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Advantages of Truck Driving Jobs for Veterans

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truck driving jobs for veterans

The Benefits of Truck Driving Jobs for Military Veterans

Trucking jobs offer flexibility for veterans to spend time with family and explore the country. CDL jobs provide good salaries, job security, and career advancement. They also play a crucial role in our economy by transporting goods across the country.

Why Veterans Should Consider a Truck Driving Career

Military veterans have a natural edge when it comes to truck driving careers. The skills learned in the military, across various branches and roles, can be effortlessly applied to truck driving. With a successful military career, you most likely already have the traits that make for a great commercial truck driver. Don’t be surprised to realize how much potential you have in this line of work.

Work Environment

Truck driving careers offer a unique blend of independence and camaraderie. Drivers enjoy the freedom to choose their own hours and income while also being supported by their carrier and a tight-knit community of fellow drivers. With the potential for high earnings, a career in truck driving is an attractive option for veterans seeking a fulfilling and flexible career path.

Skills and Requirements

Truck driving demands a thorough understanding and adherence to rigid government safety regulations and company policies, which include mandatory rest periods and defensive driving practices. Adhering to these guidelines is essential for truck drivers to enjoy a long, prosperous career. Most veterans already possess the fundamental skills that trucking companies seek during intensive training and field experience, such as situational awareness, dependability, leadership, management, and teamwork. Furthermore, disciplined and committed military veterans won’t have any trouble acquiring specific driving skills through CDL training and driver orientation.

Waive the skills test!

Veterans with significant military driving experience may be eligible for a skills test waiver, and those with a CDL from their time in the military can start their driving career with a higher pay rate.

Job Security

Veterans seeking job security, a steady income, and retirement options should consider a truck driving career. Your talents are in high demand. It’s an excellent career transition option for retired veterans with the added benefit of company benefits.

The trucking industry needs skilled and dedicated drivers. Fortunately, military veterans possess the qualities and capabilities that make them ideal candidates for a successful career in truck driving. With the added benefits and support available to veterans, this path offers a promising and fulfilling option for those seeking a new direction.

ultimate guide to truck driver recruiting

Ultimate Guide to Truck Driver Recruiting

Current ways of recruiting truck drivers just don’t work anymore. That’s because recruiting isn’t a transaction. This ultimate guide helps carriers recruit for retention.

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How Truckers Against Trafficking is Making a Difference

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Truckers Against Trafficking

What is Truckers Against Trafficking?

Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) was founded in 2009 and has since become a powerful force in the fight against human trafficking. Working alongside trucking industry associations, motor carriers, government transportation agencies, law enforcement agencies like the FBI, as well as truck stops and travel plazas, TAT has trained over 730,351 drivers and personnel to identify and report instances of human trafficking. Their efforts have resulted in over 2,250 calls to the national trafficking hotline by truck drivers, leading to the identification of 612 human trafficking cases and the rescue of 1,133 victims. By partnering with TAT, trucking and busing professionals become an invaluable asset in the fight against this atrocious crime, as they possess a unique vantage point to root out traffickers who exploit our transportation infrastructure for their own selfish purposes.

Truckers Against Trafficking has spread its wings and taught members of state trucking associations to be vigilant in identifying and reporting cases of human trafficking. Today, all 50 state associations have received training, making the powerful network of truckers, bus lines, and major airlines provide a watchful eye to ensure that human traffickers have nowhere to hide. Additionally, some bus lines and airlines now offer travel vouchers to survivors of human trafficking to ensure their safe return home. This growing network of eyes and ears makes our roads safer for everyone. TAT has formed partnerships with numerous companies in the transportation industry to raise awareness about the signs of human trafficking. By working together, these companies and TAT are making a tangible difference in the fight against this heinous crime.

There is a Hotline For Reporting Human Trafficking

Before the establishment of Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT), truckers only reported sporadic tips about human trafficking. However, with TAT’s efforts, there has been a significant increase in calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888, text 233733. In 2017, TAT reported that nearly half of the cases generated by truckers’ calls involved minors. TAT’s collaboration with the trucking industry and law enforcement agencies has made a difference in the fight against human trafficking.

