Your have received your CDL license, and now you are ready to find a job behind the wheel. But where do you go? Thankfully, there are plenty of options available to you to help you find the position you are looking for.
Your truck driving school
One of the first places that you can go to find a job is back to your truck driving school. Some truck driving schools will offer job placement services, helping to introduce you to companies looking for drivers. Others may have a current list of trucking companies that are hiring which you could consider applying for. It never hurts to check back with your truck driving school as you start your job search, particularly if you did well while you were there.
The classifieds
Like other jobs, you can find truck driving jobs in your local classifieds. This can be a good way to find trucking jobs for local routes, though some cross-country companies may also advertise in the larger newspapers. Keep in mind that hundreds or even thousands of truck drivers may see these ads, so be prepared to respond to ads that interest you right away.
Another place to look is in the classifieds in any publication intended for truckers. Whether it is an auto trading magazine or a catalog of truck accessories, you could find trucker jobs advertised by some of the bigger companies.
The internet
The internet remains one of the most valuable resources for a job search. Not only will the internet help you to find local truck driving jobs, but you can find trucking jobs in locations throughout the country. Want to relocate to California? The internet can help you find a company hiring in that area. Keep in mind that certain companies or routes may be in higher demand than others, so you’ll want to keep that resume polished for any potential employers.
Other drivers
Another source to help you find opportunities is talking to other drivers. Some companies will be so outgoing about job openings that they will post advertisements on the back of the 18-wheelers driven by their employees. These often include a number that you can call to find out more information.
Also, as a truck driver, you are going to spend a lot of time in truck stops fueling up, taking breaks, and eating meals. This can provide you with a great opportunity to talk with other truckers. Find out what they like about the company they work for and what they don’t. If you think that a company might interest you, see if they are willing to give you the contact information of the human resources department or their supervisor. From there you can inquire if the company is hiring and what you will need to do to apply.
As long as you are diligent, there are plenty of resources available to you that make finding trucking jobs easy for those who are qualified.
Make sure you do your research on any trucking company. We worked for a company that was bought out just after 2 1/2 yrs there. They said nothing would change, wrong they changed everything from my terminal to my pay. They made promises just so they could keep the company for the two rail heads that the property provided to them. Celadon was the company they will make promises they can not keep. They rather hire people off the streets then from the companies they buy up. This way they can pay the new ones what they want to pay. So beware they may just buy you company next!!
I would like to vent my personal experience with former employers who are less than up front with what they say to get you in the door. Why is it that when financial institutions lie to us, they are put on the hot seat. Most employers have the “90 day” probation period for new hires. Why doesn’t the same apply to an employee also? I mean truly, if I don’t like the way things look in the “90 day”, why should I suffer down the road later because I didn’t stick it out for over a year. My point is the recent experience when trying to apply for a new job and told that I wasn’t at the last place long enough. I don’t know very many people who stay with something they don’t like, right. You don’t like the neighborhood, you move, food isn’t good, you don’t eat it again, get my point? I need a income just like all of us do, but at what cost?
Dont even tink about it today , find a good job else where. you will be home more, better pay, less stress, more freedom, and less bull !!!!, and better insurance. trucking today is a dieing thing.
I am learning along with my husband about the ins and outs of trucking. He is considered “local”, but goes to other states everyday. His days are 14-17 hours long by the time he gets home, but he really has no family time. This paid by the mile is crazy. He has to drive 100 miles, before he makes $36.00. If he has a live load he doesn’t get paid until he has waited 1-1/2 hours (which they always seem to just make it.) before he can go on the clock. Would the trucking firm be more efficent if he was on the clock? Then there would be truckers taking advantage – stopping for lunch, etc on the clock.
The health insurance is a joke, especially if you have one or more family members with serious health issues.
Does anyone know about driving for the teamsters?
Safe driving and Merry Christmas.