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If you want to become a truck driver, some options are to go to a truck driving school, a community college (some offer programs), or find a trucking company that will train you (may have a fee or some type of requirement for you to be employed with the company for X number of months) and give you a trucking job after you've completed a driver training course.
Truck Driving Jobs*
Truck drivers deliver products from paper clips to automobiles. They are always present on our highways and roads. Even those products that are sent by ship, air, or train must eventually be loaded onto a truck for delivery. Job opportunities in this field are favorable.
Necessary Qualifications for Truck Driving Jobs
Truck drivers must abide by state and federal regulations. Tractor-trailer drivers must possess a CDL (commercial drivers license) from the state in which they live. A standard driver's license is acceptable for all other drivers. Information about obtaining a CDL can be found by contacting the State Department of Motor Vehicles. Most truck drivers pursue training through vocational or trade schools.
Local truck drivers must be eighteen years old. However, those driving between states must be 21 years of age. They also must pass a physical examination every two years. They must have good hearing, 20/40 vision with glasses, and normal color vision. Other health issues are addressed, such as diabetes or epilepsy. Routine drug screenings are also performed.
Truck Driver Earnings and Advancement
Local truck drivers earn between $7.00 and $20.00 an hour. Heavy tractor-trailer drivers earn between $10.00 and $23.00 an hour. Sales workers may earn slightly more because in addition to an hourly wage they have the opportunity to earn commissions.
Advancement is limited in this field. Senior drivers are able to choose the best routes. Some are promoted to dispatcher or manager.
Looking for a cdl truck driving job? Here are some tips on how to find truck driving jobs online.
Truck Driving Jobs & Career Opportunities
Truck drivers have important responsibilities before leaving with a shipment. They check fuel and oil levels in the truck. They ensure that all safety equipment is aboard and that the cargo is secure. Once underway, larger long-distance trucks are often equipped with GPS (global positioning system) or satellites to communicate weather, traffic, or other possible problems. These systems also allow a warehouse to track delivery time.
Heavy truck and tractor-trailer drivers drive vehicles that weigh more than 26,000 pounds. These vehicles are used to transport cars, livestock, or other materials. For trips that last several days, drivers sleep in the berth of the cab. They stop only for fuel, food, loading, or unloading. Sometimes, two drivers make these trips together. Some drivers travel regular routes, while others perform unscheduled runs. Once a delivery is complete, the U.S. Department of Transportation requires all drivers to file reports on the trip, including accidents and the condition of the truck.
Light or delivery services truck drivers drive vehicles that weigh less than 26,000 pounds. These drivers typically have short trips throughout the day. As deliveries are made, customers must sign for receipt of packages. Any money due is collected at this time. Drivers report on the condition of the truck or van at the end of the day. They also turn in all receipts, money collected, and delivery reports.
Route drivers, or drivers/sales workers, handle customer service or sales while on a route. They establish relationships with customers, taking orders, delivering goods, and handling questions or complaints. They complete their day by placing the next day's orders and reporting on sales.
Many companies are hiring for cdl truck driving jobs on a regular basis. If you are currently looking for a cdl driving job you should check with several companies to help you make a better decision.
* This information has been summarized from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor's website. For up to date information see the online Occupational Outlook Handbook on Truckdrivers and driver/sales workers at bls.gov/oco/ocos246.htm.
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