Members of the American Trucking Association (ATA) come from different walks of life. It may come as a surprise that professionals from the corporate world have made the career switch. Lawyers, bankers, executives, and managers have all seen the opportunity and have moved to the life of a truck driver.
To become a truck driver, here are 5 easy steps:
Complete Basic Education and Get Professional Training.
Get Certified and Registered.
Sign up for Placement Assistance and Employment.
Complete Company Orientation and Training.
One of the basic requirements you need to become a truck driver is to meet the age and licensure requirements. Truck driving can be a rewarding career choice for those who appreciate traveling and working with flexibility and autonomy. Transportation is a field that is constantly evolving and is an excellent fit for anyone who is just starting in their professional career or seeking a change.
Read on to learn more about the five steps to become a truck driver in detail. And if you think you are ready to jump into CDL Training Check out this page for some FMCSA Approved Education Programs
Is Being a Truck Driver Worth It?
Being a truck driver is worth it. Driving your rig across the country is a quiet and peaceful career, which is pretty rewarding too. You no longer have to deal with office politics and climbing corporate ladders. On top of that, you can strike a deal with your employer and be rewarded handsomely.
Here are some of the benefits of entering the honorable field of truck driving:
A Pretty Good Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median salary for truck drivers in the USA in 2020 was around $47,130. That is about $22.66 an hour. Note that some truck drivers get paid more depending on certain factors.
Freedom
For many truck drivers, the freedom from stress and the peace that comes with it is probably the most significant benefit. They never need to see the same old cubicle day in and day out.
Job Security
Interestingly, truck driving is one career path that has survived this pandemic. Businesses will always need to move products from one point of the country to the other.
Travel
You get to see a lot of scenic places in the country you may never have seen before. You also get to meet a lot of interesting people along the way.
Tuition Reimbursement
You need professional training on how to be a truck driver. The company you’ll be working for may reimburse your tuition payments once you complete the training.
Vacations
You also get paid sick days and paid vacations too.
Insurance
It’s no secret that being on the road can be dangerous. That is why pro truck drivers are provided generous insurance coverage.
USA: How to Become a Truck Driver https://t.co/36x3qoU8zy
— Nyongesa Sande (@NyongesaSande) June 24, 2021
What Are the Steps to Becoming a Truck Driver?
Do these benefits kind of pique your interest in making a career switch? Before you make that decision, you should take a close look at what you’ll need to do to achieve that.
There are just a few y steps you’ll need to take to become a professional truck driver. However, do take note that the process is not a simple walk in the park either.
There are basic requirements for truck drivers that you’ll need to meet and certifications that you’ll need to get. You’ll also need to complete the training to become a professional hauler.
Consider the following steps:
Step 1: Get a Commercial Driver’s License
The first step to becoming a true blue trucker is to get a CDL or commercial driver’s license. If you haven’t driven a truck before, you should get some training for that.
The process gets a bit longer if you haven’t driven a stick shift before. You will need to learn how to drive a stick shift if you don't know how right now. However some companies are making the switch to fully automatic trucks.
After getting the hang of the controls, it’s time to earn your CDL. How long does it take to get one? The timing varies and may be different from one state to the other.
The most significant factor for some delays is the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMVs) capacity in your state. If there is a huge volume of prospective drivers and your DMV is swamped, then you should expect to have to wait a few months before you can get your CDL.
At least the wait will give you more time to practice. In the meantime, you can take a class in a professional driving school. This will help you to become more confident driving a huge rig. Remember that trucks that haul tons of cargo are different from any large vehicle you have ever driven before.
Step 2: Complete Basic Education and Get Professional Training
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, long-haul companies usually require their drivers to have earned at least a high school diploma. Of course, if you already have a degree from a previous career, that will give you an advantage.
Companies also prefer drivers who have attended a private school for beginner truck drivers or an equivalent community college program. Note that this training will take several months at a high cost. Make sure to ask for information on how you can get tuition assistance. Again, many companies will reimburse you for training.
Step 3: Get Certified and Registered
The truck driving school that you will attend will usually be focused on passing the CDL exam. The exam will be different for each state. Make sure to get a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) while working on your CDL certification.
Your training can include several qualifications and certifications. Make sure to get the ones related to the role you’re looking for in the trucking industry. Examples of these include the following:
- Tanker truck driving certification
- School vehicles
- Hazardous material loads
- Semi-truck driving certification
Another essential requirement, other than passing the CDL test, is to pass the exam from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR).
Once you pass these exams and get all the required certifications that come with them, it’s time to get your first job as a pro hauler. They help to ensure that you know and understand all the truck driver’s duties and responsibilities.
Step 4: Sign up for Placement Assistance and Employment
Once certified, your next step is to land your first professional truck driving job. The truck driving school you attended may help you when it comes to job placement. You can also check with your local truck driving association’s job boards.
Step 5: Complete Company Orientation and Training
After you land your first gig, make sure to attend your company’s orientation. There will also be some in-house training. Each company will usually have its type of corporate training. This will be a bit different from what you have learned in truck driving school.
These are sometimes called driver finishing programs. Think of them as a way to polish whatever skills you have gained so far in this new and exciting career.
These in-house training programs can take several weeks to complete. Don’t worry. You will be paid or reimbursed for the training you’ll receive. Your training will include everything relevant to the vehicles you will drive, the equipment you will be using, and the materials you will be hauling.
Are Truck Drivers in Demand?
Truck drivers are in demand, though note that the size of your salary will grow as you gain more experience. In some states, like in California, trucking companies require their drivers to have at least two years of experience before they will be considered for a raise or promotion.
Use that time to expand your network of fellow professional truck drivers. This will allow you to spot more job openings (which can mean higher pay), gain endorsements, or learn about new equipment, thus expanding your skillset.
A Final Word
Those are the five steps on how to become a professional truck driver. It may be the best career move you will make. If you’re interested in making this shift, search for the best truck trainer near me. If you need help with new truck driver training requirements, visit the rest of our blog.