How to Become a Commercial Truck Driver

July 30, 2024Driving Training

Commercial truck driving is critical to delivering food, medicine, and products nationwide. While other modes, such as cargo planes and trains, help transport these essential goods, commercial trucks are still necessary to transport goods once their cargo is unloaded. In fact, much of the country’s infrastructure relies on commercial driving; trucks account for over 72% of all freight deliveries, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA).

Commercial truck driving can be a great career path for someone looking to make an impact in a field in which the country’s infrastructure demands qualified drivers. Those looking to take the next step into this career should consider developing specialized skills through a foundational commercial driving training program.

What Does a Commercial Truck Driver Do?

Commercial truck drivers work with large vehicles, such as tractor trailers, to transport different types of goods across long distances. While the specific items that drivers transport vary depending on the industry, they often work with cargo that may include food, machinery, retail goods, livestock, or medicine.

A commercial driver’s primary responsibility is to transport cargo to its destination, obeying road laws and ensuring that the cargo arrives on time. Drivers must ensure that no damage is sustained to their cargo or vehicles by avoiding routes that may cause damage to their cargo or vehicles and cause delays in delivery times. Drivers must also frequently inspect their cargo and vehicles and relay their results to their employers.

Commercial drivers are classified by the time and distance they drive. For example, those who travel long distances and over state lines are referred to as long-haul or over-the-road truck drivers. Commercial drivers who remain in a single region and only travel short distances, such as from a distribution center to local stores, are referred to as short-haul or regional truck drivers.

Steps to Become a Commercial Driver

The path to becoming a commercial truck driver is relatively straightforward, requiring a few requirements and licenses and a foundation of critical skills.

Meet Commercial Truck Driver Requirements

Commercial driving requires meeting standards for safe and effective driving. Drivers must meet essential commercial truck driver requirements set by the federal government and trucking companies to qualify for employment or increase their employment options. While age minimums for commercial drivers vary by state, many states require drivers to be at least 21. As many commercial trucks travel across state lines, drivers under 21 may have limited options depending on a company’s needs.

Commercial drivers must also have a valid driver’s license and maintain a good driving record, as instances of DUIs or reckless driving can prevent or limit employment based on a company’s safety requirements. Some employers may not require a minimum education, while others may only accept candidates with a high school or GED diploma. For those without this level of education, it may be worth seeking a GED or an equivalent to increase their employment opportunities.

Earn a Commercial Driver’s License

After meeting the minimum requirements for employment as a commercial driver, workers must earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate heavy vehicles, such as tractor trailers. The CDL exam covers the driver’s understanding of road laws and safety and includes a supervised driving test, a vehicle inspection, and a test of a driver’s basic control knowledge. Different classes of CDLs are available that allow them to drive vehicles with a higher number of passengers or differing vehicle weights.

Preparing for the CDL exam is critical, as the driver must pass all test components to qualify for the license. Completing a commercial driving training program can be a great way to increase skills and technical knowledge in truck driving and help drivers familiarize themselves with common or potential commercial driving scenarios and how to respond to them.

Develop Key CDL Driving Skills and Proficiencies

Understanding the rules of the road to avoid delays and keep the driver and cargo safe is vital to commercial truck drivers. By building commercial driving skills, drivers can reduce the chances of harmful or hazardous accidents. Here are a few relevant skills commercial drivers should develop:

  • Mechanical Knowledge: Commercial drivers must be proactive about proper vehicle maintenance to avoid accidents and costly mechanical issues. They may not have access to a mechanic to repair any damage while on the road, so they should have technical knowledge to proactively spot issues. The ability to repair issues, such as a flat tire, and perform general maintenance, such as a brake fluid level check, can save time and prevent delays in delivery.
  • Navigation: Many drivers rely on GPS navigation to help them stay on the best routes, but GPS tools may not always be available or accurate. Commercial drivers should understand how to navigate with limited tools to ensure that deliveries are made on schedule, in addition to receiving assistance from a dispatcher or a GPS device.
  • Communication: Commercial drivers must check in frequently with dispatch and their employers to relay progress on their deliveries, as well as updates on any delays. They also need to listen for and respond to dispatch and other drivers while on the road.
  • Safe Driving: Commercial drivers should have intimate knowledge of road laws, including different road signage and how to signal to other drivers when making wide turns or quick stops to avoid accidents.

Job Outlook for Commercial Truck Drivers

The job outlook for commercial drivers is positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment of heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers to grow by 4% from 2022 to 2032, higher than the 3% average for all careers.

The BLS also notes that employment of delivery truck drivers will grow more rapidly, projecting a 10% increase during the same time frame. The BLS notes that while the job growth rate for commercial truck drivers may fluctuate due to the economy, they’re still responsible for delivering most freight to grocery stores and businesses nationwide. Commercial driving jobs will likely remain in demand due to their importance to the country’s infrastructure.

Travel the Road to Your Future Career

Individuals who are interested in commercial driving should consider the benefits of the Advanced Tractor Trailer Driving program at All-State Career. With campuses located in Philadelphia, Pittsburgh and Baltimore, the commercial driving programs at All-State Career school feature courses covering commercial vehicle operation; maintenance and repair; and safe driving in various road conditions, such as inclement weather. Programs vary by campus but those interested in career training in the industry can earn either a CDL-A or CDL-B from All-State Career. In less time than you might think, you can develop essential skills and technical knowledge critical to this career to help prepare you for the CDL exam.

Discover your career potential behind the wheel with All-State Career.

Sources:
American Trucking Associations, Economics and Industry Data
Indeed, 14 Reasons to Become a Truck Driver (Including Tips)
Indeed, 11 Valuable Benefits of a Truck Driver Career
Indeed, How to Become a Truck Driver
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Delivery Truck Drivers and Driver/Sales Workers