The shortage of professional truck drivers in Spain has long become a chronic problem for the industry. Young people are in no hurry to enter the transport sector, and working conditions and pay levels often cannot compete with foreign markets. Against this backdrop, the story of a Spanish long-haul trucker who went to work in the USA is especially revealing for anyone following market dynamics and the real opportunities the profession offers.
Life on the Road: An American Experience
At the center of attention is Jesús, a Spanish driver who decided to swap European routes for American highways. According to him, he works long distances, covering nearly all of the United States except Alaska and Hawaii. This kind of work requires not only great endurance but also a readiness for a life constantly on the move. Unlike most of his colleagues in Spain, Jesús lives right in his truck, which allows him to minimize expenses and forego renting housing.
This approach to everyday life is not just a forced measure, but a conscious savings strategy. His cab has everything he needs: a bed, microwave, refrigerator, and even a small closet for clothes. This lifestyle allows him to save almost all his earnings, which in the American market is a real advantage.
Salary and Expenses: The Numbers Without Illusions
According to Jesús, his annual income in the US is about 65,000 euros. After all mandatory deductions—taxes, social security contributions, and health insurance—he is left with roughly 55,000 euros net. This amounts to about 5,500 euros per month, which is noticeably higher than the average for similar work in Spain. It is important to note that pay in American transport companies is based on mileage rather than a fixed rate. Jesús points out that he usually drives 9,000–9,500 miles a month, though some colleagues reach up to 13,000 miles.
Savings come not only from a high salary but also from minimal expenses on housing and food. Living in his truck, Jesús hardly faces major costs, allowing him to set aside a significant part of his income. Such an approach would be nearly impossible in the Spanish market, where the cost of living and expense structure differ significantly.
Labor market: Spain vs. USA
Comparing working conditions, Jesus emphasizes that in Spain, truck drivers face a higher tax burden but receive social guarantees: a pension, healthcare, paid vacation, and sick leave. In the US, by contrast, many drivers work under a system similar to self-employment, which offers more freedom but less protection. This format is not for everyone, but for those who are ready for independence and can manage their expenses, the American market offers new opportunities.
The region of work also plays a significant role. For example, living in Texas allows Jesus to save additional money on taxes, since some states do not have a value-added tax. This is another factor that makes the American experience appealing for drivers from Europe.
Practical context for Spain
Jesus’s story is not just a personal experience, but a reflection of global trends in the freight market. For Spanish companies, this is a signal that they need to reconsider working conditions and make the profession more attractive. At the same time, for drivers themselves, the example of working in the US shows that alternative models of employment and savings truly work if approached with calculation and discipline.
In Spain, the profession of truck driver remains in demand, but requires adaptation to new realities. Increased competition from international markets and changes in cost structures are forcing a reassessment of traditional approaches to labor organization. The American experience, despite its particularities, can serve as a model for those seeking new ways to advance in the transport sector.
