With the use of a Commercial Driver’s License, Truck driving is reported to be one of the fastest growing occupations in the United States by the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook. Trucks transport almost seventy percent of freights.
It is an occupation that is on demand, especially in places like the United States, Canada and parts of Europe. Truck driving is considered as one of the most well-paid jobs.
Earning in the truck driving business can vary nightly, weekly or monthly. It can also depend on the hours worked and the type of goods or equipment that are transported.
What is a Commercial Driver’s License
To drive a vehicle, the most straightforward requirement is to have a driver’s license. It has to be complied with under law and processes must be followed to obtain it.
Commercial Driver’s License or CDL comes in three classes. These are Class A, Class B, and Class C.
Class A licenses are used in driving vehicles with a combination of gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. Provided, however, that the gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle being towed is more than 10,000 pounds.
Licenses classified as Class B are needed in driving individual vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more. On the other hand: Class C licenses are used in single vehicles that cannot be classified as Class A or Class B. Class C licenses are often used in transportation having sixteen or more passengers or vehicles that are transporting hazardous materials.
In order to obtain a CDL, the driver must pass a written test and driving test. Other times, depending on what vehicle is to be driven, additional requirements to obtain a license include a background check and sex offender registry check.
Drivers who are wishing to drive a tank truck or a tow truck need only to pass a written test. However, drivers having trucks transporting hazardous materials need to pass a written test and a background check through the Transportation Security Administration.
What is the Importance of Having a Commercial Driver’s License in Truck Driving
Again, having a commercial driver’s license is required by law in order to operate certain types of trucks. It is mandatory to ensure the safety of the public as well as the drivers.
Aside from that, having a CDL poses a greater advantage as compared to those who have an ordinary license. Student truck drivers earn an average of forty-one thousand dollars per year, while average CDL truck drivers earn an average of sixty-six thousand dollars per year.
During training for obtaining CDL, the driver is paid because it is essential to his job. An average of five hundred dollars per week is paid to an employee by the company for him to process his CDL. Training is usually undertaken for four weeks, depending on the location.
How to Get Employed in CDL Truck Driving Jobs
Other than the requirement of having your CDL, drivers are also expected to meet some certain qualifications in order to get hired in CDL truck driving jobs. Standards to qualify as a truck driver varies for each company.
One of the primary requirements is education, coupled with training and certification. This includes their driver’s license issued by the state they live in and a spotless driving record. Job training courses from bona fide truck-driving schools also look pleasing on the resume. Training in automotive mechanics as well is a good way to impress future employers.
What Truck Driving Jobs Need a Commercial Driver’s License
This field of work is one of the largest growing occupations nowadays. In 2016 alone, it was reported that more than one million truck drivers were working in the United States.
Truck driving is a trade that can be done through a large company or through small business owners. You could have one to two trucks to engage in this occupation, provided that you have complied with the requirements by law and of the state you are living in.
Some even purchase trucks for long-distance travel and go into this business for themselves. Many of these owner-operators are now thriving. All it took was a good business sense and well-experienced truck drivers.
Some CDL truck driving jobs include dry can drivers, tanker drivers, flatbed drivers, refrigerated freight drivers, freight haulers.
The most common trucking job is being a dry van driver. A dry van driver transports large single trailer vehicles that are filled with non-perishable items and dry goods.
Liquid products like petroleum are transported by tank drivers. This job almost always involves hazardous liquids and therefore, requires the driver to have a Class C license.
Flatbed drivers transport vehicles, military vehicles, and over-sized freight. This requires the driver to be knowledgeable in transporting certain kinds of items, therefore, making it a higher-paying job.
Refrigerated freight drivers transport goods that need a specific temperature. During transportation, the driver must continually check the goods to make sure they don’t perish.
Drivers who transport refrigerated freight are often considered as professionals known as reefer drivers. They are required to have a certain set of skills to make sure the goods being transported will be done so without loss. These skills include being able to maintain the temperature of the truck, properly storing the items for maximum refrigeration and maintenance.
Lastly, any goods that are not considered dry van transportation is transported by freight haulers. This job often expects the driver to transport liquids, oversized or hazardous goods.
As you can see, there are many truck driving jobs that require a commercial driver’s license. This license helps the truck driver earn because of the additional training that he has to undergo in order to obtain the license.
Truck driving is a fulfilling work that is required by a lot of businesses, and it is an occupation that grows day by day. All you have to do is find the right truck driving job that suits your skill, and you’re ready to go.