Tanker drivers are some of the highest paid truck drivers.
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How long does it take to become a truck driver?
If attending a full-time training program, you can most likely get your commercial driver's license (CDL) in an average of 7 weeks.
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What is an over-the road (OTR) truck driver?
OTR refers to drivers who transport materials over long distances, as opposed to local routes. These drivers are away from home for longer periods at a time and they usually sleep in their truck.
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Are there other qualifications needed for the job, besides a CDL license?
No. You need to be able to safely drive a vehicle and pass a basic Department of Transportation medical examination. There are companies that require loading or unloading of trailers and also to lift or move heavy objects.
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Do you make good money as a truck driver?
According to Indeed user ratings, 51% of truck drivers believe their salary is enough for cost of living in their area.
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What are the requirements for truck driving school?
Prior to joining a truck driving school, you need to be at least 21 years old, be able to pass a drug and alcohol test, obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) and have a clean driving record. You may also need to be able to pass a physical.
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How can I get my CDL A?
You can get a Class A CDL permit by passing a series of written exams. In most states, the written tests to get a Class A CDL permit include General Knowledge, Air Brakes and Combination vehicles. A CDL driving test must be passed in which the driver completes a 3-part exam that includes a pre-trip inspection test, basic control skills test, and driving test at either a state CDL test site or approved 3rd party test site in the testing State.
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Is pay based on a per-mile rate or an hourly rate?
Every company has a different compensation plan. There are benefits to both pay models, and you need to be fully informed either way.
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Is it hard to become a truck driver?
Becoming a truck driver requires some training but there are many open jobs in this field making it easier to enter this career.
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What does it mean to have CDL Endorsements?
An Endorsement is an authorization to an individual’s CDL required to permit the individual to operate certain types of Commercial Vehicles. Drivers who operate or expect to operate the type of motor vehicle described in the endorsement shall take and pass specialized tests. (eg. Tanker Endorsement)
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How much does a truck driver make an hour?
According to pay reported by Indeed users, truck drivers make $19.92 per hour on average.
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What's the difference between a truck driver and an owner-operator?
Owner-operators are truck drivers who own and operate their own trucking business rather than working as a truck driver for a specific company.
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How long does CDL training last?
The CDL training usually takes about four to six weeks.
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Can truck drivers make $100k?
It is possible for experienced truck drivers with advanced certifications to make $100k per year.
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How can I become an owner-operator from a truck driver?
If you are already a truck driver, take the following steps to become an owner-operator truck driver:
File for USDOT number and Motor Carrier Number. Pay the filing fee.
Lease or purchase a truck.
Secure appropriate level of insurance.
Find truck freight to start your first route as an owner-operator.
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Do you get paid for CDL training?
No, but some companies may offer to reimburse drivers for CDL training as a part of their compensation package. This will vary by company.
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How long does it take to become an owner-operator from a truck driver?
It helps if owner-operators have at least a few years of experience truck driving for a company before venturing into being an owner-operator. Owner-operator trucking has a lot of upfront costs, so you will want to make sure you are certain that truck driving is the career you want to pursue.
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How much does a truck driver make per week?
On average, truck drivers make $1,096 per week according to pay reported by Indeed users.
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What skills are needed to become an owner-operator truck driver from a truck driver?
Additional skills that will be helpful to owner-operators include entrepreneurial skills, business acumen and organizational skills. Owner-operators are essentially running their own business and should feel confident in their ability to run a small business.
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How much does the average CDL driver make?
The average CDL driver makes $59,925 per year in the United States.
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What licenses are needed to become an owner-operator?
Truck drivers and owner-operators will need a Commercial Drivers License (CDL). Owner-operators need a registered USDOT number and MC number.
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What state pays truck drivers the most?
Texas is one of the highest paying states for truck drivers according to salaries reported by Indeed users.
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How much more I can earn if I become an owner-operator truck driver from a truck driver?
The average truck driver's salary in the US is $60,175. The average owner-operator salary is much higher according to reported salaries by Indeed users, at $188,151. Keep in mind that owner-operators while making more money also have much more upfront costs.
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What is the highest paying truck driving company?
According to reports by Indeed users, PepsiCo is rated as having the highest compensation for truck drivers.
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Is it easy to become a truck driver?
Aspiring truck drivers need to obtain a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) which requires going to trucking school to learn the basics and be able to pass the test. There are no other educational requirements.
