Wanted—Good and Safe Truck Drivers!

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If you consider being a truck driver beneath your dignity, think again! The trucking industry is a thriving one, considering that most businesses will grind to a halt if there is no one to ferry cargo to and fro. In the US alone, competition has become so tough that manufacturers who hitherto had been content to stock their goods in massive warehouses to be delivered at later dates, are now going in for “just-in-time style of production”. A factory demands certain parts and materials; the manufacturing company loads them instantly onto trucks that rush directly to the assembly line. Even a delay of a few hours is enough to bring the whole system to a complete full stop! This leap in working style has taken place within the last twenty years or so.

So what do you think? Would you like to become a part of this industry? There are already around three million US truck drivers who indulge in long-distance driving today; you would be one more. Or if you are content to be with local operations, then you can join the several millions who are responsible for delivering food, small packages, fuel oil, and so on. You are never going to be short of work, since every manufactured product generally goes through five movements by truck before the consumer gets access to it. You will thus become a member of an essential logistic service that aids in the progress of economy.

Now, you will need a license to operate your truck; so ensure that you have a Commercial Drivers License or CDL. Once you get that, approach an institution of your choice and apply for training. The institute will not only provide you with the requisite skills, but also aid in placement. Since there are all types of positions available within the trucking industry, opt for the one that suits you best. You will know what you are capable of if you ask the “right questions” while in training.

Whichever department you are in, like all truck drivers, you will need to have thorough knowledge of good customer relations, company communications, cargo security, technical aspects of driving a truck, and how to manage your time when you go solo. You are your own boss from the time you pick up cargo to the time you deliver it, but you are still responsible to the company to ensure that you do not give it a bad name. Deadlines have to be met, and you should develop the ability to handle situations with minimum supervision.

Another aspect to be kept in mind is that you will have no fixed hours of work or a fixed salary. Your productivity determines how much money will enter your pocket. If you have the qualities of dedication and self-discipline, nothing and no one can come in the way of your success! Being a safe driver is equally vital, if you desire to stay with the industry for a long time to come. Your hard work will fetch instant rewards, unlike in other professions where people have to bide their time. The first year alone should fetch you anything from $32,000 to $36,000. And do you know the icing on the cake? You can work from anywhere and everywhere, plus your job is recession-proof!

And that is not all; there are some more bonuses that you will receive. If you have taken a loan to pay for your driver’s training, many motor carriers will aid you in repayment (tuition reimbursement assistance). Again, you are eligible for insurance benefits which will be very useful for you as well as your family. Sometimes, there are retirement plans offered too. It takes just around six to twelve months for you to be considered for promotions, provided you have exhibited the right attitude towards your work.

Now, this is a profession where lifestyle adjustments are imperative—not only for you as an individual, but for your family too. Sit down with all at home and discuss this new career option that you have decided to pursue. After all, the first six to twelve months are crucial for future career development. If your spouse or partner wishes it, a visit to the training site and a talk with trainers can be arranged for additional assurance. Your at-home partner will now have to take care of everything without being able to rely on you for support, especially during emergencies. So ensure that there are enough relatives and friends who will be willing to help out when you are away. On a final note, even motor carriers are becoming more sensitive to the problem now-a-days, and are engaging special employees to deal with families where the head of the household is away on his trucking job.