BECOME A DRIVING FORCE IN OUR STATE ’ S ECONOMY
THE ARKANSAS TRUCKING ASSOCIATION promotes the trucking industry in the state and is made up of more than 300 member companies , including some of the nation ’ s largest freight companies .
According to Shannon Newton , the president of the ATA , many people don ’ t realize all the career opportunities today ’ s trucking industry offers .
“ I tell people this is not your grandfather ’ s trucking industry ,” she says . “ One out of every 11 jobs in Arkansas is in the trucking industry . You ’ ll find dispatchers , customer service representatives , accountants , IT specialists , and jobs in sales and marketing .” She says two careers are in especially high demand .
“ We are facing a shortage of diesel technicians and professional drivers ,” Newton explains . “ The industry experienced huge growth during the 1980s . Now those individuals are retiring and there ’ s not a strong pipeline of young people entering these careers .”
That may be because many people don ’ t think of trucking as a hightech field , but Newton says that couldn ’ t be further from the truth .
“ When you sit in the driver ’ s seat of a truck and look at the controls and dashboard , it ’ s almost like looking at the controls of an airplane ,” she says . “ Everything is designed to improve efficiency and safety . When it comes to repairing and maintaining today ’ s trucks , a diesel technician ’ s computer is just as important as a toolbox .”
Newton says a college degree isn ’ t required to start building a successful career in the trucking industry . “ Many companies offer their own training programs , or partner with technical schools and will help pay to get the training you need ,” she says . From there , you can grow your career as you improve your skills .
“ One young man , Aaron Martin , started out working as a diesel technician ,” Newton recalls . “ He consistently competed at the Arkansas Technician Championship , where technicians prove
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The Arkansas trucking industry provides one out of every 11 jobs in the state . their tech skills in a variety of tasks . He won the Grand Champion title two years in a row and is now a manager at Truck Centers of Arkansas in Springdale .”
Newton says these in-demand careers create an opportunity to earn a good living . In Northwest Arkansas , initial pay for new technicians ranges from $ 15 to $ 22 an hour , depending on the level of experience and certifications . Many companies estimate their technicians earn $ 50,000 to $ 60,000 a year as they gain experience and training .
Income for drivers is also on the rise . “ Average pay for an entry level commercial driver is about $ 40,000 a year ,” Newton says . “ I know experienced drivers who are now making twice that .”
Newton says careers in the trucking industry can provide a good quality of life . “ Because technicians and drivers are needed so badly , you may be able to negotiate your pay and work environment ,” she explains . “ There ’ s been a shift in the industry to improve the experience for employees . For example , instead of a driver spending seven to 10 days on the road , they may make shorter trips , which keeps them closer to home and gives them a more consistent schedule ,” Newton says .
Trucking companies offer the same benefits that you ’ ll find in other industries , including paid time off , health insurance and retirement savings plans . “ Many companies also offer sign on bonuses of $ 1,000 to $ 1,500 ,” Newton adds .
Opportunities in the trucking industry in Arkansas are growing . Demand for trucking is predicted to rise 20 percent over the next decade . “ A strong trucking industry is vital to our state ’ s economy ,” Newton says . “ We ’ re looking for people who have the skills and drive to help build a stronger Arkansas .”
To learn more about careers in Arkansas ’ trucking industry , visit www . arkansastrucking . com / careers , or scan the code with your phone .
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