Nevertheless, being an auto hauler driver is no easy task. You will need to be prepared to stay for long periods of time away from family and friends. In fact, for long distance hauls you will be away from them more than you will be with them. This can put a strain on family relationships so you will need to evaluate whether or not the job will suit you and those around you as well. You can get short auto haul jobs as well as long auto haul jobs and it is not really surprising that the short hauls are preferred by many drivers.
If you want to launch a new career as an auto hauler driver, then you will need to do a bit of research into auto haul companies you can work for and the qualifications and experience required to have a job with them. Salary is not the only consideration when looking for a good employer, the pay rates, compensation plans, and the risks and benefits involved in working for them should all be considered. Go to their websites and look at the selection criteria for auto hauling jobs. You will discover the licensing requirements and any additional skills required by different companies.
The first and obvious requirement you must meet to become an auto hauler driver is the appropriate driving license. Auto hauling is one of the best truck driving jobs but it requires distinct skills and you will need to attend a specialist driving school to qualify for the job. It won't be difficult to find an auto hauling driving school within easy reach of most places by simply doing an Internet search. Checking the cost and training details on these websites is also a quick and easy way to get the best value for your money. However, before committing to a particular training course it is a good idea to ask a couple of auto haul companies whether or not they accept drivers with that particular training.
Driving certification and training for auto hauling is not usually enough on its own to get you a job as an auto hauler driver. Most companies are also looking for individuals with truck driving experience with an excellent record and reputation. This is especially the case for long haul jobs that pay particularly well. The cargo is very valuable and insurance costs to the company are steep. They are not going to entrust these jobs to just anyone. To get the better jobs, you may need to build driving experience elsewhere and then move into short auto haul jobs that will give you the direct experience you need.
You will also need to pass the FMCSR exam (The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation Exam) conducted by the American Department of Road Transportation. Good vision and hearing is also essential to getting a job as an auto hauler driver so you will need to pass a medical exam in these areas. Some companies also want a complete medical check-up to ensure the fitness of heart and the fitness of general health before offering employment. The transportation department also randomly tests for drugs in the systems of professional drivers and you must be able to pass these in order to retain your license and your job.
Apart from contacting companies that hire auto hauler drivers directly, you can find these jobs by browsing online job sites, which specialize in the transportation industry including auto transportation jobs. Transportation and logistics jobs sites advertise a number of trucking driving jobs including auto haulers. These job sites are likely to have positions not advertised on the larger generalist sites. However, you can still find driving opportunities on the larger sites. You can browse jobs by category, location, and salary and you can also search more specifically for the job title by using relevant keywords. Most of these sites make your job search even easier by providing the facility to receive an email alert whenever a suitable job is advertised. The job search process is further smoothed by the facility to apply for these jobs online by uploading your resume with scanned certifications attached.
Auto hauling might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it is a job that offers the potential to earn a high income and a lot of freedom. If you are someone who doesn't want to work in an office or under the constant gaze of a supervisor, the independence offered by this job can be very attractive. If you plan ahead, you can get the training, skills, certifications, and experience necessary to land one of the best truck driving jobs around. It might not happen immediately, but if you set your goals and work towards them, success will be yours.