America’s transport system is dominated by monster trucks that transverse the 50 states supplying various goods.
However, little is known of how lucrative the venture is with some of the drivers behind the wheel taking home Ksh700,000 per month.
This is the story of Samuel Mulwa who ventured into truck driving in the US in 2020.
The Kenyan living in the US revealed to Kenyan Youtuber El and Nic, that he joined trucking courtesy of his friend who had worked in the industry for six years.
He claimed that after receiving advice from a friend about the lucrative transportation sector, he initially entered the US medical area before opting to leave and enroll in a trucking school.
“I joined a trucking school and attended a five-week programme. I paid Ksh447,000 and was trained on the basics of the program,” he stated.
Mulwa noted that after passing the test, he had to work with a trainer for a few weeks to help him learn some of the fundamentals of operating the truck and other skills that weren’t covered in class.
The driver said that his investment paid off despite the high cost levied because he earned an average of Ksh180,000 per week in his first year.
“The compensation is based on experience. That most definitely pays off well. When you work five days a week as a driver, your average pay is Ksh178,000; but, after taxes, your take-home pay is only Ksh155,000.
However, he noted that his pay had risen having been in the industry for two years.
Nonetheless, he divulged that trucking was not easy as many believe indicating the challenges in manoeuvring the monster vehicles.
“It was scary because reversing is very difficult. On the highway, you just have to check the side mirrors.
“Not everyone can drive but it is very rewarding. One of the greatest challenges is the weather. The wind here can be crazy at times,” he stated.
Mulwa advised Kenyans looking to work in the trucking industry in the US to pursue their passion rather than their financial interests considering the demanding nature of the profession.
“You have to love what to do because it is rewarding. Do not focus on money. You can imagine driving for 5000 kilometres,” he stated.
He also advised Kenyans to have proper documentation which is required during the registration process such as a working visa, and identification card among others.
