Florida not only happens to be a favorite tourist hotspot, but it is also an excellent place to live and work. So much so that one of the most competitive jobs is the truck driver job. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports from the USA say that truck driver jobs in Florida are expected to increase by 20 to 35 % by the end of the year. This is consistent with increases in other states, reflecting the massive increase in the amount of freight carried by trucks. However, just as the sun and easy lifestyle draw vacationers, an increasing number of drivers are relocating their families to take benefit of the excellent weather and regime. A professional company truck driver will have no trouble finding a suitable job in Florida, but he should be prepared for some stiff competition. Cities such as Fort Lauderdale and Jacksonville are desperate for more drivers. Truck driving has the most job openings each year, so the job opportunities are excellent. It makes no difference whether or not the driver has attained professional status. Of course, this will influence the level of pay and benefits, but in terms of employability, trainee drivers will have no difficulty in finding a great job in Florida. With the average trucker's salary starting around $35,000 per year, this is regarded as a very good entry pay into an industry by anyone's standards. The more the pay, the extra experience they have and the more endorsements they have. Within a couple of years, a truck driver working from his home base in Orlando on regional or national routes could expect to earn around $50,000. Sign-on bonuses, medical and dental insurance, 401K plans, and other benefits are not included. Many experienced drivers, particularly those who work specialized equipment such as wide-load hauling, can negotiate pay and benefits in the $70,000 to $100,000 range. It is important to remember that the incredible networks of carriers, as well as their trucks and drivers, are responsible for transporting nearly all of the goods that are transported across America on their way to the consumer via retail outlets. According to the ATA, this includes not only goods from producers to consumers, but also everything imported or manufactured in the United States. The 3.5 million tractor-trailers responsible for this movement are driven by men and women who are united by their love of their profession. Not only that, but it is their preferred way of life, which is often challenging and downright difficult, and at times even dangerous, but never boring. In Florida, husband and wife owner operator teams are also in high demand. They have proven to be exceptionally dependable truck drivers for extremely long-haul jobs that necessitate them to be away from their residences for several weeks. In fact, the truck only stops for refueling, food, and reloading or unloading during their entire trip. They are able to arrive at their destination on time because they take turns driving. Owner-operators stand to gain the most and, conversely, stand to lose the most. Many of them are based in Naples and Lakeland, ready to transport fresh produce all the way up the east coast to supermarket shelves.
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