When long haul drivers report to the workstation, they are provided with their own assignments, usually goods loaded vehicles to be taken to particular destinations. They always need to inspect the vehicle beforehand to make sure that they never have to shift the goods to other vehicles. They may also be asked to check the vehicle themselves when sometimes any issue or flaw arises while driving. Their role encompasses first to ensure the vehicle has been checked as it should be and will reach the destination safely and then to ensure the truck is well equipped with all safety equipments such as flares and fire extinguishers in the event of any emergency.
During the journey, long haul drivers also make some rest stops in the duration of a few hours, which is why these drivers usually face a lower accident tempo as compared to other similar drivers. Usually on longer journeys, two drivers may take turns. Most of the times, long distance trucks integrate a small bunk where the second person (the off duty driver) can take a rest.
Long haul drivers supply goods like oil over the distances of thousands of miles as aforementioned. They are completely responsible for the truck as well as the cargo. When the drivers reach their destination, they need to complete some paperwork as required by the US Department of Transportation. This paper work may include the record regarding the exact routing, location, and the length of all stopping points, which person has driven, and the status of the vehicle. They also must maintain a log of any breakdowns, accidents, or repairs. They usually keep receipts of for any spare items for almost every shipment that they carry.
Primarily, there are 2 types of companies that hire these long haul drivers including private carrier companies which are actually trucking segments of firms that supply the goods they manufacturer and the other being common carrier companies (also known as contract carriers) who supply the merchandise produced by other firms. Typically, both common carriers as well as private trucks have their own trucks. Now-a-days, an increasing number of "long haul truck drivers" are proprietor operators and usually purchase their own vehicles and then have to search cargos to tow. A special grouping of these drivers is moving van drivers who carry merchandise over longer distances just like others. However, their destinations are private firms or homes. Moving van drivers may also have special helpers to help them in unloading and loading.
The US DOT (Department of Transportation) regulates certain qualification and requirements for long haul drivers such as their age should be a minimum of 21 years, have standard blood pressure, and must go by certain physical tests which are paid by the employers. The applicants must have a minimum vision of 20/40, without or with glass and corrective lenses. They should also have proper physical capabilities. A high school diploma in driver training as well as auto mechanics can also prove helpful.
The long haul drivers should take some road tests for their specific category of work in accordance with the US Department of Transportation. They need to go by these written tests on safety rules regulated by the concerned departments. State rules also require that they should have "state issued commercial driver licenses" which need driving and written tests.
All drivers during their initial days of duty have to work as "local truck drivers" before entering in the training sessions for long drag driving. Once appointed, they need to pursue a diminutive course on firm policies. They usually make their first journey under the instructions of qualified teachers or drivers.
Only experienced long haul truck drivers are considered eligible for running on regular routes. Therefore, if one wants to earn a huge amount, it is better to get some driving experience beforehand.
Full time drivers (long haul) are enjoying the top most position these days. The employment prospects from long haul truck drivers are estimated to grow tremendously till the year 2014.
As far as the wages of long haul truck drivers are concerned, their mean wages are determined on an hourly basis and are around $16.11 per hour. The annual salary can be roughly about $65,000. However, the earning entirely depends upon the total hours and distance covered.
Overall, the career outlook in all kinds of trucking jobs is bright.
