Hit the Road
Are you looking for a job with good pay and a chance to travel? Truck driving could be the perfect fit for you. Truck drivers play an important role in moving goods across the country, keeping the economy going. Learn how to start a career in truck driving, what qualifications you need, what the job is like and more.
Understanding Truck Driving as a Career
A truck driver's job is to transport goods all around the country. This can mean shorter, regional distances, or national distances across multiple states. As a result, truck drivers can be on the road anywhere from days to weeks at a time. Depending on their industry, truck drivers can carry a variety of different items, such as food or livestock.
How to Get a Truck Driving Job
There are different types of truck driving jobs, such as long-haul (over-the-road) driving, local driving or specialized freight. Begin researching what kind of truck driving job you want based on what best suits your lifestyle and preferences.
The first step to officially becoming a truck driver is obtaining your Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL. You can enroll in a truck driving school where you'll receive training on driving a truck, safety protocols and passing the CDL exam. The CDL is mandatory for driving commercial vehicles in the U.S. The CDL exam consists of a written knowledge test and a skills test, which includes a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control and a road test.
Once you have your CDL, you can start applying for truck driving jobs. Look for job openings on online job boards, company websites or through trucking agencies. Be prepared to provide a clean driving record and pass a background check.
Qualifications
Age Requirement
In most states, you must be at least 21 years old to drive a commercial vehicle across state lines. For intrastate driving, the minimum age is usually 18.
Physical Health
While truck driving might not sound physically strenuous, it can take a physical toll on the body. Long hours of driving and sitting for extended periods cause strain on the body, leading to back pain and other musculoskeletal issues.
Many truck drivers also develop irregular sleep patterns as a result of this job. That’s why truck drivers must pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam to ensure they are fit to drive. This includes vision and hearing tests, as well as checks for medical conditions that could impair driving.
Clean Driving Record
Employers are more likely to hire drivers with a clean driving record, free from major violations like DUI or reckless driving.
Background Check
Most employers will conduct a background check, so having a clean criminal record can increase your chances of getting hired.
Understanding Truck Driving Salary
Many different factors can determine a truck driver’s salary. According to recent data, the latest truck driver salary ranges from $54,502 to $189,320 annually. That said, the average truck driver's salary in the United States is $83,158 per year.
Pay can increase for truck drivers if the work itself becomes more dangerous and for the jobs that not as many drivers want to do. For example, a hazmat driver transporting dangerous, toxic materials must operate their commercial vehicle with greater care and alertness.
Hazardous materials accidents, material leaks or explosions are hugely dangerous and can lead to the evacuation of entire towns, environmental damage and even casualties. As a result, a truck driver with a job where there is more at stake is more likely to have higher compensation.
Conclusion
Truck driving is a vital career that, with the proper training and dedication, anyone can do. Not only is it essential to the economy of our country, but gives drivers a consistent and reliable career with an above-average paycheck. If you’re looking for a career change, truck driving might be the next step for you!
Read on to learn more about food delivery jobs.