Available Resources for Education/Training about Human Trafficking

Get free training materials from Truckers Against Trafficking, including a DVD, wallet cards, and window decals, to educate and train individuals and organizations on identifying and reporting human trafficking. Once trained, register with TAT and help fight against human trafficking. Contact truckers@gmail.com for your materials today.

Other Ways to Help

Stay alert for suspicious activity and report any signs of trafficking. This includes young people around truck stops and code words like “lot lizard” or “Commercial Company.” Report any indicators, no matter how insignificant they may seem, to the tip lines. Educate yourself about the issue by ordering Renting Lacy: A Story of America’s Prostituted Children, a gripping account that exposes the dark underworld of the trafficking industry through the stories of those who live there. Available in paperback, e-book, and audio book formats, so you can listen on the road.

Together, we can make a difference in the fight against human trafficking. No industry is exempt, and it’s up to all of us to take action. We can’t rely solely on our police departments. It’s time for companies and individuals to step up and do their part. We all travel on our nation’s roads, and with that comes a responsibility to educate ourselves on this national epidemic. Let’s work together to put an end to it.

Sources:

“How Truckers Can Stop Human Trafficking”, American Trucker, Nov.1, 2017.

“More States Signing on to Enlist Truckers Against Human Trafficking”, Trucking Truth, June 24, 2019.

Everything to Know About Being a Company Truck Driver

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company truck driverAs it stands right now, 91% of all truck drivers on the road are company drivers. Since these drivers make up such a huge part of the industry, it’s important to know the pros and the cons of being one. Here’s everything you need to know about being a company driver.  

What is a Company Driver?

A company driver is a truck driver who works under the authority of someone else, usually a trucking carrier or private company.  

How much do Company Drivers Make?

There’s no set salary for a company driver. It all depends on your experience, your location, and what you haul. That being said, there’s a rough estimate that the average company driver in the US makes around $65,000 a year. But don’t get too attached to that number, it can be higher or lower based on the factors mentioned above.  

Pros of Being a Company Driver

Great for Beginner Drivers

If you’re just starting out in trucking, it’s almost a certainty that you’ll be a company driver at first. These jobs are a great way to learn the ropes as a driver without having all the financial risk of being an owner operator.  

Benefits Packages

Health insurance isn’t cheap. As a company driver, you’ll more than likely be able to buy into a health insurance plan offered by your carrier. This means that you can rest easy knowing that you and your family are covered for medical expenses at a reasonable rate. 

Low Risk

As a company driver, there’s little financial risk involved. You don’t have to worry about costs, accounting, and the overall financial health of the carrier you work for. You show up, drive, and collect your paycheck.  

Your home time is yours as well. You’re not spending your free time worrying about cutting your costs or finding the best insurance policy. 

Cons of Being a Company Driver

Less Money… Usually

It’s not a secret that on average, owner operators will make more than company drivers. Instead of the carrier handing you your slice, the whole pie is handed from the customer directly to you.  

Take this con with a grain of salt though. While it’s possible to make a lot of money as an owner operator, you need business savvy as well.  

When you’re a company driver, you have little to worry about aside from getting your haul from point A to point B. As an owner operator, you’re not only doing that but running your own business as well. You need to think about all your costs, including insurance, healthcare, fuel, and more.  

There’s even the possibility that you could be doing everything right as an owner operator, but get blindsided by a hit to the freight market like we saw post-COVID. This is why many drivers spend their whole careers as company drivers. Less money, but less risk as well.  

Less Control

As a company driver, you have little control over what you haul or where you’ll go. Sure, you have options when you’re looking for a job, but once you start, you’re bound to what the boss man tells you.  

This control can sometimes go beyond telling you what to haul and when to haul it. Carriers can put driver-facing cameras inside your cab while you’re driving, put speed limiters on the truck’s engine, and have GPS systems that track every turn the truck makes.  

While some drivers won’t mind this oversight, others might and begin to think about their options setting out on their own as an owner operator.

The bottom line is that if you’re still relatively new to trucking, it’s best to stay as a company driver. Once you feel like you have enough experience under your belt and are financially ready to purchase a truck, then it’s time to consider making the switch.

