3 answers
Eric
Student
Elk River, Minnesota
3
Questions
Updated
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How do I get into Heavy Truck Driving?
I'm in 10th grade and I want to know how to get into Heavy Truck Driver? I want to know what schooling I would need for Heavy Truck Driving? I want to do this career in my future because it is something that I would enjoy doing for my job in the future.
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3 answers
Roland Mansour
I manage Partners for Microsoft across Middle East and Africa
5
Answers
Dublin, County Dublin
Updated
Roland’s Answer
HI Eric
To become a heavy truck driver, you typically need to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) and complete a training program. The specific requirements for obtaining a CDL may vary depending on your location, but generally, you will need to be at least 18 years old (or 21 years old for interstate driving), have a valid driver's license, pass a physical exam, and pass a written knowledge test and a skills test. You can find CDL training programs at community colleges, vocational schools, and truck driving schools. These programs typically include classroom instruction and hands-on training with a qualified instructor. Once you have completed your training and obtained your CDL, you can begin looking for job opportunities as a heavy truck driver.
To become a heavy truck driver, you typically need to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL) and complete a training program. The specific requirements for obtaining a CDL may vary depending on your location, but generally, you will need to be at least 18 years old (or 21 years old for interstate driving), have a valid driver's license, pass a physical exam, and pass a written knowledge test and a skills test. You can find CDL training programs at community colleges, vocational schools, and truck driving schools. These programs typically include classroom instruction and hands-on training with a qualified instructor. Once you have completed your training and obtained your CDL, you can begin looking for job opportunities as a heavy truck driver.
Devin Wielar
Senior Customer Support Specialist
8
Answers
Joplin, Missouri
Updated
Devin’s Answer
Hey Eric,
Michelle has an excellent resource that could be a game-changer for you. As a former truck driver, I'd advise you to first identify which type of truck driving suits your lifestyle best. There are three main types: long haul, short haul, and occupational.
Long haul drivers embark on extensive journeys, offering you the chance to explore the country. However, this does mean spending significant time away from home. Short haul drivers, on the other hand, work on established routes within a specific region, often allowing them to return home daily. Occupational drivers specialize in a particular field, such as hauling equipment for construction or oilfield work, delivering materials, or driving for farms. While the pay may be slightly less than long and short haul drivers, occupational drivers enjoy more home time and often have the chance to acquire additional skills.
Remember, to drive across state lines, you must be at least 21. However, you can sometimes secure a restricted license at 18. The military offers truck driving training, which can later be transferred to a civilian license, potentially doubling your income and providing valuable experience. I'd highly recommend considering a professional school for your CDL, and aim to secure additional endorsements for Tankers and Hazardous materials. These could boost your earnings or at least open up more opportunities.
If the military isn't your preferred route, consider working at a distribution facility. Here, you can gain firsthand experience loading and unloading trucks, which will prepare you for driving school.
I'd also urge you to stay diligent in your high school studies. While a college degree isn't necessary for truck driving, a strong grasp of geography is beneficial. Plus, education fosters rational thinking, a crucial skill for a truck driver who often works independently and must make decisions without guidance. The ability to think logically and make reasoned decisions will serve you well in this field.
Michelle has an excellent resource that could be a game-changer for you. As a former truck driver, I'd advise you to first identify which type of truck driving suits your lifestyle best. There are three main types: long haul, short haul, and occupational.
Long haul drivers embark on extensive journeys, offering you the chance to explore the country. However, this does mean spending significant time away from home. Short haul drivers, on the other hand, work on established routes within a specific region, often allowing them to return home daily. Occupational drivers specialize in a particular field, such as hauling equipment for construction or oilfield work, delivering materials, or driving for farms. While the pay may be slightly less than long and short haul drivers, occupational drivers enjoy more home time and often have the chance to acquire additional skills.
Remember, to drive across state lines, you must be at least 21. However, you can sometimes secure a restricted license at 18. The military offers truck driving training, which can later be transferred to a civilian license, potentially doubling your income and providing valuable experience. I'd highly recommend considering a professional school for your CDL, and aim to secure additional endorsements for Tankers and Hazardous materials. These could boost your earnings or at least open up more opportunities.
If the military isn't your preferred route, consider working at a distribution facility. Here, you can gain firsthand experience loading and unloading trucks, which will prepare you for driving school.
I'd also urge you to stay diligent in your high school studies. While a college degree isn't necessary for truck driving, a strong grasp of geography is beneficial. Plus, education fosters rational thinking, a crucial skill for a truck driver who often works independently and must make decisions without guidance. The ability to think logically and make reasoned decisions will serve you well in this field.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1879
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Eric !
It's great to know that you are planning your career early and I found a website that actually has everything you need to know about becoming a truck driver. It will explain the education process, scholarships, how to compare schools and a list of the schools in MN and other states. The website is All Trucking and I have provided the link below. After reading this comprehensive website that has just about everything you need to know, you will be well on your way to knowing which path to take. There seems to be a lot of schools so it looks like you can research them before making a final decision as to which one best suits your needs.
There is also a link on that website that gives some insight into the trucking industry in MN. I had a friend in the North East who was a trucker for decades and he did extremely well. I encourage you to follow through with your plans and I hope that this was a bit of help.
https://www.alltrucking.com/cdl-training/minnesota ALL TRUCKING
It's great to know that you are planning your career early and I found a website that actually has everything you need to know about becoming a truck driver. It will explain the education process, scholarships, how to compare schools and a list of the schools in MN and other states. The website is All Trucking and I have provided the link below. After reading this comprehensive website that has just about everything you need to know, you will be well on your way to knowing which path to take. There seems to be a lot of schools so it looks like you can research them before making a final decision as to which one best suits your needs.
There is also a link on that website that gives some insight into the trucking industry in MN. I had a friend in the North East who was a trucker for decades and he did extremely well. I encourage you to follow through with your plans and I hope that this was a bit of help.
Michelle recommends the following next steps: