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Truck Driving Jobs

Expect to read and learn about...
  • Trucking Jobs Outlook
  • The Most Common Trucking Job
  • The Truth About Local Trucking Jobs
  • Better Trucking Jobs
  • Making Your Trucking Job a Career
  • The Types of Trucking Jobs


Trucking Jobs Outlook

Truck driving jobs are here to stay. No matter how bad the economy gets you can be sure trucking companies are hiring all around the country. Many truckers were laid off or let go at the height of the recession but trucking companies are hiring again because manufacturers and distribution centers are picking up production as the economy slowly recovers. I don't expect the economy to reach full potential for a while in fact I think there will continue to be ups and downs. However, I think the truck driving jobs will continue to grow especially since the new CSA 2010 rules and regulations have hit. I think a lot of older drivers will get out and a lot of bad truckers will be forced out. So truck driving is still a great career for the right person.

The Most Common Trucking Jobs

The most common trucking job that you are likely to start off with is pulling a dry van over the road. Those are the plain box trailers that you see most often being pulled down the highway by a big truck. It is the cheapest freight to haul and usually requires no special attention unless placarded. This means the average pay is lowest pay for truckers and it is where most drivers began.

Notice I did say over the road. That is because as a new trucker, over the road for 3 or 4 weeks at a time is most likely how you will start your career.

Now you can possibly start with other types of trucking jobs especially after reading here, we will talk about that later.

The Truth About Local Trucking Jobs

Some of you have been told that you would be able to find a local trucking job straight out of trucking school. You probably got information from a recruiter that you talked to when you called a number back in a newspaper or on a flyer.

In any case, this is for the most part an exaggeration. It is highly unlikely that you will find a local trucking job right out of truck driving school.

Those jobs are quickly filled by experienced drivers wanting to come off the road and you are stuck with those jobs they left. The easiest or quickest way you will get a trucking job fresh out of school is with one of the larger carriers that most other folks go to right out of school. Not that it is impossible, by all means search. I just don't want you to think it is automatic that you will be able to get a local trucking job.

Better Truck Driving Jobs

The Better higher paying truck driving jobs are usually with companies that make or sell their own products and have their own trucks and hire their own drivers. Sherwin Williams, Wal-Mart, Poly Corp, Ashley, etc.

To get these truck driving jobs you will usually need experience of at least 1 year (up to 3 is not unusual) and a clean driving record. That's why you will always hear me tell new drivers to try and keep your driving record in the best standing as possible. Otherwise you will not get these high paying trucking jobs.

Not that some of you will love your first trucking job just fine. It all depend on location, the specific driver's needs and the relationship with office personnel. Oh and the competency of office personnel.

Generally speaking though, you will find your better and highest paying trucking jobs at the types of companies I mention earlier.For an even higher paying trucking job, you would need to specialize, which you would need experience for.

Making a Trucking Job a Career and Not Just a Job

When and if you do get into trucking, you want to take pride in your job performance and represent your company well. Your history will go with you and open doors or keep them shut and you will always have a job and not a career because you won't be able to go to the best trucking companies. Here are some tips to make trucking a career and not just a job.
  • Make delivery and pick up appointments on time
  • Establish a good relationship with dispatchers
  • Have a positive attitude
  • Represent the company well when dealing with the customers
  • Don't not get violations on your license
  • Be proactive in taking care of your health
  • Keep your eyes open for that ideal trucking job for your situation but don't change trucking jobs for a few pennies or just because you can.

More truck driving tips for new drivers

Types of Trucking Jobs

You probably notice by now, there are many different types of truck driving jobs. The type of trucking job you have will help determine how long you stay out, whether you touch the freight or not, how much your paid, the benefits, home time and probably other factors that don't come to mind right now.

I already told you that it is likely you will get the most common trucking job straight out of trucking school. the biggest reason that I want you to look at the types of trucking jobs though is to know what your shooting for after getting experience. Plus there are a few more options to you right now as a new trucker such as Flatbed, and Pulling refrigerated trailer.

Here is a list of the different types of truck driving jobs

List of the Types of Truck Driving Jobs
Trucking Jobs

Local Truck Driving Job Search

Truck Driving Jobs For Felons


Good Companies To Work For are Driver Recommended

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What Other Visitors Have Said

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Western Motor Freight (in Anaconda, mt   starstarstarstarstar
I worked for these guys, there main problem is there really money hungry and i mean money hungry so hungry that they take it from there drivers.
My second ...

looking for work  starstarstarstarstar
I drove back in the 80's and then I got into construction since then I ended up with two felony drug conviction the last one is two years old and I went ...

