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