Truck driving is a special profession, it’s not for everyone. There are two assumptions about truck driving, first assumption is that you will hop in the truck and no one will see you for months, the second assumption is that you’ll get your CDL today and a local job tomorrow. Both assumptions have some validity but neither is entirely true, all potential CDL students should research the industry.
The first assumption, OTR (over the road), companies can keep you on the road for months, but it’s not the norm. Most of the OTR companies that hire new drivers have regional routes available. The average regional driver is home every week; though some regional routes will have drivers home every two or three days and some every two weeks. Do your homework, go online and find trucking companies in your area that hire students and see what they offer as far as home time.
Can You Find Local Work Straight Out Of Truck Driving School?
The second assumption, in regards to local jobs, is wishful thinking. There are local jobs for new drivers but they are often a “lucky find”. Most of the local companies are smaller and use insurance brokers that review potential hires. A student that graduated from truck driving school last week is often not the insurance company’s first choice. Many more local companies would hire drivers out of school if their insurance companies would allow them.
As far as the companies that do hire students, it’s often a “right place, right time” type of placement. Local jobs are hard to find, especially in this 2009 economy; be wary of anyone that guarantees you placement in a local job straight out of school.
Are Trucking Jobs Available In A Poor Economy?
There are some things that must be said about being a truck driver; in an economy where many people are being laid off, truck drivers are still working and new drivers are still being hired. As long as people buy food, wear clothing, and use medical supplies there will be a demand for truck drivers. Truck drivers can relocate to any state in the country and still find work, and lastly, truck driving jobs are not age discriminative.
If possible you should try and talk to someone that is driving or has driven truck for a living. Experienced drivers know what it’s like to hit the road day and night. Recruiters for trucking companies are salesmen; there is a chance that they’ve never been behind the wheel of a big rig.
If you don’t know anyone in the industry, stop into your local truck stop, sit at the counter and listen to the conversations. It’s not the same as “interviewing” a driver but it’ll give you some idea of what it’s like to hit the road. It’s hard enough to prepare for a career change but trucking is a career change and a change in lifestyle. It is in your best interest to do as much research as possible into the industry, trucking is not for everyone.
What If My Record Isn’t Clean?
Anyone considering a truck driving career will find placement easy if their last five years are clean. If you have a felony, a DUI, tickets, an accident, drug/alcohol addictions; if you can’t pass a DOT physical or if you have a troubled work history you may have difficulty with placement. If your past reflects any of the items listed above you should talk to trucking companies or schools and confirm your ability to obtain a job in the industry.
How Should I Go About Getting My CDL?
Once you have decided to become a truck driver you need to decide how you will go about getting your CDL. There is basically three options; do it on your own, go to a company sponsored school or attend a public/private school.
All three options do have their pros and cons, you should do thorough research on all. Below is very condensed version of pros and cons for each option…continue to page 2 –>
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Spirit CDL Training in Belvidere, IL |
Welcome to TruckingTruth!
It is good to have you join us. With your knowledge it will be a big help to all who are wanting to enter the trucking industry. And with my Safety Director knowledge, I can also give advice. This will also show to the women drivers that you can move away from being a driver to other positions within trucking.
I liked this post–especially the part on “what if my record isn’t clean”. Almost everyone has the chance to enter trucking. There seems to be a few companies who don’t mind paying the higher insurance rates for risky drivers, but there is a limit to that as the insurance will not cover some of the more risky drivers. You just can’t have people who have accidents weekly/tickets weekly in a truck to make a living. That is why we are called PROFESSIONAL DRIVERS.
I am looking forward to more of your posts.
Great post and great advice from a great school. Anybody in the Chicago area, take it from me, go to Eagle. You won’t be dissapointed.