In the current NZ job market, there's a significant shortage of truck drivers. This has created an unmet demand nationwide for more individuals willing to take on this role, a trend that's unlikely to change soon. If you're aiming for success, both financially and personally, this is a growing career field worth noting.
However, before entering the professional sector, there are a few things to consider, particularly if you are unsure about becoming a truck driver. Furthermore, if you're feeling confident and want to get your commercial driver's licence while looking for trucking jobs in New Zealand, consider the following.
Do you really want to pursue this career?
The first step is to be honest with yourself about whether you enjoy driving. If you genuinely enjoy being behind the wheel and get a thrill from being on the road, then driving a truck could be an ideal opportunity for you.
As they travel, truck drivers have plenty of chances to take in the sights. They either travel across the country or serve in one area, with daily driving times ranging from 8 to 10 hours, depending on their route. If you have a genuine passion for driving that goes beyond mere convenience or financial gain, this line of work is worth considering.
Spending lengthy hours on the road
As a truck driver, you’ll often need to stay on the road for extended periods. Truck drivers are required to remain seated for a certain number of hours throughout their journey, sometimes more than initially planned, without any break. Working outside the standard 9-5 hours is often necessary to meet deadlines. This isn’t inherently bad, but you should seriously consider if this lifestyle suits you. Truck driving requires maintaining focus for long periods, which can be challenging for some.
Commercial driver’s licence
To legally operate a truck, you'll need a valid licence, which you might not have at the moment. If this is the case, don’t panic. If you already have one, it will be easier to start applying for truck driving jobs. Importantly, you might not need to pay for your education. Some companies provide training and pair you with experienced drivers so you can learn on the job while being paid.
Flexibility
Consider whether you value flexibility in your working hours. Can you spend time away from home, perhaps a week or two? This might be balanced by spending weeks at home.
Truck driving offers flexible projects, ranging from a typical 40-hour week to long-distance hauls with generous pay. Sometimes you might need to work consecutive hours for a month before taking a break. Truck driving is ideal if you value flexibility and can work beyond the standard 40 hours. Reflect on this before committing, as there are many different paths and choices in this career.
Job placement and opportunities
There are primarily two ways to get hired as a truck driver:
- Attend a truck driver training school of your choice, earn your licence, take the necessary exams, and start applying for jobs in your area.
- Search for truck driving jobs online, apply, and start working immediately.
You can find hundreds of job openings in New Zealand's driving industry every day at Driverjobs.co.nz. Employers are searching for qualified drivers; all you have to do is follow the procedures and demonstrate your will to apply.
Whether you’re new to truck driving or have years of experience, this guide is for you. You'll find that the starting pay rate begins on the first day of work, and the overall experience will be highly beneficial.