October 21, 2021 | Fork Freight
The trucking industry is booming right now, with the demand for trucks outpacing the supply. If you are a professional driver or have ever dreamed of being one, this may be your opportunity to get started! This blog post will give you an overview on how to start your career as a trucker and what it takes.
Truckers are needed everywhere in the U.S., but certain areas need drivers more than others. These include major cities like New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago and Houston; as well as big distribution centers like Memphis or Atlanta.
The problem is that many people don’t understand how to become a trucker.
There’s a lot involved in the process, and it can be difficult to know where you should begin. Here are five steps for getting started.
The first step is having your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). You need to get this license before you apply at an employer. It requires taking a written test that covers driving and road rules, and a driving test in your state. This license must be renewed every few years to stay current with updates to trucking laws. It can train you on everything from how to load different types of freight, secure cargo properly and safely drive the vehicle itself.
You will also learn about DOT regulations that are required by law for professional drivers. You can get paid while you are in training, so the money is coming fast!
The second step is to get a job. Trucking companies are hiring drivers right now, so you should have no trouble finding employment if you qualify and want the position. There are several types of jobs you may find, including local trucking company with a small fleet or larger companies that keep trucks on the road for long periods of time.
You might also find work as a contractor with one of the big nationwide companies, where you are an independent employee driving your own truck for load and delivery services.
One great recommendation will be to subscribe to a load board platform, where you can search available loads and apply for them. Fork Freight is the most cutting-edge, real-time load board on the market, not just due to its rock bottom pricing system, but also because of its revolutionary features that will help you develop your business quickly.
The third step is to become familiar with DOT regulations and requirements. These regulations are in place to keep you and others safe on the road, so it is important that you know them inside and out!
The fourth step is to be aware of your rights as a trucker. You need to know what benefits are available for you if any issues arise with an employer, or how to handle things if you are in an accident.
The fifth step is to get insured. Truck drivers are required to be covered under their own insurance policy while they’re on the road, even if they don’t own a truck or trailer themselves. This is for your safety and protection in case of an accident that causes damage to other people’s property or injuries to others.
The sixth step is to get your equipment. You will need a truck, of course! If you’re looking for one on the used market, be sure to find out what kind of maintenance schedule it has had recently so that you know when things might break down and how often they have been replaced.
Trucking can be a rewarding career for those who want to travel and work independently. It’s not easy, but if you put in the time and effort it takes to learn about trucking laws and regulations, this career is incredibly fulfilling.
Trucking companies are hiring all the time, so if you’re interested in this career path it’s a great idea to get started now.
Fork Freight is the place truck drivers go to find their next big load. With over 200K loads posted daily, we’re sure you’ll be able to get a job and make some real money! Come check us out today: Signup
More about the shortage of truckers across the US https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-08-02/a-trucking-crisis-has-the-u-s-looking-for-more-drivers-abroad
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