How to Get a Job Driving a Truck

Since there is such a huge need for truckers, finding consistent employment is often not too difficult for most skilled truckers.

Nevertheless, according to some academics, 15% of drivers—including those with substantial experience—have their applications for trucking jobs rejected. If there is such a great demand for truckers, why are so many truckers being turned away?

Everything revolves around being ordered. Being ready and aware of what to anticipate when looking for a trucking career is essential for success. Talking to a trucking recruiter is often how drivers begin the employment process. To locate the job that is the greatest fit for you, it may be advantageous to shop about and speak with a few other recruiters. This is because recruiters typically only hire for the one firm (the one they work for themselves).

Take notes to remember who said what when you speak with many recruiters, if you do so. When looking for a trucking career, never tell a recruiter a falsehood. Even if it involves sharing some unfavorable facts up front, it is far preferable to be entirely honest than to lie and be discovered later. The truth will ultimately come out.

You'll be asked by recruiters for a range of details, so be prepared with the following:

- A valid, current CDL with a current home address.

- A three-year minimum employment history for you (some recruiters may want 5 or 10 years of history). You will need to present strong professional references to support this time if you have been unemployed for a portion of it.

-The names and phone numbers of each of your previous employers.

-Documentation of your prior employment, such as DOT numbers, reference letters, or outdated W2 tax documents. If any of the former employers you worked for have subsequently gone out of business, this information will be extremely useful.

- A copy of your MVR, or motor vehicle record

- Documentation proving one's right to work in the US. When you are hired, you will need to fill out a form, so be sure you have the right paperwork to prove your eligibility.

-A background check is necessary for all commercial drivers before they are recruited, according to new Homeland Security standards. Companies will get copies of your motor vehicle driving record from any state where you possess a driver's license as part of this check, as well as any criminal records (commercial or non-commercial). A copy of your DAC report, which includes information on any accidents you were involved in, past driving employment, and notes about any issues with previous employers, will also be seen by employers.

It is crucial that you tell the recruiter as soon as possible if there is anything on your record that can be seen as dubious. It is far preferable to be professional and aggressive up front than to wait for the recruiter to independently discover some unfavorable facts. Any mishaps or accidents from the preceding three years must be disclosed to a future employer. Keep track of any incident documents, such as accident reports and citations, so that you can provide it as needed.

Be prepared to verify that you are drug-free and submit to a drug test immediately if you are granted a position because almost all respectable businesses will also demand that you go through a drug screening. The test's positive outcome will determine whether or not your offer is accepted.

Be prepared to present a doctor's note authorizing you to work if your prior (or present) medical history raises any questions about your ability to fulfill your job obligations as a truck driver. Although it is against the law for recruiters to inquire about your health before making you an offer of employment, an offer may be withdrawn if you are unable to demonstrate your suitability for the role. It's likely that you will need to provide a medical doctor's release stating that you are free to operate a commercial tractor trailer without any restrictions if you recently underwent surgery, have a medical condition, or are taking any type of prescription medication.

Finally, when you accept an offer, be ready to take a road test and pass the required DOT physical. Make careful to review your driving techniques if you haven't driven in a while. If you fail the exam, you won't be given another chance to take it, so you should be prepared the first time you enter the company's taxi.

The return is well worth the effort even if the hiring procedure to land a trucking job may be drawn-out and tiresome. So, if you completed all of these instructions successfully, thank you. You have a job!