Are You Ready And Able To Be A Truck Driver?
Now that you've done your homework on the industry, it's time to do homework on yourself.Are you really ready to be a professional truck driver?
More importantly, are you able to be a professional truck driver?
How is your driving record? Do you have a recent DWI/DUI? Do you have multiple speeding tickets? Careless or reckless citations? Have your driving privileges ever been suspended or revoked?
While your driving record doesn't have to be spotless, it does have to be relatively safe. Any of the situations mentioned above will be a problem for you when applying for truck driving job.
It will be well worth your time and the small expense involved in obtaining a copy of your driving record before you begin your job search. Check with your local DMV to see how to obtain a copy of your MVR (Motor Vehicle Record). Your insurance agent may able to provide you with a copy as well.
Have you ever been arrested? Do you have a felony conviction in your background? Is there an outstanding warrant issued on you? Would you fail a drug screen?
If you answered yes to any of these questions your chances of getting a job in the trucking industry are limited and you should consider another line of work.
How is your overall health? If you have high blood pressure, diabetes, vision or hearing impairments or other physical limitations, you may have problems meeting the medical certification standards required by the DOT (Department of Transportation).
What are your current day to day responsibilities? Do you own a car? Do you own or rent or a house? Is there a friend or family member that depends on you for personal care? Are you involved any clubs, organizations or social activities that require your attendance?
While these situations won't hinder your ability to get hired, they may create a hardship on your family and friends. Remember, you are likely to be gone from home for days/weeks at a time. Who is going to feed your dog, mow your lawn, pay your bills, take care of your grandmother?
Who is going to fix your hot water heater when it breaks down at 3:00 AM in the morning while you are asleep in your truck in upstate New York?
Are you really ready and able to take a truck driving job and become a professional truck driver?
