Truck Driving 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 qualified person as there will be plenty of openings and options to specialize after getting experience.

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 begin their careers.

Notice I said "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. Despite what your person of contact at the company might have told you during the first conversation.

Now you can possibly start with other types of trucking jobs that won't keep you out like that. Those are trucking jobs with small or medium sized trucking companies or those hauling freight for a local manufacturer or distribution center out and getting a brokered load back in.

These obviously are not as easy to find or get hired at for a new driver but they exists.

Learn more about small or medium sized trucking companies here.

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 on back of 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 OTR (over the road) jobs that 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 high paying 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 mentioned 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

Driver Recommended CDL Jobs
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