Driving Salaries
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Despite the latest technologies incorporated in the transport sector, driving a truck is a highly demanding task. In addition, truck drivers work long hours behind the wheels, and they are constantly loading and uploading products. In most cases, they have to stay away from their homes for long periods.
Although drivers work under tough working conditions, they receive good salaries. They are usually paid on a weekly basis, and they are hired by distribution centers and manufacturers. The U.S. Department of Transportation is a regulatory entity that supervises the working hours of truck drivers to avoid traffic accidents. |
| Type of driver | Minimum hourly wage | Maximum hourly wage | Average hourly wage |
| Haulage truck drivers | $14.21 | $22.56 | $17.92 |
| Delivery service truck drivers | $10.07 | $17.74 | $13.27 |
| Driver/sales worker | $7.74 | $15.82 | $10.70 |
As we've mentioned above, truck drivers are paid by the hour, and in most cases they receive extra money for working overtime shifts. In general, the salary scale varies depending on the type & size of vehicle, license, location, service and years of experience in the transport sector. In some cases, drivers also receive bonuses according their work performance.
Many drivers belong to the International Brotherhood of Teamsters; it is an advocacy institution that gathers almost all US truck drivers. On the other hand, other drivers are part of unions; these groups speak up for the rights of truck drivers who hired by transport companies. About 16% of truck drivers were members of the unions in 2008, according to the BLS' data.