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What are the different types of truck driver?
Truck drivers can be divided into two primary groups: owner-operators and company drivers.
Owner-operators:
Earn a higher gross salary
Decide who can ride along and choose the truck to buy and drive
Have greater independence and schedule flexibility
Have to finance the vehicle themselves
Deal with more expenses: buying and maintaining the truck, taxes, paperwork and medical insurance
As a result of higher expenses, the higher gross salary owner-operators earn may not actually mean higher income.
Company drivers:
Enjoy benefits offered by employers such as medical, dental, life insurance, vision, retirement plans, paid vacation and holidays.
Generally avoid costs of vehicle purchase and maintenance
May have a more advantageous tax situation
May have less independence and schedule flexibility
As a result, company drivers may take home more net pay, however they have less flexibility and less job security.
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How can I know if I am being paid fairly as a truck driver?
If you’re unsure about what salary is appropriate for a truck driver position, visit Indeed's Salary Calculator to get a free, personalized pay range based on your location, industry and experience.
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Is driving a truck hard?
Driving a truck requires patience, practice and training, but will eventually become easier to do once you get comfortable behind the wheel.
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How can I earn more as a truck driver?
Truck drivers get different bonuses or benefits: referral and signing bonus, safety bonus, detention pay, layover pay, fuel-efficiency bonus, clean-DOT inspections bonus, monthly mileage bonus.
Ice road truck drivers, oversized load and hazmat truck drivers get a higher salary due to the high level of skill and specialization necessary to operate the vehicles. Over the road, or OTR, truck drivers earn a higher salary too. OTR truck drivers travel long hours all over the country and they have to respect road regulations in different states. OTR drivers can go back home anywhere from a couple of times a week to once every 4-8 weeks, depending on the job.
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What should a truck driver put on their resume?
The following skills are highly sought after among truck drivers: Customer service, communication skills, attention to detail, attention to safety, safe driving skills and detail-oriented.
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How much do similar professions to truck driver get paid?
Check the below Indeed career pages for the detailed pay ranges for similar professions to truck driver here:
To be a commercial truck driver in the US you need to be over the age of 21 (or 18 if staying in-state). You need to attend a truck driving school and pass a test in order to earn a Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Once you have this, you can start applying to trucking jobs and gaining experience.
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Is truck driving hard to learn?
Truck driving may take a while to learn and master. Pay attention during training and earn your commercial driver's license (CDL). Get as much on-the-job training as possible to get better at your job.
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What skills do you need to be a truck driver?
Truck drivers need to be skilled at driving a commercial truck, have excellent communication skills, attention to detail, and commitment to safety on the road.
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Is being a truck driver a good job?
Truck driving is a good job because it is typically in-demand. However, truck drivers have a grueling schedule and will often be on the road and away from their homes and family which can make it a difficult job for some.
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How much does it cost to go to truck driving school?
Truck driving school may cost anywhere from $3000 to $7000 depending on the level of education and endorsements you are looking to earn. Some trucking companies that are in need of more truck drivers may pay for aspiring truckers to get their commercial driver's license (CDL).
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What are the different types of truck drivers?
The most common trucking jobs include dry van drivers, flatbed drivers. tanker driver, refrigerated freight drivers, freight haulers, LTL freight drivers and hazmat drivers. Some of these trucking jobs may require more advanced training or certification than others.
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Is truck driving a good career choice in 2020?
Trucking provides good benefits and above-average pay while remaining a career with a strong demand. This makes trucking a good choice for your career.
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Can you get a job as a truck driver with a felony?
This is usually a case-by-case basis. It will depend on if the felony was violent, how long ago the felony was and the rules of the trucking company doing the hiring. A felony will usually not rule you out from becoming a truck driver.
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What state has the most truck drivers?
Texas currently has the most employed truck drivers out of any state according to the US Labor Bureau.
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How much does a CDL test cost?
A CDL test will typically cost between $40 and $60 but will vary depending on the state.
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Is being a truck driver stressful?
Truck drivers are responsible for meeting strict deadlines in order to get very large shipments to the right place. This can become stressful, especially when spending hours on the road every day.
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What are the pros and cons of being a truck driver?
There are pros and cons to being a truck driver. Pros include high demand, good starting pay, little education requirements and the ability to travel the country. Cons include long hours, being away from home and family and the relatively high cost of truck driving school.
