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So You Want To Be A Truck Driver

  • So You Want To Be A Truck Driver

    So, you are looking for a new career? Do you think truck driving may be the right fit for you? This blog post will help you realize if you are fit for the job, how to get your CDL, and get started in your career.  

    Signs you should be a truck driver:

    1. You like driving on the open road
    2. You are not afraid to be alone for long periods of time
    3. You do not want to be stuck in a cubicle for the 9 to 5 job

    So, you answered yes to all those questions, but how do you become a truck driver? First, you need to get your Class A CDL. While Quality Transport does not offer CDL classes, there are countless “schools” around the States where you can get trained, including Roadmaster.com. With testing and training, CDL training can be finished in as few as four to seven weeks. However, there are different stipulations based on the state you live in, so make sure you look up your home state’s requirements. Just like when getting your driver’s license, you have to start by getting a CDL permit. You’ll have to add endorsements like HazMat. Then you’ll have to take a three-part exam that covers an inspection test, basic control test, and the driver’s test. If you pass the test, you will be issued a CDL for your state.

    So, you have a CDL. Congrats! Now what?

    Well, if you want to work for Quality (and, seriously, why wouldn’t you?), we require at least two years OTR (over the road) experience. So how do you get that experience?

    Turns out, there is a hiring push for truck drivers. Truck drivers have been called the backbone fo America because of truck drivers are how everyone in the country gets goods. With the demand for goods getting higher and higher there is a need for more drivers. There are plenty of job boards where you can go to look for jobs like fleetjobs.com.

    So, you got a job in trucking. What are some things you need to know to get the most out of your career?

    • Truck driving can be a very long career if you keep your CDL clean of any incidents and pass your inspections. There is no doubt that the first year of truck driving is the hardest because of the adjustment you will be making.
    • One of the biggest things about truck driving is staying safe. If you feel like you cannot safely drive, there is no reason you cannot call dispatch and pull over until you are good to drive again. This is a good rule of thumb whether it is the weather that is the issue or driver fatigue, no load is worth your life. Driving something as big as a truck can be challenging, move slowly and think about what you are doing, such as checking your blind spots. Take your time.
    • Stay in contact with dispatch. According to Smart Trucking, there is the chance that dispatch will throw the tougher loads at you the first couple of times. This is just to toughen you up and make sure you can handle anything. It will make you a better trucker in the long run.
    • Truck drivers are paid for how many miles they drive. There are also many bonuses that can make it lucrative. If you are looking for more money, you can always check to see if there are more routes you can drive.  
    • It can be financially expensive to live on the road. Especially if you are constantly buying food. A good way to combat this is to prepackage meals before you hit the road.
    • Truck driving can also be a lonely business. If you are an OTR driver, you can go a while without seeing your family or friends. It is important to keep in safe contact with them when you can.

    So, you have a CDL and at least two years experience, and you are ready to apply at Quality Transport. Go to https://intelliapp.driverapponline.com/c/qualitytransportco?r=WWW&fbclid=IwAR2GLlICwTPRybAGQfPWdvaAnzUqWzg1Kd_AcRvaw7x_LMOvBhnRpqj0Lpo&uri_b=ia_qualitytransportco_802554091 to apply. Hope to hear from you soon!

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