What You Need to Know if You’re Preparing for a Job as a Truck Driver

Last Updated on October 10, 2023

You might be considering if whether a job in the trucking industry is right for you. You might be considering a job in logistics, administration, or, more commonly, as a truck driver.

The trucking industry can be an intimidating prospect for those who are not fully aware of what to expect. Luckily, it’s not impossible to learn what you need to know about becoming a truck driver.

The following guide is intended to provide individuals with an introductory perspective on truck driving. However, it should be noted that this guide is not intended to replace the advice of a more experienced driver.

Time length

Not uncommon to other job fields, it can take several months or even years to get approved for employment through any company in the trucking industry. Additionally, many companies will prefer to work with drivers with many years of experience or established “trucking authority.”

This means that anyone seeking work in this field should start by getting their application in as early as possible. Starting early will help ensure that the process of applying, interviewing, and getting hired can be completed quickly.

Requirements

For prospective truck drivers, several requirements must be met before being considered for employment.

These include passing several background checks, proof of citizenship, satisfactory driving records, and having a relatively clean criminal background. Some companies also require that candidates have no DUI convictions within the last decade.

Most trucking companies will accept only those applicants who are 21 years of age or older. Applicants under the age of twenty-one can still seek employment with trucking companies. However, they must be able to prove that they have a special permit that authorizes them to drive commercial vehicles.

Testing

Truckers must also be able to pass several tests to get their certification.

Applicants should be prepared to take the following tests: a DOT physical (which will check for any medical ailments which may interfere with driving), a CDL test (this is the exam required by all states and should cover safety regulations as well as actual driving skills), and a drug test. There are also driving tests that can be required at any point during the employment process

Paperwork

All applicants will be required to submit their applications and paperwork to the prospective company. Your application may require you to provide references, job history, and proof of citizenship.

If interested, the hiring manager will then contact them to schedule testing, or they may just be informed that their application has been accepted and that they should continue with the rest of the process.

Common misconceptions

Some people think driving a truck is an easy job, but it’s far from it.

Those who make a choice to pursue this line of work should do so with full knowledge that they may be required to work long hours, including night shifts, weekends, holidays, and will often spend more time away from home.

Although many companies do offer time off, it can be difficult to take advantage of this due to the nature of this employment. This is why many drivers work two jobs – one for their company and another as an independent contractor.

Another big misconception about driving a truck is that it will not require much physical effort from applicants. On the contrary, trucking companies typically have strict weight and height requirements for their drivers. Because this job involves being in charge of such a large and heavy vehicle (these typically weigh between 20 and 26 thousand pounds), trucking companies want their drivers to be as healthy and physically fit as possible.

Final remarks

Prospective truckers must understand this job is not for everyone. Truck driving can be a very stressful career that requires attention to detail at all times. Those who do not like working on a schedule or dealing with a lot of paperwork may not enjoy this type of career.

On the other hand, those who have a great deal of patience and enjoy being outside will find that driving a truck is a rewarding experience which they will be able to appreciate for many years after gaining employment.