So you think you got what it takes to become a truck driver? Many people believe trucking is a fairly simple job. After all, they just drive all day and back, right? Not quite. Trucking involves a lot of stress and requires a certain set of skills to ensure success.
Skills of Successful CDL Drivers
Here are some of the top skills you’ll need to kickstart your trucking career:
(1) – Education
You don’t need any particular degree from any particular university to become a trucker. Drivers come from all types of backgrounds, making for an ample and diverse workforce. Any kind of education certainly won’t hurt in your job hunt.
It will be necessary for you to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) issued by your state’s DOT. This allows you to drive trucks that weigh over a certain tonnage that includes the cargo, known together as the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). CDLs are broken into 3 classes based on the GVWR. You should be aware of what specific type of license your potential employers will require for their routes. In addition to the correct licensing, the state may also require you to obtain certain endorsements to legally drive each vehicle.
How to Obtain Your CDL
Without question, you cannot begin your career as a trucker without the proper CDL. To get one, you’ll need to check the requirements of the state you reside in for specific details. However, most have generally the same requirements.
Before anything, you’ll need to obviously have a driver’s license for the state you want to get the CDL in. You’ll need to apply online and prove residency.
Next, you’ll have to pass a written knowledge test of some kind. Usually, these are around 30 questions about the general safety laws and procedure concerning commercial trucks. There’s probably a free study guide for your state you can download online. Make some flashcards and study for at least an hour each day leading up to the exam.
There may also be a vision and drug test. That’s fairly straightforward, but don’t forget to schedule it far in advance to avoid conflicts and space filling up at the center.
Finally, you must pass a driver’s test using the vehicle you intend to drive and include all types of endorsements you’d like on your certificate. Your vehicle will be inspected to ensure it meets state regulations for the license class. The test itself will require making certain maneuvers common to trucking, such as backing into a spot, making a wide right turn, and making sudden stops. You must demonstrate that you have full awareness of the road conditions and have the right judgment in any circumstance to safely operate the vehicle.
If you’re just getting into trucking, you probably don’t own the right vehicle you can practice with before your exam. Thus, you probably will want to pursue some kind of trucking school or private tutor. Some universities may offer training for interns. The best trucking companies to work for will often take care of new recruits and offer you a paid CDL training or a generous scholarship.
If you do choose a trucking school, please take the time to research their reviews and credentials. You don’t want to waste time with lazy or overbooked teachers. For the best results, get one-on-one time with an experienced mentor. (I recently published a new blog that overviews trucking schools in more detail: “Finding the Right CDL Training Schools“)
Remember: these exams and schools can be quite expensive! Make sure you pass the first time.
And, of course, remember to get the correct class certification for the jobs you want. Most trucking companies will offer Class B driving jobs, though it depends on the cargo being shipped.
Keep in mind, you’ll need to keep a clean driving record throughout your career. Your credentials may be subject to review from time to time by your state’s DOT. You truckload will constantly be inspected to ensure it meets regulations, so you need to be on top of maintenance procedure for every haul.
For your reference, here’s a breakdown of the different CDL levels:
Class A
- GVWR over 26,001 lbs
- Must include a towed vehicle of over 10,000 lbs
- May include flatbeds, livestock carriers, tractor trailers, and tankers
Class B
- GVWR over 26,001 lbs
- Must include a towed vehicle of over 10,000 lbs
- May include buses (city, school, tourists), delivery and moving trucks, and dump trucks
Class C
- Any vehicle that does not meet the criteria of either Class A or B vehicles
- Must be intended for transportation of passengers of 16 or more OR hazardous material
(2) – Judgment
Trucking requires you to be fully alert and exercise good judgment on the road. You might drive anywhere from 3-14 hours at a time. In that period, you’ll likely encounter a number of accidents, brazen drivers, or harsh road conditions. It’s important to take everything slow and safe.
While you seem like the king of the road in your monster semi, it’s important not to get a big head. Don’t lose your cool and let out serious road rage on your hauls. If other drivers want to get around you, let them. Often, truck drivers can feel an enormous amount of stress from being bottled up in their cabin for long hours without sleep or full meals. Don’t let the pressures of the job affect your driving.
Usually, accidents involving trucks occur because the driver lost attention. Don’t become a statistic! Take your time and play it safe.
You also might need to interpret maps in case you need an alternate route to your destinations.
From time to time, you’ll deal your dispatch or a client. You must represent your company in a professional manner. Make sure you are honest and upfront about any concerns.
For example, if you get in an accident, it’s important not to panic or act irrationally. Even if you’re held at fault by your company or law enforcement, be courteous and respectful while presenting your side of the story.