If you’re looking for a new job as a company driver, consider making a free profile with Drive My Way. We match both CDL and non-CDL drivers with jobs that match their qualifications and lifestyle preferences. 

two men in a truck

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The Cost of Not Doing Preventative Semi Truck Maintenance

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semi truck maintenance

As an owner operator, preventative semi truck maintenance is extremely important to not only your truck’s longevity, but your financial health as well. Preventative maintenance can be the difference between paying a couple hundred bucks and a couple thousand for a repair.  

As a company driver, you may be thinking that preventative maintenance isn’t your problem, so it’s something you’re not going to worry about. While It’s true that you won’t be on the hook financially if something goes wrong with a truck, it could end up costing you something even more valuable than money; your time.  

If you notice something is wrong with your truck while doing your pre-trip inspection, let your carrier know immediately. While it might not be an issue for this run or the next one, it’ll become a problem eventually; A problem that could leave you stranded on the shoulder of the highway waiting for a maintenance truck to come.  

Here are the most important things you should be looking at on your truck in terms of preventative semi truck maintenance.  

Semi Truck Maintenance Checklist

Brakes – In terms of road safety, brakes are undoubtedly the most important part of your truck. They can also be one of the most expensive parts to replace. Here’s a helpful video on how to check your brake lining during your pre-trip inspection.  

Tires – if your brakes are the most important thing to do preventative maintenance on, then your tires are a close second. During your pre-trip inspections, look at all your tires to make sure there’s nothing unusual about them, like bulges or cuts. Also, make sure you’re practicing proper tire safety in the winter if you’re going to be driving in the snow. Check out our guide on how to properly chain up your semi-truck tires for more information.  

Electrical System – Your truck’s electrical system should be checked as well during your pre-trip inspection. Do a quick walk around your truck to ensure that all your lights on both your cab and trailer are functional and that there are no cracks in the lenses that house the lights. Also, do a quick check under the hood to make sure all cables and wires are correctly tightened and that there’s no corrosion or strange smell coming from your battery.  

Fluids – Checking your fluid levels and scanning for any leaks before you start a run is another way to practice routine semi truck maintenance. Always keep spare fluids like oil, coolant, and windshield wiper fluid in your cab so that you can make those quick changes when you need to. This is especially important during the winter months.  

Performing preventative semi truck maintenance on your truck may seem like a lot of work, but once you get into the routine of doing it, it’s just another part of your run. The most important rule is if something seems off with your truck, investigate it. The extra 5-10 minutes you take to do it will be well worth it if it turns out to be a problem that could cost you thousands of dollars if gone unchecked.  

two men in a truck

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Truck Driving with Your Spouse: What to Know

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truck driving with your spouse

Truck driving is one of the few careers where you have the chance to work with your spouse. There are advantages and disadvantages to this option, and things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable. Here’s what you need to know before taking the plunge into truck driving with your spouse. 

Advantages of Truck Driving with your Spouse

More Money

One of the big advantages of driving together is that you have the chance to earn more money. With the current HOS regulations, a solo driver can only drive for 11 hours a day before they need to take a 10-hour break. When there are two drivers in the cab, one can sleep while the other drives. This means that team drivers can cover about double the amount of ground in the same amount of time as solo drivers.  

Time Together

Another obvious advantage of truck driving with your spouse is the time you get to spend together. Truck driving is a unique profession which takes you away from home for long periods of time. OTR drivers have it particularly tough as they may see their family for only a few days before getting back on the road for weeks at a time. Being able to drive with your spouse eliminates this issue. 

Less Need for Home Time

Home time is a crucial factor that drivers consider before accepting job offers, as many drivers are looking to balance their work and home life. If you’re truck driving with your spouse, this changes the equation entirely.  

You don’t have to take a local or regional job that may be lower paying in order to have more time with your spouse. Instead of your trucking career being a detriment to your home life, it could provide the chance to reduce loneliness and renew your marriage. 

Tips for truck driving with your spouse

Depending on how you handle it, driving with your spouse can help you reconnect or can drive you further apart. Here are some tips for drivers who are considering hitting the road with their spouse. 

Have You Worked Together Before?

If you two have had any previous experience working together in other professions; what was that like? Did you find your previous experience to be positive?  

