Truck driving jobs offer a large array of possiblities for employment.  Even with the downward turn we are noticing from the economic situation, truck driving jobs are still available.  With several large trucking companies cutting down on their offers to provide cdl training for new drivers, the economy will bounce back and truck driving will continue to be a viable employment opportunity.

When considering a career in truck driving, the first question should be “what type of driving” are you interested in?  At the start of your career, you will most likely have to drive over the road.  Most transportation companies require around one year of recent, verifiable driving experience. In order to obtain this “one year” of experience, OTR truck driving is usually the beginning route.  After that first year, all the truck driving opportunities will open up for you.

Generally, most everyone just entering into truck driving careers, will begin with, and remain with, the van division.  There is one avenue of trucking that is often overlooked: the tanker truck. Pulling tankers are one of the best jobs in trucking for many reasons:

• Lower turnover rate among drivers
• Variety of operations – local, short haul, regional and long haul
• More home time – Many tanker truck jobs will have you home every night
• Competitive pay – Tanker jobs usually pay higher wages
• Tanker division offers both Hazmat and Non-HazMat jobs
• Higher Standards for Safety – HazMat Tanker companies generally maintain a higher level for safety than the average “general freight” divisions.  They will invest much more time and effort in training and provide safer equipment, as well as adhering to the high Governmental standards set in place for the tank truck industry.
• Non-HazMat tanker companies – There are many tank truck jobs that do not require the HazMat endorsement – liquid, dry bulk, foods, cement and many others.
• Shippers and Receivers who understand the importance of the driver
• No touch freight – Product is loaded and unloaded through various means: pumps, blowers and of course, gravity
• No tarps, chains, binders or the need to hire lumpers
• Ease of Pick up and Delivery – No docks, generally, shorter trailers, easy access, less waiting time which means more hours of service time for driving.
• Regulatory compliant companies – Carriers are more focused on running legal.
• RESPECT – Tank truck drivers are respected by peers, companies, shippers, law enforcement and the public.  Expected to be the best drivers.
• More personal – Greater communication with company management and dispatchers

Most tanker truck companies require between one to three years of driving experience.  Always remember, that if that truck driving job is not working out for you at present, maintain professionalism, get the required amount of driving experience under your belt, and move on to the better truck driving jobs.  You might just want to consider pulling tankers.

Good Luck,

Allen

3 BOOK SPECIAL

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