If you are looking for a job that allows you to travel the country, enjoy the open road, and earn a solid living, becoming a truck driver could be the perfect solution. Truck driving is a popular profession that allows people to travel nationwide, delivering goods and materials to various locations.
Did you know that truck drivers play a crucial role in the U.S. economy? They’re responsible for transporting goods and products across the country, ensuring businesses and consumers can get what they need. Without truckers, the supply chain would be in trouble, which could lead to shortages and higher costs for everyone.
Millions of Americans have job prospects in the trucking industry, which also benefits the entire economy. However, the industry also faces difficulties affecting its ability to meet market expectations, such as driver shortages and regulatory restrictions.
Why and How can you Become a Truck Driver?
Truck driving as a profession has been around for decades, gaining popularity with time. Although many negative stereotypes surround the truck-driving business, there are a lot of perks in the hauling industry.
With the constant rise in online shopping, there is a massive demand for moving goods around. Consequently, the need for truck drivers remains persistent. The truck driving industry provides you with stable job opportunities and job security if you choose this profession.
Also, being a truck driver offers a perk that only comes with a few jobs. Truck driving as a profession offers you a high degree of independence. As a truck driver, you can travel to different parts of the country and see various beautiful sights rather than sit in your cabin from 9 to 5.
Most trucking businesses offer you flexible work hours allowing you to decide when you want to work. In addition to this, many trucking companies also offer part-time work to students or other willing candidates. Truck driving might be the job for you if you are looking for work with flexible job hours to balance your personal and professional lives.
Steps to Become a Truck Driver
Step 1: Meet the Minimum Requirements
Before pursuing your career as a truck driver, you must meet these minimum requirements. These requirements vary by state but typically include the following:
- You need to be at least 18 years old.
- You must have a valid driver’s license.
- It’s important to have a clean driving record.
- You’ll need to pass a drug and alcohol test.
- Some employers might also require a high school diploma or equivalent.
Step 2: Get Trained
To become a truck driver, complete a commercial driver’s license (CDL) training program. There are several options for training, including attending a truck driving school, enrolling in a community college program, or attaining on-the-job training.
Truck driving schools offer comprehensive training programs that include classroom instruction, behind-the-wheel training, and on-road experience. Community college programs typically provide a more in-depth curriculum, including business and management courses, and may take longer to complete.
On-the-job training involves working for a trucking company as an apprentice driver. This training may last several months or even a year, and during this period, you work with an experienced driver who will teach you the skills needed to operate a commercial truck.
Step 3: Obtain a CLP (Commercial Learner’s Permit)
A Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) is a permit issued by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) in the United States to an individual who wants to learn to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). You are required to get a CLP before getting a CDL.
To get a CLP, an individual must pass a written knowledge test covering topics such as driving safely, transporting cargo safely, and air brakes (if applicable). Additionally, the individual must pass a vision test and meet other requirements, such as being at least 18 years of age and possessing a valid driver’s license.
Once a person has acquired a CLP, they can begin practicing driving a CMV under the supervision of a licensed commercial driver. After a certain period, typically 14 days, the individual can take the skills test to qualify for their CDL.
Getting a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
People driving commercial vehicles such as trucks in the USA require these licenses. The CDL is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It is designed to ensure that commercial drivers have the knowledge and skills to operate their vehicles safely on public roads.
To get a CDL, you must pass written and practical tests, including a driving skills test. You must also meet specific requirements related to age, driving experience, and medical fitness.
With a CDL, drivers can operate commercial vehicles within certain weight and passenger limits and for specific purposes, such as transporting hazardous materials.
To acquire a commercial driver’s license (CDL), you must follow the general steps below:
Meet the basic requirements: You must be at least 18 (21 years old for interstate travel), have a valid driver’s license, and pass a Department of Transportation health and drug test (DOT).
Choose the type of CDL you want: There are three classes of CDLs, each with different endorsements and restrictions.
Obtain a CDL permit: You must pass a written test to get a CDL permit, which allows you to practice driving a commercial vehicle with a licensed CDL holder in the passenger seat.
Matrack provides detailed maps and real-time traffic information to help you plan and prepare for the CDL exam. Matrack can also help you analyze your driving performance, such as how well you follow traffic rules, which can be valuable information for passing the CDL exam.
The CDL proficiency test includes a pre-trip inspection, a basic vehicle inspection, and an on-road driving test. You must bring a commercial vehicle that meets the requirements of your CDL class and endorsements to the test.
