FAQ about Truck Driver Jobs
1. What does Truckers Dispatch do?
Truckers Dispatch connects people looking for trucking jobs with the trucking carriers looking for drivers. There is a massive shortage of truck drivers, and there are a lot of people looking to be drivers. We are the link that connects those two groups. People come to our site and fill out the application. That application is immediately sent to a professional Truckers Dispatch agent. This agent looks over the application and then calls the applicant. Together, they discuss what jobs are available and what would be the best fit. The agent then collects the information, puts together a packet and sends it to our contacts at the trucking company. The trucking company then approves the applicant and schedules either school (for in-experienced driver) or orientation (for experienced drivers). All of this is done at zero cost to you.
2. Do I need to attend a company-owned CDL school?
Absolutely not. Most trucking companies simply require the CDL Class A drivers license. If you don't have this license, then the companies are willing to pay for you to attend school – sometimes this is their school and sometimes it is an independent school. If you are thinking about paying for a school yourself, the company-owned schools often are less expensive.
3. What if I already have my CDL Class A License?
Just start driving! Many companies consider someone with a CDL Class A license as a student until they get 6 months worth of driving experience. The only way to become an experienced driver is to drive safely for several months to a few years. Then, you will become one of the most sought-after drivers in the nation. There is a shortage of drivers, and carriers are willing to pay top dollar for the best drivers.
4. Why should I even get a CDL license?
The Class A Commercial Drivers License is absolutely required to be a truck driver. Once you are licensed, you will have the ability to get a job at anytime in the future, due to the huge shortage of truck drivers in the USA. Some analysts predict that the shortage will grow to 100,000 drivers in 10-15 years…talk about job security!!!
5. I want a local route. Why are they so hard to come by?
Because local routes only require a limited number of drivers they tend to fill up quickly by drivers who have a number of years of experience. New drivers have a particularly tough time getting local routes. Most trucking companies want you to get a few years experience first. They don't want you driving around town if you are just learning how to drive the big trucks. Potential for lots of accidents! Eventually, you will be able to get one of these jobs. Just like the rookie quarterback, put in your time and you will make it to the Super bowl. It will simply take a few years to get some experience first.
6. Can I bring family members with me on my routes?
This mainly depends on the carrier. Most companies allow passengers such as spouses and/or children. Some even allow for a small pet!
7. What is an MVR and DAC?
These are reports related to your driving record. The trucking carriers will pull these reports for every single applicant that comes through the system. You can’t escape your past! This is why it is so important to be honest on your application, because the carriers will eventually find out what has happened in your driving past, whether it is an accident, a DUI, a ticket, etc.
8. What does CPM mean?
CPM = cents per mile. This is a commonly quoted wage in the trucking industry. For every mile you drive, you get paid a certain amount. For example, Trucking Company A may pay $.43 CPM, while Trucking Company B may pay $.45 CPM. If you drove 1,000 miles with Company B, you would get paid $450 (.45 * 1,000 = $450).
9. What are some of the reasons that the major carriers reject applications?
Basically, if you have a major felony crime in the last 10 years (selling drugs, violent crimes such as assault or using weapons, and sex-related crimes) it will be difficult to get hired as a truck driver. Even if you try and lie about your past, every single trucking carrier will do a background check, a criminal check, and a driving record check. Now, there are some companies that hire felons. But they are few and far between.
10. What are the hiring requirements?
Different trucking companies have different requirements, including age and driving record. But in general, companies want you to be 21 years old, have a drivers license, a relatively clean driving record, no felonies, and no DUI/DWI within the last few years.
11. Do I get to be home every night?
As a truck driver, you only make money when you are driving. Generally, when you start out in the driving industry, carriers want you to be out driving for 14-17 days and then home for a few days. After a few years, you will be able to start getting regional or local routes. Getting experience without accident is key here.
12. What are the characteristics I should look for in a company?
Most new drivers are interested in pay and home time. But a few other things to consider are benefits, equipment, and routes available. At Truckers Dispatch we can find the best possible fit for you among a number of different companies.
