This section of the Professional Driver Development Program is for those who wish to obtain their Commercial Driver’s License. It will be continually worked on until it is all posted. Requirements vary depending on location.
Every day, millions of trucks hit the highways delivering raw material and finished goods that we, as consumers, want and need in our lives. At some point, every single thing you see around you was on a truck. From materials to build your home, to the clothes you wear, right down to the food you eat. We even deliver grass seeds and trees for new developments. We are a vital and necessary part of life and we are not going away.
If you have a commercial driver license and a clean driving record, you will never be unemployed more than the time it takes to walk into a company and ask for a job. Commercial drivers have been in demand for decades and always will be. Our trucks may seem intimidating at first glance. We are big, heavy and we are everywhere. Don’t let that make you shy away from joining us though. It’s not as difficult as it may seem. You will catch on quickly and there will always be a veteran driver around to help you.
Are you interested in joining our family out on the road? Getting your CDL (commercial driver license) has never been easier. In The U.S., there are many very reputable schools and trucking companies that would be most happy to hear from you. In Canada, there are also many wonderful schools but I am not aware of any companies that provide full training to students. Below is a partial list of places to contact that will get you heading in the right direction for your new career.
If you own a school or trucking company offering full training and would like it advertised here free of charge, please drop us an email with your information including locations, fees, contact name and number, website link, and a brief description of your program. Also please indicate if you offer job placement at the completion of your program.
If you are a trucking company that hires newly licensed drivers, we would like to hear from you. Please drop us an email with your information including locations, contact name and number, website link, and a brief description of your program if you offer a new driver training program.
I’m fairly certain that you can walk into any trucking company and be hired on the spot as long as you have a valid commercial license and a clean driving record. There are some industries that experience periodically slower than normal freight transportation. These may include auto parts, produce, and other seasonal items.
If you are newly licensed or have little experience, I will save you a world of trouble and help you avoid hopping from one company to another. We all want to earn as much money as possible and create decent lives for ourselves and our families. This is true for everyone but you need to keep in mind that money isn’t everything. Other things you need to ask about are medical benefits, home time, layovers, and anything that affects you providing for your family. Sure one company may pay a few cents more per mile but you may not be home as often. Only you can decide what company is right for you.
Some things you want to pay very close attention to may include vehicle maintenance, communication with the company, driver support, fine print on leases, compliance with the laws, safety and security, respect, honesty, integrity, actual miles or book miles, tolls, and expenses. Sometimes a few extra cents per mile just isn’t worth it. Once you find a company you believe will be a good fit for you, stay there.
Give yourself a chance to learn and be patient with yourself. Never stay at a company less than 2 years unless it is dangerous for you. This could be because of equipment repairs or lack of repairs, being on the road for months at a time without home time, being forced to run over hours or having your logs changed, being told to do things that are illegal, not being paid for the work you do, or other things you feel are harmful to you or others.