| The demand for truckers is very high, and it is | | | | prior to being hired. As part of this check, companies |
| relatively easy for most qualified truckers to find | | | | will pull any criminal records and copies of your Motor |
| steady work. Nonetheless, some researchers estimate | | | | Vehicle Driving record from all states in which you |
| that as many of 15% of drivers, even those with | | | | have a driver's license (commercial or non-commercial). |
| extensive experience, get disqualified when applying | | | | Companies will also see a copy of your DAC report |
| for a trucking position. Why are so many truckers | | | | which will reveal previous driving jobs, any accidents in |
| getting turned away if the need for trucker is so high? | | | | which you were involve, and notes of any problems |
| It all has to do with being organized. | | | | with former employers. |
| The key to landing a trucking job is being prepared and | | | | If there is anything on your record that might be |
| knowing what to expect when seeking a trucking job. | | | | questionable, it is very important that you disclose this |
| Most often, truckers start the hiring process by | | | | to the recruiter right away. It is much better to be |
| speaking to a trucking recruiter. Recruiters frequently | | | | professional and proactive upfront than to have the |
| hire only for one company (the company they work | | | | recruiter undercover some nasty information on their |
| for themselves), so it may be to your advantage to | | | | own. A potential employer is going to need to know |
| shop around and talk to a number of different | | | | about any incidents, or accidents, for at least the |
| recruiters to find the position that is the best fit for you. | | | | previous three years. Be sure to hold onto all incident |
| If you do speak with a number of recruiters, be sure to | | | | records, including accident reports and tickets, so that |
| take notes so you can keep track of who said what. | | | | you can provide this documentation if needed. |
| Never lie to a recruiter when seeking a trucking job. | | | | Nearly all reputable companies will also require that you |
| The truth will come out eventually and it is much better | | | | undergo a drug screening, so be prepared to certify |
| that you be completely honest from the beginning, | | | | that you are drug-free and take a drug test on the |
| even if it means disclosing some negative information, | | | | spot if you are offered a position. Your offer will be |
| than to lie and get caught for it later. Recruiters will ask | | | | contingent upon the successful results of the test. |
| you for a variety of information, so be sure to have | | | | If there is anything about your past (or current) medical |
| the following on hand: | | | | health that might bring up concerns about your ability to |
| - A current, non-expired CDL with an accurate home | | | | perform your duties as a trucker, be prepared to show |
| address | | | | a doctor's note that releases you to work. Although, by |
| - Your work history for at least the last 3 years (some | | | | law, recruiters cannot ask about your medical health |
| recruiters may want 5 or 10 years of history). If you | | | | prior to offering you a position, an offer can be |
| have been unemployed for some of this time, you will | | | | rescinded if you are not able to certify your ability to |
| need to provide solid professional references to | | | | do the job. If you have recently had a medical ailment, |
| account for this period. | | | | surgery, or are taking any sort of prescription medicine, |
| - The names and contact information for all of your | | | | chances are high that you will be required to present a |
| former employers. | | | | medical doctor's release noted that you are cleared |
| - Proof of your work history including old W2 tax | | | | for commercial tractor trailer driving with no restrictions. |
| forms, reference letters, or DOT numbers. This | | | | Finally, be prepared to a road test and pass the |
| information will be especially helpful if any of the | | | | necessary DOT physical upon receiving an offer. If |
| companies you worked for previously have since | | | | you haven't been behind the wheel in a while, make |
| gone out of business. | | | | sure you brush up on your driving skills. You will not get |
| - A copy of your driving record or MVR | | | | a second test to take the test if you fail it so you want |
| - Proof of eligibility to work in the United States. You | | | | to be sharp the very first time to step into the |
| will be required to complete an I-9 form upon hire, so | | | | company's cab. |
| be sure you have valid documentation to show that | | | | Although the hiring process to secure a trucking job |
| you are eligibly for hire. | | | | may be long and tedious, the payoff is well worth your |
| New Homeland Security regulations require that al | | | | effort. So if you've made it though all of these steps |
| commercial truckers undergo a background check | | | | successfully, congratulations. You're hired! |