Mile Marker # 2
I want to start out by saying that I am not a job recruiter, or affiliated with any particular company. I am just a professional driver helping those interested and guiding them in the right direction to a driving career. My opinions are my opinions and may differ with others. I've been asked on numerous occasions on how to obtain a trucking career. With the many questions and phone calls involved in the past, I figured a detailed blog would be a great tool.
Getting started is quite simple today. The first step is locating a truck driving school that is close to your area. A great web site to search for schools is http://www.toptruckingschools.com/. When you choose one, visit the school's web site for details for that particular school. Normally, school applications are available online. The financing is easy to obtain and afford. In most cases after the schooling is completed, the cost will be reimbursed. I will get to that later. The cost will cover tuition, lodging, ( if needed ) and licensing fees. Upon completion, you should have earned a Class A - CDL license ( Commercial Driver's License ) and have learned entry level skills. I will mention it again - entry level skills.... I have been at this a long time, and I still learn something new everyday.
Most schools will have on-site job recruiters representing various reputable trucking companies. They would love to hire you. There are approximately 2.8 million professional drivers on the road today, and the industry needs thousands more. To your advantage, the job placement percentage is very high. Do not rush into a quick decision. Remember that it is a driver's market, and there are a lot of empty trucks sitting in their yards. It might be overwhelming at first, but take your time and see what each different company has to offer. Choosing a school is not as important than choosing your first employer. Make a choice based on your needs. Most of the recruiting companies have a reimbursement program. Usually, you are obligated to be an employee of that company for a certain amount of time ( Approximately 1 to 2 years ). If you choose to interrupt your contract for any reason, be prepared to pony up the school costs. Choose your first company wisely. Look at their trucks, what kind freight they haul, what states they cover, rider and pet programs, what type of trailer you will be pulling (flat, dry, refrigerated etc.) and so on.
Being that you are right out of school with entry level driving skills, the company you elected will most likely assign you to a driver/trainer for a short period of time. He or she will assist you until you are comfortable with the equipment and learn what your employer expects from you as a driver. Some people take longer than others, but the driver/trainer will know when your ready to drive on your own.
Before you start driving, your company will help with any additional requirements you may need to do your job. These requirements might include extra endorsements ( Hazmat, Doubles/Triples, etc. ), a medical card ( a physical is required every 2 years), and most likely a drug and alcohol screening. Expect random drug and alcohol testing in the future.
Your first year will be the toughest, but the most rewarding. In the meantime, you will gain valuable experience and accumulated verified logged miles.
Next blog: Mile Marker # 3 Just A Heads up
I want to start out by saying that I am not a job recruiter, or affiliated with any particular company. I am just a professional driver helping those interested and guiding them in the right direction to a driving career. My opinions are my opinions and may differ with others. I've been asked on numerous occasions on how to obtain a trucking career. With the many questions and phone calls involved in the past, I figured a detailed blog would be a great tool.
Getting started is quite simple today. The first step is locating a truck driving school that is close to your area. A great web site to search for schools is http://www.toptruckingschools.com/. When you choose one, visit the school's web site for details for that particular school. Normally, school applications are available online. The financing is easy to obtain and afford. In most cases after the schooling is completed, the cost will be reimbursed. I will get to that later. The cost will cover tuition, lodging, ( if needed ) and licensing fees. Upon completion, you should have earned a Class A - CDL license ( Commercial Driver's License ) and have learned entry level skills. I will mention it again - entry level skills.... I have been at this a long time, and I still learn something new everyday.
Most schools will have on-site job recruiters representing various reputable trucking companies. They would love to hire you. There are approximately 2.8 million professional drivers on the road today, and the industry needs thousands more. To your advantage, the job placement percentage is very high. Do not rush into a quick decision. Remember that it is a driver's market, and there are a lot of empty trucks sitting in their yards. It might be overwhelming at first, but take your time and see what each different company has to offer. Choosing a school is not as important than choosing your first employer. Make a choice based on your needs. Most of the recruiting companies have a reimbursement program. Usually, you are obligated to be an employee of that company for a certain amount of time ( Approximately 1 to 2 years ). If you choose to interrupt your contract for any reason, be prepared to pony up the school costs. Choose your first company wisely. Look at their trucks, what kind freight they haul, what states they cover, rider and pet programs, what type of trailer you will be pulling (flat, dry, refrigerated etc.) and so on.
Being that you are right out of school with entry level driving skills, the company you elected will most likely assign you to a driver/trainer for a short period of time. He or she will assist you until you are comfortable with the equipment and learn what your employer expects from you as a driver. Some people take longer than others, but the driver/trainer will know when your ready to drive on your own.
Before you start driving, your company will help with any additional requirements you may need to do your job. These requirements might include extra endorsements ( Hazmat, Doubles/Triples, etc. ), a medical card ( a physical is required every 2 years), and most likely a drug and alcohol screening. Expect random drug and alcohol testing in the future.
Your first year will be the toughest, but the most rewarding. In the meantime, you will gain valuable experience and accumulated verified logged miles.
Next blog: Mile Marker # 3 Just A Heads up
2 comments:
I especially enjoyed Milemarker#12. If you change the age of the driver, you might have a good book on your hands. No pun intended....
Good read!! Just passing through...
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