
Truck driving is one of the most popular jobs in America. In 2014, the American Trucking Association reported over 3.5 million people were employed as professional truck drivers or long-haul freight company workers.
According to Statista, in 2019, some 2.3 million heavy-duty trucks were sold globally.
While this is a large number of employees, it only accounts for roughly one percent of total US jobs and can be considered lower-paid professions. Still, all American truck drivers are entitled to various benefits, including vacation time.
There are three different types of positions available to become a truck driver: long haul or company drivers who work for a specific freight company; city, town, and regional drivers who only drive locally within their state; and finally, independent private contractors who can do any of the above jobs.
The following article will explain the certifications, licenses, and training needed to become a truck driver.
1) Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements
The best way to become a truck driver is by obtaining a commercial license. A commercial license allows you to drive any vehicle within the state, such as cars, trucks, and buses. To get the permit, a person must be at least 21 years of age and hold a valid regular driver’s license from the state they live in.
In addition, before applying for a commercial truck license, applicants must pass a physical exam and complete the written State Test within 30 days of their appointment date.
Applicants younger than 21 can apply if they have completed a driver’s education program in high school.
2) Commercial Driver Training School Requirements
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration data, drivers 21 years of age or older must pass a general knowledge test to be issued their commercial driver’s license before employment.
Drivers younger than 21 may apply for a CDL without taking the written exam if they:
– Have completed a state-approved driver education program.
– Are currently enrolled and attending a State approved CDL school which offers behind-the-wheel training on public roads as part of the course curriculum or have graduated from such a school within the past 12 months.
Within three years after receiving their license, all new drivers must pass a road skills test for their license to be valid. If the test is not given, drivers must wait seven days before retaking it.
3) Company Truck Driving Job Requirements
After completing all of these steps, new truck drivers are ready to apply for jobs with various freight companies across the United States. These companies will require all driver applicants to pass a pre-employment drug test and conduct background checks.
Before applying for these jobs, it’s essential to research the companies carefully. Truck driving is one of the most dangerous professions in America.
Acknowledging this fact, some carriers offer higher-than-average salaries in addition to medical insurance coverage, paid time off, and paid sick leave.
However, it’s important to note that these companies often hire drivers to lease their trucks instead of using their vehicles like commercial trucks.
In turn, those who choose to lease from freight companies must work for that particular carrier for at least one year.
At the end of that year, they must turn in their truck and equipment and may not use them again unless they make a certain number of deliveries for the company.
If one does not wish to lease from a carrier, they can freelance as an independent contractor — which is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in America.
4) Military Truck Driving Job Requirements
Those who wish to operate their own truck company or become a truck driver should join the military.
The United States Army and Marines offer one-year courses for those who wish to transport soldiers and materials during battle and ultimately become commercial drivers upon returning home.
Prerequisites:
– Must be at least 21 years of age
– Possess a valid driver’s license
– Minimum score of 70 on the general maintenance section of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery test. It is part of the overall ASVAB taken by applicants for entry into the military.
Applicants can visit their local recruiter for more information.
5) Non-Military Truck Driver Requirements
Individuals who wish to join the military can fulfill their qualifications through other means.
For example, suppose one is a citizen of another country and joined a foreign military. In that case, you may be eligible to obtain a commercial driver’s license from the state you reside in.
Applicants must be 18 to 23 years old, have a valid driver’s license and pass three tests:
– A pre-trip inspection test to show that they are familiar with the chassis of their vehicle
– Basic control skills test on how to drive in straight lines, reverse around corners, and parallel park
– Road sign test shows that they can differentiate between the various signs and their meaning.