Is Working for Amazon a Good Job: Traditional vs Amazon Driving

Truck drivers are integral to our economy, ensuring consumers have goods nationwide. With the rise of e-commerce giants like Amazon, the landscape for delivery has evolved, offering new avenues for truck drivers. Yet, traditional trucking still provides robust opportunities. Here, we will explore the different truck driving paths, answer the questions: is working for Amazon a good job, why training with Truck Driver Institute is the best route to a successful career, and more. 

Driving Types

When navigating the trucking industry, drivers must determine which driving type is best for them and their lifestyle. Keep reading to learn about local, regional, over-the-road, and Amazon driving to help you make an informed decision. 

Local Driving

Local driving operates within a limited geographic area, allowing drivers to return home daily. This option is excellent for drivers who need to prioritize time at home. However, it may offer lower earning potential than its counterparts. 

Regional Driving

Regional driving is the middle ground between local and OTR driving. Regional drivers cover a specific region, which covers several states. Regional drivers are away from home every day but are typically only away for several days at a time, depending on the job’s specifics. Regional drivers do have the option to be home weekly, making it a strong option for drivers who want to earn more than local drivers but avoid long stretches of time away from home. 

Over the Road (OTR) Driving

OTR driving takes the most commitment to the road than the above driving types. OTR drivers typically cover the entire country and can spend weeks at a time on the road. OTR driving is the most demanding type; however, it offers the highest earning potential. Plus, you get paid to experience all the country has to offer. OTR driving is ideal for those who do not need to prioritize time at home and have a sense of adventure. 

Amazon Driving

Amazon driving is most equal to local driving for the most part. Due to the constant demand for Amazon’s prime delivery services, drivers in the Amazon network focus on day-to-day deliveries and have more predictable schedules than other truck drivers. While Amazon does offer stability and the backing of a company that does not seem to be going anywhere, it does not provide the same earning potential or variety of experiences as traditional trucking jobs. To this point, on average, Amazon drivers are making $18-25 per hour, while truck drivers make around $29 per hour. 

The Benefits of a Truck Driving Career

There are many benefits of a truck driving career. Not only do you get to have freedom and avoid being stuck behind a desk from 9-5, but you also get to be your own boss and work in an industry with endless opportunities. Truck driving is a recession-proof career, as seen with the increased demand in times of crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, truck driving careers offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, among other things. To learn more about the benefits of a truck driving career, check out our blog! 

Is Working for Amazon a Good Job? 

While the significant pros of working for Amazon include steady, predictable work and working for one of the most powerful companies in the world, there are also cons. Those cons include a lack of route autonomy and a work pace that many find to be taxing. Unlike traditional trucking jobs, Amazon has less room for career advancement and earning potential. 

Finding the Path to Success with TDI

TDI sets drivers on career paths that offer the potential to grow and the skill set to succeed regardless of the trucking type. We take pride in preparing our students for anything the industry throws at them, from local drop-offs to cross-country deliveries. With over 50 years of experience and a leader in CDL training with 10 locations nationwide, we offer students an expansive network to get their career in drive. We also partner with 20+ carriers to ensure our students can apply for jobs before graduating. Our team boasts an 80% job placement rate, highlighting our dedication to seeing students graduate and helping them succeed. 

Our 3-week program helps students build the foundation to succeed in the industry. We combine classroom learning with hands-on driving experience, leaving students confident to tackle any driving scenario. Plus, all our instructors have their CDLs and have worked as truck drivers, so they can provide unique insights into the ins and outs of trucking. We work with each student individually to thrive in our program and beyond, which is not the case for giant corporations who do not have the time to do so. At TDI, you are part of our family. 

How to Get Started with TDI

Getting started at TDI is a straightforward process. To enroll, fill out this short form on our site, and one of our recruiters will contact you to discuss the next steps. You can also call us at 800-848-7364, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have before getting started! 

Click here to learn more about our Class A CDL training and the career opportunities available upon graduation. 

Never Ask Is Working for Amazon a Good Job Again and Enroll at TDI Today

Choosing the right trucking career path requires evaluating what is important to you and determining which route best suits you. While Amazon driving offers one avenue, training at TDI provides more opportunities that can lead to a lucrative career. At TDI, you’re not just earning your license and becoming a number; you’re joining a community committed to your success. 

As the trucking industry continues to evolve, there is a need for well-trained drivers. Whether you’re interested in exploring the open road, leaving traditional jobs in your past, or seeking job security, TDI is ready to help you achieve those goals. Contact us today to put traditional jobs in your rearview mirror and start looking toward your future.