With an industry that is always on the move and growing, the demand for professional truck drivers is increased.

Truck drivers are a vital part of the American economy.

As with every industry, there is a process that needs to be followed in order to employ the right person for the job.

If you’re keen to start a truck driving career, here is what you should know.

To start a truck driving career, some requirements must be met

1. Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), followed by obtaining Commercial Driving License (CDL).

CDL can only be issued upon the completion of truck driving and safety competency courses.

Bear in mind, you can get different types of jobs with your commercial driver’s license.

2. Clean driving records: Most companies will conduct a background check to ensure that the driver’s record is free of major charges.

The DOT background screening process reveals important information about the potential employee’s driving record, employment history, safety performance history, and physical ability to do the job effectively.

3. Up-to-date physical with the Department of Transportation: Physical examination must be conducted by a licensed “medical examiner” listed on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry.

The DOT detailed history form consists of detailed information about health, including medications, surgeries, alcohol, tobacco, health symptoms, or medical conditions that are current.

The DOT physical covers:

• Vision: Drivers are required to have at least 20/40 acuity in each eye with or without correction. They are also required to have at least 70” peripheral in the horizontal meridian, measured in each eye.
• Hearing: Drivers must be able to perceive what is known as a “forced whisper” at a distance of 5ft or less, with or without a hearing aid. This standard equates to an average hearing loss in the better ear of less than 40 dB.
• Blood pressure/ pulse rate: The medical examiner will check the driver’s blood pressure and pulse to look for high blood pressure and irregular heartbeats.
• Urinalysis: The test looks for indications of underlying medical conditions such as diabetes.
• Physical examination

4. Pre-employment drug screen: When a commercial truck driver applies at a company, they will be required to have a pre-employment drug screening to ensure the safety of the drivers and the public.

This DOT compliance regulation also applies to self-owned and operated truck drivers.

5. Age: Many companies only hire drivers 23 years of age or older, because most insurance companies will only extend coverage to drivers over the age of 23.

Drivers under the age of 21 must remain within the state while handling commercial loads.

Applicants also must be 21 years of age to haul hazardous material.

6. Education: No college degree is necessary, although a high school diploma is typically recommended.

Any accredited truck driving school gives a certificate of completion.

7. References: The main reason to check an applicant’s references is to verify resume and interview information, protect the organization and employees, and avoid legal problems from poor hiring decisions.

Driver Applicant Criteria include:

• Must be 23+ years of age
• Valid CDL A
• 2+ years of commercial driving experience
• Knowledge of FMCSA regulations
• Pass the required drug test and meet the standards required by DOT
• Acceptable background experience
• Dedication and professionalism
• Clean record

What are the common Truck Driver Responsibilities?

• Drive long distances to deliver goods.
• Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections.
• Perform pickup and delivery assignments.
• Coordinate with dispatchers and other logistics personnel.
• Assist in loading and unloading.
• Making sure all cargo is safely loaded and special needs for cargo are met.
• Maintain delivery inventories.
• Obtaining signed receipts of delivery for transported goods.
• Coordinate with management regarding route clearance.
• Refuel and clean the vehicle.
• Inspect the truck and record any issues.
• Report road incidents to the dispatcher.
• Follow traffic laws.
• Keep an activities log and log hours.
• Plan routes using a GPS system.
• Maintain a positive attitude with customers.
• Keep CDL up to date.

Application Process FOR Truck Drivers

1. Submit an online application: The application has basic information about the candidate and details about his previous experience. To get an idea, check out the online driver application on our website.

2. Application review: With a pre-employment background check, applicants with poor driving histories can be identified. The candidates who meet the requirements are going to be called for an interview.

3. Follow up with a recruiter: During the application process the recruiter is doing follow-up with the driver on a daily basis.

Frequently asked questions:

• “Could you please share some more information on your previous experience?”
• “Can you tell me how many years of commercial driving experience do you have?”
• “Do you have a clean driving record?”
• “Have you had any violation/ accident/ incident on the road in the last three years?”

Being honest and thorough in the interview leads to a smoother hiring process and fewer complications.

4. Provide verifiable work history.

5. Take a drug test.

6. When the right driver is chosen for the position, he/she is informed and we proceed with the next steps, such as completing drug screening, providing and organizing the transportation for the new driver, and completing his documentation.

7. Orientation: It’s a fast process, which lasts for approximately 2-4 hours, and it serves the drivers to become familiar with the company’s operations and policies before they begin driving. New drivers who understand how a company operates, its routes, and its customers, are more likely to be safe, productive, and more reliable during work.

8. Hit the road

Discuss what you want in a new driving career.

Continue to work with your Recruiter to finish your application.

Complete your pre-employment drug screen.

Risk Managers will review all documents, employment history, and DOT qualifications.

Speak with your new Driver Manager to set up your first dispatch.

Bottom Line

The transportation industry has high standards for employees to ensure the safety of those who work and utilize transportation infrastructure.

If you want to start a career in trucking, please make sure to follow our recommendations for a successful interview and get a job as soon as possible.

Don’t forget that we are always looking for professionals who want to bring their best to Freightech Inc.

To see more, visit the OTR trucking career page.