Commercial truck driver jobs
Do you think four wheels are only for the faint of heart? Forget what you saw in ‘Joy Ride’ and become a commercial truck driver, where the thrill of the open road won’t have you screaming for your mommy.
What do commercial truck drivers do?
All kinds of companies rely on the commercial trucking industry to pick up and deliver goods to near and far away locations. Drivers typically begin their day at a warehouse where they receive their assignments and load up their trucks with anything from food products to furniture. Depending upon the destination, drivers could spend their entire day on the road, while local truck drivers only travel short distances. Some responsibilities include:
- Complete checklist of all items upon loading
- Arrange items in the truck by order of delivery
- Keep receipts for gas, maintenance and any other services performed on the truck
- Ensure that delivery forms, customer receipts and freight bills are completed and signed
- Collect payment for services and goods delivered
- Obey traffic laws at all times
All drivers need to maintain a timely schedule and make all deliveries as planned, but there aren’t any restrictions on plugging in your iPod and jamming out while you drive, so rock on.
What are the working conditions?
Truck drivers often work irregular schedules with some shifts lasting days or weeks at a time. Many commercial truck drivers spend several months on the road, including weekends and some holidays, but are permitted to spend several months at home as well to balance out their work schedules. The job can be stressful because drivers are required to stay on route even in bad weather and heavy traffic, so keep your road rage in check.
Truckers spend most of their time inside the truck itself—if you get carsick easily, this isn’t the job for you. Heavy lifting is also often required to load and unload products to and from the truck, so feel free to stock up on protein shakes. You might also find yourself at a truck stop catching some Zzz’s in your truck bed, so make yourself comfy and don’t forget your pillow.
What skills do I need and how can I get promoted?
Most employers prefer their drivers to be at least 21 years old and hold a valid state driver’s license in addition to a commercial driver's license (CDL). Other requirements may include a clean driving record, a high school diploma and a passing score on both a written and practical driving test. You should also know how to read a map and know all of the requirements pertaining to the road and your vehicle, such as when to stop at weigh stations.
Opportunities for advancement are limited in this profession, although many truckers go on to start their own trucking businesses.
Show me the money!
Wages are different depending on the location of the job and the company it’s with, so check out our wage calculator to find out how much you could make as a truck driver in your area. Many employers offer benefits such as health insurance, 401(k) retirement plans and paid vacations. Some companies even offer signing bonuses, so you could trick your truck with the money you get just for accepting the job: We’re thinking purple flames on the front and a hot tub in the cab.