Navigating the Road to a Professional Truck Driving Career

Professional truck driving can be a lucrative and rewarding career. It’s also a career projected to grow in demand, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimating 4% growth between 2022 and 2032. This comes out to approximately 240 thousand professional truck driver job openings a year over the next decade – creating plenty of room for opportunity.

Why are professional drivers always in demand? Because they’re a vital part of keeping the American supply chain moving. With the rise of ecommerce in recent years, the demand for goods has grown. In 2022, it’s estimated that professional drivers moved 11.46 billion tons of freight, or 72.6% of total shipped domestic goods.

With all these opportunities, however, you might wonder how to get started as a professional driver.

Meeting Industry Qualification Standards

Becoming a professional truck driver has fewer barriers to entry than other careers, as it doesn’t require a college degree. That said, it’s not as simple as obtaining your Class C driving license to be a general motorist. To get started, you must meet specific criteria. Typically, you should be at least 18 years old, though many companies require drivers to be at least 21. You’ll also need a valid driver’s license and a clean driving record.

Next, you’ll need to obtain a Class A or B commercial driver’s license (CDL) from your local Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) or Department of Driver Services (DDS), depending on your state. To obtain your CDL, you must first acquire a valid Class A or B permit and then pass a written test covering general vehicle information, road regulations and a practical driving test.

A Class A CDL is the most common license type for professional truck driving. It allows drivers to operate heavy and complex vehicles, including trailers weighing over 10,000 lbs. and vehicles with a gross weight of 26,001 lbs. or more. With a Class A CDL, you can drive tractor-trailers, truck and trailer combinations, tanker vehicles, flatbed vehicles, and more.

On the other hand, a Class B CDL is a bit more limiting, permitting drivers to operate buses or 26-foot straight trucks, including vehicles towing trailers weighing less than 10,000 lbs. or single vehicles weighing 26,001 lbs. or more without a trailer. Class B CDL holders can drive straight trucks, large buses, box trucks, dump trucks, and certain Class C vehicles.

Preparing For Your CDL Test

To navigate these steps smoothly, consider enrolling in a local driving school. These institutions can help you prepare for the written and practical tests and provide hands-on training with the necessary equipment. Look for schools that cover essential topics such as vehicle operation, safety regulations and maneuvering exercises. Some recommended driving schools in Georgia include Georgia Driving Academy, Katlaw Truck Driving, and Roadmaster Drivers School of Atlanta. However, before registering for any such program, research and consider factors such as location, cost, job placement success and accreditation.

Once you’ve obtained your CDL, gaining experience on the road is crucial. Some companies may require on-the-road experience, so consider seeking roles with training or mentorship programs for new drivers. This could include putting you on a team route with an experienced driver for a set timeframe. As you accumulate hours behind the wheel, more opportunities will become available.

Finding Your First Professional Truck Driving Job

Once you’ve completed all the training required and received your CDL license, it’s time to search for a professional driving role. Although many great opportunities are available, they might not all be the right fit, depending on location, route type and benefits.

Before applying for a job, check each company’s criteria, as age and minimum experience requirements may vary. Additional endorsements, such as hazmat, tanker or double/triple trailer, may also be required to operate specific vehicle types.

Before agreeing to any role with a transportation and logistics provider, evaluate their benefits and compensation package, discuss what routes they offer, and how they account for home time. Are you looking for a dedicated route, an over-the-road route or maybe a yard driver position? Different routes can mean different schedules, home time and distances away from home that you may travel. Each has its benefits depending on your lifestyle. In addition, consider what opportunities they provide for additional training and career growth. Find a company willing to invest in you for the long haul.

Interested in learning more about professional driving opportunities with Premier Transportation? Click here.