[sc_rufctr]

I've always considered semi drivers professionals.

I could never do the job. To hard and the hours are ridiculous. Locally the only way to make money is drive for extended hours but even that is getting harder to do because of speed/time cameras.

A trip from Sydney to Adelaide is about 1400 Kms. The truckies normally do it with one or two stops. About 17 hours driving total. They may get some sleep and then turn around and do it again the next day. Some guys work 7 days a week for weeks on end.
I don't know how that compares to you guys but that's hard work expecially considering the money they make.