Truck driving careers: stages and prospects

The United States is the country, which economical state depends not least on the freight transport by road. Nearly 70 percents of all cargoes are carried by surface vehicles. That’s why the demand for truck drivers is quite high in the US nowadays. We’re going to consider the main peculiarities of this job and its milestones.

What is needed to drive trucks?

The skill requirements for truck driving careers are in most cases general: an applicant should put in a strong performance in driving under real-life conditions, rearrangement and parking. Having got the license, you still need to get the authorization for driving a heavy truck transport. For this purpose, one should complete the study course at one of the special schools. It will cost nearly $1,000-2,000, depending on the state. After that, you pass the next exam and get the CDL license. Now the roads of the US are open for you.

Truck driving careers: how much can one earn?

On the average, the salary of an American long-distance trucker amounts to $1,500 per week. Those who own personal trucks have higher earnings. However, taking into account taxes, repair and insurance costs the difference makes 3,000 - 4,500$ per month.

The salary depends of course on the prestige value of the company you’re working for and price of cargo. The newcomers won’t be allowed to carry cargoes of high value. At the first of a truck driving career, you probably will deal with construction materials, furniture or foodstuff. In case one works for 2-3 years establishing a good reputation, the level of trust will raise, and the salary as well. The experienced and laborious long-distance truckers manage to earn up to $10,000 per month.

A matter of experience and skills

All long-distance trucks which transfer dangerous cargoes are marked with special signs. There are five main groups of them: explosive, inflammable, poisonous, corroding agents and radioactive elements. Those drivers who carry such cargoes are equipped with all necessary documents. Besides, they have to follow the speed regulations.

Drivers who transport extremely dangerous cargoes, that is, explosive devices and radioactive elements, shall complete training at a special school and receive all necessary information on carried freights. The ability to act correctly in emergency situations is very important for them. The great companies even have their own training bases where they teach to “pull” the truck out of drifts or place it in the ditch if needed.

The amount of those who finished school and have right to carry extremely dangerous cargoes is about 3 percents of the general amount of drivers. They are considered a sort of “beau monde” of the profession, and their salary starts from $100,000 per year.