Who will receive my application?
We will send your application to truck driving schools and programs
within your area that fit the information provided on your application.
How
long until I receive a response after I submit an application?
Most trucking companies should respond within two to three days of
receiving your application. However, response times will vary from
company to company and if you have not heard back from any schools or
programs within two weeks, please contact us.
How
much does it cost to submit an application?
There is no charge or fees to submit an application; the process is
completely free.
How
much does truck driving school cost?
Training costs will vary from school to school, but costs are typically
anywhere between $2,000 and $4,000, depending on the program. To help
pay for your schooling, many companies provide financial assistance,
paid training, or tuition reimbursement. If you would like to know more
about financial aid options that may be available to you, please
indicate on your application and we will match you with truck driving
schools that will work with you and your current financial situation.
Are
there any job requirements I have to meet to become a truck driver?
In order to become a truck driver within the United States, you must
meet the following criteria from the Department of Transportation
(DOT):
- Be a U.S. Citizen.
- Be at least 21 years of age to drive across state lines.
- Be able to speak English.
- Obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL).
- Have a valid driver's license from the state you currently live.
- Pass the DOT physical exam, which is to ensure you have no physical
conditions that may prevent you from safely driving a
commercial truck.
In addition to these federal requirements, most trucking companies will
have their own specific requirements you must meet in order to become
an employee.
How
do I get a CDL?
Attending a truck driving school will give you the training necessary
to obtain your CDL. Once you have received adequate training, you will
be tested for your CDL. The test has a general knowledge writing
section and a road driving test so you can demonstrate you know how to
safely maneuver a truck.
Do
I have to get a CDL?
As mentioned above, a CDL is a federal requirement so you must have one
to drive a commercial truck (generally over 26,000 pounds). If you will
be transporting hazardous material, you must also obtain a CDL no
matter the size of the truck you will be operating.
What
types of trucking jobs are there?
There are three main types of trucking jobs that you can get:
Local
- A driving job within your own area which mostly involved loading and
unloading for regional businesses. Drivers are usually home every night
and pay is typically hourly.
Short
Haul - Refers to hauling cargo from terminal to terminal.
Drivers may be away from home for one or two nights at a time and pay
may be hourly or mileage based depending on the company.
OTR
- This means over the road trucking which is delivering freight all
over or in part of the 48 continental states. Pay is mileage based and
truckers may be on the road for weeks at a time. This may be a job that
drives coast to coast or stays within a specific region of the country.
Within OTR, there are also a few different types of trucking jobs that
refer to the area you will be driving:
Regional - Driving
within a specific area such as the southwest states or New England.
Dedicated Run -
Drivers complete the same route (or routes) every trip.
Irregular - New
driving routes each time.
If you have any additional questions about truck driving jobs, please
contact us anytime.
