By David A. Kolman
The driver shortage keeps getting worse, with predictions of a shortfall of more than 111,000 drivers by 2014. Meanwhile other areas of the job market are tightening. So it makes sense that drivers may find themselves answering questions from friends and family about opportunities in trucking. It's an excellent career choice, and one that can be very satisfying and rewarding. But it's important to find a job that's a good fit, and that can prove to be challenging.
If you know someone who is considering entering the field, tell them to be prepared to be overwhelmed, confused and frustrated at times.
To begin, there are a number of requirements necessary for a career in trucking. In general, you:
- Must be 16-18 years old to drive a truck intrastate (varies by state) and 21 years old to drive a commercial motor vehicle across state lines (interstate).
- May need a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) if you plan to operate a single vehicle with a manufacturer's gross vehicle weight (gvw) rating of 26,001 pounds or more, or any size vehicle that transports hazardous materials. GVW is the total weight of the loaded vehicle, including the chassis, body and its load. To get a CDL, a driver must be able to pass both a written and truck driving test to prove their ability to operate a commercial truck.
- Need to have a relatively clean driving record. Excessive serious traffic violations and/or any convictions for driving under the influence of alcohol or a controlled substance (illegal drugs, for example) may disqualify you from trucking.
- Must be able to pass a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination.
- Must be able to pass a drug screen.
ENDLESS CHOICES
Deciding what type of trucking you may enjoy is not simple.
City jobs will allow you to have a more regimented schedule and be home daily. Trucking regionally will typically keep you away from home a couple of nights a week.
Over-the-road (or long-haul) trucking will have the biggest impact on your lifestyle. While it's a wonderful adventure to travel throughout the U.S. and perhaps Canada and Mexico, your schedule will keep you away from your family for extended periods of time. Over-the-roaders end up missing special events in their family's life - like birthdays, anniversaries and school events. And because they're on-the-road a great deal, they have to work at staying in touch and involved in their family's life.
To determine the right type of job for you, talk to drivers and visit company Web sites.
MAKING COMPARISONS
Before you begin researching companies to drive for, develop a list of what you want and don't want in a job. Consider such things as size of the company, time away from home, type and age of equipment operated, is equipment assigned, are uniforms provided, etc.
Also make a list of questions about the job itself. Among the things to consider: How are the compensation, pay packages and bonus programs designed? What is the pay period? When will you be paid and how will you be paid: direct deposit, mailed check, pick check up at dispatch, etc.? If pay is mileage-based, are there weekly-mileage guarantees?
What is the benefits package? Is health insurance provided/offered? Are there retirement programs? What are the policies and practices for communicating with dispatchers and management? Are there "rider" programs for family, friends and pets?
If it's an over-the-road job - How often will you get home? How long will you be home before going out again? If it's a "dispatched run" job - What is the policy for turning down runs?
Write down the answers to the questions. That way you will have a solid basis for comparison. Memory can be incomplete after talking with several companies in one day or after a few days go by.
Once you've asked a question, let the person answer completely. Interrupting makes the person feel like what they have to say is not important enough to listen too. Besides, by interrupting, you may cause the interviewers to lose their train of thought and you may not get some valuable information and insight.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Most people evaluate a person within 30 seconds of their first meeting, often making their decisions based on appearance, posture and demeanor.
When you arrive for an interview, look clean and neat. Have your hair combed. Leave the hat at home. Pop a breath mint or rinse with mouthwash before the meeting. Do not chew gum or bring along a coffee cup. Always be courteous and professional, whether in a personal interview or on the telephone.
A word of warning: The job of a truck driver recruiter is to put a body in the truck seat. Some are smooth salespeople. Stay in control and don't get talked into doing something you don't want to do or aren't sure of. And, make certain you get your questions answered completely.
Don't be afraid to take up a company representative's time by asking too many questions. Only with good information and knowledge can you make the wisest decision about what type of truck driving job will be right you for you.
