So You Want to Become a Trucker, Huh? Posted by DC Cargo Mall on July 29, 2013

Starting off- 5 things To Consider:

 

1. Flatbed,Dry Van,Tanker,Reefer

Are you a hard-working, no nonsense, gruff kind of guy? Then flatbed trucking is probably for you. From securing the toughest loads, having to tarp freight as protection from the elements, handling scorching hot chains in the summer and frozen straps in the winter, and heavy-lifting, this trucking job is definitely not for the lazy.

Tankers require a brave driver who isn't going to play risk for fun. The contents are generally as hazardous as they come, and nothing will happen to you – as long as you know what you’re doing. A regular wash-out of the tank is necessary, but when it is getting its bath, treat yourself to a grand nap, you’ll need it!

Dry van and refrigerated interior drivers may not rake up as much in the bank as flatbed haulers, but that’s because the job, although still flanked with difficulties is for the most part, easier.  Securing loads are usually vastly more laid-back, still not for the lazy, but definitely an easier route to take. DOT officials, although still on the look-out for interior van rule breakers, are much more vigilant when it comes to the more difficult to secure and potentially dangerously loaded shifting Flatbeds, and will not stop you half as much with a closed van.

2. CDL School – Expect Challenges

Going to trucking school isn't half as easy as regular driving school. Don’t be so fast to assume you are the world’s next NASCAR champion, most likely, that kind of pomp will only get you to ignore lessons and fail tests. Written tests should be passed, after arduous and dedicated studying only.

Maneuvering a vehicle that enormous necessities quite aggressive attentiveness and road-observance. Always be open to learning new things. In the trucking industry, even after years of experienced truck driving, there are always new rules to keep track of, point earnings to stay away from, and a lot of lives and safety at stake and money at bay.

3. Your temperament counts

Don’t take it too lightly if your stress level is easily triggered into tempers and flare-ups. As a driver of these gargantuan trucks, there are too many challenges that arise and if met with a raised flag, will result in a failed mission, and worse, a road accident.

Unexpected weather changes, changed routes, late arriving freight, canceled shipments after a long drive, and truck break downs are just some of the many difficulties easily encountered along the way. A calm temperament will get you far in this business. Not only will you become someone that people are eager to work with, but at the end of the day, it is you who must hang out with yourself 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so don’t make your presence a nuisance to yourself!

4. Consider family – Who do you have at home?

People with spouses, in a serious relationship, and especially children in the mix, waiting at home, is a make-it or break-it situation. This should determine whether you will take on a national job that only allows for you to be back home every few months at best, or taking on a more local employment, keeping you on the roads that allow for at least an every weekend, or daily basis of home time, although money is slightly compromised.

Thousands of truckers have experienced broken families on account of time-spent away from home for aggravated periods of time, and they can tell you: it is not worth it. Returning home to the same loving family every night is priceless, and lone truckers on the road for months at a time will admit, they’d choose that option any time, if they could.

A solution some resort to, when both partners are drivers, or even when one takes charge of the paperwork and the other has got the trucking license, is that both take on the road together. Depending on your being able to bear sharing the same tiny space for weeks and months at a time with the same person without break, you may even be able to give up your apartment back home. Make sure you give it at least three months to make that choice though.

5. Large company/Small company/Self-Employed

Working for a smaller company has its advantages in that everything is more direct and personal. Speaking to the owner him/herself sometimes multiple times a day can speed up communication that can hurry your payroll, dispatch, and repairing needs.

If you want to pile your resume with specialized experience, working for a small company that specializes in flatbeds for example, will give you a concentrated knowledge in one area or field that you take a particular liking to.

You are also more likely to be given a route that regardless, will be in consideration of letting you get back home often.

Larger companies can be bountifully generous when it comes to side-benefits. This more than makes up for the lack they may have that is directly monetary.

These include free phone medical advisory, free marriage counseling, drop and hook offs where loading and unloading is not on your list of responsibilities and you can pack in more miles that are paid for on account of not spending it in loading. Many repair shops, motels, plush truck stops, and more will have accounts set up with your company and can service you just on reason of the fact that you work for that company- and you won’t have to do a thing!

 If you are the type that likes to be your own boss, have enough money to invest in your own truck, and need as much flexibility as possible, go with self-employment. Tax deduction benefits also make this option a preferred one. Whatever you do, put thought into your decision, because it will probably last you for a long, long, time.