Driving commercial trucks can be a satisfying career, particularly if you like being on the go and don’t mind spending long periods away from home. Becoming a truck driver doesn’t always take much time, but you need to follow a few strict criteria before landing a job.
Truck driving is an enjoyable and satisfying profession because of its versatility. Truck drivers are responsible for taking any item you have bought to a store near you to break it down as quickly as possible.
In this article, we provide an easy guide to becoming a delivery truck driver. Read on to learn more.
Get Started: Pass Basic Requirements
Without possessing a current driver’s license, residents are not permitted to drive family cars or trucks, let alone commercial vehicles. By keeping this license, you may apply to begin your career driving delivery trucks while studying to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) has found that many long-haul employers require candidates to have at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent and a CDL.
Also, serious candidates can attend and complete the curriculum from an approved community college program or a private truck driving academy. The services run from several months to a full year, and individual students can obtain tuition aid.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registration
Usually, truck driving schools teach students how to drive trucks and learn the regulatory specifics to pass licensing tests. Schools should concentrate on the basics of the CDL exam for the state.
A “combination vehicle” endorsement can open up the driver’s qualifications to include semi-truck driving, hazardous material loads, school vehicles, and tanker trucks.
Drivers must also pass the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR) test, which requires a physical sight and hearing examination and a written portion of federal traffic laws.
For each CDL endorsement, a passing grade on a skills test and/or a written test is required. Under the supervision of a CDL-licensed pilot, you can hold a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) to acquire on-the-road experience.
Job Placement Assistance
Several truck driving colleges provide work placement boards and job counseling. Truck-driving groups and organizations offer their members work panels and career mentoring. Professional recruitment service companies are also for pay.
Finally, general national job boards, such as Indeed or Beast, post vacancies based on location, driving experience, and training. Indeed, it lists more than 28,000 new jobs for CDL holders and those with special endorsements.
Also Read: Job Description – Delivery Driver
Average Salary
The pay can vary depending on the type of trucking work and your level of experience. Most truck drivers earn about $30,000 a year in starting wages.
After five to seven years of experience in a particular sector, your salary will typically rise to about $55,000 a year. The chance of seeing a rise in your salary also increases when you remain in the same organization.
Notice that some positions in trucking pay more than others. Drivers operating with toxic chemicals, gas transportation, or other hazardous fleets usually receive more than those whose work does not require such materials.
Jobs and Experience
The BLS notes that most businesses need a proprietary, in-house training program to be completed by newly licensed workers. They will run for 3 to 4 weeks.
Training sessions, called Driver Finishing Programs, introduce the vehicles, products, and equipment applicable to new truckers. A licensed instructor who accompanies on-road training tracks student driving.
Some employers should not recruit tractor-trailer drivers who do not have two years of experience, such as driving a delivery truck. For long-haul or semi-trailer drivers, experience will factor into overall earnings.
On-the-road experience, networking with fellow drivers on job opportunities, learning tips, upgrades to equipment, or the importance of receiving endorsements can be promoted.
Conclusion
On-the-road experience and networking with fellow drivers on job opportunities can help you land the gig you want. Become the driver of a truck and begin your journey!