trucker

How to Start Out as a Commercial Truck Driver

Introduction

Commercial truck drivers are responsible for transporting goods from warehouses to places all over the country. Trucks are a more flexible form of transportation than planes, boats, or trains. Truck driving is a physically difficult job due to the long hours, little sleep, and heavy lifting. The best commercial truck drivers are healthy, friendly and fit. Many truckers drive long distances and there are not many jobs for drivers who want to drive locally.

Difficulty: Difficult

Instructions

Step 1

Earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL). You can take preparation courses at local vocational and technical schools. In CDL prep courses you will learn how to drive large vehicles in traffic. You will also learn how to inspect your truck to be sure that it complies with regulations. The test will include around 30 questions and you must past with 80% or higher. There is also a practical driving component to the test.

Step 2

Pass a medical examination. Truck drivers must have a physical examination every two years. They need to have good hearing and eyesight (with or without glasses) and they cannot be colorblind. They also need to have regular use of their limbs and normal blood pressure. If you have diabetes or epilepsy, you cannot be an interstate truck driver.

Step 3

Be a person that trucking companies want. Many firms want drivers who are older than 22 years old and can lift heavy loads. They also prefer drivers who have graduated high school. The best drivers will interact well with people, have initiative, act responsibly, and work independently.

Step 4

Find a job. Look in the newspaper and online for trucker wanted ads. You can also call shipping companies and warehouses to see if they are hiring new truck drivers. Truck jobs can be found more easily in big metropolitan areas and in places where there are wholesale distribution outlets.

Step 5

Get additional training. Employers give their new drivers additional training either through classroom instruction or by matching them up with an experienced driver to train them on the job. You will learn how to load a truck properly, how to fill out delivery forms, and other general information.

Tip

Try listening to books on tape to keep away boredom during long drives.

Warning

Recognize how difficult a job as a truck driver is. Drivers work alone and often spend nights and weekends away from their family and home.

Bureau of Labor Statistics: Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers

http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos246.htm