Think all digital nomad jobs have to be online? Think again.
While being a commercial truck driver isn’t your typical “digital nomad” job – (there’s nothing digital about it) – it is a job that lets you work while traveling. Not everyone dreams of working from a laptop on a beach. Some people would rather hit the open road, soak in new scenery, and have a little peace and quiet (with their favorite playlist or podcast on full blast).
Driving a truck across the country gives you a front-row seat to places you might never visit otherwise. All while earning a steady paycheck and benefits.
- Average Annual Salary for Truck Drivers:
Most truck drivers: $55,000 – $75,000 per year - Long-haul/OTR drivers: $70,000 – $100,000+ per year
- Specialty drivers (like chemical tanker drivers): $80,000 – $120,000+ per year
Of course, this kind of job isn’t for everyone. But if you’re curious what life on the road looks like and how it all works, let’s hear from someone doing it firsthand.
Meet Tamra Fakhoorian. A commercial tanker driver in the trucking industry, transporting chemicals across the US and Canada. With a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a love for travel, Tamra has found the perfect blend of work and lifestyle with this unconventional “digital nomad job”.
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Meet Tamra Fakhoorian
How She Got Started With Her “Digital Nomad Job”
For Tamra, the trucking life wasn’t exactly part of a long-term plan. It was the result of being a little too ahead of her time. After chasing several entrepreneurial ideas that didn’t quite land (at least, not yet), she decided to look for a job that would combine steady pay with her love of travel.
That’s when she found truck driving. It offered the freedom of the open road, time in nature, and a minimalist lifestyle. All while getting paid to explore new places. While not a “digital” job, it sure does allow for travel.
Digital Nomad Job #6:
Interview With Commercial Tank Driver, Tamra Fakhoorian
Summary of what your job entails
My job includes routine daily inspections of both truck and tanker, planning my route to my destination, keeping up with electronic logs, the actual drive to my destination, unloading of product via air pressure or pumping and keeping up with all paperwork,
What made you get started with this job?
Every entrepreneurial idea I had was ahead of its time, so I decided to find a “real” job that combined my love for travel along with a steady paycheck.
What’s a typical day like for you on the road?
I am on the road usually ten days, then home for two or three. I get up at 5am and hit the road by 5:30am. I usually take a thirty minute break mid-day and find a rest stop or truck stop to do a brisk walk. My days average 14 hours on duty. Trucking is a “hurry up and get there, then wait” lifestyle, so I love being able to explore the communities and hiking opportunities I find during my “waits”. My delight is finding unexpected spots of beauty that sing to my Zen nature.
Best thing you love about your job + the lifestyle
I get to experience the ever-changing landscape, awesome sunrises and sunsets every single day. I love my minimalist lifestyle in the cab of my truck.
Least thing you like about your job + the lifestyle
Some days are stressful- traffic, difficult unloads, or the occasional breakdown.
How much do you earn?
$80,000 per year
What qualifications did you need to get in order to do this career?
One month of CDL school, ($4,000 out of pocket) then another month of training with your new company (you get pd for being trained usually with a hire-on bonus that balances out the initial cost.)
Advice to those who are looking to pursue this field?
Have an excellent driving record. Be comfortable as a loner. Don’t let the thought of a big rig scare you. It is stressful at first but once you get used to it, it is just like driving a car, only bigger. Trucking companies love hiring women truckers. Only 6% of truckers are women.
Best tips on how to be successful?
Drive safely. Obey DOT regulations. Make a good night’s rest your priority every night. Bring a hobby along. I always have a travel guitar along and currently am learning to carve bamboo flutes. Make it fun!
Did you face any criticism getting started?
No. My family knows I am a traveler (36 countries) so they loved it that I found a way to fund new international trips while earning a living all over the US and Canada.
Digital Nomad Job #6
Additional Goodies
What’s your favorite quote?
My honest response whenever someone asks me how I am, “I’m happy.” While not an official quote, it’s words to live by.
Your best travel tip or budget travel tip
- Find a safe, secure place to park each night.
- Cook in your truck to save tons of money and eat healthy.
