If you want to become a commercial truck driver, you have to get what's known as a ''commercial driver's license,'' to do CDL or commercial driver's license jobs. Beyond that, though, are also other requirements. And in contrast to long-distance ''over the road'' or OTR truck drivers, those who do CDL jobs locally don't have to do long-distance trucking.
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Local CDL trucking jobs
With local CDL a trucking jobs, the work isn't long-distance as it is with the typical long-distance trucker. Instead, local CDL trucking jobs may concentrate on local deliveries to places like grocery stores, produce markets or bakeries. Oftentimes, these truck drivers will have a regular route to go to, but not always. Many of these truck drivers load and unload their own trucks, so that they must lift, carry and walk considerable distances and weights each day.
When do you need a commercial driver's license (CDL)?
You need a commercial driver's license if you have a job where you have to drive a large truck. You don't need a commercial driver's license to drive other types of trucks. To get a commercial driver's license, you can go through courses at many public and private vocational or technical schools.
Getting a commercial driver's license
You can take driver-training courses before you take additional training for your commercial driver's license. Driver training and automotive mechanics courses might also help you in this area. The training will teach you how to maneuver large trucks in crowded streets and on highways. You'll also learn how to inspect trucks and freight to make sure that they meet compliance regulations. In some cases, you may have to complete a training course in truck driving before you get a commercial driver's license. That usually depends on the state you live in.
Once you complete a driving program, you can apply for jobs. However, that doesn't guarantee that you will get one. In addition, check out the program you're interested in attending and make sure that it actually trains you for the job you want to do. The school should be associated with the Professional Truck Driver Institute; this organization makes sure that the courses involved prepare you and certify you for actual trucking work. The schools and courses must meet industry standards set by the Federal Highway Administration, especially in regard to schools that train drivers that are going to drive tractor trailers.
On-the-job training
Once you do get employed, you may only get training on the job for an experienced driver for a few hours. In addition, you may ride with experienced drivers before you get your own jobs. You'll get additional training if you handle hazardous materials or drive a special kind of truck. In addition, you may get a couple of days of classroom study on other duties you'll be performing, on loading and unloading the truck, company policies, and delivery form preparation and the keeping of company records. You'll also receive training on the products and items you deliver to customers.
Getting your commercial driver's license
To obtain a commercial driver's license, you have total comply with all state and federal regulations. You'll need to have a driver's license issued by the state, and in most cases come you'll need to have a clean driving record to actually become employed. If you're going to be driving trucks that are going to carry 26,000 pounds or more, you're going to need a commercial driver's license. In addition, if you transport hazardous materials, you'll need a commercial driver's license even if the truck you'll drive would not normally need you to have a commercial driver's license. If you wish to transport hazardous materials, you'll need to be fingerprinted, and the Transportation Security administration will run a criminal background check on you. In addition, you must usually be at least 18 years old to drive within a state or 21 years old to drive interstate jobs. You'll also need to undertake a physical examination every two years and meet qualifications such as good eyesight and no colorblindness. You must have normal blood pressure and must have normal use of your legs and arms. If you are diabetic or epileptic, you cannot be an interstate truck driver.
Finding CDL trucking jobs
If you attend an accredited school, oftentimes, the school will have a list of employers that will need new truckers. The Internet is also a great way to find these and OTR (over the road) trucking jobs. OTR trucking jobs involve long-distance transport where you're on the road for days or even weeks at a time; this is in contrast to local CDL trucking jobs. With local CDL trucking jobs, driving distance is usually short enough that transport can be completed within a single shift.
To find local CDL trucking jobs, go online to your favorite search engine and type in the keywords "local CDL trucking jobs," or "local commercial driver's license trucking jobs." Alternatively, you can also type in your area or state and the phrase "CDL trucking jobs." This should bring up a list of companies that are hiring commercial truck drivers in a local capacity. It should then be a matter of going in to fill out an application and perhaps spending some time with an experienced driver on the road to make sure you have the skills necessary to do the job.
Conclusion
The trucking industry continues to need new drivers on a regular basis, although high gas prices have recently made the trucking industry in general suffer. Independent truckers especially are having difficulty making ends meet. Nonetheless, the need for truckers continues, with continued growth in the industry expected.
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