Matthew Mann on Truck Driving as a Vocational Career

This blog post originally appeared on Matthew Mann's blog here.

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The demand for truck drivers is a trend that will not be slowing down anytime soon. Truck drivers are the backbone of getting goods from one location to another. While some truck drivers drive locally, most truck drivers travel cross country. Those considering a job as a truck driver must be willing to put in long hours on the road and must be able to live a truck driving lifestyle. They will be embarking on a stable career that will not only reward them with self-fulfillment but a career that will also be financially rewarding.

To become a truck driver an individual will have to obtain their Class A driver's license, which is done by registering and attending a truck driving school. During training, students will usually begin with classroom learning that will give them the fundamentals and knowledge that they need to pass their written test.

Once students pass their written test, they can begin their behind-the-wheel training. Students will have to show that they can maneuver a tractor-trailer safely. They will also need to show that they understand the road signs, rules and regulations while they are on the road. When a student has enough training and has shown their instructors that they can pass the road test, they will be able to use the school's truck to take their official D.M.V. driving test.

Upon passing the road test, an individual will then be the proud owner of a Class A driver's license which allows them to drive a semi-truck. Truck driving school graduates frequently find a job quickly upon graduation as many truck driving schools work closely with companies that are frequently in need of truck drivers. These companies are always eager to add newly licensed truck drivers to their fleet.

Once hired by a company, an individual's work schedule will vary based on the position they were hired for. Local truck drivers will usually work an eight-hour schedule Monday through Friday with some overtime opportunities. Cross-country drivers will frequently have long trips that will keep them away from home for an extended period, but they have a substantially higher income than local drivers. Sometimes they can be on the road for weeks at a time. After gaining some experience as a company truck driver, many individuals decide to become owner-operators which can dramatically increase their pay.

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Matthew Mann is the Director of Education at North American Trade Schools based in Baltimore. With additional locations in Ohio and Pennsylvania, it's Matthew's mission to curate the best vocational education possible for our country's changing economy. Matthew Mann is originally from the Central Pennsylvania area.