Unlock Your Career Potential as a CDL Driver
Learn about the role of a CDL driver and the attractive salary and benefits it offers, and gain valuable insights into the world of truck driving. At Roadmaster Drivers School, we provide you with knowledge and resources to help you embark on a successful career as a CDL driver.
What is a CDL Driver?
Additional knowledge, experience, skills, and physical capabilities are required to operate a commercial motor vehicle than driving a non-commercial vehicle. To drive a commercial motor vehicle, the driver must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) of the appropriate class. To obtain a CDL, applicants must pass knowledge and skills tests that meet these higher standards. Holding a CDL means drivers are held to higher expectations when operating any vehicle on the road, and any serious traffic violations could affect their ability to keep their CDL license or maintain gainful employment in the transportation industry.
What does a truck driver do?
The main job of a truck driver is to safely transport goods over the road with a tractor-trailer or heavy truck. Truck drivers can transport various items, and their routes can be regional or national. Some truck driver jobs require drivers to be home every night, while others require them to be on the road for days or weeks.
In addition to driving safely on the road and following traffic laws, truck drivers are also commonly responsible for:
- Inspecting the truck for safe operating conditions
- Loading and unloading the truck
- Completing necessary paperwork for each delivery
- Maintaining a log of hours on the road and any relevant information
How much does a professional truck driver get paid?
There are several factors that influence a truck driver’s pay, including the truck they drive, experience level, and driving record.
In general, the average annual wage is up to $64,064* . That means a Class A CDL truck driver can expect to make up to $1,232* weekly.
Average weekly earnings of general freight and long-distance driving are available on the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) website.
What are the benefits of being a CDL driver?
There are many benefits of being a CDL truck driver, including:
- Travel – Over-the-road truck drivers can explore the country more than they typically would in another job.
- Independence – Employers will give truck drivers instructions for where and when to make deliveries, but they often work independently to accomplish their duties. They can often choose their route and set a work schedule that works for them.
- Salary – the high demand for CDL truck drivers means a steady source of income is generally available.
- Employee benefits – many truck drivers receive employee benefits such as medical, vision, dental, and life insurance.
- Career advancement – Many types of commercial vehicles need drivers and routes. Getting started as a CDL driver opens the door for many other commercial driving opportunities and positions within the transportation industry.
How can I get started as a CDL driver?
Getting started as a CDL truck driver is not as difficult as expected. The first step is to have a valid driver’s license with a good driving record. While traffic violations won’t automatically disqualify you from obtaining a CDL, they are essential factors CDL driving schools and carriers consider.
You must also complete a physical exam that states you are healthy enough to operate as a CDL driver safely. Some medical conditions may prevent you from becoming a truck driver due to various federal and state regulations relative to safety. These conditions are mandated by the federal government and are checked for at the required Department of Transportation (DOT) physical. An approved medical examiner on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) National Registry must conduct a DOT physical examination.
You have to train to be a truck driver. To get a Class A CDL license, you must receive theory and practical training operating a commercial motor vehicle. Truck driving schools, like Roadmaster, allow you to enjoy hands-on training to jumpstart training for your career as a truck driver. At Roadmaster, you can receive your training and Class A CDL in about a month.
As you study for your CDL exam, it’s a great time to search for a truck-driving job. Depending on the situation, up to 100% of your monthly tuition cost could be reimbursed while working for a carrier, and you could have a truck driver career lined up so you are ready to start when you finish training and obtain your CDL. If you attend a truck driving school like Roadmaster, a career services associate will help you apply for your first job and assist you in getting your new career started. They will review your job applications, help you submit them to potential employers, follow up with them, and notify you of employment offer letters.
If you are ready to start your career as a professional truck driver, contact Roadmaster by filling out the application form or calling 1-800-831-1300.