Even if you didn’t work together, you may have worked on shared projects together at home. How is your work style while sharing domestic tasks? Did you have a big argument about which furniture to buy, or how to rearrange the kitchen? 

If you’ve had positive experiences while making joint decisions, it’s a good indicator that you’ll be comfortable working together behind the wheel. 

Make Alone Time a Priority

No matter how much two people love each other, they can get on each other’s nerves if they spend too much time together, especially in cramped quarters. Make sure you both bring plenty of books, music, games, and other activities that can be used alone or in tandem.  

While your spouse is driving, you may want to be together part of the time, rest for another part, with the option to engage in a solo activity when needed. 

Still Take Time Off

Truck driving with your spouse doesn’t have to be all work and no play! If you’re lucky enough that the arrangement works for you, make sure to get the most out of it. There can still be date nights and lazy afternoons even though you aren’t at home.  

Since you’re already on the road, get out of the truck and make sure to explore. There are beautiful scenic spots all across the country, and new towns and cities to explore together. You can even document your travels through photography and scrapbooks or engage in a new hobby together.  

Also, don’t forget the importance of days off. Just because you’re together more often and get more rest, doesn’t mean you don’t need time away from work. 

 

We spoke with Angela, a CDL driver who drives with her husband, Larry. Angela told us about what it’s like driving with your spouse, and what she likes the most and least about it. 

CDL drivers, Angela and Larry

How long have you two been driving together?

Larry and I have been driving together for eight years.  

What do you like the most about driving together?

Our kids are all grown and, in the military, so now we can spend time together and see the country. 

What do you like the least?

For Larry, it’s the lack of quality sleep as we sleep while the truck is moving. For me it is not seeing our grandkids enough. 

Do you have any advice for couples who are thinking about driving together?

Communication and patience are the keys. Being together 24/7 means you’re going to have rough days. Give yourself space even if it means going into the back of the sleeper and closing the privacy curtains. Realize that there will be days when you’ll be running so hard, you’ll barely see each other. Just always keep the lines of communication open and you’ll be fine. 

Any interesting stories from your time on the road together?

I’ve got a few different stories, but my favorite is about my parents. They retired a few years ago and got an RV to travel in. My mom and Dad have never seen me drive a semi before and my mom kept saying, “I know I’m going to a see you out there on the highway one day!” My dad would tell me that she would check every semi-truck that looked like ours. One day I’m driving down the road outside of Tucson and this white van is beside me. Suddenly, I noticed this lady hanging out the window waving at me. At first, I’m like “What is that crazy lady doing?” And then I saw that crazy lady was my mom! Luckily, we were seven miles from a rest area, so we all pulled over so they could get a tour of the truck. My dad for the first time in a long time was holding back tears because he was so proud of me. 

Overall, truck driving with your spouse can offer incredible advantages if you have the opportunity to do it. Being prepared for it and having the right perspective can make the difference between a rewarding experience or a frustrating one. 

two men in a truck

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Should I Get an “N” or “X” Tanker Endorsement?

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tanker endorsement

For truck drivers, the path to increased earnings comes with experience and endorsements. Endorsements are special designations given to certain truck drivers so that they can drive specialized types of vehicles or haul materials that are dangerous or difficult to haul. 

Two of the most popular endorsements are the “N” and “X”. Here’s what you need to know about those endorsements including their requirements, differences, and the jobs you can get with them. 

Are There Different Tanker Endorsements?

tanker endorsementYes, there are two different tanker endorsements. The “N” endorsement allows drivers to haul a tank trailer. The “X” endorsement also allows a driver to haul a tank trailer with HAZMAT material inside. This means that the “X” endorsement is really just a combination of the “N” and “H” (HAZMAT) endorsements. 

“N” Endorsement

The “N” endorsement allows a driver to haul a tank or “tanker” full of liquid or gaseous materials that the FMCSA doesn’t consider dangerous. These jobs are often higher paying and usually are local or regional runs, so you’d have more home time than some other jobs.  

A tanker truck driver needs to be able to adjust to having his cargo constantly moving around if the tank is not full. Dealing with the “surge” caused by the movement of the liquid in the tank while driving takes some practice and skill development. 

