Trucker companies averagely pay new truckers over $14/hr, which increases with experience. Drivers with more than 20 years of experience in a company can make anywhere from $18 to $20 an hour. When you work with a company handling general freight, the high pay means more work will be required. On the other hand, you can work as a specialty trade contract driver, which will earn less but will be easier on the driver. Generally truck driving is considered a job but if you love the open road this could be one of the many hobbies that make money for you.
Before you can find a job driving any sort of trucks you need a Commercial Driver’s License, usually referred to as a CDL. The usual age requirement is 21, although some states allow anyone above the age of 18 to have licenses which are only valid in that state. Once you turn 21, that license becomes a 50 state license. Truck driving courses are available everywhere, but not required. Many companies will offer truck driving courses if you plan to get your CDL and drive for them. Every driver must pass a written test on different parts of the trucks as well as highway safety. There are several practice tests for the written portion online. It’s encouraged to use these because it will save you time in the long run if you aren’t adequately prepared for the written test.
Once the driver has passed the written test, they must pass a driving test in the type of vehicle they plan to drive. Don’t forget that a good driving record is required, with no licenses being revoked or major traffic violations within the last two years.
There are several different types of trucks and corresponding types of CDLs. Seeing as you’ll need to take a test in the type of truck you decide to drive, you should try to pick specific classification of truck as early as you can. There are three main classes of license, Class A, B, and C. Class A licenses will be for long haul trucks that are capable of carrying over 10,000 pounds, usually cargo shipping. Class B are for smaller trucks which carry less than 10,000 pounds. Class B vehicles will include lighter box trucks and moving trucks. For anyone planning to drive a vehicle capable of carrying over 16 passengers, or for towing hazardous materials, a Class C license is required.
Once you pass the tests and get your CDL, you have a few options. You can find a truck driving school or academy which will teach you how to really handle the big rigs professionally. Several companies that you might think of driving for offer training classes, given that you agree to work for them once you pass the classes. Often, these classes are free to you and are payed off in increments from your paychecks. The period for paying these off is usually around 2-3 years.
To become a professional truck driver, you’ll need to graduate from a trucking school or some sort of classes specifically for this kind of training. There are several schools to choose from, and they all learn from doing as well as formal classes. SAGE Technical Services has training in Pennsylvania, Indiana, Idaho, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, New York, Montana, Colorado, Texas, Utah, Arizona and Wyoming.
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