The Truck Driver's Career Guide
Our Truck Driver's Career Guide will help you understand the trucking industry and learn how to evaluate schools, evaluate trucking companies, and prepare for life on the road.
We'll walk you through every step of the journey from the time you're considering a career as a truck driver until you complete your first year of solo driving. So grab a cup of coffee, relax, and soak it all in!
Chapter 1: You're Considering Becoming A Truck Driver
- What kinds of people become truck drivers, and what are their reasons?
- What is the truck driver's lifestyle like?
- What kinds of issues do women truck drivers have to deal with?
- How will my family be affected when I go to CDL school or over-the-road?
- Can I take my pets along with me as a truck driver?
- What kinds of things in my past (accidents, DUI, felonies) could prevent me from being a truck driver?
- What medical or physical issues could make it hard for me to become a truck driver?
- What age is too old to become a truck driver?
- Are truck drivers in high demand? What about the high driver turnover rate?
Chapter 2: Qualifications And Requirements For Getting A CDL & Endorsements
- How do I know if I need a CDL? What are the different classes?
- Age, Education, Residency, and Language Requirements for getting a CDL
- Can I get a driving job with a felony or DUI, or tickets?
- The DOT Physical & Medical Qualifications for CDL Drivers
- What is the Hazmat endorsement & TWIC card, and how do I get them?
Chapter 3: Choosing A Truck Driving School
- Why I Prefer Paid CDL Training Over Private CDL Training
- Should I attend private truck driving school, or a paid CDL training program?
- Can I get my CDL on my own, without training or school?
- What you should know about attending private truck driving school
- What you should know about attending company-sponsored CDL training
- How should I deal with company recruiters and what questions should I ask them?
- Does my military driving experience count? What programs are available to help veterans of the U.S. military get their CDL?
Chapter 5: Attending CDL School And Preparing For The Driving Exam
- How should I prepare for CDL school, and what should I bring?
- Life at truck driving school: Will there be a lot of stress? How much driving practice will I get?
- What will the CDL driving skills testing cover?
- What does the pre-trip inspection exam include?
- What is the CDL road & driving skills test like?
- What should I know about the CDL backing test?
Chapter 7: How To Evaluate & Choose A Trucking Company
- Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part I: Factors That Affect All Companies
- Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part II: You and "Your People" Are The Most Important Factor
- Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part III: How Your Family and Lifestyle Will Affect Your Choice
- Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part IV: Advantages of Large Trucking Companies
- Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part V: Comparing Large Trucking Companies To Small Ones
- Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part VI: Dry Van and Refrigerated Companies
- Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part VII: Tankers and Flatbeds
- Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part VIII: Talking With The Right People
- Choosing A Trucking Company: Evaluating Pay & Benefits
- Choosing A Trucking Company: Applying For A Driving Job
- How should I deal with company recruiters?
Chapter 8: Orientation And Training With Your First Company
- A Trainer's Perspective: Company-sponsored CDL training from the trainer's point-of-view
- What should I expect during company orientation? How do I get there?
- What should I expect during my on-the-road training phase?
- How to deal with your company trainer
- Will I get paid during company training? What items should I bring?
Chapter 9: Surviving The First Year Of Your Trucking Career
- How are rookie drivers treated, and how are they affected by their own attitude?
- How do I deal with my dispatcher? Where do I turn for help on the road?
- How many miles will I drive, and how often will I get home as a new driver?
- Performance & Safe Driving Tips for rookie drivers
- Time Management Advice for new drivers
- What if I have an accident, or an incident, as a rookie driver?
- Survival Tips & Tricks for new truck drivers
- Essential Items To Bring On The Road
- How do I deal with stress, & get exercise on the road?
- Will I be able to cook my own food, and eat healthy on the road?
- Where will I park & sleep on the road?
- What kinds of expenses will I have on the road?
- What about personal hygiene on the road? When and where will I shower and use the restroom?
- What do I do when the weather is really bad? Will I be forced to drive?
- Will I be able to do any sight-seeing while I travel?
- Trucker's technology, electronics, & what else can I do for entertainment?
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