The trucking industry offers entry-level opportunities to earn a decent salary. Obtaining a CDL is the first step, and training courses are available. Drivers can work for a company or become independent, but starting a trucking business requires knowledge of established business and customer contacts.
The trucking industry offers many opportunities for entry-level workers to quickly start earning a decent salary. As imported and exported goods become more commonplace, the trucking business continues to thrive and requires more drivers and trucking companies. There are many different ways to get started in the trucking industry.
Regardless of whether you want to drive for a company, work as an independent truck driver, or start your own trucking business, obtaining a CDL is usually the first step in starting your trucking business. To obtain a CDL, drivers will need to pass a written and driving test and must have a fairly clean driving record. Training courses are offered to prepare drivers for the CDL test and help validate drivers’ credentials when looking for employment.
Driver training courses teach drivers how to maneuver large vehicles in road traffic and in areas filled with foot traffic. The training also teaches drivers basic operating procedures, traffic laws, and freight compliance regulations. A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required to enroll in a driver training school.
Once you get a CDL, you can start looking for entry-level jobs in the trucking business. Jobs can be sought from various trucking companies that hire entry-level drivers. Working for a company allows you to get started in the trucking business with no start-up capital; trucking companies typically supply their drivers with trucks and prepay fuel expenses. Companies also tend to provide insurance and paid time off, but earnings from working for a company tend to be considerably lower than earnings from self-employed drivers.
For some drivers, the best way to get started in the trucking industry is to start out as an independent driver. Independent drivers earn more money and have more flexible hours. Starting out as an independent truck driver can be costly as you will need to supply your own truck and cover the upfront fuel costs. Self-employed drivers will also need a business license, an insurance policy and various permits and registrations depending on the area in which the business will be registered. Working independently requires you to contract your services directly to the customer or to another trucking company.
If you’re considering starting a trucking business, it may be more profitable in the long run to hire drivers and supply them with trucks. As the business owner, you will need to be prepared to cover truck maintenance and repair costs, pay employee wages and fuel costs, as well as vehicle insurance. It is also helpful to own or have access to a tow truck that can provide national roadside assistance for drivers traveling long distances. Before attempting to start your own trucking company, it is advisable that you have some knowledge of established business and customer contacts.
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