Even if you genuinely enjoy your current truck driving job, it’s normal to look toward the future. Many truckers wonder what kind of career advancement opportunities may be available beyond those they find in traditional “now hiring CDL drivers” ads. 

Luckily, the future can be incredibly bright for today’s drivers. There are plenty of places your career can take you, allowing you to move up or into exciting new specialty areas. 

If you wonder what sort of positions are on the table, here are a few that could be worth exploring. 

Career Advancement Opportunities for Truck Drivers 

Owner-Operator

By becoming an owner-operator, you can transition your career into a business. You would work for other companies but in an independent capacity, giving you more control over your workload and schedule. 

Going this route does require a significant financial investment. However, many truck-related costs are potentially usable as tax breaks, allowing you to recoup some of the expense. For drivers looking for more independence, it can be an investment worth making, especially since owner-operators’ earnings potential also tends to be higher than it is for drivers who operate company vehicles. 

Truck Driving Instructor

If you’re an experienced driver but don’t necessarily want to spend all of your time on the road, becoming a truck driving instructor could be a great option. It allows you to pass down your knowledge to new drivers, ensuring the next generation has the skill and know-how to handle the work effectively and safely. 

Every state has a unique set of requirements for those who want to transition into teaching. However, they typically involve having a valid CDL, a minimum amount of truck driving experience (usually around three years), and a good driving record. You may also need some specialty instructor training, though that isn’t always the case. 

Management

One of the most straightforward career advancement options for truck drivers is to shift into management. Since you know what it’s like to be on the road, you understand what drivers go through, which is beneficial. 

Along with overseeing drivers, you may also be responsible for coordinating deliveries and pickups, setting schedules, planning vehicle maintenance, logging activities, administering performance reviews, and more. 

How to Advance Your Truck Driving Career 

Ultimately, all of the options above can be excellent for career growth. If you want to take the next step, consider which of the options may be right for you. Then, do a little research to see if you need to acquire more skills or training to qualify for the role, allowing you to create a roadmap that leads you to that position. 

Otherwise, make sure you always aim to exceed expectations in your current truck driving position. A solid reputation of reliability, efficiency, and productivity can help you access more opportunities, making it easier to move up. 

Get Back on The Road Today!

PTS® is one of the leading temp agencies for CDL drivers in California. Our truck driver recruiters will listen to your career goals and provide employment opportunities that help you reach them. Whether you’re looking for the flexibility of temporary work, or the security of a temp-to-hire possibility, our CDL temp agency is here to help. If you’d like to learn more or seek a new driving job in the Ontario, California area, the team at PTS can help. Contact our truck driver employment agency today.