why truck driver course

Truck driver training doesn’t just teach students how to pass the CDL. It teaches basic skills and knowledge needed to form the foundation to become a professional truck driver. Knowing basic maneuvers is crucial to excelling in your new career and making money.

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What does a truck driver do?

In fact, some of the steadiest jobs involve driving to transport goods from one place to another. Truck drivers typically transport all sorts of cargo across cities and states, completing one part of the always active supply chain.

Why is truck driving training so difficult?

The problems with training aren’t just about a lack of standards. The first year that people spend driving a truck usually consists of long weeks on the road making low wages, a far cry from the six-figure salary and independent lifestyle pitched to new students.

Is being a truck driver a good career?

There are multiple benefits to becoming a truck driver. It can be a great career if you manage it well. One of the best things about a trucking career, is that you can enrol in a CDL school at most any time, and start getting a pay check (although it can be low during training), within a short time.

What education is required to become a truck driver?

Most need a high school diploma and a certificate of completion for a professional truck driving school. Naturally, anyone who wants to become a truck driver needs to complete a professional truck driving course and eventually hold a commercial driver’s license.

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Why should I become a truck driver?

Because truckers transport so much freight, they provide freedom to Americans, including the freedom to have clean drinking water, access to money, and medications and healthcare. Truck driving is a noble profession and an American way of life. We know that you'll enjoy the freedom that truck driving gives you.

What is most important to truck drivers?

Home time is one of the most important factors drivers consider when looking for work. Over 11,000 Drive My Way drivers cited both of these—type of schedule and PTO —as top job factors they consider when applying to a new CDL trucking job.

What skills do truck drivers need?

Truck Driver SkillsCommunication. ‍The ability to convey information in a prompt and clear manner is a core skill that will benefit you in all aspects of your career. ... Organization. ... Discipline. ... Trustworthiness. ... Navigation Skills. ... Proper Driving Skills. ... Patience. ... Basic Mechanical Knowledge.

What qualities should a truck driver have?

See how you can incorporate the following skills and qualities into your life on the road:Education and Training. ... Patience. ... Stress-management Skills. ... Alertness & Awareness. ... Time-management Skills. ... Reliability. ... Customer Service. ... Communication Skills.More items...•

How many days can you work as an OTR driver?

As a truck driver, it is possible to work at a schedule which is fluid and to your liking. Maybe as an OTR driver your preference is 7 days on the road and 3 at home. Or perhaps you’d prefer to work all day and be home every night.

Is truck driving a good career?

A truck driving career if handled properly and managed, can be a solid and lucrative long term career for any man or woman who decides to go after it. It’s vital to weigh your options and really think through what you want. If any of the above appeals to you, you may wish to consider a truck driving career. Truck driving can be a dream career ...

Do CDL drivers pay well?

Not all truck driving jobs pay well. But there are good paying CDL driving jobs to be had. It’s a matter of researching trucking companies which do the kind of trucking you are looking for and run the lanes you want.

Do truck drivers like to be independent?

Most professional truck drivers we know are definitely independent by nature. Individuals who like to be out on their own, rather than sitting at a desk with a boss lurking over their shoulder, will definitely like the element of freedom which is part of a driving job.

Is there a CDL school?

There are private CDL schools, free CDL training (company sponsored training) and community college CDL training programs available. Each of these types of truck driving schools come with their own specific advantages. Whether you pay your own way to a private CDL school or enter into a paid CDL program, if you select the best school ...

Is CDL good for a job?

It’s a great time more than ever before, to be getting into a CDL career, with so many jobs to be had. Holding a CDL is great job security. So if you’re tired of getting laid off from jobs due to a work shortage, a professional driving career could be just the ticket for you.

Is trucking school worth it?

Yes. Indeed they are. Investing either your time (to attend a paid CDL training school/job) or your money (to attend a private trucking school) is certainly worth your investment. Attending a well chosen truck driving school, can pay off many times over. A truck driving career if handled properly and managed, can be a solid ...

What insurance do truckers need?

As a trucker you will also have access to good benefits such as health insurance and retirement options. Trucking companies usually offer health, dental, life , and vision insurance for you and your family. Some of the better companies will give you the most time at home and have updated equipment for you to use while you are driving for them. If you have a family or are planning on having children in the future then health insurance should be on the top of your priority list.

How much does CDL school cost?

The cost of CDL school is usually between $3,000 and $7,000. Whether you decide to get a loan, scholarship, pay it in cash, or opt for free truck driver training the cost to complete your training is not very high.

Why is there no minimum time for truck driving school?

Because there are no minimum time requirements for training you're going to see that the training is done as quickly as possible. If a truck driving school wants to remain competitive it must be able to train drivers as quickly and as inexpensively as the competition can .

What is the first phase of CDL training?

The goal for the first phase of training is simply to teach you the minimum necessary to pass the State exams and get your CDL. That will include some written exams on the materials contained in the CDL manual, a short driving test, a pre-trip inspection on a truck, and some backing maneuvers. That's it.

What happens after you get your CDL?

So after you get your CDL it's time to move onto the second phase of training where you'll go on the road with a trainer at your first company. And once again there are no minimum requirements for this phase of training so the main factor which shapes the way they handle training is competition.

Is it common for new drivers to go solo?

There simply isn't enough well qualified trainers to do the job and there isn't enough time to cover everything.

How many days a week do truck drivers work?

You may work five days a week, but what you’re doing on the clock as a truck driver can always change. The type of load you’re hauling could be different from one trip to the next, your route can change, and you’ll have the opportunity to meet new people in different cities at each stop. Those with a sense of adventure will love becoming a truck driver because of the opportunity to haul different loads, drive to different cities, and meet new people.

What are the benefits of trucking companies?

Most trucking companies offer benefits like medical, dental, vision, life insurance, disability plans, and a 401 (k). On top of that, some companies offer paid vacations and holidays.

Is there a shortage of truck drivers?

According to a recent article from NPR, the truck driving industry is experiencing a mass shortage of drivers. More than 70 percent of goods consumed in the US are transported by semi truck, and the industry needs to hire 900,000 more drivers in order to keep up with the demand.

Can I become a truck driver if I love big trucks?

This is one of those more personal benefits, but if you love big trucks, you’ll probably love becoming a truck driver. As a commercial truck driver, you could have the opportunity to drive big rigs, tractor-trailers, HAZMAT vehicles, and more. When you go through Class A CDL training at Flexible Freight, you’ll have the opportunity to earn endorsements to drive all types of larger vehicles.

How A Trucker Learns

The problems with training aren’t just about a lack of standards. The first year that people spend driving a truck usually consists of long weeks on the road making low wages, a far cry from the six-figure salary and independent lifestyle pitched to new students.

An effort to improve training

The Biden administration says it is trying to improve training. Its Trucking Action Plan, announced in mid-December, launched a 90-day program that aims to work with carriers to create more registered apprenticeships in trucking. It’s also specifically focusing on recruiting veterans into trucking.