Current situation on the trucking market in the United States shows a significant shortage of Class A commercial drivers. It has been like this for years. High demand for experienced drivers with good driving records gives them more opportunities and negotiation power in the job market. Trucking companies throughout the US are searching for drivers all over the country willing to give them much better salaries and benefits then in the past. In this guide we will explain basics about CDL class A jobs that you should know before starting a career in the trucking industry.
What trucking industry has to offer to drivers?
If you are working from 9 to 5 and have everyday routine work and lifestyle according to this, a career as a commercial truck driver will definitely not be suitable for you. Like all jobs, being a truck driver has its pluses and minuses.
On one side as a Class A driver, you can expect to earn higher pay, have more freedom, and take on more responsibility than most jobs. On the other hand, it can also be a solitary and dangerous profession. Good side of the job is that it offers the opportunity to travel all around the country and see all interesting parts of it. But it is important to know that becoming a Class A commercial driver requires education, training, testing and licensing. Once you become a truck driver, you may find that you develop a love for the open road and the unique experiences that come with it.
New trends
New technologies are changing our life almost on daily basis. Trucking industry is not immune to these changes, neither. Progress in technology made a great impact to the industry, changing companies’ business models and their operations.
Everything is different: from vehicle inspection process, communication to how customers place orders for service. If you haven’t already, now is an ideal time to adapt to these changes. Internet-enabled smart phones and tablets help in managing drivers professional and personal lives. Technology is the most important part for a lot of tasks. Staying in touch with others through email and text, searching for and applying to new job opportunities through CDLjobsLinker, and managing work-related documents and photos wouldn’t be possible without new technologies. It’s not an exaggeration to say that technology provides a powerful means of communication and organization for drivers that is a must.
Be open minded for new opportunities
Every day you can find a new job opportunity. So you should always make sure your resume is up to date and ready to go, so that you don’t miss out on any potential job prospects.
It’s important to stress once again that being a commercial driver may not be suitable job for everyone. It is a job of great responsibility. Drivers are working independently, operating a large truck carrying heavy loads through challenging conditions. Heavy traffic, rough terrain, and long distances demand a full time attention. Additionally, drivers have to ensure vehicle is in safe working condition and pass DOT inspections, as well as comply with state and federal regulations. This job demands a high level of responsibility, with little room for mistakes.
How to become a class A driver
If you do not have CDL license and if you are still interested in pursuing a career in the trucking industry and have a good driving record, one way to get started is by finding a reputable truck driving school or company-sponsored CDL training program that covers the entire process, including job placement assistance. Research the school’s reputation, and talk to graduates to learn about their training experience.
CDLjobsLinker.com allows Class A CDL drivers to find driving jobs that match their preferences by filtering results based on state, driver type, or trailer type. With one online application, the job search process is made more efficient as the application is sent to all relevant positions. This streamlined and secure method saves time and energy for drivers searching for jobs.