As you schedule your week of hauls, you’ll want to make an organized calendar that lists potential stops for rests and refueling to have an effective day. Take time to create a system that works for you.
Good judgment also means looking out for your best interest. If you believe a haul will be too dangerous or inconvenient given your circumstances, don’t be afraid to address this to your superior at the right time. There should always be a substitute ready to take your spot.
(3) – Communication
Even if you’re looking for a truck driving job with no experience, you can still be a great driver if you are an effective communicator. Trucking requires a large part of relating and interpreting information, both written and verbally.
You’ll obviously need to read traffic signs on the road. As you travel across state (and even international) lines, the rules of the road may change. Be aware of how that affects your driving.
In every trucking job, you’ll have a dispatch operator to sends you routes and commands on the road. You’ll want to get on good terms with this person so they prioritize your needs.
Trust is a huge factor in a company determining an effective driver. If a driver rarely replies to emails or takes calls, that can be a sign they aren’t as committed to the job. Or worse, if you answer calls in a grumpy or irritable tone, this will inevitably lead to conflicts with management.
Truckers also need to keep up with logbooks. The DOT generally requires drivers to break for 30 minutes after 8 hours. Logbooks keep everyone accountable. These forms aren’t inspected daily by compliance officers, so drivers may tend to procrastinate. It’s important to stay on top of all documentation. This includes any paperwork dealing with repairs and maintenance.
(4) – Physical Requirements
Perhaps the most important aspect of trucking is the physical nature of it. You must be able to sit still and focus on the road for up to 14 hours at a time.
You’ll need to physically take alert and aware as you drive long hours across the country. This being able to see clearly, maintaining the right energy and motivation, and getting the best sleep you can.
Most trucking companies have a 95-100% no-touch policy to the cargo, meaning simply that: drivers don’t take part in the loading and unloading of the truck. Yet, if you still may need to rig and latch the load or any other duties the company requires.
Keeping physically fit will ensure your ride is safe and enjoyable. Being cooped up in your truck cabin can make you feel tense and at unease. Your muscles might stiffen or cramp as you drive up to 5 hours or longer. If you ever feel tired or overly stressed physically, it’s imperative that you pull into a rest stop to stretch and get some rest.
You’ll likely won’t have time to stop for a full meal most days on the road. Usually, truckers stock on snacks at rest points. However, try to stay away from sugary treats and fatty foods. These won’t help your attention for very long and can lead to an unhealthy lifestyle. Instead, try to prepare home cooked meals to bring in Tupperware.
Trucking isn’t your typical 9-5 job. You might start driving at 2 PM; other days won’t start until 1 AM. Make the most of your off days and get the rest and personal time you need. Your body needs time to adjust each day to the fluid scheduling throughout the week. Take coffee if you must, but try to avoid heavy energy drinks.
(5) – Balancing Life
Finally, trucking jobs require you to juggle between your professional career and your personal life. You want a good balance to not feel overwhelmed in life.
Since truckers don’t work normal business hours, they often miss a lot of time at home with family and loved ones. The best trucking companies to work for usually give you some level of flexibility. However, smaller, local truck companies may not give you that luxury. In your job search, look for employers that put your unique interests first.
Also be sure that your “hometime” is well defined in writing before taking any job.
As you travel around the nation each day, you’ll spend less and less time with family. For this reason, many truckers avoid long hauls and stick to regional routes, even if it means less bonus pay. That’s a personal decision you’ll have to make. Just be sure to clearly communicate with your dispatch manager all your intentions.
As mentioned before, you need a healthy lifestyle to maintain optimal driving performance. This requires you to balance time at home between preparing meals for the road and being physically active.
Life on the road can also feel lonely. While some people enjoy the quiet of the truck cabin, hours on end alone affects many mentally. It’s important to maintain connections and relationships as best you can on the job. Try calling your loved ones a few times a week. They’ll enjoy hearing your voice and that you’re okay on the busy highway. Likewise, physically talking to another person will keep your spirits up.
Trucking isn’t for everyone. If you’re someone who likes consistency, you’ll be disappointed in the fluctuating nature of the job. That’s why it’s important to join a company that allows you the flexibility to enjoy the life and work balance you deserve.
It’s somewhat simple to qualify as a trucker, but the being able to manage the lifestyle is a different beast entirely. Be sure you’re ready to handle all the responsibilities and commitments that go along with the job.
Get the Skills You Need at Critical Supply Solutions
We at Critical Supply Solutions offers training for all new drivers to fully equip you for any road conditions. We are always in need of truckers. See our homepage for a list of vacancies and a link to apply online or request a callback for more information.
We look forward to you joining the team!