Although a truck driver career, it certainly deserves more respect than what some people give. Without qualified truck drivers, food, clothing, toys, automobiles, electronics, furniture, medicine, and everything else millions of people depend on to live would never reach the intended market. For the individual who enjoys being on the work as part of a truck driving career, there is a lot of gratification in the job done although this would not be the right career for everyone.
Working as a truck driver demands working long hours but the majority of people who work in this type of career appreciate not being micro managed and most love the opportunity to travel. With so much diversity as far as truck drivers, the job is exciting and works well for many people. Below are just a few of the different driving possibilities. Dry Van - As the most common form of truck driving career, trailers are used to haul dry goods and various non-perishable goods
Reefer’s Hauler - When items need to be refrigerated, they would be transported in climate controlled trailers of 30 degrees, sometimes less.
Flat Bedders - When huge cargo is hauled to include airplanes, construction materials, military tanks, and so on, a truck driver would pull a flatbed to its designated location.
Low Boy - In this case, freight is oversized and overweight, sitting low to the ground for easy transportation and clearance. In some instances, escort vehicles are used based on the type or size of freight, distance being moved, and even geographic location.
Tankers - In addition to hauling liquids to include gasoline, this type of truck driving would also handle transportation of certain types of dry products.
Bull Haulers - When live animals are transported, this type of truck driving would be required.
Automobile Haulers - Just as the name indicates, getting automobiles to their destination would involve this kind of driving career.
Weight per axle is generally between 6,000 and 20,000 pounds with the type of driving being the determining factor. Usually, a transportation company or several companies using third party drivers would be who employees professionals drivers most. Sometimes, after buying a truck and trailer, a driver will work independently. Regardless if a driver works for a contract carrier or is a private carrier, specific education and licensing is mandated.
Truck Driver Responsibilities
In simple terms, a truck driver is responsible for moving merchandise and animals from one destination to another. In some cases, a truck driver would travel thousands of miles in a single trip. While considered rare, there are instances when the driver has the responsibility for getting the trailer loaded and unloaded. For all drivers, very strict city, state and federal guidelines, as well as company policies must be adhered to as a means of ensuring safety.
While the job is similar regardless of the kind of driving being done, there are distinct differences. Below are two examples of specific roles associated with a career as a truck driver to show different aspects.
Local Truck Driver - Also referred to as a short haul driver, trailers weight 26,000 pounds or less. To get hauls to their designation, a driver would pick up loads and drop them off while sticking to a schedule in most cases. Other responsibilities might include taking orders, gathering payments, loading and unloading trailers, and providing certain customer support services. As a local truck driver, a standard work week would involve about 50 hours and regular customers.
Long Haul Truck Driver - As this type of truck driver, working 10 to 14 hours a day for great distances would be expected. After the trailer was loaded by someone other than the driver, the haul would be hauled to the location intended. In addition to pulling a trailer for long hours, this type of driver usually works on weekends, at night, and on the holidays.
The Right Person for the Job
Even though many drivers work long, hard hours, being able to work on an independent basis is a huge attraction. Both type of load, as well as destination would be determining factors in the actual assignment given to truck drivers. Being a professional truck driver requires a special person because the work is often long and hard but for the right person, the job is very rewarding.
Typically, someone who is flexible and likes working alone would do best as a professional truck driver. Typically, a single person would enjoy truck driving more than someone married simply because there are times when the job demands long hours on the road and time away from loved ones. This person would also be required to pass strict physical requirements so good health and clear mind is a must.
Along with this, having patience would be essential for this type of career. In addition to some hauls being monotonous, there will always be road challenges and customer issues. The best methods for overcoming challenges of a truck driving career include patience, optimism and dedication.
Truck Driving Opportunities
We all know that the economy has been difficult and therefore, finding more cost-efficient means of transportation has been a priority for many companies, which is why this the future for this particular career looks solid. There is need for local truck drivers but those in greatest demand are the long haul drivers. In addition to the careers talked about, movers and other driving careers are also in high demand. All this means that the future of this career remains strong.
Educational Requirements
Pulling large trailers loaded with merchandise worth thousands upon thousands of dollars, and perhaps millions is serious business. Because a truck driver faces both known and known situations on the road, educational requirements are tough but absolutely necessary. With so many excellent truck driving schools found around the globe, an individual would have the opportunity to complete all education no matter the type of driving interested in doing.
Although the process of choosing a school is not difficult, a number of things should be considered first. Things that would be important to find in a reputable school are mentioned below.
For one thing, teacher-to-student ratio is important.
A number of different courses should be offered.
Once the course has been completed, state certification should be provided.
The number or percentage of students successfully completing the CDL examination would also be important.
The best truck driving school would be an active member of Commercial Vehicle Training Association, CVTA or another accepted organization by the trucking industry in that all members would be mandated to pass strict testing for course work, accountability, and the transportation code of ethics.
Then, classroom education coupled with on the road training would be important. Specific to driving education, at least 160 hours should be included. Education specific to professional truck driving results in two licensing types, which then dictates the type of truck and trailer a person could drive, geographic locations drivers could go, and the amount of money to be earned. These licenses include:
Class A - Vehicles rated as “Class A”, are usually tractor trailers with a multiple axle. In this case, trailers can weigh as much as 80,000 although in certain situations, weight could be even greater. This license qualifies a person as an on-the-road or long haul driver, which means that loads could be delivered both intra and interstate.
Class B - For this license, trailers would be single axle and loads would be limited to 26,000 pounds. As this type of driver, loads could only be delivered locally or within the state.
Earning Potential
Education would play a direct role in how much money a truck driver could earn. Without the right education, earning potential would be significantly affected which proves the importance of choosing a reputable truck driving school. While it might be a financial investment to complete truck driving school, it would be worthwhile considering the amount of money a person could make.
As a licensed long haul truck driver, the average annual salary is $40,000 although making more is certainly possible. Of course, by hauling a certain type of freight, being employed by a top company, and having experience as a truck driver would boost income to $80,000 a year and up. For short haul drivers, most earn between $13 and $15 an hour but again based on company, type of freight, and delivery locations, this could increase to $18 to $20 an hour.
Career Security
Many of the schools today have some kind of placement service. For schools with this type of service, a person would need to have completed all educational requirements and passed tests to receive a license. This service is nice but often, drivers prefer to seek out employment.
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