Why Trucking is a Great Fit for Veterans

Veterans often possess qualities such as punctuality, reliability, and the ability to handle challenging situations, making them ideal candidates for trucking. Additionally, the structured environment of the military mirrors the regimented nature of trucking schedules and regulations.

Employment Opportunities

1. Programs and Initiatives:
   • Troops Into Transportation: This program partners with various trucking companies to provide CDL training and job placement services for veterans. It offers a streamlined path from training to employment, with many graduates finding jobs immediately after completing their courses.
   • Hiring Our Heroes: Sponsored by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, this initiative includes a fellowship program that helps veterans gain experience in the trucking industry through paid internships.
2. Financial Incentives:
   • VA Benefits: Veterans can use their GI Bill benefits to cover the cost of CDL training. This makes transitioning to a trucking career financially feasible without upfront costs.
3. Company Programs:
   • Schneider National: Schneider has a robust military program offering apprenticeship opportunities and tuition reimbursement for veterans. They have a dedicated military recruiter to assist veterans in finding the right fit within the company.
   • Swift Transportation: Swift offers a military apprenticeship program that allows veterans to earn an income while learning the trade. They also provide ongoing support and career development opportunities.

Support and Resources

1. Training Programs:
   • Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Training: Many community colleges and private schools offer CDL training programs that are approved for VA benefits. These programs provide both theoretical and practical training, ensuring veterans are well-prepared for the road.
2. Networking and Mentorship:
   • Veteran Trucker Networks: Organizations like the Veterans in Trucking Association offer networking opportunities, mentorship, and community support for veterans entering the trucking industry.
3. Health and Wellness:
   • Veteran-Specific Health Resources: The VA offers various health programs tailored to veterans, including those who are truck drivers. These programs address both physical and mental health needs, ensuring veterans have the support they need on and off the road.

The trucking industry offers a promising career path for veterans, supported by numerous resources and opportunities. From financial incentives and specialized training programs to dedicated support networks, veterans can find a fulfilling career in trucking that leverages their unique skills and experiences.

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Pros:

1. Increased Efficiency: One of the primary benefits of team driving is the ability to keep the wheels turning around the clock. With two drivers alternating shifts, you can cover more miles in less time, leading to faster deliveries and improved productivity. This enhanced efficiency is especially valuable for time-sensitive loads and long-haul routes.
2. Shared Responsibilities: Team driving allows you to divide and conquer the tasks associated with life on the road. From navigating routes and managing paperwork to conducting vehicle inspections and handling customer interactions, having a partner by your side means you can share the workload and support each other along the way.
3. Improved Safety: Two heads are better than one, especially when it comes to staying safe on the road. With a co-driver to share the driving duties, you can minimize fatigue and reduce the risk of accidents caused by drowsy driving. Additionally, having a partner onboard provides an extra set of eyes and ears, enhancing overall awareness and vigilance.
4. Social Interaction: Truck driving can be a solitary profession, but team driving offers the opportunity for social interaction and companionship on the road. This is especially true if you team up with a spouse, family member, or friend. Whether you’re swapping stories during rest breaks, sharing meals together, or simply enjoying each other’s company during long stretches of driving, having a teammate can make the journey more enjoyable and fulfilling.

Cons:

1. Limited Personal Space: Sharing a confined space with a co-driver for extended periods can be challenging, especially if you have different habits or preferences or if you don’t have a close relationship with them. From sleeping arrangements to cabin temperature settings, maintaining harmony and respecting each other’s boundaries requires effective communication and compromise.
2. Scheduling Conflicts: Coordinating schedules and managing rest breaks can be tricky when you’re team driving. Differences in sleep patterns, meal times, and personal routines may lead to conflicts or disagreements, even if you know them well. Establishing clear expectations and establishing a good rhythm for both people is essential for a successful partnership on the road.
3. Compatibility Issues: Not all driving partnerships are created equal, and finding the right co-driver can be a hit-or-miss endeavor. Differences in driving styles, communication styles, and personality traits can create tension and friction within the team if not properly managed. Building mutual trust, respect, and understanding is crucial for fostering a positive and productive working relationship.
4. Financial Considerations: While team driving can increase earning potential through faster deliveries and higher mileage, it also entails sharing profits with your co-driver. Dividing expenses such as fuel, meals, and lodging may impact your overall income, so it’s essential to carefully weigh the financial implications of team driving before committing to a partnership.

