A Year in the Life of a Truck Driver: What to Expect and How to Prepare

If you’re a new driver in the trucking industry, you might be wondering what the workload is like. Trucking operates in cycles — sometimes the demand is super high, like around the holidays when you’re constantly on the road. Sometimes it’s super low, which then affects everything from your work schedule to your paycheck. Understanding these patterns can help you stay prepared for whatever the year throws at you.

So, where do you start? Well, we are breaking down what you can expect throughout the year as a truck driver from month-to-month projections, seasonal driving habits, financing advice, as well as maintenance tips to keep your truck in the best condition all year round. Whether you’re experiencing a slow month or pushing through loads of work, having a plan can help you optimize your workload, finances, and overall career.

January through March: Post-Holiday Decline

The first quarter of the year is considered the slowest period of time for most drivers. There is typically a dip seen in trucking activity since after the holidays, consumer demand significantly drops. Plus, many businesses take a post-holiday breather. Because of this, freight volumes tend to be lower and long-haul trips are much shorter.

During these slower months, it’s a great opportunity to focus on your finances. You can take the time to analyze your spending in the last year and plan your budget for the year ahead. One great example is calculating cost per mile. This isn’t just important for your monthly costs, but is equally as important for your overall yearly spending. Understanding your operating cost per mile helps you plan smarter, protect yourself and your business.

Just like trucking during winter, the weather can be unpredictable. It’s important to make sure your truck is winterized before hitting the road. There are many things that can go wrong if you don’t winterize your truck before the cold weather hits. But don’t worry! We have the ultimate list of winter truck maintenance tips to prepare you for snow, sleet, hail, and ice.

April through June: Back to Business

Around April, sometimes even sooner, business returns to normal and work picks back up. The beginning-of-year lull has passed, which means you’ll be getting back to a consistent workload and paychecks. 

Once the snow clears and the temperature begins to rise, that’s a good opportunity to de-winterize your truck and prepare for spring. Spring truck maintenance is extremely important since it allows you to address your truck for any wear and tear. From tips on improving your cab’s air quality to replacing worn components, we highlighted some of the best warm weather truck parts in our Spring Maintenance Guide.

Save the Date: May – International Roadcheck

July through September: Peak Season

Summer brings a steady flow of work. Even though many are on vacation, the need for transporting freight is high! During these months, you’ll find yourself working more. More work equals more money, which means it’s the perfect time to start saving.

However, the hot weather brings its own set of challenges. The intense heat can put a strain on both you and your truck, so it’s important to pay special attention to your cooling systems, tires, and A/C. With more time on the road, keeping your truck in top shape with our summer maintenance checklist is essential to minimizing your breakdowns and ensuring optimal efficiency. Speaking of efficiency, summer is rough on fuel. Higher temperatures can decrease the miles per gallon your truck gets. If you want to boost your fuel efficiency, we’ve got the list of what you need to do in order to stay productive through any heat wave.

Save the Dates: July – Operation Safe Driver Week, August – Brake Safety Week

October through December: The Final Push

The final quarter of the year is undeniably the busiest for the trucking industry, especially in retail and manufacturing. While the holiday shopping kicks off, freight volumes skyrocket to meet consumer demand. Many drivers work overtime or take longer hauls to meet the demands of the season.

October is the best time to begin prepping your truck for fall and winter. Take advantage of the slightly cooler weather to perform a full inspection and make any necessary repairs. Use our truck driver fall maintenance tips for help! And take our cold weather truck maintenance advice, like how you can winterize your truck inside and out.

This is also the best time to buy a new model semi truck! If you’re looking for major discounts on reputable models, we’ve got the financing blogs to prepare you for what to expect when purchasing a truck, such as information on down payments, commercial vehicle loans, FET, and more.

Save the Date: November 14 – National Seat Belt Day

Stay Prepared, Plan Ahead

Whether you’re a seasoned truck driver or just starting out, planning ahead is essential for success in the trucking industry. Understanding that trucking works in cycles allows you to stay on top of your work, maintenance, and finances. Use those slower months to catch up on getting financially organized. During the summer and holiday season, take advantage of the increase in demand by working as much as possible. The more miles you drive, the higher your income will be. Remember that regular truck maintenance throughout the year is key to staying on the road. Each season presents its own challenges, so planning your maintenance schedule accordingly will help keep your truck out of the shop. By staying organized throughout the year, you will build the stability and confidence needed to succeed as a truck driver.