How To Become A Truck Driver In The USA? is today’s topic. According to the data from the American Trucking Association (ATA), the trucking industry produces around $250 billion a year in economic activity and plays a major role in moving goods and services throughout the country. In addition, the trucking industry is a huge part of the country’s workforce and makes a substantial contribution to local communities and the overall economy. The trucking industry in the United States employs over 786,000 people, or about 1 in every 6 American workers.
According to the ATA, the trucking industry is the nation’s most productive industry, with the potential to produce $1.1 trillion a year in the gross domestic product (GDP) if the sector were a standalone nation. The nation’s transportation network, including the trucking industry, is responsible for moving 90% of the nation’s freight by truck, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Building a Career in the Trucking Industry
As the trucking market continues to grow and evolve in the U.S., there are numerous ways in which truck drivers can prepare for their careers in the industry, with some positions being more profitable than others. Before getting into the details, it is important to understand that trucking is a job with many responsibilities and expectations, both for the driver and others in the community. This means that truck drivers from Truck Driving School Sacramento and similar schools need to be prepared for the job and the duties it entails.
So how does one become a truck driver in the United States? While it might sound like a simple question to answer, becoming a truck driver in the U.S. is actually a complex process, which comes in different stages and includes a wide variety of factors. For one thing, it can be difficult to identify the best path for a person’s career. However, the first step is to decide if you want to be a truck driver, and there are some steps you can take to determine your interests.
Deciding If You Want to Become a Truck Driver
The first thing to do is decide if you want to become a truck driver. According to the American Transportation Research Institute (ATRI), about 16.8 million people worked in the trucking industry in the U.S. in 2019, and that number is expected to reach nearly 18.3 million by the end of 2022, indicating a growth of 3.5%.
It’s not necessarily a career decision; it is simply a personal decision. Many people opt to pursue truck driving because of the wide variety of factors involved, such as the job itself and where the trucking industry is headed. Some people choose truck driving simply because it’s in their blood. Others might simply not think that anything else in their life interests them. And here are some of the most important factors and things that you need to do.
Be an Expert in Driving
First of all, you must become an expert driver. If you’ve never been behind the wheel of a truck, it will be hard to start your own trucking business. If you drive a standard, a big rig, or a low-boy truck, you need to prove that you’re ready to become a truck driver in the U.S.
Also Read: 6 Factors To Consider When Purchasing Truck Weighing Scales
Go to School
If you want to be a professional truck driver, you must go to school and earn your college degree. If you want to get an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree, you can expect to pay $10,000 for tuition. These are the minimum educational requirements, but many people choose to pursue a master’s degree in the long run.
As you become more educated, you will earn more money. On top of the tuition, you may need to pay for books, supplies, and a vehicle to help you study. Apart from that, you may also consider a certificate in truck driving. With this type of training, you will learn to do a variety of tasks related to truck driving. For example, you will be expected to learn about various types of trucks and how they work. This type of education will increase your earning potential and your ability to work in a variety of jobs.
Get a Truck Driver’s License
Once you have all of your prerequisites, it is time to apply for a truck driver’s license. The process of getting a license varies by state, but it should only take a few weeks to complete. Once you have a license, you may be asked to complete a few weeks of practical training. The purpose of this training is to provide you with a truck driving experience.
With a professional license, you will be able to drive a variety of trucks. When it comes to truck driver licenses, there are many factors to consider. Your age, marital status, and previous work history can influence whether you can drive a big rig or a low-boy. Many truck driving jobs require a minimum age of 23 years. At the same time, if you turn 40 years old before you pass the truck driver’s license test, you will be required to pay higher fees for your license.
Once you have earned your license, you can start your career as a truck driver. This can be an exciting time, but it is also a time of great responsibility. If you make a mistake, you can lose your job and your right to continue your career as a truck driver. Therefore, you must make a solid decision when considering a career as a truck driver. Of course, it is an exciting career opportunity, but you will need to be fully prepared to do a great job.
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Register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
First, you need to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. You can go to the https://www.fmsla.dot.gov/ website or download the app. Once you go through the process, you will need to fill out a form that will ask you to describe your current work history. Apart from that, you must answer some questions that will help the FMCS to verify that you have been working for at least three years.
After the FMCS verifies your work history, you will be informed that you have the necessary requirements to apply for a CDL and a Commercial Driver’s License. All you have to do now is to go to a DMV or other place you can take your paperwork and complete the rest of the application. If you do not live in a state that requires you to attend a DMV or to have your paperwork certified, it is not too hard to take care of your DMV paperwork online.
Do the Check
After the CDL application, you will have to go through the Department of Transportation (DOT) and have the fingerprinting and background check completed. You will also have to go to the DMV, be fingerprinted, and have your picture taken. Once done, you will be required to have a physical check in a doctor’s office. After the physical, you will have to go to the insurance company and pay them to get your insurance completed.
Find a Truck Driving Job
Now, you will need to find a truck driving job. It is harder to do than it sounds. You will have to look up the job you want to get and see if there is a position that fits your needs. At this step, it is also important to prepare your resume, print it out, and list all the certificates that you have. Make sure that you look professional in your resume and that you cover all your skills and talents there.
Establish Your Truck Company
The last step in the process is to have your truck company formed. All you have to do is to register with the Department of Motor Vehicles — and you are all set. Of course, this step is not obligatory for all. If you do not need to open your own company, then there is no need to take any action here.
However, if you are starting your own business, it is always best to find a way to advertise your trucking company. There are many ways to advertise online and offline, but it is a good idea to try a few marketing options to find the best one for you. Thus, you will be able to keep your costs down and spend your money on advertising smartly.
Final Say!
It may take some time and effort to become a truck driver in the USA. However, if you know what you need to do and have a clear plan of action, the situation gets easier. So instead of guessing and trying different things, stick to the above recommendations — and you will never fail. The most important decision that you need to make is to decide whether a truck driving career is for you. This is what your path starts with.
