What are the Requirements to Become a Truck Driver?
If you’re looking for a career that lets you travel, is relatively flexible, and pays well, then you have probably considered truck driving at some point. Truck driving for a logistics company can be both a rewarding and lucrative occupation, but there are certain requirements that you need to meet before becoming a driver. While some of these requirements may vary by company and state, there is a baseline of standards you must meet. If you’re interested in becoming a truck driver and don’t know how to take the first step, read on for a list of requirements you need to meet before you get behind the wheel.
Technically, no formal education is required to become a truck driver. No college degree is necessary, although a high school diploma or GED is typically recommended. You can also receive a certificate of completion from any accredited truck driving school. This will be extremely helpful during your hiring process; however, it’s not a strict requirement either. What is required is a commercial driver’s license, better known as a CDL. In certain states, a CDL can only be issued upon completion of truck-driving and safety competency courses. In addition to those, some jobs may require certain specific certifications such as a doubles or HAZMAT endorsement. Many companies will also have training programs specific to their company or open position that you need to pass in order to fill the position. While every job may vary, these are some of the basic education requirements you may face.
When driving trucks for a third-party logistics company, you’ll most likely be entrusted with large amounts of valuable cargo at a time. With that in mind, it’s understandable why clean and driving records are stringent requirements for potential truck drivers. Most companies will conduct a background check to ensure that your criminal record is free of major charges that may conflict with your job. A motor vehicle report is used to make sure that your driving record is clean and relatively accident-free. If you’re prone to motor vehicle accidents, you’re less likely to be trusted with cargo. Your potential employer will also look at your work history to determine your ability to maintain a stable job, and then verify you have an up-to-date physical with the Department of Transportation. Candidates are also required to pass a Department of Transportation (DOT) pre-employment drug screen in order to obtain the position.
Truck driving can be physically taxing; therefore, certain physical requirements must be met. One requirement is that you are physically healthy. Your health is assessed by passing a DOT physical, which tests your eyes, ears and overall well-being. Another requirement is the ability to sit for long periods, which is essential if you want to become a truck driver. You may also be required to load and unload your own trucks. If this is the case, the company may require someone who can lift 50 lbs.
Truck driving also involves a lot of travel; therefore, truck drivers are often away from their homes and families for multiple days, sometimes weeks, at a time. When talking to a truck driver recruiter, make sure to ask what “regional” deliveries mean to that particular company. Regional work for some companies may mean drivers are home multiple nights a week, whereas for others it may mean drivers are out on the road for most of the month. If regional and over-the-road hauls are not for you, then start your search with local pickup and deliveries or port positions.
One of the first hurdles to becoming a truck driver is meeting the initial age requirements set by the DOT and the even more stringent requirements of the vast majority of companies. The DOT allows anyone as young as 18 to obtain a CDL, but it sets parameters that require drivers under 21 to remain within the state while handling commercial loads. Applicants must also be 21 years of age to haul hazardous materials. Many companies, NRS included, hire only drivers 23 years of age or older to drive commercially. The main reason being that most insurance companies will only extend coverage to drivers over the age of 23.
If you’re looking for a career in truck driving but don’t know where to go, then look no further than National Retail Systems, Inc. (NRS). Family-owned and operated since 1952, we are one of the top third-party logistics companies in the country, and we pride ourselves on what we were founded on: family. At NRS, we strive to keep our truckers with their families as often as possible and as happy as possible. We are constantly in search of experienced, commercially licensed truck drivers in various locations across the United States and even in Canada. We have job openings ranging from local to nationwide hauling to accommodate different lifestyles. Apply today or contact us with any questions you might have. Don’t be just another number; come join a family: the NRS family.
National Retail Systems, Inc. (NRS) includes Keystone Freight Corp. & National Retail Transportation, Inc. (NRT). NRS is an asset-based 3PL that has provided logistics services to the World’s leading retail companies for 60+ years. Our hub locations include: New York & New Jersey; Los Angeles, CA; Inland Empire, CA; Savannah, GA; Columbus, OH; Greensboro, NC; and Baltimore, MD.