FAQ about Truck Driver Jobs
1. How does Truckers Dispatch work?
2. Am I required to get a CDL?
3. Will I have to attend a company-owned truck driving school?
4. What's the next step if I already have my Class A CDL?
5. Why are local routes so hard to come by?
6. Are family members allowed on my routes?
9. What could possibly disqualify me from becoming a truck driver?
10. What are the requirements to become a truck driver?
11. What are the driving schedules like?
12. What is the difference between OTR and dedicated runs?
13. What driving positions are available if I fill out the Truckers Dispatch application?
14. How can Truckers Dispatch help me if I don.t have any driving experience or a CDL?
15. What happens after I apply?
16. Will I be employed by Truckers Dispatch?
17. What type of information will I need to provide?
18. Will anyone else see my personal information?
20. If I have a felony, can I still apply?
21. How much experience do I need?
22. Where can I find a CDL training school?
23. Where can I learn more information about the trucking industry?
1. How does Truckers Dispatch work?
Truckers Dispatch specializes in matching individuals looking for rewarding truck driving jobs with the top trucking companies in the nation. With a massive shortage of truck drivers in the transportation industry, truck driving companies are willing to pay top-dollar for safe and experienced drivers. When you fill out our application, it is sent to an experienced Truckers Dispatch recruiting agent who will contact you directly. Your agent will work with you to determine which truck driving companies can meet your career goals and provide you with the best job opportunities. We work with you every step of the way to ensure you get the best truck driving job available - all at zero cost to you.
2. Am I required to get a CDL?
As required by the U.S. Department of Transportation, all commercial truck drivers are required to obtain a Class A commercial driver.s license (CDL).
3. Will I have to attend a company-owned truck driving school?
Absolutely not. Most truck driving companies only require drivers to have a Class A CDL. If you do not already have the license, most truck driving companies will pay for your training, which may be at their own truck driving school or an independent training facility. If you are paying for school out of your own pocket, company-owned truck driving schools are often more affordable.
4. What's the next step if I already have my Class A CDL?
Start driving! Truck drivers with less than six months driving experience are typically still considered students so you will need to drive safely for several months before you become an experienced driver. Since you already have your CDL, Truckers Dispatch will help you find the best truck driving jobs available in your area.
5. Why are local routes so hard to come by?
Available local routes require a limited number of drivers and are usually filled up quickly by experienced drivers. Most truck driving companies prefer to have new drivers gain a few years of driving experience and learn how to safely operate a big rig before they are given a local route.
6. Are family members allowed on my routes?
This depends on the carrier you are employed with. Many allow their drivers to bring along passengers such as a spouse or even a beloved pet!
A DAC is a report that is kept on every commercial truck driver that consists of two parts. First is the MVR (motor vehicle report) which truck driving companies use to check the driving record of applicants. The second part is the work history of the applicant. Since truck driving companies use these reports to verify the information provided by applicants, it is very important that you are honest and candid about your driving past.
CPM is a frequently used pay scale in the truck driving industry meaning cents per mile. Companies that use CPM wages pay their drivers a certain amount for every mile they drive. For example, if you drove 1,000 miles and your employer paid $.50 CPM, you would earn $500.
9. What could possibly disqualify me from becoming a truck driver?
Many truck driving companies will not hire applicants who have been convicted of a major felony crime within the past 10 years. This includes convictions for selling drugs, robbery, arson, kidnapping, terrorism, and serious sex-crimes. All truck driving carriers perform background checks on applicants so please be honest about your past on the application.
10. What are the requirements to become a truck driver?
While each truck driving company will have its own set of requirements that each driver must meet, there are general requirements that are fairly standard. Such requirements typically include the driver must be at least 21 years old, speak English, have a regular driver.s license issued by the state in which they live, a clean driving record, and no DUI or DWI convictions within the past two years.
11. What are the driving schedules like?
Many truck drivers just starting out will spend 14-17 days driving out on the road, then a few days home. Once you.ve gained a few years driving experience, you will be more likely to get a local or regional route that allows you to be home every night.
12. What is the difference between OTR and dedicated runs?
OTR refers to over the road which means you drive whatever route your trucking carrier needs completed. You may be on the road for two weeks or two days, depending on the route. Drivers who drive dedicated runs make the same routes over and over.
13. What driving positions are available if I fill out the Truckers Dispatch application?
There are a wide range of different positions available with the carriers we work with, including OTR, dedicated runs, and even local routes. The specific truck driving jobs that will be available to you depend on where you live, your skills and experience, and your job preferences. No matter what, we have all the connections needed to get you the best possible truck driving job out there.
14. How can Truckers Dispatch help me if I don.t have any driving experience or a CDL?
No experience is not a problem! We can match you with a truck driving company that will pay for your training. Some of the companies we work with will even pay you wages during your training or offer bonuses when you graduate. Click here for more information
15. What happens after I apply?
After your application is received, a Truckers Dispatch recruiting agent will contact you and answer any questions you may have. The agent will put together a packet with all your information and send it to our contacts at certain truck driving companies. Once your application is approved by a truck driving company, you will be scheduled for truck driving school if you are an inexperienced driver or orientation if you have driving experience.
16. Will I be employed by Truckers Dispatch?
Truckers Dispatch works with a large network of trucking companies throughout the United States to help you find the job you are looking for. Once we have matched you up with a carrier, they will work with you through the hiring process.
17. What type of information will I need to provide?
Like any other job application, you.ll need to provide your past work experience, contact information, and social security number. The trucking carriers will then use this information to run background and driving checks to qualify you for the position. Being honest on your application will provide you with the best job opportunity.
18. Will anyone else see my personal information?
The information you provide is stored in our secure database and is not distributed in any way without your permission. The only person with access to your information is your personal recruiting agent.
The Department of Transportation (DOT) is the governmental agency that sets laws, regulations, and requirements for all issues dealing with transportation. Commercial vehicles and licensing are under the governing powers of this agency.
20. If I have a felony, can I still apply?
There are some trucking companies that offer job opportunities to felons. Be sure to list any felonies you have been convicted of on your application, so Truckers Dispatch can forward your application to the appropriate companies.
21. How much experience do I need?
Most trucking companies do like experienced drivers, but they also understand that new drivers have to start somewhere. On your application make sure to express a willingness to participate in training, so companies know you are a dedicated applicant. Most trucking companies will pay for your CDL training.
22. Where can I find a CDL training school?
Truckers Dispatch has established a large network of CDL training schools across the country who are currently seeking students for enrollment. Once Truckers Dispatch receives your application and has matched you with a carrier company that wants to hire you, we.ll work with your employer in deciding which CDL school will be the best option for you.
23. Where can I learn more information about the trucking industry?
Check out our Trucking News page to read transportation and trucking articles
Fill out our application to get started on your new truck driving career!