Acquiring the CDL: The CDL proficiency test includes a pre-trip inspection, a basic vehicle inspection, and an on-road driving test. You must bring a commercial vehicle that meets the requirements of your CDL class and endorsements to the test.
Once you pass the test, you will receive a CDL from the licensing authority.
Maintaining your CDL: You will need to renew your CDL periodically and may need to take additional training or tests to support your endorsements. You must also comply with DOT regulations regarding hours of operation, vehicle maintenance, and other requirements.
Specific requirements for a Commercial Driver’s License may vary by state. Therefore, check with your state’s licensing authority.
What are your options for CDL licenses? Which one should you choose?
Commercial Driving Licenses (CDL) are issued to drivers who operate large vehicles for commercial purposes. The United States Department of Transportation (DOT) has three classes of CDLs, described below:
Class A CDL: With this license, a driver may drive a combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of 26,001 pounds or more. This license includes vehicles with a trailer or other tractor weighing 10,000 pounds. A class A CDL is the highest commercial driver’s license level required for drivers operating tractor-trailers, tankers, or other heavy-duty vehicles.
Class B CDL: With this license, a driver may drive a single vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds or more or a combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of fewer than 26,001 pounds but with a tractor-trailer unit weighing 10,000 pounds or less, which includes buses, vans, and dump trucks.
Class C CDL: A class C CDL is for drivers who operate vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or hazardous materials, which includes buses and vans transporting people to order, such as airport shuttles and tour buses. Drivers who operate vehicles with hazardous materials placards but do not meet the Class A or B license criteria must also have A Class C CDL.
It is essential to know that drivers must meet specific requirements and pass a written test and a driving test to procure a CDL. In addition, drivers with a CDL must comply with federal and state regulations, such as keeping driving records and submitting to regular drug and alcohol testing.
What can you expect now that you have a CDL?
Job Opportunities: With a CDL, you are qualified to drive commercial vehicles, which opens up a wide range of employment opportunities in the trucking industry. You can work for trucking companies, delivery services, construction companies, and other businesses that need to transport goods.
Regulations and Compliance: As a CDL holder, you must comply with various regulations related to service hours, vehicle maintenance, and safety. You must keep your CDL current and meet state or federal requirements for renewing your license.
Training and Certification: Depending on the type of truck you will be driving, you may need additional training and certification. For example, you need a hazardous materials (Hazmat) endorsement on your CDL to haul hazardous materials. You may also require other approvals for driving specialty vehicles such as tanker trucks or school buses.
Extended hours: You can expect to work long hours as a truck driver. You must be okay with being away from home for extended periods and sleeping in your truck.
Good pay: Truck drivers can earn a good salary, especially if they are willing to work long hours and drive long distances. Some companies also offer fringe benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Overall, earning a CDL can open up a world of opportunities for those interested in a career as a truck driver, and all that’s left is to find employment.
Step 4: Finding Employment
Once you are issued your CDL, it’s time to start looking for employment. Job openings can be searched for on job boards, company websites, or through staffing agencies. Many trucking companies offer signing bonuses, tuition reimbursement, and other incentives to attract new drivers.
It’s essential to research the companies you’re interested in working for to ensure they have a good reputation and offer competitive pay and benefits. You should also consider the type of trucking you want to do, such as long-haul or local, and the type of cargo you wish to transport.
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Become an Independent Owner-Operator:
It is essential to procure your Commercial Driving License (CDL) while you plan on becoming an Independent Owner-Operator. However, there are other requirements and considerations beyond acquiring a CDL.
To become an entrepreneur, you typically need to have experience as a truck driver, either as an employee or as an independent contractor. It will allow you to gain the skills and knowledge required to operate your trucking company.
In addition to having a driver’s license and experience, you must also understand the trucking industry, including regulations, logistics, and business management.
If you are new to all this, you can rely on Matrack to help you streamline your operations, reduce costs and maximize profit in the trucking industry.
If you are planning to become a trucking company owner-operator, getting your CDL is the first of many steps that you have to take toward your goals.
Conclusion
Becoming a truck driver requires hard work, dedication, and a commitment to safety. With the proper training, education, and experience, you can enjoy a rewarding career on the road. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in truck driving, follow these steps and start your journey today.
James Johnson is a former truck driver who now works as a writer, specializing in the trucking industry. With over 15 years of experience on the road, James has a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities faced by truck drivers and the trucking industry as a whole. His writing focuses on issues such as safety, regulation, and the latest industry trends. His work has been featured in several trucking publications and he has received recognition for his contributions to the industry. In his free time, James still enjoys being around trucks and often attends truck shows and other industry events.