices have been too high. They may suggest that your children think hard about putting their own children in circumstances similar to those they faced in childhood. Some may even prohibit their children from becoming truck drivers, which may not be a good decision.

Ultimately, however, the decision as to whether or not the son of a truck driver runs the family business is up to them. Should trucking be a family affair? No one can answer that question for another. If they decide to drive a truck, encourage them and give them the benefit of their experiences. You will both be glad you did.