Did you know that the employment rates for truck driving careers are expected to grow around 6% from now till 2030?
Many people consider being a truck driver to be more of a lifestyle than a job. After figuring out how to become a truck driver, your first year on the road will be one of the most difficult. It’s a period of transition while you adapt to your new work or lifestyle. Your patience, as well as your boundaries, will be put to the test.
Your attitude toward it will determine whether it makes or destroys you. For both novice drivers and long-haulers, this job has both advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to be aware of and comprehend the effects of truck driving on all areas of your life. So, if you’ve been thinking about becoming a truck driver, you’ve come to the right place.
Keep on reading to learn all about choosing a career path in transportation and becoming a truck driver.
How to Become a Truck Driver
Let’s start with the basics. You must possess a high school diploma or a GED. The minimum age to travel inside your state is 18. However, if you wish to drive across the nation, you must be 21 years old.
You should have strong eyesight and hearing, as well as good hand-eye coordination and physical fitness. You must have a solid track record as well. According to federal rules, people with certain kinds of medical issues or any other condition that might interfere with trucking skills will not be hired.
Whether you wear a hearing aid or not, you must be able to hear a whisper from 5 feet away and have 20/40 vision with a 70-degree field of vision in each eye. Before starting school, most schools will require children to get a physical examination.
Because most businesses require their drivers to be certified, unless the company you’re applying for has its own training, you may require to attend truck driving school. It’s the only way to become a professional.
Take The CDL Test
A commercial driver’s license is required for truck drivers (CDL). The requirements for this differ by state, but to be certified, the driver must pass a knowledge-based exam as well as a driving test.
You must have your social security card or evidence of lawful residency in the United States to take the exam. You must also submit an application demonstrating that you satisfy both medical and driving requirements, as well as that you have a clean driving record. You will also need a vision exam for the student driver.
We’ve created a collection of CDL practice exams that will help you get more acquainted with the kinds of questions you’ll be asked on your official state exam.
The Career Outlook and Pay
After you’ve been employed, you may anticipate another 1-3 months of on-the-job training. YA more experienced driver mentor you during this time, and you’ll learn about the specific kind of truck you’ll be operating. You’ll most likely be seated in the passenger seat, although the mentor may do the mentoring from that seat.
The majority of truckers are paid by the mile, and depending on the business, truckers may be eligible for additional benefits, such as a portion of shipping income. The salary of a truck driver varies depending on their job, the kind of cargo they carry, and their level of expertise.
While that may be the norm for most jobs, truckers who can carry products across the nation are in great demand. Trucking is proven to be a highly undervalued and overlooked career option, with a median salary of more than $47,130 per year. Experienced experts who have been in the industry for a long time earn more. In 2020, the top 10% of earners earned an average of $69,480. Some drivers may bring much more home with them.
How to Get Employed as a Trucker
It is important to do your study and understand the ins and outs of the profession before jumping in and pursuing a career as a truck driver.
It’s quite OK if you decide that truck driving isn’t for you. However, it is preferable to discover this information early in the procedure rather than after leaving the house.
You can check out the openings at Nick Strimbu Inc. for a better idea about what the market is looking for.
Online Research
A simple Google search is the fastest method to discover information on truck driving.
There are hundreds of blog posts, YouTube videos, and other materials available that will offer you a behind-the-scenes peek at what it’s like to drive a truck.
Talk With a Truck Driver
Talking to a truck driver is one of the greatest methods to get the true and honest work description of a truck driver.
Truck drivers will explain the reality of the work to you and discuss whether or not you possess the necessary characteristics to be a successful truck driver.
Fulfill Every Requirement
Many businesses have a list of criteria that you must meet before you may drive for them.
To begin, you must be at least 21 years old to travel state borders. Some businesses may have local jobs available for drivers between the ages of 18 and 21, allowing them to work as truck drivers.
Truck Driving Jobs: Unlocking Your New Career
We know how overwhelming it might seem when you’re exploring the trucking industry for the first time. It almost looks like it’s a separate world with unique rules and requirements.
Hopefully, our guide has shed some light on how to become a truck driver and start your career. When in doubt, start with the basic requirements, and you can build your eligibility points as you go.
And, if you enjoyed reading our article, then you’ll love checking our additional tips and tricks. Those will be available to you in our career section.
