When it comes to finding a good job, the opportunities for truck drivers are endless. No matter what you are looking for in your next place of employment, the truck driving industry will have something that fits your needs. From temporary positions to full-time direct-hire work, there is a career path for every truck driver. Not to mention, as you continue to work in the industry, there is plenty of room for advancement and to earn new accolades. Keep reading to learn more about pursuing a career as a truck driver.

Where to Begin in Your Truck Driving Career

Before you start looking for truck driving jobs, there are a few things you will need to do. Of course, you will need to obtain the correct driver’s license to perform the job. Research what is required of truck drivers in your state and the states you would travel to. Beyond getting the right kind of training, education, and license, you will also need to determine what you are looking for in your driving career.

Many people start a career in truck driving because they are looking for something flexible. Others are searching for stability. Take a moment to think about what you would like from your job as a truck driver. This will help you decide what kind of job you take and who you work for. In many cases, you will need at least a CDL A to drive for most companies. Here’s a look at what it takes to earn your CDL A license.

Earn CDL A License

If you plan to only travel within your state, you can be 18 years old to apply for your CDL license. However, if you choose to travel interstate, you will need to be at least 21 years old to move forward with licensure. Age requirements aside, everyone who gets their CDL must complete driver training from an approved training provider.

After completing the training, paying the appropriate fees, filling out your state’s application, and performing a vision test and road test, you will receive your Commercial Learner’s Permit. Fourteen days after receiving your CLP, you can apply for your CDL. Once you pass your CDL licensure exam and road test, you can then pay the necessary fees to obtain your official license.

Work with a Staffing Agency for Truck Drivers

Working with truck driver staffing agencies can help increase your chances of landing a driving job. An agency will know exactly what the necessary requirements are for working with certain employers or within certain states. So, if your career goals include being able to drive long interstate hauls, they can help you get what you need to make that happen. Beyond that, agencies will also help you identify potential employers looking for drivers and so much more. Here are a few of the benefits you can expect from working with an agency.

Access to Truck Driving Jobs with Industry-Leading Pay

Generally speaking, the companies paying the best wages are working with recruitment firms. This is because firms can provide drivers quickly and ensure the quality of each new hire that comes through. For businesses looking for truck drivers, this is especially important because drivers need to be licensed and well-trained in safety procedures to ensure your business doesn’t incur any issues. All of that being said, well-established employers who are providing the best wages in the industry are working with staffing agencies to find the best of the best. So, working with an agency improves your chances of connecting with those organizations/employers.

Benefits

Working with truck driver staffing agencies will also provide you with benefits that you may not get pursuing temporary or contract jobs. Rather than using an employer’s benefits, you would work with the agency to get the benefits you need. Similarly, if you are searching for certain benefits, the agency can help you find employers offering the exact PTO benefits, health insurance, etc. that you are looking for.

Job Flexibility

There is a lot more flexibility available when you work with a staffing agency to find truck driving jobs too. You can find temp jobs, contract work, temp-to-hire opportunities, and even full-time employment. What jobs you take is totally up to you.

Advancement Opportunities for CDL A Truck Drivers

It is a wrong assumption that pursuing a job as a truck driver is a dead-end job. Actually, there are tons of opportunities for advancement within the career field. You can advance into a managerial or supervisor role. Some drivers even expand their careers to take on owner-operator positions. Below are some of the potential advancement opportunities truck drivers can pursue.

Become a Truck Driving Instructor

With three years of experience as a CDL A driver, you can become a driving instructor. You will also need a good driving record and most states require additional training to become an instructor as well. This can be a great advancement opportunity for drivers, especially if they don’t want to travel as much anymore. In some instances, you can also make your own schedule and take on students when you want to, making it one of the more flexible options.

Truck Driver Managers & Supervisors

Another possible advancement opportunity for drivers is to become a manager or supervisor. This can increase your earning potential and provide you with more responsibility on the job. Managers and supervisors generally oversee a lot of the communication that occurs between drivers. They are also in charge of monitoring and auditing delivery logs and ensuring the success of their fleet’s delivery goals.

Owner-Operator Positions

While there are plenty of great companies to work for, many drivers decide to pursue the career path of an owner-operator. This means that you would work independently with trucking companies to provide driving services. Owner-operator positions are especially great if you own your own truck.

Job Outlook for Truck Drivers

While the job climate is a little uncertain right now for everyone, jobs for truck drivers aren’t going anywhere any time soon. Both the transporting and manufacturing industries have remained strong. Since 2012, there has been a steady increase in truck driving jobs in the United States. Because drivers are needed in order to transport raw materials and just about everything else, drivers are always in high-demand.

On top of that, the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers will continue to increase through 2022. In fact, they expect there to be about an 11% increase from 2012 to 2022. This is due, in large part, to the recovering economy and increase demand for goods in the country.

That being said, gas prices also impact the truck driving industry. Some organizations may opt for rail transportation rather than gas-powered trucks. Other industries are transitioning into electric transport vehicles. However, it is expected that the majority of consumer goods in the U.S. will still be transported by truck. The increase in demand means more truckers will be needed.

Find CDL A Driver Jobs with PTS® Today

If you are searching for CDL A driving jobs, consider working with Premium Transport Staffing. Our agency can help you find a job that meets your needs. For those new to the truck driving industry, we can help guide you through what you need to get started. Then you can use our state-of-the-art platform to get to know more about employers and available opportunities, ranging from full-time to contract jobs. You control the future of your truck driving career. Learn more about how our staffing agency for truck drivers can help connect you with your next driving job opportunity.