W. N. Morehouse Truck Line, Inc.  starstarstarstarstar
10

Cr England  starstarstarstarstar
I give CR England an 8

Werner Enterprises  starstarstarstarstar
Well it depends on what account you are assisnged to and what dispatcher you have....when you get your frieght. My beef with them is that they hurry you ...

U.P.S.  starstarstarstarstar
***** 9.5
No company is perfect, but this is as good as it gets! A good driver can make over $100 k a year here, plus the best benefits and pension in ...

September 1, 2010 - 2011 Best Trucking Fleets to Drive   starstarstarstarstar
The Truckload Carriers Association publishes an annual list of the best carriers to work for. It is not easy to make this list. So, the rub is it works ...

Werner Enterprises  starstarstarstarstar
1 the treat their drivers like the are no one and like they dont care bout anyone but their trainers cause they make big profits off them and the students ...

R&C Transportation LLC,  starstarstarstarstar
i rate this company as a 0, but, a 1, being i have to go from 1 to 10 ,they treat there drivers the worst run there drivers illegal, if ya let them ,lie ...

Heyl  starstarstarstarstar
Very good company with strong support for their drivers. No slip seating, new truck assigned after 1 year of service. The only area that they could improve ...

aronld transportation service camp hill, PA /US fxpress  starstarstarstarstar
do not care how you log they have a total disregaud on
being legal just move the freight. if you can't run hot and show it legal don't consider this company....

CR ENGLAND   starstarstarstarstar
Well I am IC for this compony for now til I get my time in I hope it goes by fast I dont get much home time due to living in northen state's. My DM jacks ...

Starting trucking at CR ENGLAND   starstarstarstarstar
Hello all. Well I am reporting from the house. My Husband (love of my life) left Saturday to go to CR England by bus. Don't get me started on how bad ...

Saturn Transportation Inc.  starstarstarstarstar
They are great - they pay 90% of all loads and Im always running - never stranded Miami, FL
786-991-5034 - www.saturntransportationinc.vpweb.com

new rising finex  starstarstarstarstar
1

Forward air  starstarstarstarstar
I give forward air a 8.I believe no company is perfect.This is a goo d company that has been affected by the economy.It's terminal to terminal drop and ...

tyson the pork group  starstarstarstarstar
they would be about a 7 because of their great pay.

Roehl  starstarstarstarstar
8 out of 10

They insist on drivers driving legal and will adjust schedules as necessary to make a legal run possible. Many driving options available ...

MAY TRUCKING COMPANY  starstarstarstar
I HAVE WORKED FOR MAY TRUCKING COMPANY FOR THE PAST 7 YEARS AND MY BUDDY HAS BEEN HERE FOR 10 YEARS AND HIS UNCLE HAS BEEN HERE FOR 20 YEARS. THIS IS THE ...

May Trucking Company  starstarstarstar
Do you know if May Trucking is a good company to work for?

CTI  starstar
-5

Morgan McLernon  Not rated yet
10. Great company to work for, excellent!

Indian Creek Logistics  Not rated yet
Hard working people...Lazy people looking for a free ride need not apply. They have taken care of me and my family for years...even after I retired if ...

tran tect  Not rated yet
10

LoneStar Transportation  Not rated yet
10

kiewit construction  Not rated yet
there rating 00000, im the #1 driver at this company , its local were ever the job is , its extreme heavy haul but at this company a driver is a no body ...

Vogt Relocation  Not rated yet
On their way to becoming Madison's #1 local moving company and a well known / respected freight moving company. They are always hiring drivers and have ...

Performance Food Group  Not rated yet
8

List of companies that may hire felons  Not rated yet
Type in cargo services -(cargo searches) in you area through this business page search .To find smaller business dont know if it will work but you may ...

western express  Not rated yet
maybe a5

forward air  Not rated yet
i give FORWARD AIR A 9 the weak link with forward air is the mentality of dispatchers.the job is the best ive had in all my 33 years of trucking. but ...

Heyl  Not rated yet
Heyl treats their employees like dirt. I have been ripped out of bonuses and have had trip packs disappear...never to be seen again. I went into the ...

benny whitehead  Not rated yet
i hope this company goes on its a very good one

bhd trucking  Not rated yet
8would be about right

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Trucking Jobs

If you have decided that you are ready for the road, find trucking jobs with trucking companies that drivers give you positive feedback on. Remember no trucking company will be perfect. If all the drivers you talk to only have negative things to say....that's telling you something.




Some trucking companies get it and some don't. You want a trucking job at a company that see's the driver as a person, not a robot or part of the truck. For new drivers, that is a little harder.

Once you get that year of experience. You have more options. Make sure you keep your license, safety record and work history in as best order as possible. Run legal and stay alert!

Types of Trucking Jobs

Local Trucking Jobs
Company Trucking Jobs Top