So Youre Thinking About Becoming A Truck Driver

So Youre Thinking About Becoming A Truck DriverAs weve said so many times on this site, if youve got a long attention span, a tolerance for a demanding schedule, a drivers license and a love of life on the road, trucking can be the perfect job for you.Nearly half of all Americans know someone who works in the trucking industry, so odds are you already have a professional contact googletag.cmd.push(function() googletag.display(div-gpt-ad-1472832551951-0) ) Long-term driving can involve from 2-4 weeks away from home on the road, which can be hard on a familybut for a born nomad, its a match made in heaven. You spend a lot of time aloneso introverts have an advantagebut truck stops are open 24/7 and there will always be colleagues on the road to talk toSkills RequiredWhen asked about the crucial qualifications for their job, most drivers most often cite long haul skills focused, experienced driving, the ability to adapt to all kinds of weather and other challenging conditions, and prof iciency in basic servicing for your vehicle. Maintenance of your truck and being responsible for your own sense of professionalism often boost truckers self-respect and can even translate to other career fields down the road.Here are some of the skills and certifications many employers currently look for in their professional driving staff. You can acquire the basics, like a CDL license, at any of the reputable driving schools in the country. Source WantedAnalyticsCompensationOne of the major benefits many truckers mention is the freedom to pretty much live anywhere along their main route. And while these salaries represent the lower end of the scale, many drivers report income as high as $70K within three years of regular, full-time driving. Source WantedAnalyticsJob OpportunitiesTop employers include, no surprise, companies with long distance shipping needs like Lowes, Walmart, Nestle, and Costco. You can also function basically as a freelancer when you work with an independent companydispatchers will put out calls for drivers and if youre available, you can snag the job.Some states are even exploring lowering the interstate driving age the current regional age is 18 in many areas, but drivers arent allowed to cross state lines. Current legislation may change all that.And if youre in search of perks, some trucking companies are investing in high-end, luxury-packed vehicles.You may find theres no place like home, and that home just happens to be on four wheels and pulling a trailer.Future prospects when youre ready to get off the road might include being a dispatcher.Dispatching rigs requires many of the same road-savvy skills as driving, with an added layer of multi-tasking and organizational strategies.3 Sample Job PostingsJob postings for truck drivers are fairly simplemostly they need to know whether you can show up to pick up your load and deliver it on time.TRUCK DRIVERAthens, NYVillage Oil is looking for a competent fuel truck driver. Full time seaso nal (winter) to start, could lead to year-round employment. Salary based on experience/ability. JAYLOR TRANSPORTATIONis looking for OTR drivers. We have a Team and single loads available. Loads are straight out and back. Loads are no touch, no drops. Experience necessary, clean driving record a must. Mecical benefits available. Vacation pay after the first year. Well-maintained equipment.LOWESPosition Description Responsible for planning and executing delivery activities, preparing delivery loads, following planned delivery routes, and assisting with merchandise installations or returns, unloading, installing, and checking appliances and store equipment. Also responsible for the cleanliness and standard maintenance of delivery vehicles, observing safety procedures regarding Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, Hazmat, and power equipment tools, maintaining DOT and CDL certifications, and complying with reporting.Job Requirements Requires morning, afternoon, and evening av ailability any day of the week. Physical ability to move large, bulky and/or heavy merchandise. Physical ability to perform tasks that may require prolonged standing, sitting, and other activities necessary to perform job duties.Minimum Qualifications Valid Class A (with air brake endorsement) license Ability to read, write, and perform basic arithmetic (addition, subtraction). Minimum 21 years of agePreferred Qualifications 3 months experience operating a forklift or Moffett onloading/offloading a vehicle. 1 year experience driving a semi-truck/trailer OR certification from a driving school. 6 months experience performing in-home delivery OR retail customer service.Whether you find the prospect of long hours of your own company appealing or want to landsee more of the country before settling into a driving occupation closer to home, explore truckingsee if its the right lane for you