To start a career in trucking, obtain a CDL and complete a program at an accredited trucking school. Gain experience driving small vehicles before moving up to larger trucks. Ensure the school is accredited and maintain a clean driving record.
The road to getting started in the trucking industry is relatively free of obstructions. Ways in which a person can achieve this goal often include obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and completing a program at an accredited trucking school. He or she may then look into some form of driving work, such as driving a small van or truck, in order to gain some relevant experience.
A good first step for someone interested in hauling trucks would be to research the basics of the trucking industry, either online or at a local trucking company. He or she should write down all the potential advantages and disadvantages of working for a trucking company. This will allow prospective truck drivers to discover their passion within the industry in order to better optimize their career.
If the person does not want to attend trucking school, they can apply for jobs driving small trucks or vans. Once he or she has gained some driving experience with these vehicles, it is recommended that he or she continue moving up the last one to bigger and bigger trucks. Trucking industry experts say that within a year, a person will have gained the necessary driving experience to look for off-road driving jobs.
Truck driving school is the fastest way to get into the trucking industry. Typically, courses can be completed in three or four weeks. Some accredited truck driving schools offer online courses that can be completed before classes at the school. A person who cannot afford school fees can check with trucking companies to see if they have their own driving program or will pay or reimburse the truck driver for the cost of education.
It is important for truck driver candidates to be sure that the school they attend is accredited. This means that the school has been reviewed by a state or regional accrediting agency. That agency will determine whether or not the trucking school in question has demonstrated to the agency that it has met its standards for training, school administration, financial strength, and quality of staff.
It might seem obvious, but people just starting out in the trucking industry should ensure and maintain a clean driving record. If a driver has traffic violations on his record, he may be refused by some shipping companies and freight carriers. Additionally, it is important to know that a DUI conviction will likely also disqualify the driver.
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