How to Be a Truck Driver

Job description:

Truck drivers represent one of America's biggest occupations that are about 3.2 million jobs.

There are many job opportunities, especially for those who can drive long distances.

A commercial driver's license is the key factor in getting hired as a truck driver.

Almost everything that are made and traded in the U.S. is delivered in a truck. There is no other form of transportation has leeway in transporting goods. Due to this, trucks are used to transport almost everything from frozen foods to bats and cars. Who operates these vehicles? Truck drivers are the people who are behind the wheel.

Truck workers are accountable for obtaining and shipping cargo from point A to point B. They are also responsible for following state laws, stop at weight stations, keeping record of their driving and delivering activities, and making sure that their tools are in good working order.

The U.S. Department of Transportation mandates work hours and certain working criteria of truck drivers. A truck driver may not drive for no more than eleven hours per day, and work over 14 hours. Between driving periods or non-driving work, an operator must rest for at least ten hours. Truck drivers cannot work longer than sixty hours in a week and cannot work again without taking a thirty four hour rest. Some negative parts about the job are boredom, loneliness, and fatigue. Truck drivers should be physically fit and strong enough to lift and carry goods and equipment.

Training and certifications:

Drivers who operate trucks with a total weight of twenty six thousand pounds or those operate a vehicle carrying hazardous materials or oversized loads are required to have a a commercial driver's license (CDL). Education for a CDL license is offered by many vocational, technical or community colleges and schools. A regular driver's license is needed to drive all other trucks. Most schools offer a truck driver-training classes to prepare for a commercial driver's license. Classes teach operators on how to inspect trucks and cargo to conform with state laws.

Some States require prospective students to finish a training course in basic truck driving before getting their CD license. If you apply to a company that requires other requirements you may need to go to a driving school such as the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI), which certifies driver-training courses.

To earn a commercial driver's license, applicants must have clean driving records, pass written tests on rules and regulations, and demonstrate that they can operate commercial trucks safely. You must be at least 21 years old even though some states allow 18 year olds to drive trucks. You must also pass a physical exam every two years, have good hearing and have good vision.