Truck Driving Careers
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Truck Driving Career Overview
The decision to become a truck driver is a big one. You may enter into it with many questions such as "How much schooling do I really need?" and "What kind of money can I make once I have the proper training?" The answers to these questions depend wholly on what type of driving career you are interested in and how much time you are willing to put into your career.
Truck Drivers must consider what type of lifestyle change they will be encountering as well. After all, it is not just late night triple cheeseburgers and free coffee at the local truck stops. Truck drivers, especially long haul and overnight drivers, need to consider the lifestyle that will be expected of them and their families.
You can expect certain perks from truck driving such as:
- Job opportunities that are generally abundant
- Flexible schedules for certain drivers
- Opportunities to meet and network with many people
Search Truck Driving SchoolsCommercial Driving Training & Education
During your quest to becoming a commercial driver, you can assume that training and education will play a major part in how successful you become. Some characteristics to look for in a good trucking school are:
- A good student to teacher ratio
- State certifications
- Courses offered
- Percentage of students who pass their CDL exam
You may also want to consider looking for a CVTA (Commercial Vehicle Training Association) member school. CVTA members must pass strict testing on courses offered, accountability and code of ethics.
Classroom time is very important but so is driving hours. You should expect a minimum of 160 hours of instruction with 40 of those hours behind the wheel. In regards to your tuition costs, everything is relative. Higher costs with shorter classes, for example, are probably not in your best interest.
Commercial Driving Career & Salary
There are two specific types of licenses for truck drivers that determine what they drive, where they drive and just how much moola they bring home at the end of the day.
First there is the Class A:
- Class A vehicles are typically a multiple axle (Tractor Trailer) that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds or more in special applications.
- Drivers with this license can drive intrastate and interstate (cross country or over the road).
- Pay is on a mileage basis and averages $35- $40K the first year up to a maximum of about $75-$80K depending on the company and experience.
Secondly, there is Class B:
- Class B vehicles are usually in excess of 26,000 pounds and a single axle.
- Drivers with this license can run locally or intrastate (within the state).
- Average starting pay is $12- $18 dollars per hour.
Career Fields/Specializations
Commercial Driving Career
Commercial drivers have the opportunity to drive several types of vehicles. You have your pick of tractor trailers, semi-trucks or buses, just to name a few. But before you run out and purchase a rig, you might want to stop and get a CDL (Commercial Driving License) first. All states require this license before you start driving. You can expect to take these basic steps to get where you want to go in the commercial driving business:
- Find out what to expect in obtaining your license. Most states will require a written exam, a fee and a skills test.
- Research and enroll in a quality school that will provide you with the skills and regulations you will need to know.
- Apply for your license once you are ready.
- Expect to be subject to a physical exam and drug testing every two years to maintain you license.
Tractor Trailer Driver Career
So you’ve decided you want to drive a tractor trailer? Well, if you have read this far you know all about licenses and schooling and the pay you can expect to receive in the trucking career. But as a tractor trailer driver, there are a few other things you should know such as:
- Your tractor trailer can weigh up to 6,000 to 20,000 pounds per axle
- You may work for common carrier companies (delivering goods to the general public)
- Or contract carrier companies (delivery of goods for a specific group of shippers)
- Or private carriers who drive their own trucks
- You are responsible for big, expensive trucks
- You may spend many hours behind the wheel which also translates into many hours (or even days) away from home
Driving a tractor trailer is a demanding, but rewarding job. Considering there is an estimated 23,000 job openings due to retirement or leaving the occupation, it is definitely a wise career choice.
Commercial Transport Driver Career
Commercial transport is becoming more and more popular because of the freedom to travel and the opportunity to break out from behind the cubicle walls. However, there are many aspects about commercial driving to consider:
- You are responsible for checking and maintaining the condition of your vehicle. Making sure to report anything that is not in working order or would cause a safety issue.
- You must be able to stay alert for the duration of the drive
- Your assignments will vary depending on the load and location
- You may be required to troubleshoot information, directions, weather reports and other communication from your fellow drivers
- If you haul heavier loads, you may be required to assist in loading an unloading.
- Lighter loads may require less traveling, but more knowledge in computer tracking and customer service
As stated before, you must weigh your options when choosing this career path but the long term benefits of such a career are favorable.
Long Haul Truck Driver Career
Long distance drivers spend the majority of their time behind the wheel. Occasionally they will need to unload the cargo, particularly if it is specialty cargo. This is because the driver may be the only one at the destination that is familiar with the material or authorized to handle it. There are specific aspects of long haul that you should be aware of such as:
- Long hours, obviously, will be a factor. Often even extending to overnight runs
- Physical demands such as sitting for long periods of time and the ability to concentrate on roads and other drivers
- You may be required to travel nights, weekends and holidays to avoid traffic delays
- You may drive for 11 hours and work up to 14 hours a day
- Long haul drivers typically work the maximum time permitted because they are typically compensated for the number of hours or miles they drive
Local Truck Driver Career
Short haul or local drivers often drive vehicles weighing less than 26,000 pounds. They pick up and deliver within specific areas, which typically means that they will have a regular schedule. Some information that should be considered for short haul or local driving would be:
- Most local drivers have sales and customer service responsibilities
- May be required to take orders or collect payments
- Possibility of working 50 or more hours per week
- You will primarily have a regular route each day
- You may be required to load and unload your truck
Overall, employment for truck drivers is expected to increase due to the economy and the amount of freight that is carried by truck. Demand for long distance drivers will remain strong since they are able to haul time-sensitive goods. Local driving positions will remain competitive due to the favorable conditions of working locally.