“X” Endorsement

The “X” endorsement allows a driver to haul large loads of liquid or gaseous HAZMAT cargo inside of a tanker. Having an “X” endorsement even further separates these drivers and their skill sets from the rest. If a driver has any plans to be in the gas and oil hauling business, an “X” endorsement will certainly be required. 

What are the Requirements for an “N” or “X” Endorsement?

requirements for X endorsementAs of right now, all that’s needed to secure an “N” endorsement is to take an additional written knowledge test. This can be done at a testing location in your state. Visit your state’s DMV/BMV for more information on where to test and what information the test will cover. 

Because of the dangerous nature of hauling HAZMAT liquids and gases, obtaining an X endorsement is a little more involved. In addition to passing a written test, you need to pay for and pass a TSA background check as well. 

These requirements are on top of what’s required to hold a CDL A.  

What are the Benefits of Getting an “N” or “X” Endorsement?

More Opportunities

Companies that haul any type of liquids or gases will require drivers to have either an “N” or “X” endorsement. By securing that, you’re already opening yourself up to a number of high-paying jobs that many truckers can’t get into. 

More Money

Drivers with additional skills and endorsements often find that they are paid more than drivers without. Driving a tanker requires additional safety skills due to the unstable nature of hauling liquids. Therefore, drivers with tanker endorsements are many times some of the highest paid truckers on the road. The payoff of seeing those paychecks increase certainly outweigh the up-front costs to pay for a tanker endorsement and training. 

Getting your “X” or “N” endorsement can be very beneficial to any CDL truck driver, regardless of what career stage they’re in. With a tanker endorsement, the job pools is bigger, the pay is likely higher, and overall earning potential as a trucker increases. 

If you’re looking for tanker truck driving jobs, you’re in luck. Drive My Way partners with carriers who have open tanker positions for drivers with “N” and “X” endorsement. Complete your driver profile below, and be sure to include that you have that endorsement. We can match you to a great new job that best fits your lifestyle and driving preferences. 

truck driver at loading dock

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What to Know Before Enrolling in CDL Classes

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What to Know Before Taking CDL Classes

If you’re thinking about starting a career in trucking, one of your first steps should be looking into CDL classes. These classes will teach you the basics of being a truck driver so that you can test for a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Here’s what prospective drivers should know before they enroll in CDL classes.  

What is a CDL?

A Commercial Driver’s License or CDL is what the Department of Transportation requires all drivers to obtain before they’re able to drive trucks professionally. There are three different types of CDL that we detail below.  

The 3 Types of CDL

There are three types of CDL which determine the commercial vehicles you’re able to drive, and the different trucking jobs you’re able to apply for.  

CDL A 

This is your standard CDL that lets you drive a semi-truck with a trailer in tow. Here’s the official definition from the FMCSA of what CDL A holders can drive,  

“Any combination of vehicles which has a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) whichever is greater. “ 

This means that anyone with a CDL A can drive a truck with a GVWR greater than 26,000 pounds and a trailer weighing more than 10,000 pounds. CDL A drivers can drive any CMV, including class B and C vehicles, provided they have the appropriate endorsements.   

CDL B 

A Class B CDL is a restricted license as you are not allowed to drive large tractors that tow 10,000 pounds or more. This eliminates the ability to drive your standard 53’ trailer. So, what can you drive with a CDL B? Think of dump trucks, delivery trucks, and city buses. Two huge benefits to CDL B jobs are that most positions will be local, and the age requirement is 18 since you won’t be moving freight between state lines.   

CDL C 

A Class C is the most unique type of CDL and for good reason. Besides being able to drive a shuttle bus or limo, there’s very little someone can do with a CDL C without the necessary endorsements. Even with those endorsements, most drivers consider it better to just go ahead and get your CDL B or A instead.    

Requirements

Aside from completing entry-level driving training, there are a few other requirements to earn your CDL: 

  • Have a valid non-commercial driver’s license  
  • Be at least 18 years of age  
  • Pass a medical exam given by a licensed practitioner 
  • Pass the skills, knowledge, and road test that your state administers 

*Drivers can earn any class of CDL at age 18, but can’t cross state lines until they’re 21, which bars them from most CDL A jobs. For more information about what trucking jobs are good for 18–20-year-olds, you can visit our blog on the subject. 

