Truck Driving: Get Paid for on the Job Training
Finding the Truck Driving jobs with paid training would be the ideal situation – right? Believe it or not, there is countless truck driving companies who operate in this fashion – providing incentives to drivers who strive to earn a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) while performing on the job.
The advantages of these paid driving programs are: (1) drivers may be paid as much as $500 a week for a four-week program or more, and (2) while driving, trainees are learning and being paid to obtain a CDL license which is required by the United States Department of Transportation in order to operate vehicles over 26, 001 pounds. Also, upon completing the training period, many truckers are starting with annual salaries in the range of $50,000 – $70,000, depending upon the company. While this all sounds wonderful, there are strict requirements to sustain the profession of the truck driver.
Requirements of a Truck Driver
Surely, most people may envision themselves effortlessly handling these monstrous machines without supervision; however, those who complete on the job training will further enjoy the carefree profession since it does not require sitting at a desk, attending numerous meetings, and staring into a computer for many hours at a time. Although drivers may feel most comfortable in a solo element, listening to the radio and witnessing landscapes of beautiful scenery, there are still very serious demands.
Drivers are expected to meet the following requirements:
- Must obtain a commercial driver’s license;
- Must obtain special authorizations in their home state if they carry hazardous materials or enormous shipments; and
- Must act in accordance with state and federal regulations by attaining a successful medical examination
- The Reality of the Truck Driver’s World
For the most part, the job is an enjoyment due to the freedom of driving. The reality, however, is that it does not create a stable environment. Instead, the driver may get home once or twice monthly, depending heavily upon the driving schedule. Another aspect of the job is the administrative burden which includes, but is certainly not limited to documenting hours and miles, and planning routes.
These routes and schedules are not always the same. While it may be a dreamful idea to have the same, scheduled and planned route without many schedule interruptions, this is not the reality. There must be preparedness for immediate and unexpected changes which may occur quite often; therefore, drivers are required to have flexibility. Does this job still sound ideal?
Is Paid Training Worth the Headache?
Some drivers may love it, while others find it to cause migraines, because just like any other job, there are policies and procedures that must be adhered. More importantly, these drivers are required to be available for driving during the majority of the time which may feel like the equivalent to being on-call – leaving a very small window for family life. Of course, on-the-job paid training has its perks, but learning to drive 18-wheelers and getting paid is the main focus. So, is it a pain or is it a luxury to drive trucks and get paid while learning?
It depends on the individual and his or her own personal and professional agenda. Through it all, the freedom of this job may certainly outweigh the other elements which may appear to be undesirable. Although these drivers work for a company and follow schedules, driving across country, there may be a certain aspect of freedom because there is no “clock punching,” so to speak.
Your Truck or Theirs?
Let us not forget another major component of this job. Drivers may love it because of the freedom, but the majority of the drivers are expected to drive their own trucks since many trucks are not owned by the company. These trucks are quite expensive, but the good news is that they can be leased if necessary.
If drivers own their vehicles, they may be concerned about the accumulation of mileage during the long, cross-country assignments.
Here’s the good news, for every mile driven (paid miles), the majority of the drivers get paid for mileage in addition to annual salary.
The Commitment!
Paid training continues to be a great incentive since the demand of truckers are growing each year, but let us not circumvent the commitment involved. The trucking companies agree to train drivers; therefore, in return they require services and commitment. Contractual agreements stipulating language terms such as working a certain length of time upon the completion of the training period is required by the drivers.
It is on-the-job, “paid training,” not “free training.”
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