Digital Nomad Job #6:
Extra Resources
If this sounds like a career path you’d like to explore, even if just for a season of life, here’s everything you’ll need to know to get started. No job has to be forever, but trucking can be a great option if you’re looking to stay within the U.S., put a skill you already have (driving) to use, and enjoy a little solitude while making money on the road. Below you’ll find where to get your CDL, companies to apply with, and even a few podcasts to tune into while you’re out there.
Certification or Licensure
Before you can hit the road, you’ll need to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This isn’t a job you can just apply for without proper training. There are safety rules and skills you’ll need to learn first (for good reason).
Most people either go to a local truck driving school or apply for a company-sponsored CDL training program. This is where the company trains you and then hires you afterward.
CDL schools usually take about 3-8 weeks, depending on the program. Private schools can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $7,000. But if you go the company-sponsored route, many programs are free upfront (with the agreement that you’ll drive for that company for a certain amount of time afterward).
Some popular companies in the U.S. that offer paid CDL training are:
- Swift Driving Academy
- Roehl Transport CDL Training
- Schneider CDL Training
- Prime Inc. CDL Program
Or you can look for a CDL school near you by searching “CDL training near me” — a lot of community colleges offer programs too.
Once you’ve completed your training and passed your CDL test, you’ll be ready to start applying for jobs and getting on the road.
Companies to apply with:
Swift Transportation
One of the biggest trucking companies in the U.S., Swift hires a lot of new drivers and offers paid training programs if you don’t have experience yet. It’s a good starting point to get your foot in the door.
Apply here: Swift Transportation Careers
Roehl Transport
Roehl is known for its paid CDL training program, which helps new drivers get licensed and on the road without paying out of pocket. They focus a lot on safety and building skills for long-term careers.
Apply here: Roehl Transport Careers
J.B. Hunt
J.B. Hunt has programs for both new and experienced drivers. They offer paid training for beginners and are a solid option if you’re looking for a company with a variety of routes and schedules.
Apply here: J.B. Hunt Driver Jobs
XPO Logistics
XPO runs its own driver school where you can earn your CDL while getting paid. A good option if you want to avoid upfront schooling costs and start making money while you learn.
Apply here: XPO Logistics Driver Jobs
Estes Express
Estes is a family-owned freight company with a good reputation for treating drivers well. They offer local and regional routes, so it’s a nice option if long-haul isn’t your thing.
Estes Express: Apply here: Estes Express Careers
TMC Transportation
TMC is known for its flatbed trucking division and clean, well-kept trucks. They offer paid training for new drivers and have a reputation for being a solid first trucking job.
Apply here: TMC Transportation Careers
Sygma Network (Sysco)
Sygma hires drivers for food service delivery, usually with local or regional routes. Pay can be solid, especially after you’ve got some experience under your belt — and you’ll be home more often than OTR drivers.
Apply here: Sygma Network Careers
Podcasts:
- Truck N’ Hustle
- A no-fluff trucking podcast that talks about everything from industry news and regulations to stories from the road. Easy listen for anyone curious about what’s going on in the trucking world.
- Trucker Dump
- Hosted by a long-time truck driver, this one’s a mix of honest advice, personal stories, and a look at the realities of life on the road. Feels like you’re chatting with a friend who’s been doing this forever.
- TalkCDL Trucking Podcast
- A no-fluff trucking podcast that talks about everything from industry news and regulations to stories from the road. Easy listen for anyone curious about what’s going on in the trucking world.
A Quick Thanks to Tamra
Big thanks to Tamra for sharing her story and giving us a look into what life is really like on the road as a chemical tanker driver. It just goes to show that not all travel jobs have to fit the typical “digital nomad” mold. Sometimes it’s about finding work that aligns with your lifestyle, your skills, and what you enjoy. Even if that looks totally different from what everyone else is doing
Digital Nomad Job #6:
Summed Up As A Commerical Truck Driver
If you’re looking for a different way to work and travel, one that doesn’t involve a laptop or WiFi signal then becoming a commercial truck driver might be worth considering.
It’s not about jet-setting around the world, but it is about exploring places you might never otherwise visit, right here in the U.S. And let’s be honest. This country is big enough (and beautiful enough) to keep you busy for a while.
If you’re interested in keeping up with Tamra, you can check out her instagram here.
Stay tuned for more digital nomad job interviews as I release them, which you can catch here on my blog.
xx, christine
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