Truck drivers are in high demand, and the industry needs a lot of people to fill these vacant positions. Truck drivers are responsible for driving trucks and transporting goods from one place to another.
If you want to become a truck driver, you will need to have a commercial driver’s license, pass an exam, and have experience driving trucks. You can get all these things by taking classes in school or through training programs at your local trucking company.
The First Step on Your Journey to Becoming a Truck Driver
Becoming a truck driver is a rewarding career choice. It can be a challenging one, too, but with the right training and the right attitude, you can make it happen.
Before starting your journey, here’s what you should know:
- The first step is getting your CDL
- You must complete at least two weeks of training at an approved driving school
- You will also need to be at least 21 years old
- You will need to pass background checks and drug tests
- You must have an acceptable driving record
And After That?
Once you have a commercial driving license, you’ll be able to look for a job or for work if you have set up as a self-employed carrier. A load board, like the one at https://www.shiply.com/us/load-board, is a good source of work.
How much can you earn? About $40,000 per year, on average. Some drivers can make up to $200,000 annually. It all depends on how much you work and how far you drive each day.
The Pros and Cons
What are the pros of being a trucker? You get paid to drive. You will earn more money the more miles you drive and the longer your routes are. You’re your own boss and decide how much time you want to spend driving. You will get to see the world while being where there is always something happening. You will be in a high-paying job that allows you to work a flexible schedule. You will get the opportunity to meet new people every day, although you may not like all of them.
Cons: You only get paid when you work and for the miles you drive. You need a CDL and experience driving for long periods. There is also the risk of injury from accidents or from slipping and falling to consider, and it can be lonely on the road.
Early Careers for Truck Drivers
Doing basic CDL training is enough for a truck driver to move up through the ranks of his or her company. Most drivers start as CDL Class A drivers, which means they have enough skills to move from simply driving their trucks to performing more complicated driving tasks and taking over the driving of another truck.
After this initial step, you can start doing more advanced CDL training and take over some management responsibilities within your company.
What Next?
Now that you know what to expect and are ready to get started on your career path as a professional truck driver, the choice is yours – if you want to start, the next step is getting your CDL.
