 For those of you who are wondering how to become a trucker, I've written this short article as a primer on the topic. Being a truck driver offers experiences you won't find in other occupations. Truck driving can offer excitement, new experiences and allow you to see new places and explore the country. It can also be a grueling lifestyle at times and can create hardships if you are married. That is one thing you probably won't read in the advertising of truck driver training schools, but it is a matter with which you and your family will have to deal. As a general rule, you can normally make a decent living at trucking. This depends on several factors. If you are driving over the road (OTR) you will necessarily have to be away from home and family a lot of time throughout the year. More local/ regional driving allows you to be home more often and is often a choice for those who have families. OTR then, would require you to be gone for longer periods of time to earn a decent living since you certainly won't make money staying at home.
Companies and truck driver training schools often advertise that you can make $30,000-$40,000 your first year out. I personally would take that with a grain of salt. They can't possibly predict that as it depends on a number of factors outside their control. Like starting any new career, you will make mistakes at first which can cost you some earned income. It is only after you have some experience under your belt, that you will be in a better position to determine what works best for you. Other factors include the economy. If it is down, then trucking loads are usually down too. A larger company can usually keep you running more than smaller companies and therefore they offer a better hedge against slower economic times. Other factors which determine how much you can earn, include:
- how you are paid by the company- by the miles, by the load/trip, or by the hour,
- if you are a company driver or an owner-operator,
- and the rate per mile you are paid by the company if they pay you that way.
Since 75% of all commodities in the U.S. are transported by truck, there will always be a need for truckers. Although it may fluctuate somewhat during harder economic times, truck driving is usually a secure career move. It is also one which offers variety in types of driving jobs available, from local, to regional, to over-the-road driving. With a Class A CDL, you can have a variety of driving jobs available.
Requirements For Truck Drivers
Qualifications for being a truck driver include:
- Having a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) Class A
- A clean driving record
- At least 20/40 vision in each eye with or without glasses or contact lenses, 70 degree field of vision.
- Be of a certain age. This depends on the state, but generally you must be 18 years old for local trucking and at least 21 for interstate driving, although some companies will require you to be 25 years of age.
Companies also place other requirements for hiring depending on their own company policies.
Driver Training and Truck Driving Schools
 There are two main ways to obtain training as a truck driver. Truck driving schools offer one of the most common approaches to obtaining the training. Most credible schools will provide you with the skills necessary and some may even help you obtain a job when you finish their training. You must be careful, however, that it is indeed a reliable school. Although certification is not required, it is a good idea to attend a school which is certified by the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI), based in Alexandria, Virginia. This will give you a guarantee of quality of training.
Another factor to consider in choosing a school is the amount of time the training involves. It takes time to properly learn truck driving and related skills, such as semi-trailer driving and driving in various weather conditions. You will want to be sure you are taught the skills necessary to safely drive the equipment. A short course time such as three weeks is unlikely to allow you to learn and build the necessary skills. Actual driving time (behind the wheel actually driving) is another item you will want to find out from the school representative before making your decision. However, since the term "behind the wheel" does not necessarily mean actual driving time behind the wheel, so be sure to find out exactly what is meant by the prospective school by the term.
Another thing to consider is to attend a truck driver training school in your own state as this will be the state in which you are required to obtain your CDL.
Company Training Programs
Because of the high demand for truck drivers, some companies offer training for potential employees. This is sometimes the most feasible route economically for those who want to become truck drivers. Many times companies will offer driver training which is low cost or even free with the student paying only their living expenses while training, and cash outlay for basic service fees such as background checks and other expenses associated with job applications. Generally, if you are trained by a company, you will be required to work for that company for a certain time period after training. This has the advantage of providing a ready job for successful training graduates and usually is for a time period of a year or two. If you quit before that time, you will be required to pay back the balance of the cost of the training. Some of these companies also have programs where the graduate can lease/ purchase a truck and start a career as an owner/ operator.
Types of Trucking Jobs
Local drivers make shorter trips and are usually home every night. Over-the-road drivers are out for extended periods of time which vary according to the individual companies and the type of run involved. Dedicated runs are established routes which allow the driver to know where they will be at a certain times and when they will be home. These types of routes usually require seniority with the company as they are preferred positions with most truck drivers.
Starting pay for most new drivers at this time is around $.30 per mile. Some companies pay bonuses on top of this for performance such as more miles driven, etc.
Finding Truck Driver Jobs
Sources for finding truck driver jobs include:
- Newspaper classified ads
- Trucker magazines at truck stops
- The Internet
- Local employment offices.
You can also contact major trucking companies in your area or state. Considering the high demand for truck drivers, it is possible many of these companies will be hiring. The important thing is to keep looking until you find a job. If you have obtained the necessary training and your CDL you should be able to find a job. Just be persistent and don't give up.
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