Starting a new career is not the easiest thing in the world, whether you’re fresh out of high school or choosing a new occupation after several years in another job. If you’re choosing trucking as a career, unless you know people in the industry, you might have even more uncertainty.
This guide will lead you through the process of becoming a truck driver, starting with helping you decide whether trucking is the preferred path for you, and continuing through earning a CDL and finding the endorsements right for you.
Your Guide to Becoming a Truck Driver – Part 1: Is Truck Driving Right For Me?
Before leaping right into any ol’ CDL school, you should first consider whether it’s even the right choice for you. Do you have the right temperament to sit behind the wheel of a truck all day? Can you handle the physical demands? Trucking is without a doubt a physical profession that takes a toll on your body. The truck subjects you to constant shaking and vibrating. The work days can be exhausting.
If the lifestyle of an over-the-road truck driver doesn’t appeal to you, or you don’t think you could handle the mental demands of being away from home for extended periods of time, you still have options. Many national and local companies have local or regional routes which can get you home more often than OTR routes. There is also the option of working for a small, local hauling or trucking company. There are trade-offs, of course. While you may earn more money working as an OTR truck driver, you will be home less. Where as you could earn less at a smaller, local company, but be home nightly.
Another factor to consider: if you are uncomfortable spending long periods of time alone, you may struggle as an OTR truck driver. Unless you are driving teams, truck drivers spend hours each day by themselves. If you get bored easily and need to be around people, you can still become a truck driver. Just know that you will have to search harder for companies that meet your needs. Luckily, the Career Services department works closely with many national and local trucking companies, and can help place you in a driving position you are comfortable with.
Have we scared you away yet? Trucking seems like it would be a simple job, but talk to any trucker and you’ll see it’s definitely not. But, if you think you can handle the job, read on to the rest of this series. The next articles will help guide you through earning your CDL and finding employment as a truck driver.
If you’re ready to take the next step towards a career in the truck driving industry, the right training makes all the difference. Learn how ACI can help you reach your career goals! Fill out the form you see on this page, or give us a call at 1-877-649-9614.
If you’d like more information on the Truck Driver CDL Training Programs available at Advanced Career Institute, please contact us or visit www.advanced.edu/programs
Other Articles in This Series: Your Guide to Becoming a Commercial Truck Driver
Part 2. Finding the Right School
Part 3. CDL Training
Part 4: CDL Endorsements
