Make Your Summer a Successful One

Posted on: 21 December 2021

Whether you are just starting out in the field of truck driving or you have been working in the industry for some time and want to make a switch to a different area of trucking, now is a great time to look for a professional truck driving job. There are a great number of positions available throughout the field, which allows you to have the ability to choose the right job for yourself and your needs. Here are some tips to help you search out and choose the right truck driving job for your career.

Evaluate the Job Positions

When you are searching for a CDL truck driver position, keep in mind there are several types of trucking positions available. Knowing what type of work you want to do will help guide you into the right position to fit your needs and qualifications. You can look for a long-haul job that will take you over several states and back or across the US and back, depending on the types of runs. This type of over-the-road job will give you long work hours and days that you are away from home, so plan on making the needed adjustments at home so you can stay away from home for several days or weeks at a time. 

There are also local truck driving jobs where you will work a regular day or night shift delivering freight or packages throughout an area that is close to the main office and your home. This type of job may allow you to have weekends off or a couple days off in a row, and can also provide you with regular paid time off and specific holidays off, depending on the company and the type of customers they serve. 

When you are checking into a CDL position, make sure you consider your route and drive miles and the type of traffic or weather you may encounter. For example, if you drive a truck from one city hub to another nearby hub and your route takes you over a mountain range, consider if there will be snowy weather in the winter. Alternatively, if you will deliver into a busy urban area, look at the type of traffic and backups you may encounter on the job.

Look at the Company's Benefits

The company benefits are also an important determining factor in your CDL job selection process. The company you work for will provide you pay, either based on hourly work or by the mile that you drive, so be sure to consider this and compare it properly with other positions you are considering. 

For example, if the position pays you by the mile, compare it to other positions to see what the cents-per-mile rate is. Further, will they offer you a sign-on bonus and how much will it be? Some companies that offer you a sign-on bonus will pay it out in installments or after a certain period of time. Then, look at the health and medical benefits along with any 401k investment programs that the company provides with the position.

Contact a company that provides truck driver opportunities to learn more.