Training

There are a few different ways you can take CDL classes, including through truck driving schools, community colleges, and technical schools. CDL training usually lasts 2-4 weeks and includes classroom learning as well as behind-the-wheel training.  

During training, students are expected to gain familiarity with operating a commercial vehicle and the techniques behind being a successful driver. These techniques include backing up, pre-trip inspections, city driving, highway driving, road signs and rules, among others.  

Classes will also cover a range of other helpful topics such on the road safety and first aid, state and federal laws drivers are subject to, route planning, managing logbooks, and more.

Finding a CDL program

When you’re looking for a CDL program, there are three main factors that you should consider; the quality of the education, cost, and location. Do your research on CDL programs in your area. Find out how much each program costs and look up reviews from former students. Find out what exactly each program offers in terms of classroom learning, and behind-the-wheel experience. Then you’ll be able to make an informed decision on which is right for you.  

While cost will probably be your deciding factor, remember that there are a lot of different ways that drivers can pay for them without breaking the bank. For information on how to pay for CDL costs, plus tips on how to save, you can visit our blog on the subject.  

Once you’ve completed CDL classes, you’re then able to take the CDL test and get on the road as a professional truck driver.  

Deciding which CDL program to enroll in is a big decision. But as long as you do your research and find the best school for you, you’ll have to problem passing, earning your CDL, and becoming a professional truck driver.  

What’s the Real Cost of Getting Your CDL?

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CDL costs

Trucking can be a lucrative industry, but it’s also a highly regulated one. Before you can think about getting in a truck, you should consider the upfront CDL costs you’ll need to pay. Here’s a breakdown of those costs, plus some tips on how you can save money along the way.  

4 CDL Costs to Consider

1. CDL School 

CDL school will by far be your biggest expense when it comes to earning your CDL. The cost of these schools can range anywhere from $1,500 to up to $10,000 depending on the school you go to and the area of the country you live in.  

There was a time when you technically didn’t have to attend an accredited CDL school to get your CDL. That changed in February 2022 when the FMCSA’s Entry Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations went into effect.  

Now, any person who wants to earn their CDL will need to go to the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry and select a training provider in their area. They then need to reach out to that provider and complete a training program for the CDL they want. 

Once that program is completed, it’ll be noted in the driver’s file, and they can then go to their state licensing bureau to take the written skills test and/or road test. Once that’s completed, they’ll be able to receive their CDL. 

Remember that not every CDL school is the same. While it might be tempting to go with the cheapest option in your area, it might cost you more in the long run if you’re getting a subpar education. Before signing on with any one school, make sure to look up reviews to see if they’re worth the money. 

2. DOT Physical 

Before you can earn your CDL, you’ll also need to have the standard DOT physical examination that must be conducted by a licensed medical examiner. To find one of these examiners, head to the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners and find an examiner in your area.  

Luckily, there are thousands of licensed practitioners across the country, so finding one shouldn’t be a problem. As for the cost, you can expect to pay anywhere from $75-150 for the physical, but it could run a little more or less depending on which doctor you plan on seeing. 

3. Licensing Costs 

Licensing costs are what you pay when you go to your local BMV/DMV to take your tests and get your CDL. Exact costs vary state by state, but plan to spend at least $150.  

Some states break up their fees by “x amount for the road test” and “x amount for the knowledge test”, but other states lump them all together. The fees you’ll pay vary greatly by the state you’re getting your CDL in. There are other factors that may affect the cost as well, including your age, and the kind of CDL you’ll get (A, B, or C). 

The best thing to do is to plan on spending at least $300 on licensing fees. This is on the higher end, but if it ends up costing less, then you’ve got some more money in your pocket. 

4. Optional Endorsement Costs 

CDL Endorsements allow drivers to operate specialty vehicles like tankers, school buses, and double/triple trailers. The cost for these endorsements will usually range between $10-60 depending on your state.  

These endorsements are optional and will cost you some extra money, but they also open a lot of new career opportunities for the drivers who have them. For more information on the different types of endorsements that are out there, you can visit our blog on the subject.  