Team driving offers a mix of benefits and challenges that can significantly influence your experience on the road. Whether you thrive in a collaborative environment or prefer the solitude of solo driving, it’s important to consider your personal preferences, communication skills, and compatibility with potential co-drivers when deciding whether team driving is the right choice for you!

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In today’s world, with an abundance of career opportunities and specializations in every field, truck driving is an excellent option for those who feel the call of the road. This dynamic industry has adapted to the ever-changing economic landscape, offering a wide array of options. Whether you aspire to transport commercial goods, specialize in moving stage setups for live performances, or operate a mining truck for a lithium mine powering electric cars of the future, the trucking world is ready for you.

Obtaining a commercial driver’s license (CDL) can be the key to unlocking a world brimming with opportunities, job satisfaction, and substantial earning potential; however, the days of simply hopping into a truck and hitting the open road are mostly behind us. Nowadays, formalized educational courses coupled with hands-on experience are the norm to prepare you for the road ahead.

CDL Requirements

The CDL requirements differ significantly from those of a standard driver’s license, particularly concerning the type of vehicle you can operate and the age at which you can obtain a CDL. While specific details, such as timelines and fees, vary by state, some general guidelines apply. Typically, candidates must be at least 18 years old to drive within their state, but after turning 21, CDL holders can cross state lines and explore broader opportunities.

Truck drivers must also pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) medical examination conducted by a qualified physician. This rigorous examination is necessary because the trucking industry demands drivers to navigate multi-ton vehicles through challenging traffic conditions across the country. The profession requires both physical and mental fitness, with drivers needing to perform at their best mentally and maintain a level of physical acuity. Medical conditions that could lead to a loss of consciousness, hearing, or vision, as well as compromised nervous systems or physical limitations that might interfere with driving ability, can disqualify a candidate. Certain heart conditions, epilepsy, inner ear diseases, diabetes, high blood pressure, and respiratory issues may also be considered disqualifying factors. In some cases, however, these restrictions can be mitigated with a physician’s plan to ensure maximum safety.

Where to Get Your CDL

As you embark on your journey to earn your CDL, choosing the right training is crucial. Truck driving schools are the primary entry point for aspiring truckers, but they are not the sole option. Let’s explore various paths available to prospective students, considering the advantages and drawbacks of each.

1. Private CDL Schools

Private CDL schools are the most popular training route for new drivers. These schools offer flexible training durations, with courses ranging from a few weeks to a full year and costs varying between $1,000 and $10,000. Private CDL schools provide students with personalized attention and individualized driving instruction. Their comprehensive courses cover a wide range of topics, including pre-trip inspections, trip planning, coupling procedures, logbooks, air brakes, loading and unloading, load security, and more – all essential knowledge for a truck driver.

While the courses at private CDL schools take some time to complete, many of them offer weekend options to cater to students with full-time jobs. These schools are often conveniently located, and they provide flexible payment options, financing, and access to federal funding for students seeking financial aid.

2. Community Colleges/Trade Schools

An alternative approach to truck driving education can be pursued through community colleges and trade schools. These institutions offer a more traditional learning environment and are suitable for those who prefer a post-secondary education setting.

In certain states like Delaware, Indiana, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Tennessee, the College Promise program can cover the cost of tuition, making it an attractive financial option for students. Some colleges and trade schools even offer one-year degrees related to the commercial freight business, providing students with a deeper understanding of the industry and potential for diverse opportunities in the future.

The downside of these programs is their duration, with students typically required to commit to 6-9 months of training, delaying the start of their truck driving careers.

