Truck driving offers the opportunity to see the country, meet new people and make money. Truck drivers are also in high demand because we rely on goods for every aspect of life, and we need food, clothes, cars, appliances, and all sorts of other things that truck drivers provide us with regularly. There are many jobs out there, but truck driving is one of them which is available for both men and women alike! So what does it take to become a successful truck driver? Read this blog post to learn more about how you can start your own trucking company today!
1. What Is Truck Driving?
Truck driving is the profession of lorry drivers who operate large goods vehicles on public roads. They are responsible for transporting cargo (goods, livestock, etc.) to satisfy supply chain management requirements. It is one of the most important means of transportation in many countries.
The advent of technology has led to more equipment and training for truck drivers. Newer vehicles include complex braking and stability systems that make the job safer but require more training to handle correctly. With the average age of truck drivers over 45 years old and a few hundred thousand retirings each year, there is a huge opportunity to get into this profession.
2. What Does a Truck Driver Do?
You have to know how to drive a truck with a manual gearbox and be very comfortable with the road. In addition, you need to inspect your truck before each trip carefully. You will check that your lights are working, your oil is complete, and lug nuts on wheels are tightened sufficiently.
As a professional truck driver, you’ll ensure that your vehicle is fully loaded before you set off. You will have to plan the route, ensure the load is balanced and tarp it correctly.
You are responsible for ensuring goods are delivered safely, on time, and in good condition. With all these responsibilities, you’ll need to be able to drive long hours with little or no breaks. You’ll also need to deal with other road users such as car drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. You might even have to do a spot of loading or unloading along the way too!
3. Minimum Qualifications for a Truck Driver
To become a professional truck driver, you must be at least 18 years old. If you are going to be a heavy vehicle driver, you will have to sit a Driver Certificate of Professional Knowledge (Driver CPC).
You can get your permit from age 18 years old if you’re going to operate a light vehicle, and the process only costs around $100. You can do this through any transport and road agency-approved provider.
4. Registration for a Truck Driver
As with all professionals, you will need to register yourself as a professional driver. You’ll have to do this through the Federal Department of Transportation, and your state may require additional licensing or registration. In most states, holders of a commercial license can obtain an H endorsement that allows them to drive heavy trucks, but you’ll need a special permit to do this in some.
Once you have your commercial license and Driver CPC, you can begin looking for jobs as a lorry driver online or in newspapers. You may want to consider starting by working as an apprentice first, which will allow you to learn the ropes before going out on your own.
5. What Kind of Salary Can You Expect?
The salary that a truck driver makes depends on his experience, the type of vehicle he uses, and his company. A company usually pays higher wages to experienced drivers who have completed extensive routes and know the area well.
The monthly salary for an experienced driver can vary from $2500 to $5000 on average, and it’s expected that you’ll get more than that if you’re driving for a company. Bear in mind that unforeseen events such as traffic jams or bad weather may lead to delays, which means a loss of earnings. You will also have to pay your expenses, so you’ll need a healthy bank account.
6. Where Do Truck Drivers Work?
Truck drivers are employed by different companies, such as transport firms and grocery stores. They also work independently to offer their services to clients who may need to ship specific products or items from one point to another. Some of the most common destinations for these professionals are factories, distribution centers, farms,
7. Why Are there Truck Drivers?
Many jobs require the expertise of a truck driver, making it necessary always to have qualified people in this line of work. Truck driving is one of the professions with high demand in North America’s job market, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The main reason for this is that a vast quantity of materials and products are transported by trucks. The U.S. Department of Transportation reported that in 2012, around 70% of all cargo transported in the country was delivered by truck drivers, who thus contributed to making the economy run smoothly.
In addition, when you consider that transportation costs can be reduced by up to 30% when you transport goods via truck, it’s no surprise that big companies are willing to hire seasoned drivers at any time.
Another profession proliferating among the ranks of truck drivers is that of owner-operators or small business owners. Truck driving has become a popular sideline for many people who want to work independently or create their own company.
8. How Does a Truck Driver Work?
Being a lorry driver and working on the roads is not easy, and it needs experience, training, and stamina – for both physical and mental fitness. Many responsibilities come with this line of work, so let’s take a look at the tasks you’ll be responsible for.
When you’re out on the road, your first responsibility is safety: other motorists and pedestrians may not always see you, so it’s up to you to always pay attention and maintain a safe speed. You will also have to keep an eye on road signs and ensure that you’re following the correct route.
