Truck

Opportunities You Can Find With a CDL License

July 15, 2024 by Tim McMahon

Deciding to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) can unlock a variety of career paths in the transportation industry. From long-haul trucking to local delivery, each role offers its own unique set of opportunities and demands. Whether driving across the country or staying within city limits, CDL holders can find fulfilling jobs that suit different lifestyles and preferences. Understanding the different opportunities available with a CDL can help you make an informed decision about which path might be right for you.

Long-Haul Truck Driver

Long-haul truck drivers are essential to the transportation industry, delivering goods across vast distances. These professionals typically drive heavy-duty trucks and spend several days or even weeks on the road giving you the opportunity to see a lot of the country. A key aspect of this career is the ability to navigate various terrains and weather conditions while adhering to strict delivery schedules. Long-haul drivers often experience the independence of solitary travel but must also manage tasks such as logging hours and maintaining their vehicles. Employers often look for reliability, a clean driving record, and the ability to manage extended periods away from home.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Heavy and Tractor-trailer Truck Drivers earned $54,320 per year or $26.12 per hour in 2023. Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers usually have a high school diploma and attend a professional truck driving school. They must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). [Read more…] about Opportunities You Can Find With a CDL License

4 Tests And Examinations You Need to Pass Before Becoming a Trucker

June 22, 2020 by Tim McMahon

Being a truck driver can be a rewarding experience. You have a chance to travel and make a good income. However, there are several tests that you will need to take before you become a truck driver.

Department of Transportation Exam

In order for you to be a truck driver, you will have to be healthy. That is why you will be required to take a DOT certified physical exam before you become a truck driver. The exam will consist of a hearing test, vision test, blood pressure check, pulse check, and general physical assessment. If the doctor finds any problems during the exam, then they will document it in your records. Keep in mind that a medical problem may not necessarily bar you from becoming a truck driver. However, you will have to get the proper treatment.

Commercial Driving Permit

Most people know that you are required to have a commercial driver’s license before they become a truck driver. However, you will have to get your commercial learner’s permit before you get your commercial driver’s license. You need to have a current driver’s license. You will have to pay a fee and pass a basic skills test.

Written Test

You will need to be [Read more…] about 4 Tests And Examinations You Need to Pass Before Becoming a Trucker

Like to Be on the Move? 4 High-Paying Transportation Careers

February 5, 2019 by Tim McMahon

If sitting behind a desk all day isn’t your thing, a career in transportation may be the perfect fit. There are many transportation career options that allow the freedom to be on the move without having to be stuck in an office. Any of these four high-paying jobs in transportation could be your ideal career.

Pilot

As a pilot, you’ll be able to travel the open skies while earning a respectable living. You can choose to fly commercial, private, or cargo airplanes to national and/or international locations. In addition to undergoing training at an accredited school, you’ll need to obtain a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) license to start working. According to CareerBuilder, commercial pilots make $40.43 an hour on average, and yearly earnings can vary depending on the number of hours that are worked but median works out to about $78,000/yr. There are also Airline pilots who have the added responsibility of passenger safety so they earn significantly more. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers is $137,330.

Helmsman

If a career on the high seas sounds exciting, you’ll likely enjoy working as a helmsman. You’ll be the captain of a ship as you navigate a commercial vessel through seas or rivers. There is always the option of working aboard a cruise ship, or you can choose to navigate freight vessels. You’ll need to undergo extensive training to learn how to operate a boat safely and adhere to passenger safety standards to be successful in this career. Salary ranges in this field often vary, but many positions pay upwards of $50,000 a year.

Tips for Kicking Off Your Trucking Career

June 19, 2018 by Guest Contributor

Starting a new career as a truck driver can be pretty exciting. It’s a respectable choice, and for many truckers it’s really more of a way of life than just another job. So how do you get started? Do you need to go to college or spend a lot of money on training programs? Here are three tips to help you get going as a truck driver in no time.

Get Your CDL

You will need to take some actual driving courses in order to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and drive large vehicles. It all starts with a written test to get your CDL permit. Your local DMV might offer testing at their main offices, but in some states you’ll need to go to a specific location designated for CDL testing. Be sure to study online before your testing date. And study all of the extra material for driving passenger trucks and tankers, even if you don’t expect to drive those types of vehicles. The more endorsements you can qualify for, the more opportunities will be open to you to advance your career.

Get Hired by a Local Company

In some cases, you might not even [Read more…] about Tips for Kicking Off Your Trucking Career