3. Paid Training/Company-Sponsored Training

Many large carriers offer in-house training programs, hiring prospective drivers and immediately sending them on the road with experienced trainers. The training provided by these programs ensures that you’ll be well-prepared for the world of truck driving. One significant advantage is that you’re guaranteed a job upon completing the training; however, during the training period, your pay might be lower. Companies typically require trainees to commit to working for them for a year after training, with lower wages during that time. If you choose to leave the company, you may be required to repay the training costs.

The benefits of employer-sponsored training programs include guaranteed employment, training on company equipment, and free training. Nevertheless, you should be prepared for extended periods away from home, a one-year commitment, and lower wages during the training period.

4. Self-Training

While some individuals may attempt self-training, this approach is becoming increasingly impractical due to the growing requirement for mandatory entry-level training. Furthermore, many insurance companies now prohibit carriers from hiring new CDL holders who haven’t completed a minimum of 160 hours of training and instruction. Self-training might be cost-effective, but it’s unlikely to lead to employment with a reputable trucking company. Thus, it’s generally not worth your time to pursue a CDL through self-training.

Obtaining Your CDL

No matter which training path you choose, your journey begins with a CDL study handbook. Each state provides its own handbook reflecting state-specific details, so be sure to obtain the relevant one. These handbooks are comprehensive guides to understanding the rules of the road and the intricacies of truck driver training, and they are typically available at your local DMV or online.

To start the process, you need to secure a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before enrolling in any training program. The CLP test comprises three categories: general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles. You must correctly answer at least 80% of the questions to obtain your CLP.

In addition to studying for your permit, you must meet specific requirements, which include being at least 18 years old (or 21 for interstate driving), possessing a non-commercial driver’s license, providing proof of citizenship or lawful residency, and demonstrating effective English communication skills.

Besides these requirements, there is an application fee for your CLP, which varies from state to state, and you can expect to spend around $100, along with the cost of a DOT driver’s medical exam.

With your CLP in hand, you can embark on your CDL training journey. Be aware that there are additional fees associated with the process, such as the commercial driver’s license application fee (up to $45), CDL written test fees (up to $125), CDL skills test fees (up to $125), and various endorsement fees for specific vehicle types (e.g., bus, tanker, hazardous materials).

Testing

After studying, financing your training, and completing your requirements, it’s time to face the tests. Here’s a quick overview of the testing requirements.

• General Knowledge Test: This multiple-choice exam is mandatory, and you must achieve a score higher than 80% within a 60-minute time limit. It covers various topics, including pre-trip inspections, communication, the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, and general trucking knowledge.
• CDL Road Test: This comprehensive examination assesses your ability to operate a truck, covering pre-trip inspections, coupling procedures, on-road operations, and backing into loading docks. You must demonstrate care and control of your vehicle throughout the test.

Typically, you have three opportunities to pass the tests, though this may vary slightly from state to state. Additional fees may apply, with each test potentially costing over $100.

Success as a Driver

Once you’ve successfully passed the tests and obtained your Commercial Driver’s License, you may find yourself asking what steps you should take next.

It’s time to enter the job market. There are over 500,000 trucking companies across the nation, offering a wide range of opportunities. While some companies might not accept new drivers due to insurance policies, many others will. Don’t be disheartened if you face initial rejections; it’s not a personal judgment.

As a new driver, expect to start at the entry level, just as you would in any other industry. You might not get the newest truck or the best routes immediately. Allow yourself time to become familiar with the company, its expectations, and the equipment. As you prove your competence, you can look forward to working with newer equipment, better routes, and increased pay.

For new drivers, it’s essential to give yourself at least a year to adjust to the unique working environment of truck driving. This dynamic career empowers you to contribute to the nation’s economy by moving vital goods that keep various businesses, from big box stores to hospitals, schools, and factories, running smoothly. As you park your truck at the end of the day, you can rest in your sleeper knowing that you’ve played a vital role in serving others and keeping America’s economy going.

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