A Guide to Truck Driver Jobs: Jobs for Seniors

HOW TO APPLY FOR AND FIND TRUCK DRIVER JOBS IN THE US

Introduction

Truck drivers are an integral part of the nation’s supply chain. They haul automobiles, food, and other commercial goods around the nation while operating massive motor vehicles, some a huge as sixteen-wheel tractor-trailers and tankers. Truck drivers can either work as independent contractors or for a transportation company or commercial fleet

How to find truck driver jobs

Finding trucking jobs is not difficult, especially with the advent of the internet. While you had to visit different employees to learn about these jobs in the past, all you have to do today is log into the internet, and you’ll find jobs posted on different boards. You can find truck driver jobs by;

• Visiting Job posting boards that list all local and national jobs.
• Visiting job posting boards dedicated to trucker jobs
• Using search engines to conduct a quick search for trucker jobs
• Searching from the social media since most companies post to social media
• Searching from government sites for government based trucking jobs
• Visiting trucking company sites for possible job advertisements

Additionally, you can join truck drivers’ online forums and chats where members may discuss job openings and truck job opportunities.

How to Apply for truck driver jobs

When you find a truck driver job advertisement, you should follow the guidelines given by the advertisement for application. Every trucking company has its own rules regarding how to apply for the jobs they offer. It is, however, critical to making certain your resume is up to date.

Where to Apply for truck driver jobs

In most cases, the job advertisement will provide links for applying for the job. Others will require you to hand in your application physically.

Requirements needed for truck driver jobs

The requirements you need to meet to become a truck driver are; - You need to be at least twenty-one years old. - You need to have a ten-year driving history from whatever state you have lived in. this driving history includes tickets or accidents that may have occurred in the given period. You can request your driving record from your local DMV office before applying for a trucking job. - You should have a commercial driver’s license or be able to pass a CDL exam. You should meet medical qualifications that permit you to handle a truck safely.

Truck driver jobs for special people

Anyone who is physically capable can become a truck driver. Some people, however, may find it hard to secure truck driver jobs due to their age or lack of experience.

Truck driver jobs for senior citizens

As long as you can meet the Department of Transportation’s physical requirements bypassing their physical exam, nothing is hindering you from becoming a truck driver regardless of your age. The truck driving industry offers many advantages for drivers of all ages.

Truck driver jobs for beginners

Getting a truck driver job when you have no experience may be hard. However, as challenging as it may look, it is possible to get a job. If you are a newly licensed commercial driver but have no experience in truck driving, you can increase your chances of snubbing a truck driver job by:

Apply to many trucking companies. The more applications you make to different trucking companies, the higher your chances of landing a driving job. Seek out larger trucking companies. The Mega carriers may not be your first choice, but you are more likely to land a position as a beginner.

Seek out experience. You can get the experience you need to land your dream tractor-trailer driving job by driving anything but it. There are carriers with trucks that are not trailer trucks. These include dump trucks from construction companies, service trucks from railroad companies, delivery trucks from lumber yards, to mention but a few. Driving these can give you the experience you need to amp your resume.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

To obtain a Commercial Driver’s License, you must first pass skills and knowledge geared to the standards of driving a commercial motor vehicle. Driving a commercial motor vehicle requires an individual to have a high level of knowledge, skills, experience, and physical abilities.

Jobs that do not require a CDL

There are several driving jobs available that do not require the possession of a CDL. These jobs include - Taxi drivers and Chauffeurs. - Delivery drivers - Mail Carriers - Driveaway drivers - Locomotive engineers

Jobs that require a CDL

CDL is meant for people who aim to drive commercial motor vehicles. Since the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986 was passed, anyone operating a vehicle with a total weight of 26,000 pounds and above or carrying more than 16 passengers must have a CDL. You will also require a CDL if you are carrying hazardous materials in amounts that require placarding. The driving jobs requiring a CDL include;

• Long-haul truckers
• Bus drivers
• Construction equipment operators

Where to get a CDL

You can get a Commercial Driver’s License from the Department of State, which offers the CDL a standard and enhanced version. The enhanced version enables the holder to re-enter the US from Canada, Bermuda, Mexico, or the Caribbean by land or sea without showing additional identity documents at the border.

CONCLUSION

Being a truck driver in the United States is a lucrative career since the economy is dependent on the truck driving industry. Regardless of age or experience, you can be a truck driver since jobs are in plenty. All you need is to ensure that you get your Commercial Driver’s License and follow your dream.