Continued Job Growth Makes CDL Employment a Great Career Choice
CDL employment continues to be a great choice for drivers who want a steady job with better than average pay. According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009 Edition, CDL drivers can expect to earn between 7.02 per hour to 18.38 per hour. Additionally, many companies offer sign-on bonuses and overtime incentives.
Individuals who are interested in CDL employment should also consider all job requirements before pursuing a career in the trucking industry. Below are just a few of the additional requirements that employers may require to drive for their companies:
Age Requirements: Many companies hire drivers who are as young as 18 years old while others only hire drivers who are 21 or older. Often, less experienced drivers will drive smaller vehicles, such as panel trucks, until they gain adequate skill to drive larger vehicles.
Physical Requirements: Drivers are required to spend many hours behind the wheel, so employees must be able to sit for long periods of time. Additionally, drivers are often required to load and unload merchandise; therefore, they are required to get yearly physical examinations.
Mechanical Knowledge: Drivers must have a basic understanding of how to troubleshoot possible problems with their vehicles. They have to ensure that their trucks are in good operating order (i.e. brakes, working windshield wipers, proper oil levels, cargo properly secured, etc.) They must be able to recognize potential problems and report them to the dispatcher.
Education and Training: All drivers are required to have a Commercial Drivers License (CDL) and should have completed a certified driver training course or have experience driving commercial vehicles. Companies often offer additional training to their employees. Many companies require that all drivers have a high school diploma. To drive larger trucks, many companies raise the minimum age limit to 22 and require three to five years of driving experience as a condition to employment.
Additional Requirements: Employees may also be required to be salesmen. The ability to get along well with others is an important requirement. Employers prefer to hire individuals who are self-motivated and can work with minimal supervision. Drivers must read and speak English fluently and have the ability to read road signs and to communicate well verbally and in writing. Additionally, random drug and alcohol testing is required. Applicants with a felony conviction involving a motor vehicle or previous DUI will not be eligible for employment.
If you’re interested in CDL employment as a career, you’ve made a great choice. Great pay, continued job growth, and the ability to work for someone or work as an independent contractor makes a career in driving an attractive option.
To get the latest insider tips about the CDL trucking industry, visit http://www.classarecruiters.com/.
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