A career as a truck driver allows you to travel the country in ways that most people will never have the opportunity to do. It is a gratifying profession and one of the most complicated to enter.

Truck drivers are trusted with large volumes of precious cargo and must meet certain conditions like a clean driving record. Despite the stigma, anyone can become a truck driver with patience and training.

Get a CDL

To drive a commercial vehicle in the United States, you must obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). This is a specialized type of driver’s license that allows truck drivers to operate specific types of commercial motor vehicles. There are several different classes of CDLs, and the one you need depends on the type of truck driving you plan to do. For example, if you want to haul hazardous materials, you need special certifications and your CDL and DOT number.

You must choose a truck driving school and enroll in a program to get a CDL. On average, CDL training takes up to seven weeks and requires much time and dedication from the student.

After the initial training, you must take your knowledge and skills tests. Depending on the type of CDL you need, you may also need to acquire specific endorsements.

For example, if you want to drive trucks, often called “18-wheelers,” you will need a Class A CDL. This license will allow you to operate all types of vehicles, from heavy farm equipment to tankers and even hot shot loads. You can also drive passenger vans with a Class C CDL. 

Get Your Endorsements

Being a truck driver is a thrilling opportunity for anyone with the correct talents and attitude. It provides fair compensation, several prospects for growth and progress, and the opportunity to travel to places in the country that most people will never visit. However, it is also a career that requires a lot of commitment and dedication to the job. Luckily, there are many options for truck driving training to help you get started in your truck driver application. These include private schools, community colleges, and company-sponsored programs that can target your training toward a specific employer and offer a job guarantee upon completion.

This profession has some physical prerequisites, so be sure your body and health are in tip-top shape before starting. You’ll have to pass a DOT physical that tests your eyesight, ears, and general well-being. You’ll also be required to sit for long periods and lift a heavy load, so you’ll want to train as hard as possible before beginning this demanding career.

As more companies rely on truck drivers to make their deliveries, it’s a great time to consider this rewarding career. You’ll be responsible for getting the goods we need to survive – from medical supplies to food – across the country and into people’s homes. This is an exciting and fulfilling way to support yourself and your family and see the world differently.

Get Your Training

Truck driving is a rewarding career for those who love to see the world. But it’s also a demanding job requiring training before you hit the road. Truck driving schools can help prepare you for the rigors of the industry and provide the hands-on experience that employers require. There are online programs as well as brick-and-mortar trucking schools that offer classes and hands-on training.

The training programs vary from school to school, but most take at least 12 weeks. Some are intensive, while others are more relaxed. Some programs may pair you with an experienced driver to serve as a mentor, and many have classroom time in addition to on-road instruction.

Once you’ve completed your truck driving training, you can apply for a CDL. Most companies will want you to pass a company-specific trucking exam. This will typically include a written and a road test. Some firms may let you pick your route and work for as long as you want, but most new drivers will be allocated a local route that keeps them near home.

Aside from the physical stamina required to spend a long on the road, truck driving requires good communication skills. It’s essential to stay in touch with dispatchers, customers, and fellow drivers. This is why practicing your communication skills in advance is a great idea.

Get Your License and Start Driving

Truck driving is a gratifying career for those who want to be independent and spend much time away from home. However, it is essential to research the field and ensure that you are prepared for the responsibilities of trucking before jumping in head first. This can be done by talking to established truck drivers and gaining insight into the industry and their experience behind the wheel.

Once a driver has completed their training, they must obtain a license. To do so, they must pass a background check and undergo a physical. Then, they will be able to apply for jobs with various companies. The good news is that, due to a truck driver shortage, there are plenty of opportunities for drivers. It’s also good to know that once you become a qualified driver, you will be eligible for owner operator tax deductions. These include reductions in fuel tax costs to every day vehicle expenses. So make sure to check these out once you have all your qualifications. 

For those who want to become truck drivers, the above information will help prepare them for a rewarding career in one of the most in-demand industries in America.