13. OTR vs Dedicated Runs
OTR stands for Over the Road. This means that you drive whatever route is needed by the trucking carrier. It could mean driving several states at once and driving many different routes. A dedicated route means you are driving the same route over and over.
14. What positions are available if I apply on Truckers Dispatch?
There are many positions available. Most of the carriers we recruit for are looking for OTR drivers. But there are also many that are seeking dedicated or even local routes. It all depends on how much experience you have, where you live, your preferences, etc. But one thing is for sure: we have all the connections to get you the best possible trucking job out there.
15. I don't have any driving experience nor do I have a CDL.
If you are inexperienced, we will place you with a trucking company that pays for your CDL schooling. Some of the companies we work with actually pay you while you are in school or pay bonuses when you graduate.
Click here for more information
16. Who will contact me after I apply?
A professional Truckers Dispatch recruiting agent will contact you. These are experienced agents who know the trucking industry. Most have been recruiting for years, some have driven, and others have worked for the largest carriers in the industry. The sole mission of these recruiting agents is to find you the best possible driving job. They will always go the extra mile because they don't get paid unless you are placed and happy.
17. Will I be employed by Truckers Dispatch?
No. We are under contract with the trucking companies to find potential drivers. In some cases, they actually allow us to make offers of employment to the applicants. So you will actually be hired by the carrier. The advantage is that we work with and hire for lots for trucking companies. If you apply at just one company, they are the only one that can hire you. If you apply with us, we can potentially get you hired on at a huge bunch of companies.
18. What type of information do I need to provide?
Just the typical stuff that is on a job application. We will need to know your past work experience, your address, your social security number, etc. The trucking carriers will use this info to run background and driving checks.
19. What will be expected of me in this process?
Be prepared to answer a lot of questions. This is basically a job interview. Make sure you follow up on voicemail's and emails. Get ready to accept an offer of employment and be prepared to show up at school/orientation on time and ready to get going.
20. What is the DOT?
DOT stands for Department of Transportation. It is the government agency that deals with the laws, regulations, administration, and requirements of all things dealing with transportation. Commercial vehicles and commercial licensing are governed by this agency.
21. Who will see my information?
The Truckers Dispatch system is very secure. We work on a secure web site and secure database, so the only person that has access to your information is your personal recruiting agent.
22. How can I be positive that my application was successfully submitted?
You will receive an email within minutes after you complete your application that will tell you whether you are approved or rejected. Remember, over 90% of our applicants are accepted!
23. Do I need to be honest on my application?
Being honest on your application will provide you with the best opportunity to get a trucking job.
Click here for more information.
24. If I have a felony, can I still apply?
Although you have a felony, you may still be able to get a truck driver job. When applying on our web site, be sure to list the felonies you have so that we can forward your application to the trucking companies that will often work with felons.
Click here for more information.
25. I have experience as a truck driver, but I haven't been driving for more than a year. Will I be able to find employment?
Yes. Most companies do want experience within the last 6 months, but if you express a willingness to participate in training it shouldn't be a problem. You can address it on your application by including it in the "reason for leaving" on the employment section.
26. How do I find a CDL training school?
Truckers Dispatch has built a large network of schools across the country who are currently seeking students for enrollment. Once we receive your application, a professional recruiter will begin the process of finding you the best trucking jobs. After a trucking company has been located that wants to hire you, Truckers Dispatch will work with your employer to figure out which CDL school will be the best option for you.
27. What trucking jobs are out there for drivers with no experience?
For drivers with no experience the career choice of a truck driver is a fantastic choice. Most trucking companies need you to attend a training school to become familiar with their driving requirements. This schooling is paid for by the trucking companies.
Truck driving career outlook
28. What are the requirements to get a job at a trucking company?
You need to be a US citizen and have a current drivers license. Also, you need to have a desire to move into an exciting career that offers great benefits.
29. I'm not familiar with the trucking industry, where can I learn more?
A great way to learn more about the trucking industry is by reading the transportation and trucking articles found on our trucking news page.
30. This all sounds great, what should I do now?
