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Common Questions New Truckers Have

When you are thinking about becoming a truck driver or are still new to the job, you may have many questions about the life of a trucker. Knowing the answers to these questions can help you prepare better for this career.

What Are The Benefits of Truck Driving?

Many drivers love getting to travel around the country. Seeing a new place every day can be extremely exciting for many people. Getting to see so much of the United States isn’t something everyone gets to do, and a lot of drivers appreciate the opportunity. 

Are There Any Cons?

Sometimes, truck drivers get lost or experience traffic slowdowns. Luckily, these can be minimized issues, even traffic to some extent. With a good GPS system, drivers can navigate the area more easily. There are special GPS apps designed just for truck drivers. Some of them will give alternative routes if there is excessive traffic along the highway or interstate. 

Another potential issue is being separated from family members for a long trip. However, some truck lines offer good policies for spending time at home. Plus, there are apps that help you connect with your family. 

How Hard Is It to Find a Job?

When it comes to trucking, there are new jobs available every day. Experienced drivers are always in demand because trucking is so important. But many truck lines also want newer drivers. Whether you are new to driving or highly experienced, it is pretty easy to find work.

Do Truckers Get Lonely?

You will be by yourself when you are on the road doing a long trip. Of course, you will speak with fuel attendants, loaders, your road manager, and shipping and receiving managers. But you will ride by yourself. The good news is that sometimes you can bring a pet along or even one of your family members. These are things to ask about before deciding to take a job with a company. 

What Else Do Drivers Do?

Driving takes about eight to eleven hours every day, depending on the line, as well as the regulations. Many drivers will spend time waiting at the shipping area or receiving house for the load to be unloaded or loaded. That can take as short as a half-hour, or as long as several hours. It will depend on the load and the freight. The driver will also spend time doing maintenance, doing inspections on the truck, and fueling it up. Luckily, if you are a truck driver, you can take advantage of your downtime by taking up a new hobby, like writing or even cooking.

What Training Is Needed?

When it comes to training, you only need to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL). You will use a truck driving course to get the training you need. You do not need to have any other qualifications, even a high school diploma. You just need to be able to pass a Department of Transportation medical examination. If you need to load or unload a trailer for your job, you will need to be able to move heavy or large objects. You will need to be flexible enough to bend under a trailer or truck to do inspections. Of course, it is important to be able to climb in and out of the trailer. Because some companies are concerned about driver health, there may be changes in the future. 

Knowing the answers to these and other frequently asked questions is the first step in preparing to become a truck driver. You can ask the company that hires you about any other concerns you may have. Feel free to shoot us here at FCC any questions you may have when becoming a new driver!

 

Common Questions New Truckers Have

When you are thinking about becoming a truck driver or are still new to the job, you may have many questions about the life of a trucker. Knowing the answers to these questions can help you prepare better for this career.

What Are The Benefits of Truck Driving?

Many drivers love getting to travel around the country. Seeing a new place every day can be extremely exciting for many people. Getting to see so much of the United States isn’t something everyone gets to do, and a lot of drivers appreciate the opportunity. 

Are There Any Cons?

Sometimes, truck drivers get lost or experience traffic slowdowns. Luckily, these can be minimized issues, even traffic to some extent. With a good GPS system, drivers can navigate the area more easily. There are special GPS apps designed just for truck drivers. Some of them will give alternative routes if there is excessive traffic along the highway or interstate. 

Another potential issue is being separated from family members for a long trip. However, some truck lines offer good policies for spending time at home. Plus, there are apps that help you connect with your family. 

How Hard Is It to Find a Job?

When it comes to trucking, there are new jobs available every day. Experienced drivers are always in demand because trucking is so important. But many truck lines also want newer drivers. Whether you are new to driving or highly experienced, it is pretty easy to find work.

Do Truckers Get Lonely?

You will be by yourself when you are on the road doing a long trip. Of course, you will speak with fuel attendants, loaders, your road manager, and shipping and receiving managers. But you will ride by yourself. The good news is that sometimes you can bring a pet along or even one of your family members. These are things to ask about before deciding to take a job with a company. 

What Else Do Drivers Do?

Driving takes about eight to eleven hours every day, depending on the line, as well as the regulations. Many drivers will spend time waiting at the shipping area or receiving house for the load to be unloaded or loaded. That can take as short as a half-hour, or as long as several hours. It will depend on the load and the freight. The driver will also spend time doing maintenance, doing inspections on the truck, and fueling it up. Luckily, if you are a truck driver, you can take advantage of your downtime by taking up a new hobby, like writing or even cooking.

What Training Is Needed?

When it comes to training, you only need to get a commercial driver’s license (CDL). You will use a truck driving course to get the training you need. You do not need to have any other qualifications, even a high school diploma. You just need to be able to pass a Department of Transportation medical examination. If you need to load or unload a trailer for your job, you will need to be able to move heavy or large objects. You will need to be flexible enough to bend under a trailer or truck to do inspections. Of course, it is important to be able to climb in and out of the trailer. Because some companies are concerned about driver health, there may be changes in the future. 

Knowing the answers to these and other frequently asked questions is the first step in preparing to become a truck driver. You can ask the company that hires you about any other concerns you may have. Feel free to shoot us here at FCC any questions you may have when becoming a new driver!