If you are thinking of becoming a Truck Driver, now is a great time in that market to explore this job opportunity. There are over 3.5 million truck drivers in the USA and there is still an ever-growing need for more people who are looking to do the job.
A truck driver is one of the highest-paying jobs for a person who requires no formal education. You do not need a college degree or even a high school diploma to become a truck driver, although it is recommended to have a high school diploma or GED. But in reality, if you are lacking any qualifications, you can still look forward to a well-paying opportunity as a truck driver.
Salaries do range, with the lowest paying job roles being $35,000 and the highest is $89,000, the average salary in the US for a truck driver job is $63,000 (As of 2021).
If this sounds appealing to you, then continue to read, we’ll explain to you what you need to do in order to become a truck driver.
Start Your Truck Driving Career (In Six Steps)
1. Pass your state regular driving license
You will not be allowed to pursue driving a commercial driving license without a regular state driving license, so make sure you have completed that before you move forward with anything.
2. Complete basic education and attend trucking school
As explained, a high school diploma or GED is ideal when it comes to a basic level of qualification. It is not essential, but it may impact your salary level or the number of truck driver opportunities available to you if you do not have a basic level of qualifications. If you are taking truck driving really seriously and want to achieve the highest levels of salary for this role, you should invest in attending either a community college or a private trucking school. To learn more about this, simply visit Google.com and type in the search ‘private trucking school’.
3. Earn all Pertinent Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
This is your moment to secure the necessary qualifications needed to pursue your truck driving career. You should take a look at ‘combination vehicle’ endorsements that can open the driver’s qualifications to include driving semi-trucks, hazardous material loads, school vehicles, and tanker trucks. This drastically increases the opportunities available to you in the employment market. Drivers must also pass the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR) exam that includes a physical sight and hearing assessment and a written section on federal traffic laws. Each type of CDL endorsement requires a passing grade on a skills test and/or a written test. You may hold a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) to gain on-the-road experience under the guidance of a CDL-licensed driver.
4. Finding a Job Opportunity
You have lots of choices here, the simplest way is to Google Truck Driving Jobs Near Me and you will see thousands of opportunities. You could also search on job.com to see all the trucking driver job listings available.
5. Keep on Trucking
When you become more accustomed to the Trucking Industry, you will begin to see that it’s very much like any other industry. You have to work your way up to get the higher paid opportunities, that require experience and a great employment record by your employers that opens up more exciting opportunities for you.
Truck driving jobs are a great way to earn a good income without having to worry about lots of complex studying and college degrees.
6. Think Entrepreneurially
Use your experience to learn as much as you can about the job, the industry, the customers, and the best practices of trucking. You never know, one day you may even own and run your own truck driving company. No goal is ever too great if you believe you can.
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