Everything you need to know

Are you not sure what you want to do after high school? Are you a retired veteran, or even just wanting to make a career change? If you’ve thought about becoming a big rig driver and becoming a part of one of the most lucrative industries in the nation, you’ve come to the right place!

We will give you everything you need to get behind that wheel and get your career on the road! From what it takes to get your CDL (Commercial Driver’s License), to what salary to expect, we have all of the resources you need!

Why become a truck driver?

Truck driving has many benefits that come with being behind the wheel! You can travel the country and earn a great salary while doing so. The trucking industry makes our country’s wheels turn and the job security for this industry is not diminishing anytime soon. Whether it be the freedom that comes with the job, the feeling of being essential to your country, or even the benefits and pay that come with the gig, trucking just might be the perfect career for you! 

Your Guide to Becoming A Driver

1: Schooling For Truck Drivers

The first step is always the hardest! Starting a new career is full of unknowns, and plenty of questions. How do I choose a truck driving school? Do I need a CDL? What does it cost? All common questions that you'll need to answer before you get behind the wheel. Below are resources to help you find the right CDL School for you, and answer any questions you may have.

• What does it cost to get your CDL?
• Why You Should Go to Truck Driving School
• College VS. Trucking School: Which is Right For You? 
• How To Find The Right CDL School In Utah For You
• Picking a Driving School: 10 Things to Consider
• Can You Get a CDL Without Going to Driving School?
• CDL Career Paths: The Road to Success

2: Pay Expectations

Money makes the world go round! Found out how much you could be making as a truck driver!

Did you know that you can be making as much as someone with a four year college degree! With over 500,000 trucking companies in the United States, each company has their own method of paying their drivers! Whether that be CPM (Cost Per Mile), Per Diem, Percentage of Load, Hourly or Salary, you can earn a great living as a driver! Learn how much truckers make and the job growth predictions for the industry!

• Truck Driver Salary and Earning Potential
• How Is Pay Calculated In The Trucking Industry? 
• Pay Increases and Job Growth Within The Trucking Industry

3: DOT Testing

Be prepared and learn what to expect from a testing standpoint. All truck drivers are required to take and pass the DOT Physical Examination to receive their Commercial Driver’s License. This exam determines if the truck driver meets specific health criteria, set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSSA), and to ensure the driver is healthy and able to operate such large vehicles. 

• What Does “DOT” Mean in Trucking?
• What to Expect From The DOT Exam
• Who Is Exempt From a DOT Medical Card?
• Preparing For Your DOT Physical Exam
• Health Tests Truck Drivers Should Expect to Take
• Why Truck Drivers Need a DOT Physical to Check Their Blood Pressure
• What is the DOT 16-Hour Extension Rule?

4: Company Training

You decide driving is for you, you go through the necessary schooling, you get your CDL, and now you want to know what happens next! We have the inside scoop about what happens after you get your CDL and what is to come with company training!

• What to Expect From Your Pride Training
• Life on the Road: What to Expect as a New Truck Driver
• Essential Tips for New Truck Drivers: Navigating the Road to Success
• Veteran Tips For First Year Drivers
• Just How Important Is It To Have a Trucking Mentor? 

5: Owner Operator or Drive With a Company?

Are you trying to decide whether to drive with a company or buy your own rig and do it all yourself? Now that you are a CDL holder, you have to decide whether or not to drive with a company or to handle your own operations! We may be biased, but driving with a company takes a lot of stress off of your shoulders, and here is why: 

• The Benefits of Being a Company Truck Driver
• The Stress of Being An Owner Operator
• Solo Driving: Is It Right For You?

To put it simply, a career as a truck driver opens up possibilities and opportunities. We hope this guide has provided you with essential information, from choosing the right CDL school to understanding pay expectations, navigating DOT testing, and exploring the nuances of company training. As you prepare to hit the road, remember that truck driving is more than just a job—it's a lifestyle filled with freedom, a sense of national importance, and financial stability. Whether you choose to drive with a company or explore the path of an owner-operator, the insights provided here will serve as your roadmap to success in this essential industry. So, buckle up and get ready for a journey that goes beyond the miles on the road—it's a journey toward a fulfilling and prosperous career in trucking.