Truck Driver Career Guide

by Brett Aquila

Whether you're considering becoming a truck driver, or you're ready to get your trucking career under way, our Guide To Becoming A Truck Driver will help you understand the trucking industry and get your career off to a great start like nobody else can!

To Get Started, Click On The Chapter Links Or Images Below:

Chapter 5: Planning Phase 2: Finding Your First Truck Driving Job

There are a huge variety of options when it comes to finding the right truck driving job, even for inexperienced drivers coming straight out of school. This chapter will help you understand the varies types of truck driving jobs and help you decide which is right for you.

Chapter 7: Getting Through Company Training And Preparing To Go Solo

After you complete truck driving school, get your CDL, and land your first job, you'll be going out on the road with a trainer for about 1-3 months. This training is the first real-life experience you'll get of life on the road as a professional driver. This chapter will help you prepare for this phase of your career.

Chapter 8: Your First Year On The Road: Expectations And Preparations

Once you've completed your training on the road, it's time for that biggest step of all - running solo! You've made it to the big time now. You're a full-blown professional truck driver. This chapter will help you understand what you can expect and how to handle this exciting time.

Chapter 9: Truck Driving Stories From The Road

Everyone loves a good story! But in this case, it's incredibly helpful to hear first hand accounts of life on the road so you know what you're in for when the time comes. The trucking industry isn't for everyone, but it can be an awesome career if you're right for the job. This chapter will help you decide if truckin' is for you.

Chapter 10: CDL Training Materials: Preparing For Your CDL Exams

Once you've decided to take the plunge and become a truck driver, you should immediately begin your studies. There is a ton of information you'll need to know, including the entire CDL manual, pre-trip inspections, logbook rules, truck weight & balance, and so much more. We have some really fantastic training materials that will have you well prepared for you CDL exams and the beginning of your official CDL training.

Chapter 11: Getting Help And Advice

We all have difficult questions from time to time that we just can't find the answers to, and we need a little help from someone who's been there. At TruckingTruth, we've got the answers you're looking for. We have experienced drivers here everyday who love to give encouragement and advice, and we have several ways to get in touch.

New From TruckingTruth: Free Information From Truck Driving Schools

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We now have a fast, easy way for you to request free information from truck driving schools in your area with no obligation whatsoever. This is not an enrollment. This is simply a great opportunity to learn more about the schools in your area and it only takes about 5 minutes:

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TruckingTruth and BigRigDriving are owned by Brett Aquila, a 15 year truck driving veteran with 1.5 million miles covering all 48 continental states and a large portion of Canada

BigRigDriving is for those interested in research, debates, and discussion of topics within the trucking industry

TruckingTruth is dedicated to those considering becoming a truck driver or are new to the trucking industry

Becoming a truck driver book, truck driving book

Becoming A Truck Driver: The Raw Truth About Truck Driving

- By Brett Aquila

If you're considering becoming a truck driver, this is the book for you!
New! Read it free online!

Becoming A Truck Driver

Our Guide To Becoming A Truck Driver will help get you started in the trucking industry

Choosing A CDL School

We have a series of articles that will help you understand how to choose the right truck driving school

Company-Sponsored School

We have a ton of information on the company-sponsored CDL training programs.

Truck Driving Schools

Here you'll find our directory of truck driving schools by state.

Truck Driving Jobs

We have a fantastic listing of truck driving jobs. Fill out all the apps you like!.

Truckers Forum

We have the friendliest and most helpful trucker's forum you'll find anywhere.

CDL Practice Tests

Test your knowledge and prepare for the CDL exams with free online CDL practice tests.

Truck Driving Blogs

Over 300 articles from more than 30 authors in our truck driving blogs..

Pre-Trip Study Guide

Get ready for the pre-trip inspection CDL exam with our free online pre-trip inspection study guide.

Our Most Recent Trucking Blogs

There’s No Disguising A Rookie On The CB Radio

Posted on 26 April 2013

I learned all about handling a rig when going through training, but nobody ever taught me how to talk on the CB. It seems like most truckers have a smooth, southern vernacular that sounds like Wolfman Jack and Gomer Pyle discussing NASCAR on The Grand Ole Opry. I cringe at the thought of embarrassing myself with my nerdy diction. Continue reading

How To Cut Through The Negativity And Choose The Right Trucking Company To Start Your Career

Posted on 9 April 2013

There is so much negativity being thrown around about pretty much every trucking company on the planet. So how do you know what to believe, and how do you choose the right company to get started with? We'll show you how... Continue reading

Passing The CDL Road Test: What Are CDL Examiners Looking For?

Posted on 20 March 2013

So you're getting ready to take the road test portion of your CDL exam and you're scared to death. The scariest part may be not knowing exactly what the CDL Examiner is looking for in the first place. How good do you have to be? What will he be watching for? What's an automatic failure? Here is some advice to help you see things from the standpoint of the CDL Examiner and get through your road test with flying colors. Continue reading

Voyager Voyeur – A Glimpse At Life From High Above

Posted on 4 December 2012

Eighty percent of male truck drivers admit to glancing down into passing cars hoping to see a naked woman. The other 20 percent are liars. This is a fun look at some of the sights a trucker sees inside the passing cars. Continue reading

The Need For Communication

Posted on 10 September 2012

Communication problems between truckers and their office counterparts Continue reading

Company-Sponsored Training With Swift: My First Hand Experience

Posted on 6 September 2012

I recently completed Swift Training Academy's company-sponsored program and here's a rundown of how it went. Continue reading

Rites of Passage on the Highway

Posted on 15 August 2012

Many folks come into truck driving believing that everything should just be handed to them on a silver platter without having to prove themselves in any way. Not only does that approach defy logic, but it will get you nowhere in the trucking industry. Continue reading

Look on the Blight Side

Posted on 30 July 2012

As long as I can remember I’ve had a strange fascination with the seedy side of society. Abandoned buildings, overgrown homesteads, urban blight and decay, all have a hidden story. Lying in my bunk tonight I’ll wonder about how this place came to be. Maybe that’s why I became a trucker? Continue reading

A Family Emergency On The Road

Posted on 26 June 2012

Being a truck driver is a tough profession. It's especially difficult when you're away from home an emergencies arise. It's something every driver knows can happen, but all you can really do is keep your fingers crossed and hope for the best. Continue reading

Keeping The Family Close: Saying Sorry

Posted on 13 June 2012

Truckers miss a lot of special events back home like birthdays, holidays, and anniversaries. It's simply the nature of the beast. A simple apology, or being understanding can go a long ways toward keeping the family close. Continue reading

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