To become a trucker? Is it worth it?

Even if automation takes over, there will still be a need for people, to review the automations mistakes, follow roads that AI will take too long to figure out, etc.

 

It’s not a super healthy career to take up. Sitting for hours on end and a lot of fast food.

 

One thing folks forget to mention is someone must be in the cab, at least during the pilot of automation. This could be anywhere from years or even decades. The demand won't die out for a long time, but qualifications may change.

 

It must be a great career. As for me I would love to hear the sound of the motor and press down on the gas pedel and brake with a big load to carry. Here in the New York + New Jersey areas regular drivers are horrendous. Central new Jersey--nasty truck accidents. Be nice to work with a like minded driver to do long distsnce.

 

They need truckers all the time ! Here in staten island ny trucks bring in all our food. Truck driving much better outside the NYC area. In Pensylvsnia, very strict rules for car drivers, truckers have it better outside nyc. Must be awesome to drive a big rig---clutch, brake × accelerating down the highway @ 80 mph

 

Disadvantages are boredom and time+place demands - not a family friendly job. On the upside, it's well-paid (in Europe at least).

 

I would love to apply the clutch and gas and brake pedels of a big rig. Sounds of the engine !! Imagine the vibrations coming through the cab when you accelerate down the highway. Nice job if you have a decent coworker to travel with to share the driving and offset the boredom

 

https://www.npr.org/2020/08/10/901110994/big-rigged

Planet Money (NPR's economics podcast) did a pretty good episode about some dangers when starting out in the trucking industry, namely big companies trying to tie you down with debt and then not paying you hoping that you'll quit and give your truck back to them. Don't get screwed over!