3 Ways to Help Pay for Your CDL

1. Grants 

Before you look into other ways to pay for your CDL, you should research the state and federal grants that are available to you. Each state is different, so some will offer grants to students looking to earn their CDL and some won’t.  

But there are federal grants that everyone is eligible for; the most well-known of these is given through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, which helps jobseekers pay for education and training costs. To get more information about a WIOA grant, you can use this link to find an American Job Center near you.  

If you’re a service veteran, you have an additional way to pay for you CDL costs as you’re able to use your GI Bill to pay for trucking school.  

2. Carrier-Paid Training 

Carrier-paid training is when a person earns their CDL by signing on with a private fleet. The fleet will partner with a CDL school in the area and pay for the driver’s CDL courses. Then after they’ve earned their license, the driver will be obligated to drive for the carrier for a certain amount of time, usually 6 months to a year. 

For people looking to get into the trucking industry, carrier-paid training is one of, if not the most cost-effective way to do it. You’ll have most, or all of your expenses covered, plus you’ll have a guaranteed job once you earn your CDL. 

The one downside to this is that if the driver leaves the carrier before that designated period is up, the driver will most likely have to reimburse the carrier for the money they spent on the driver’s schooling. 

3. Tuition Reimbursement 

Aside from carrier-paid training, tuition reimbursement is another great way to save money on CDL costs. The difference here is that instead of going through a carrier to get your CDL, the driver will have already earned their CDL on their own and work for a carrier who will pay the driver back the cost of it. 

The Bottom Line

While there are a lot of CDL costs, there’s also a lot of ways you can lower them. If you’re thinking about getting your CDL, call or visit your state’s DMV/BMV website to get a total of all the fees they’ll charge. Then do your research on federal and state grants, driving schools, and carriers that offer paid-training and tuition reimbursement programs in your area. Then you can make an informed decision on what’s the best route for you.  

Once you earn your CDL and are looking for your first trucking job, consider making a free profile with Drive My Way. We match CDL drivers with jobs that are a match for their experience, qualifications, and lifestyle preferences.

two men in a truck

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Drive My Way matches you with a job based on your preferences like pay, home time, touch level, and more.

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How St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund Helps Drivers

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St. Christopher Truckers Relief FundThe truck driver community is strong. There are a number of charitable organizations out there that will lend a helping hand when drivers need it. Probably the biggest of these organizations is the St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund.  

We were able to talk with Shannon Currier, Director of Philanthropy with St. Christopher who gave us some insight on what their organization does.  

What is the overall mission of St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund?

The St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund is a 501c3 charity supporting over-the-road and regional truck drivers when an illness or injury takes them off the road, causing financial difficulty. 

We step in as a short-term safety net for qualifying drivers and pay necessity household expenses including rent or mortgage, utility bills, vehicle payments and insurance payments.  All payments are made directly to bill holders.  Money is never given to the driver.  We pay those necessity household expenses only and cannot pay medical bills or other expenses.  Our assistance keeps drivers in their homes, keeps utilities on, keeps a vehicle so they can get to and from appointments, and keeps them from losing their insurance. 

We also provide free health and wellness programs for over-the-road and regional truck drivers including free flu, pneumonia, and shingles vaccines, free smoking cessation program, and free CDC approved diabetes prevention program. All of our programs are free thanks to generous donations from our corporate sponsors. 

Can you tell me the history of SCF?

St. Christopher Fund was founded in 2007 by Dr. John McElligott (known in the industry as ‘Dr. John’), Dave Nemo (host of the Dave Nemo Show and owner of Radio Nemo, XM 146), and Dave’s business partner, Michael Burns (owner of Radio Nemo). 

These 3 gentlemen spent years talking with drivers on the radio and heard drivers in despair over losing everything because of injury or illness and they decided something needed to be done. They created the St. Christopher Fund to be a safety net for these drivers.  We helped our first driver in 2008 and, to date, have helped 3,602+ drivers with over $4.29 million in assistance paid directly to their bill holders. 

