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