Requirements and Job Description
Truck driving is one of the most in-demand careers in America. There are more than 3 million truck drivers employed in the United States and that number continues to grow every year. Truck drivers can be found on highways all across America, delivering goods from one place to another. We will talk about what you need to know before you become a truck driver and how it feels once you get there and get your first truck driving job!
The first thing that you need to know is that truck driving can be a great career choice for millions of people. If you are looking for an occupation with plenty of job opportunities, good pay and benefits, then becoming a truck driver might just be the right fit for you!
With so many different companies hiring drivers, there are dozens of options available if you want to become a professional trucker. A few common requirements across all jobs include being at least 21 years old, having clean criminal record , holding valid commercial drivers license (CDL) in your state and passing drug test . Some employers may have additional requirements but this brief list includes most basic qualifications. To begin working as soon as possible after applying, some companies also require prior work experience or provide on-the-job training.
Once you have met all the requirements and been hired by a company, your next step is to obtain CDL. This document allows you to operate commercial vehicles such as 18-wheelers across state lines. Obtaining CDL can be done relatively quickly if you already have a driver’s license and take a few practice tests. After that, it is just a matter of learning the specific regulations that apply to truck drivers in your area.
The final step before hitting the open road is passing a DOT physical exam . This medical checkup ensures that you are physically fit to drive for long periods of time and meet other safety standards established by the Department of Transportation (DOT). If everything checks out, then you can begin your journey as a professional truck driver!