Qualifications:

To qualify for assistance from St. Christopher Truckers Relief Fund, a driver must meet all of the following:

  • 1. Valid Class A CDL
  • 2. Over-the-road or regional semi-truck driver (500+ miles a day)
  • 3. A medical issue caused the driver to have to come out of the truck short or long term
  • 4. Medical issue has to have occurred within the last 12 months
  • 5. Medical problem caused the driver to be out of work and caused financial difficulty
  • *Exclusion to the medical issue would be if the driver were intoxicated or under the influence of illegal drugs

The St. Christopher Fund is blessed with amazing donors (both individual and corporate) and we would not be able to offer the assistance we offer without the generosity of every one of these people and companies.  Trucking is about people, and everything we do at SCF is to support the driver – with financial assistance, additional resources and helpful information, and to encourage healthier drivers.  We are honored to be the facilitators of these generous donations and to make a difference in the lives of drivers and their families.

If a driver is looking for financial help, how would they go about receiving it?

We have an online application that is the quickest way to apply for assistance.  But we can also fax or mail an application to anyone needing it. 

For drivers who are experiencing difficult times but don’t qualify to receive assistance from St. Christopher, you can take a look at Drive My Way’s collection of resources for displaced drivers.

This includes links to unemployment resources, information about continuing your health insurance, disability coverage and more. You can also create a free Drive My Way profile below to find a job that fits your qualifications and lifestyle needs.

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What Does It Take to Be a Car Hauler Truck Driver?

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car hauler

One of the most recognizable trucks on the road is the car hauler. You’ve seen them on the highway, hauling cars, trucks and SUVs to their next destination, but have you ever thought about driving one as a career option for you? We talked to an experienced car hauler who gave us the facts about what this line of work is like. If you are interested in becoming a car hauler, here’s everything you need to know first.  

Qualifications

Luckily for car haulers, the only requirement is that they have a valid CDL A. There are no additional endorsements necessary beyond that. 

Experience Needed

Once you’ve gotten your CDL A, the next thing you’ll need is some on the road experience before you start hauling cars. Granted, having x number of years of experience isn’t always necessary depending on the company you’re planning on working for. But most carriers prefer that their drivers have a few years of experience hauling dry van or reefer before they jump into car hauling.  

Clean Driving Record

It isn’t unusual for car haulers to be carrying cargo that’s worth upwards of five hundred thousand dollars. That’s why drivers considering car hauling as a profession need to be extremely safety-conscious and have a spotless (or near spotless) driving record.  

Total Attention to Detail

Car hauling is a tough job. It requires total attention to detail at every step. More times than not, car haulers are responsible for not only driving the cars but loading and unloading them as well. This means 100% perfection in your routine while spacing the cars and strapping them down in place. Ensuring that there’s no damage to the vehicles in transit or during delivery is paramount to being a successful car hauler.  

Hansen AdkinsWe were about to talk with Robert Sitarski, Customer Service and Dealer Relations Supervisor with Drive My Way client, Hansen & Adkins. Robert has years of experience as a car hauler and shared his thoughts and advice for drivers considering this field.  

What made you interested in car hauling as a profession?

“I had a friend who was in the industry that told me all about car hauling as a career. Driving the newest models of vehicles, learning how to operate the truck, and making a great living helped me decide to give it a shot.” 

What advice do you have for truck drivers who are considering becoming car haulers?

“Car hauling isn’t just another driving job, it’s a career. Pay attention during your training, as this is where you’ll start to develop a routine that will not only save you time but will help you operate your truck safely.” 

What’s the best part about car hauling?

“The best part about car hauling is the freedom you have. There are no appointment times that you have to meet. Your truck is also not affected by the wind whether you are empty or loaded. It’s a lot of fun driving the latest model vehicles and the exercise that you get loading and unloading the cars is a bonus.” 

What’s the most difficult part of the job?

“The most difficult part of car hauling is configuring the load on the truck to meet all the weight and height requirements when you first start. The good part is that there is always a peer or a trainer that is there to give you advice on the load configuration to get you through it.” 

Is there anything else you think is important to add about car hauling?

“Once you start hauling cars as a career, you will never want to haul anything else. With the proper training you will be specialized in a rewarding career that you will be proud to be a part of.” 

If car hauling sounds like the job you’re looking for, consider creating a free profile with Drive My Way. Our proprietary software matches drivers with a job based on their qualifications and unique lifestyle needs. 

two men in a truck

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