How To Get A Job Driving Trucks In America

Topic 16245 | Page 1

Page 1 of 1
James C.'s Comment
member avatar

Hi there my names James I'm 27 from Western Australia, Australia, im am looking to get some information on possibly doing some seasonal work in the us driving trucks for up to 6 months or so. I am a Truck driver/contract musterer (cattle station) here in Western Australia I have my full Australian multiple combination drivers license (license to drive a prime mover with any combination of trailers from 1 trailer upwards) I have 2 years experience driving trucks on the Australian rural and city roads, driving road train flat tops, road train grain end tippers, curtain sided freight cartage ( single, road train and b-double) and cattle transport.

Any information on whether this would be possible and what I would have to do would be much appreciated,

Cheers

Deleted Account's Comment
member avatar

This question has been asked here quite a few times which you should be able to find using the search feature here, but the overwhelming consesus is that your previous experience unfortunately doesn't mean a dang thing. You would be starting from the bottom and most companies (of not DOT) require you to hold a regular license for a year in this country. I'm sure you'll receive more answers providing you with more information, just wanted to give you a quick heads up. If I recall correctly you also wouldn't qualify for a green card as govt considers truck driving "unskilled labor". Good luck.

DOT:

Department Of Transportation

A department of the federal executive branch responsible for the national highways and for railroad and airline safety. It also manages Amtrak, the national railroad system, and the Coast Guard.

State and Federal DOT Officers are responsible for commercial vehicle enforcement. "The truck police" you could call them.

Errol V.'s Comment
member avatar

Hello James! I believe your big problem is that you need to have a license in the USA for a year before you can obtain a commercial driving license.

As Rob pointed out, your question is asked often here. This is a sample: How to get a truck driver job in USA for a foreigner

Rick S.'s Comment
member avatar

Issue #1 - is getting into the USA, with PERMISSION TO WORK.

Aus is part of the "Visa Waiver Program" for VISITORS - so you can get INTO the USA without a VISA. But that does NOT GIVE AUTHORIZATION TO WORK.

There are a number of ways to get visas into the states - but I am not an immigration attorney, nor an expert on the process.

Issue #2 - having a regular drivers license for the requisite amount of time, in order to apply/obtain a CDL.

In most cases - this time period is ONE YEAR.

So, if you're looking for "seasonal work" - coming over and driving for 6 months, then going home to Aus - that's probably just not going to happen due to visa, work authorization and drivers licensing regulations.

Rick

CDL:

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

A CDL is required to drive any of the following vehicles:

  • Any combination of vehicles with a gross combined weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 or more pounds, providing the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of the vehicle being towed is in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 or more pounds, or any such vehicle towing another not in excess of 10,000 pounds.
  • Any vehicle, regardless of size, designed to transport 16 or more persons, including the driver.
  • Any vehicle required by federal regulations to be placarded while transporting hazardous materials.
Page 1 of 1

New Reply:

New! Check out our help videos for a better understanding of our forum features

Bold
Italic
Underline
Quote
Photo
Link
Smiley
Links On TruckingTruth


example: TruckingTruth Homepage



example: https://www.truckingtruth.com
Submit
Cancel
Upload New Photo
Please enter a caption of one sentence or less:

Click on any of the buttons below to insert a link to that section of TruckingTruth:

Getting Started In Trucking High Road Training Program Company-Sponsored Training Programs Apply For Company-Sponsored Training Truck Driver's Career Guide Choosing A School Choosing A Company Truck Driving Schools Truck Driving Jobs Apply For Truck Driving Jobs DOT Physical Drug Testing Items To Pack Pre-Hire Letters CDL Practice Tests Trucking Company Reviews Brett's Book Leasing A Truck Pre-Trip Inspection Learn The Logbook Rules Sleep Apnea
Done
Done

0 characters so far - 5,500 maximum allowed.
Submit Preview

Preview:

Submit
Cancel

Why Join Trucking Truth?

We have an awesome set of tools that will help you understand the trucking industry and prepare for a great start to your trucking career. Not only that, but everything we offer here at TruckingTruth is 100% free - no strings attached! Sign up now and get instant access to our member's section:
High Road Training Program Logo
  • The High Road Training Program
  • The High Road Article Series
  • The Friendliest Trucker's Forum Ever!
  • Email Updates When New Articles Are Posted

Apply For Paid CDL Training Through TruckingTruth

Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:

Apply For Paid CDL Training