As you know, the trucking industry has been growing extremely fast in the past years. There are more new companies and the companies that already exist also need new drivers to their fleets. This is an excellent opportunity especially for owner operators; due to this high demand companies offer a very good benefits program and compensations. For example Paschall Truck Lines offers $7,000 in bonus, US Express $5,000, and others like Barr-Nunn guarantee diesel price at $1.04.
There is also a great chance for recent graduated drivers that are seeking a job, they have the possibility to compare and choose the carrier that offers the best salaries and benefits. However, you must be careful, remember always that, not all that glitters is gold. You must investigate aspects like how many miles they will guarantee for you, how many empty miles will you drive, and whether they will pay you for those. For leased owner operators the circumstances are perfect to help you become independent, but do not do it so fast. You must investigate about different truck prices, the best quality and save money. Also remember that the fuel prices are very high, which may be one of the most important aspects.
In any case, the high price of fuel is counterbalanced by high freight demand, especially in the final months of the year. Fuel prices affect everybody, but independents are more vulnerable than leased owner operators. Since September, the price of diesel has been around $2 more a gallon and it keeps on going up. It may increase much more in the next months because it is affected by world events like the war in Iraq, terrorist attacks and hurricanes. But do not worry! Remember that every business has risks, and if you do not take those risks you will not be a winner.
Opportunities in this field of the US economy are just in front of you; there are not many drivers waiting a job. There are a lot of jobs and companies waiting for new drivers, with or without experience and generally they offer fair pays and benefits. The opportunity is not just for drivers, the trucking industry is very big and they need people for a lot of jobs. Start to investigate right now about trucking companies that are hiring people at this moment and start in a new profession, which will give you plenty of work for a long while.