Industry experts see truck driving as one of the fastest growing occupations in the country today. It also plays a huge role in today’s economy by accounting for 70% of inland freight delivered by trucks.
But truck driving job openings may vary on work hours and earnings, depending on its complexity. So, staffing agencies like Centerline Drivers suggest preparing yourself if you’re planning to become a truck driver. Here are a few pointers to help you land the job.
Get a Commercial Driver’s License
One of the first things that you need to get is a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). To qualify for it, you first need to pass a written exam about rules and regulations. Then, you must prove that you can safely operate a commercial truck. Once you pass the examination, the state will check the records to know if they will approve, suspend or revoke a CDL to a driver.
The state or county gets their record from a designated national databank. These entities store all incurred driving violations by persons who have a CDL or are applying for one. Applicants can get their CDL from state vehicle administrations.
Know the company regulations
Before you start submitting your application, you must ensure that you learn as much as you can about the company regulations. There are firms that need their drivers to be at least 22 years old and amenable to lifting heavy objects, for example. Some require applicants to have truck driving experience of at least three to five years. Meanwhile, other companies prefer to work with high school graduates. They should also pass yearly physical examinations.
Attend various truck driver training programs
Another way to prepare yourself for a truck driving job is to attend a few training programs. This can also help you in obtaining a CDL. There are high school courses that focus on automotive mechanics as well as driver training, which you might find helpful.
Other public and private vocational-technical schools offer training programs, too. These schools commonly teach students how to maneuver large vehicles on highway traffic as well as crowded streets.
Check other requirements
Aside from having a CDL, you need to meet other requirements, as well. Most trucking companies require drivers to have at least 20/40 vision with or without glasses, a 70-degree vision in each eye, and good hearing. Drivers shouldn’t have colorblindness and should also have a strong sense of spatial relations.
You should also be able to speak English well enough to understand road signs as well as create reports. You shouldn’t have any felony conviction related to a motor vehicle or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Also, you shouldn’t have any charges related to a hit-and-run incident that resulted in either injury or death.
Bear in mind that most employers look for applicants who have a combination of skills to do the job. It’s best to get an understanding of all the skills that they are looking for before you proceed to the next step of your application.
