If you dream of becoming a certified trucker and make your living hauling cargo on the open road, then this article aims to guide you through the process of getting yourself qualified and ready to start your life as a trucker.
Do Your Research
The first thing you should be doing when looking to break into the wide world of commercial trucking is research. Next, you should be identifying the steps you need to take to become qualified as a trucker, such as undergoing training at a commercial vehicle training center and then creating a plan that will help you to reach your goals in a good time frame.
Get The Right Training
Your research plan should start with an examination of the training that you are going to need to be able to qualify as a trucker. A fair few tests and examinations are inherent in becoming a trucker, and without the knowledge of what you are doing or what you need to know for these tests, you are unlikely to be able to pass them easily.
Minimum Requirements. However, before you can even think about taking the tests to become a trucker, you need to be sure that you pass the minimum physical and legal requirements. To be able to work as a trucker, there is a good chance that you will need to be 21 years old, have a clean driving record, and often you are going to need a diploma or GED before you can apply (but not always).
Pass Your Tests. Once you have ensured that you pass the minimum requirements to become a trucker, there are a few examinations that you are going to need to pass to become a qualified trucker. First, you will need to pass both a written and practical licensing exam and further pass the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Exam. Once you have these under your belt, you are legally ready to start your career as a trucker.
Make Connections
The next hurdle you will have to clear to start working as a trucker is the issue of your connections. As a recently qualified trucker, you aren’t going to know where to look for trucking positions, nor will you have any connection to give you a heads up for new jobs. However, these kinds of connections are valuable because they keep you at work, so be sure to network as much as you can in trucking circles.
Join a Company
Once you have the connection you need, you are sure to find a company willing to hire you in no time flat, which leads you to the next portion of your journey as a professional tucker. Joining a company as a trucker is brilliant for you because you always know where your next paycheck is and that there will be more work around the corner.
Keep Pushing Forward
At this point, you should be more or less comfortable in your position as a trucker, so keep your ear to the ground for more lucrative opportunities but enjoy your new position and the work it brings.