My grandfather is a truck driver, but I didn't know they were called  truckies in Australia and New Zealand.
That sounds like an Australian term!  Truck driving sounds like a tedious and hard job.
Yes it is because they transport finished goods and raw materials over land, typically to and from manufacturing plants, retail and distribution centers.
Do truck drivers get paid well for their profession?
I am pretty sure they do, because they are responsible for inspecting all their vehicles for mechanical items or issues relating to safe operation.
Sounds complicated.  Do truck drivers have to buy and provide their own trucks?
I am not sure,  I just know they are responsible for their vehicles mechanical issues
Do truck drivers have to go to school to be able to drive?
industries.
Driving large trucks and buses require a commercial driver's license (CDL) to operate. Obtaining a CDL requires extra education and training dealing with the special knowledge requirements and handling characteristics of such a large vehicle. Drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) must adhere to the hours of service, which are regulations governing the driving hours of commercial drivers. These and all other rules regarding the safety of interstate commercial driving are issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA is a division
Truck driver
A truck driver (commonly referred to as a trucker, teamster or driver in the United States and Canada; a truckie in Australia and New Zealand; a lorry driver, or driver in Ireland, the United Kingdom, India, Nepal and Pakistan) is a person who earns a living as the driver of a truck (usually a semi truck, box truck or dump truck).
Duties and functions.
Truck drivers provide an essential service to industrialized societies by transporting finished goods and raw materials over