Considering Truck Driving? See Why It’s a Smart Choice

September 19, 2025

Posted by STLCC in Programs and Pathways

An STLCC truck driving students sits behind the wheel of a big rig

If you’ve ever thought about driving big trucks, traveling across the country or having a career that offers freedom and good pay, truck driving might be the perfect fit. Right now, it’s one of the best times to start—demand for truck drivers is higher than ever, creating more job openings and competitive pay.

Why Is Truck Driving So Important?

Truck drivers are the backbone of America’s supply chain. They deliver everything from groceries and clothes to building materials and medical supplies. Without truck drivers, stores would be empty, and businesses would struggle to get what they need.

Here’s the exciting part: the trucking industry is growing fast. Right now, the U.S. moves over 11 billion tons of freight every year. By 2030, that number is expected to jump to 14 billion tons. But there’s a problem—there aren’t enough drivers. Experts say we could be short of more than 150,000 drivers by then.

That’s great news for you. It means more job openings, better pay and lots of chances to build a career.

What Do Truck Drivers Actually Do?

Truck drivers do more than just sit behind the wheel. Their job includes:

Checking the truck before every trip to make sure it’s safe.
Planning routes and using GPS to find the best way to get to their destination.
Keeping records of driving hours and deliveries.
Talking to dispatchers and customers to stay on schedule and solve problems.
Handling different types of cargo, like food, furniture or even hazardous materials.

Drivers also need to follow safety rules from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). These rules help protect drivers, other people on the road and the cargo they’re carrying.

How Much Do Truckers Make?

Truck driving can be financially rewarding. Entry-level drivers earn competitive pay, and experienced drivers with endorsements can see higher salaries. In the St. Louis area, light truck drivers earn a median annual income of $45,000, while heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers make around $56,000 per year. Benefits may include flexible schedules, health care options and opportunities for advancement.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Truck Driver?

The time it takes to earn your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and start your career depends on the trucking program you choose:

CDL-A (Commercial Driver License Class A)
- Lets you drive big trucks like semi-trailers, tankers and flatbeds.
- Can lead to jobs in fleet management, safety and logistics.
- Program length: 4 weeks (daytime) or 5 weeks (evening).
CDL-B (Commercial Driver License Class B)
- For smaller trucks like dump trucks, concrete trucks and box trucks.
- Program length: 7 full days.
CDL-B with Hazardous Materials Training
- Adds certifications for handling hazardous waste and materials.
- Program length: 9 full days.
Hazmat Endorsement Course
- A 4-hour class for current CDL holders who want to add hazmat certification.

Most students complete their training quickly and are ready to take the Missouri CDL exam immediately after finishing the program, so you can start your career without long delays.

What’s Life Like as a Truck Driver?

One of the best things about truck driving is the flexibility. You can choose the kind of driving that fits your lifestyle:

Local routes let you stay close to home.
Regional routes cover a few states.
Long-haul routes take you across the country.

You get to decide what works best for you.

Truck drivers also learn how to manage their time. They follow schedules, take breaks to avoid burnout and use apps to track driving hours. Staying healthy and connected with family is important too. Many drivers use video calls, texts and social media to stay in touch while they’re on the road.

How Can You Grow Your Truck Driving Career?

Truck driving isn’t just a job, it’s a career with room to grow. Once you get your CDL, you can:

Get special endorsements to drive tankers, hazardous materials or double/triple trailers.
Move into leadership roles like fleet manager, safety supervisor or trainer.
Work in logistics, helping plan and manage deliveries for companies.

These roles often come with higher pay and more responsibility. And the skills you learn as a driver—like problem-solving, communication and time management—are valuable in many industries.

Why STLCC’s Truck Driving Program Stands Out

STLCC’s program is built to help you succeed. Here’s what makes it unique:

Small class sizes (only four students per instructor) mean you get personal attention.
Hands-on training with real trucks and high-tech simulators.
Practice on the actual Missouri driving exam course.
Instructors drive you to the test site in an STLCC truck.
Nearly 90% of students pass the driving test on their first try! (That’s way above the national average.)

You'll also receive:

Classroom and lab instruction focused on safety, trip planning and DOT regulations.
Experience driving in urban, rural and highway settings.
Career counseling and job support to help you find work after graduation.

Ready to Hit the Road?

If you’re ready to start a career that offers freedom, good pay and room to grow, truck driving could be your next big move. And STLCC is here to help you every step of the way.

For more information about the program and to get started today, call 314-984-7777 or fill out the form below.

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