Is becoming a truck driver the right career move for you? Maybe you are fresh out of school, entering the workforce for the first time or were recently laid off, or perhaps you are simply burnt out and looking for a job change.
In any scenario, take time to evaluate career paths to help ensure you make a successful move. Start by using these tips to determine if becoming a truck driver is the right choice for you.
Tip 1: Assess Your Skill Set
Review past successful roles, volunteer work, projects and jobs to identify your top skills and what types of activities you most enjoy. Skills companies typically seek in a truck driver include:
- Good driver
- Good hand-eye coordination
- Ability to adapt to all kinds of weather and challenging conditions
- Proficiency in basic vehicle maintenance
- Patient
- Good multitasker
- Self-disciplined and responsible
- Good customer service
Tip 2: Evaluate the Pros and Cons
Every job has pros and cons. The key is making sure the pros outweigh the cons. Check out what many drivers consider as the top pros of the job:
- Income Potential – Truck driving is a well-paid job, with some companies, such as Classic Carriers, also offering yearly opportunities for drivers to make additional money through incentives and bonuses.
- Travel – If you love to travel and want to see the countryside, truck driving is the perfect job! Also, you are no longer confined to a factory line or desk job day in and day out.
- Camaraderie – There is a strong community within the industry. Truckers watch out for one another on the road and seem to understand each other as they don’t live the typical lifestyle with a 9-5 job.
- Job Security – There is a shortage of drivers now and into the foreseeable future. Truck drivers are also considered essential workers and did not face shut-downs during the pandemic.
- Freedom – When you are in your truck, you have your own workspace. Many consider truck driving as a ‘be your own boss’ type of job.
>>> Learn more about how to manage the cons of truck driving here. <<<
Tip 3: Enroll in a Driver Training Program
If your skills align and the pros piqued your interest, look for a paid driver training program like we have at Classic Carriers. Our driver training program is a fully-paid, 12-week truck driver training program to help you get your CDL and on-the-road training time.
The program begins with the four-week truck driving course at the Ohio Business College to earn a CDL. Tuition is fully paid by Classic Carriers, along with attendees receiving a $250 weekly incentive.
After graduating and earning a CDL, you begin an eight-week paid driver training program at Classic Carriers. You are paired with a Classic Carriers driver trainer who has been handpicked by our safety department.
After eight weeks, you come on board as a solo company driver with us.
>>>Learn how to apply here<<<
Driven by the Best
At Classic Carriers, we have a driver turnover rate of less than 30%. Riders and pets are allowed in trucks! We are proud to be a family-owned and operated company that treats our team of dedicated drivers like family.
Have more questions? Contact a recruiter today!