Driving a truck can be a great way to make a
living. The pay is good, and the job offers a great deal of
freedom and flexibility. Before you can get behind the wheel you have to get
your commercial driver's license. Once you've passed the required tests, you
can work for a company or as an independent driver.
truck driving jobs are usually related with
reasonable, steady pay and long, hard hours. truck drivers are responsible for
transporting important, and often, expensive load. without truck drivers, trade
wouldn't exist as it does today. Being a truck driver is a great career choice
for many men and women across the United States.
General requirements for truck driving
You must be over 21
years of age to drive a truck over state lines. You won't be able to get a CDL
if you don't have a clean driving record. You need to have good
hearing, eyesight, normal use of
your arms and legs, and normal
blood pressure. Employers are required to
check their drivers for drug and alcohol use. Having a criminal record may be a
problem for some, but not all, employers. Also, you must hold a commercial driver's license (CDL) to drive any vehicle over 26,000 pounds, carrying hazardous materials or over sized loads. In addition, to qualify for a CDL you need to pass a written test and a physical examination.
Know what to expect as salary
Your salary will vary based on the
type of trucking work you do, the company you work for, and your level of
experience. That said, most truck drivers earn starting salaries around $30,000
per year.
After five to seven years of experience within a specific field,
your salary will usually increase to around $55,000 per year. The likelihood of
seeing an increase in your salary also improves if you stay with the same
company.
Note that some trucking jobs pay more than others. Typically,
drivers who work with hazardous chemicals, gas transport, or other dangerous
fleet earn more than those whose work does not involve such materials.
On the down side, trucking jobs can be very demanding. Expect to
be on the road for 12 hours a day, if not longer. You'll need to meet tight
delivery deadlines, and the job can be dangerous, especially if you carry
hazardous materials, but remember "more hardness = more money''
Talk with established truck drivers
If
you have the opportunity to do so, try talking with a few established truck
drivers. Ask them about their experiences and explain your interest in the
field.
Find out if anyone in your social circle
knows of someone with a career in truck driving. If you cannot make use of any
personal connections, consider talking with a few truck drivers at a truck
stop.
Depending on how things go, you may receive a
few referral cards. Save them for later if you do; these cards may make it
easier to attend school or find work.
note: you can ask any truck driver about salaries. salary changes from country to country, company to company, year to another.
Study the commercial driver's manual
Visit
your nearest Department
of Motor Vehicle (DMV) office and ask for a copy of the state
commercial driver's manual. Many state DMV websites also have digital copies
available online.
This manual will tell you all you need to
know about obtaining your commercial driver's license (CDL) within your state.
Review the information about fees, classes, and restrictions. Study its
contents to learn about the various traffic and safety laws associated with
commercial driving.
Since traffic laws can
change, you'll need to make sure that you study using the most recent edition
of the manual. New editions are typically printed on a yearly basis
Skills you will learn in this driving course
- understand how to start a truck.
- shift gears.
- stay in your lane or switch lanes.
- back up and reverse the semi-truck.
- park the truck.
- manage your speed on the highway.
- make controlled turns without putting cars and other vehicles in danger.
- deal with traffic crowding.
- handle difficulties in the road.
- Other behind-the-wheel instruction.
know what you're getting into The
life of a trucker isn't an easy one, and it's certainly not for everyone. Long
hours and a lot of time away from home can strain personal relationships. research
what it's like to be a truck driver through the web or by asking people you
know. Discuss what you've learned about the possibilities with your family
before you jump into trucking headfirst
commercial
truck driving can be a rewarding career, especially if you really enjoy driving
and don't mind spending long periods of time away from home. Becoming a truck
driver doesn't often take much time, but you do need to have some experience
before you can land a job.
