7 Steps to Become a Freight Driver

Freight driving has always been a great way to make extra money.

With the rise of eCommerce and Amazon Prime, freight driving is becoming less lucrative. However, there are still many opportunities to earn big bucks as a truck driver. In this article, I'll share seven tips to help you become a trucker.

I'll also go over how to get started, where to look for jobs in the trucking industry, and how to land your first job as a driver.

1. Meet Minimum Requirements

Many people think that obtaining a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) requires a certain amount of experience behind the wheel. This isn't true. There are no minimum hours needed to pass the written test, but there are some things you might want to consider doing before taking the test.

The most important thing to do is to meet the minimum requirements. You'll find those requirements listed on the DOT site. If you're already over 18, you don't even need a learner's permit. Just make sure you've had your eyes checked and that you know how to use both lanes.

It's also important to share your criminal history and whether you have a record.

The application must be signed in person by a parent or legal guardian if the applicant is under the age of 18. You may also be required to submit to a medical screening.

2. Have a Regular Driver's License

In most cases, you will need a regular driver's license for a car before you can apply for a commercial vehicle license. The exception is if you have an endorsement from a state-approved school.

If you don't obtain a regular driving license, securing a job as a professional truck driver may become impossible, even if you have secured a commercial truck driver's license.

3. Get Your Commercial Learner's Permit

You need to initially have a commercial learner's permit before applying for a commercial driver's license. It's a good idea to become familiar with the various licenses available if you wish to obtain a commercial learner's permit.

There are several different permit types; choose the one that works best for you. Driver's licenses can be broadly classified into three different types: divided into three separate categories: A, B, and C.

Each class has specific requirements. For example, a Class A license requires a physical exam, whereas a Class B license does not. If you're looking for a Class B license, you'll need to complete additional training courses before taking the written exam.

4. Get Some Driving Experience

Trucking school graduates are ready to hit the road. But before you head out into the world, it pays to learn about trucking safety. Here are four tips to help make sure you don't end up like these drivers.

Be prepared

Before learning to drive a big rig, do yourself a favor and prepare yourself mentally. Know what you're getting into and know what you want to accomplish.

Don't drink and drive

If you've ever been pulled over while behind the wheel, you already know that drinking and driving is not a smart idea. If you plan on becoming a professional trucker, you shouldn't even consider doing it under the influence.

Keep your license current

Drivers must renew their licenses every five years. Renewal is done via a simple online process. However, keeping your license current is essential because it helps ensure that a traffic stop doesn't catch you off guard.

Make it home safely

Safe driving practices are the most effective means of avoiding collisions. Stay focused by avoiding common distractions like checking your phone, eating, and conversing on the phone.

Also, always buckle up and wear your seat belt.

Maintenance

Truck maintenance is another important thing with which to get familiar. You will likely need to know some maintenance basics as you will rely on these skills when you become a company truck driver.

5. Get Your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) and any Necessary Endorsements

To apply for a commercial driver's license, you must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver's license (CDL).

Depending on where you live, you may also need a high school diploma.

If you plan to work for a trucking company, you should consider adding endorsements such as HazMat or Tanker to your resume. Before obtaining a CDL, you will need to pass both a knowledge and a skills test.

6. Find a Job

There are many ways to find a job. You can use online resources like Indeed.com, Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, and others. But there are some things you can do yourself that might help you land a better position.

Some recommendations to increase your likelihood of being hired:

Create a strong cover letter

A strong cover letter is one of the most helpful resources when applying for jobs. A cover letter is simply a short introduction about yourself and why you want to work for the employer.

In it, you describe your skills, experience, education, and qualifications. Your goal is to convince the reader that you're qualified for the job.

Create a LinkedIn profile

LinkedIn is free and easy to use. If you don't already have a LinkedIn account, go ahead and make one. Once you've done that, add your current employment information, including your title, organization name, phone number, and email address.

Then start networking. Post relevant articles and blog posts. Join groups related to your field and search for openings.

Update your resume

Your resume is another tool to help you stand out among potential employers. Ensure it includes your contact information, job history, educational background, certifications, and awards.

Include any professional development training courses you took. Also, include any volunteer activities in which you participated.

7. Complete a Finishing Program

Many trucking companies require drivers who want to start working for them to complete a finishing program. This usually consists of classroom instruction followed by hands-on practice. In many cases, the program lasts several months.

Most finishing programs cover everything from basic rules of the road to the safe operation of heavy vehicles. They often include training in defensive driving techniques such as backing up, parallel parking, turning, and stopping. Drivers learn to operate emergency equipment like air brakes and lights.

Some finishing programs go beyond teaching practical skills and focus on improving driver performance. For example, one study found that truckers who completed a finishing program had fewer crashes.

A good finishing program teaches you how to drive safely but doesn't necessarily teach you how to drive efficiently.

You might be able to get your commercial driver's license (CDL) without completing a finishing program.

Key Takeaways

In conclusion, becoming a freight driver might be right up your alley if you have a passion for driving trucks. There are many different ways to become a trucker, but here are seven steps to follow to ensure you succeed.

To those pondering a truck driver career, you should check out A1 Auto Transport. We hire the best drivers and offer them competitive salaries and excellent working conditions in our trucking business.

Reach out today to start your career in the freight industry.