As mentioned above, you’ll have to pay attention to what’s being transported in your vehicle – there are strict rules regarding how it should be loaded and distributed inside. You will also be responsible for keeping it clean at all times, as dirty cargo areas may lead to extra costs later on.
Of course, you’ll have to be skilled when driving on different types of roads. Each state has its own rules on how trucks are used, so you may need to get a special license for each one. When you’re transporting goods, the kind of truck you also use matters – some of them can carry more weight or go faster than others.
If we add to this that truck drivers usually work 12-hour shifts and may have to spend long hours on the road, it’s safe to say that you’ll need a certain amount of stamina when it comes to this job.
9. How to Become a Truck Driver?
The first thing you’ll need to do is check if you meet the basic requirements for becoming a truck driver. You will have to be at least 21 years of age, have a clean criminal record, and hold a valid license from your state or country. You may also need other types of certifications or licenses, depending on what kind of trucking services you want to offer.
You may also consider enrolling in a truck driving school to make sure you get the best training possible. Most companies are looking for people with at least a high school diploma or equivalent when it comes to education. You may also need additional certifications that can be earned through an accredited program.
10. Skills Required for Truck Drivers
Attention to Detail
To succeed as a truck driver, you will have to pay close attention to every single thing that is going on around you at all times. You’ll be responsible for the safety of every road user, and there won’t be anyone there to help you. One mistake can lead to accidents that will affect other people and cost your company money.
Hand-Eye Coordination
Truck driving is one of the professions where good hand-eye coordination comes in very handy. While most lorries come with automatic transmissions, you’ll still need to be able to shift gears whenever the situation calls for it.
Leadership Skills
Driving a heavy vehicle on busy roads is no easy task, so you’ll need to have leadership and management skills that can come in very handy when you’re out on the road. You will need to direct other drivers and instruct them if needed while ensuring that everything is safe.
Negotiation skills
Negotiation skills are also essential for working as a truck driver. You will need to deal with many different people, including construction workers and police officers. It’s up to you to ensure that they do not find any fault with your vehicle or company so you can keep driving.
Flexibility and Adaptability
Anyone who wants to become a truck driver will need to be very flexible and adjust quickly to different situations. You may have to accommodate other drivers or even deal with broken-down trucks on the road. The weather can also play a large part in your day, so you must adjust quickly.
Ability to Multitask
Driving a truck is not something that can be done on your own, so you will need to train yourself to multitask and pay attention to everything around you at all times. This means communicating with other drivers, maintaining a high standard of cleanliness inside the cab, and paying close attention to the road and traffic signs around you.
Good communication skills (written and oral)
You will also need good communication skills to succeed as a truck driver. For example, you will need strong writing skills to keep detailed records of your daily activities and reports and excellent speaking abilities to communicate with colleagues and other people you meet on the road.
Physically fit
Driving a truck requires a lot of physical effort, so you must train yourself to be physically fit. You should be able to lift heavy weights and get inside small spaces while also exerting much energy over long periods. If you suffer from heart problems, high blood pressure, or other conditions that can be worsened by stress and fatigue, then this might not be the right profession for you.
11. Is it Possible for Women to Become Truck Drivers?
Yes, women can become truck drivers. However, they will need to be physically fit and willing to work hard in an industry long dominated by men.
12. What Are the Best Truck Driving Schools One Can Enroll In?
When it comes to enrolling in a truck driving school, there are many different options available to help you get the best training possible. For example, you may decide to enlist in a program at a technical college or university in your area.
Some of the best truck driving schools include:
The American Truck Driving School: This school offers courses in various locations throughout the USA.
Aerotech Driving Academy: This school is known for offering one of the most comprehensive programs around, teaching students everything they need to know about driving trucks.
Big Rig Training Centers: This school has locations all over Canada and offers trucking courses approved by the Ontario Ministry of Transportation.
Professional Truck Driver Institute: This school is located in Abbotsford, British Columbia, and offers courses for beginners and experienced truckers.
Cambridge Tractor Trailer Training School: This center provides fully comprehensive programs in Cambridge, Ontario, and Kitchener, Ontario.
Conclusion
The truck driving career path can be an excellent option for those who want to work in the transportation industry. It can offer various opportunities and allow you to travel the country while earning a good salary. If you’re interested in becoming a truck driver, it’s essential to do your research and ensure you have what it takes to succeed in this field. With the proper training and experience, you could have a long and successful career as a truck driver.
