If you have ever considered becoming a truck driver, now is the perfect time to do so. Building a rewarding manufacturing career does not mean you have to work in a crowded warehouse or spend hours operating a noisy machine every day. Becoming a truck driver gives you the opportunity to see the country and play an important role in ensuring that finished goods reach wholesalers, retailers, and consumers. Now is one of the best times to change careers, as a truck driver shortage has led some companies to offer free training and other incentives to those willing to accept this type of manufacturing job.
Employers are struggling to fill 25,000 truck driver jobs with people who have the necessary skills and qualifications. Many of these open positions are available because older truck drivers are retiring. Other positions remain unfilled because employers cannot find candidates with the right qualifications. A truck driver must have a clean driving record and a commercial driver's license, so not everyone qualifies for the job. As a result, some trucking companies are offering free training programs or reimbursing new employees for the cost of their training. To make trucking jobs more attractive, employers are also offering sign-on bonuses and wage increases. Whether you qualify for these incentives depends on where you live, as the shortage is more severe in some areas than others. Utah, for example, has a shortage of 5,000 truck drivers.
If you are a veteran, you have an even greater advantage when moving from your current manufacturing job to a career as a truck driver. The US Department of Transportation has earmarked $1 million to train veterans for truck driving and other transportation jobs. The DOT will distribute the grant money to six colleges in the United States. If you drove a military vehicle during your service, you may even be able to skip the skills portion of the commercial driver's license test, as per a DOT ruling finalized in 2011. Check with your state department of transportation to see if the ruling applies in your area.
If you decide to enroll in a training program, the program will prepare you for the challenges of truck driver jobs. The content of each program varies by school, but you will learn about federal safety regulations, driver safety issues, and other topics of importance to commercial drivers. Look for a training school that gives you the opportunity to practice driving, as this is the best way to develop the skills you will need to succeed as a truck driver. When you get a job, ask if tuition reimbursement is available for the training you have already completed.
Truck drivers play an important role in the manufacturing industry, as they transport the materials used to produce electronics, clothing, and other products. When manufacturers finish producing these items, truck drivers transport the goods all over the country and ensure that they reach their intended destinations. If you want to have a positive impact on the economy, consider using your work experience to build a career as a truck driver.
(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)
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