Industrial Jobs

How To Get A Job As A Long-Haul Trucker

Long-Haul Truckers carry heavy loads over long distances, often across more than one state.  They drive heavy vehicles and transport valuable cargo.  Because of this, they must be among the most experienced and most skilled drivers on the road.  These truckers drive during the day as well as at night, on weekends, and on holidays.  Many drivers drive alone, while others drive in shifts with one driver able to sleep in the in-cab bunk.

Long-Haul Truckers are either employed by a company or are themselves owner-operators.  How and when they work is governed in part by the United States Department Of Transportation which dictates that these truckers, if they have worked continuously for eleven hours, must then have an eight hour rest period.  Long-Haul Truckers are not allowed to work more than sixty hours in any seven day work period.

There is a growing demand for skilled Long-Haul Truckers.

Long-Haul Truckers must be above all highly skilled drivers.  They must also be in good physical health, self-confident, mentally alert, cautious, have good reflexes, and good manners.  Truckers are required to both read and speak English, dress appropriately, and be able to pass periodic drug and alcohol tests.  Drivers must be able to adjust to boredom and loneliness, and to spending long periods away from home and family.

The job of Long-Haul Truckers is demanding and sometimes stressful so drivers are required by law to pass a rigorous physical exam.  They must also be at least twenty-one years of age and have good eyesight, hearing, and color discrimination.

Long-Haul Truckers begin a run by checking their route and all the paperwork related to their cargo.  They inspect their cargo, and thoroughly check their vehicle for safety and stability.  They may supervise or assist with loading.  When they reach their destination they may supervise or assist with unloading.  They sign off on the load and complete their travel log which specifically covers the route followed, who drove, where, when, and for how long the vehicle stopped during the trip, and any accidents or incidents that happened on route.

Education

Long-Haul Truckers need to have at least some high school education.  A high school diploma is preferable and is demanded by some employers.

Then potential truckers need to complete a Driver Training Course as offered by Vocational Schools and Community Colleges.  Such training is necessary in order to be able to get a CDL or commercial driver’s license.  Training should cover both technical material and on-the-road experience.  Mechanical aptitude is an asset.

To find out if the training course you are considering is certified, go to the following site.

http://www.ptdi.org/

You must then obtain a commercial driver’s license specific to the state or states in which you will be driving.  Applicants must have a clean driving record.  Interstate drivers cannot be insulin dependent or suffer from epilepsy.  Long-Haul Truckers must pass both a written and practical test.

Once you have completed your training course and obtained your commercial driver’s license, you will receive additional on-the-job training if required.  Such training may cover the transportation of dangerous cargo and specific vehicle requirements.  For more information on commercial driver’s licenses, go to:

http://www.truckline.com

Many truckers start off driving part-time, picking up shifts from other drivers who become ill.  With added experience Long-Haul truckers will become full-time and advance to better routes, better hours, and better wages.  Some will advance to become dispatchers, instructors, and supervisors.