Drivers all over the country come to the profession a little differently. Some people have grown up around trucks their whole lives, while others may be looking for a new career. Whether you’re looking to get your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) or are still trying to get a handle on trucking, finding truck driving jobs with training is something that requires some planning and specific considerations. Whatever your current situation, we’ll provide some tips on company training programs and other types of driver education courses!
As many professionals will probably tell you, finding trucking companies that pay for training can make a massive difference in the beginning of one’s career. And while it’s easy to jump at the first opportunity that boasts flashy benefits, you’ll want to know that your training will carry you to even greater positions over time. Whether you’re looking to work for a large company or eventually become an owner-operator, choosing the right program is key to your success.
Basic Tips for Trucking Companies that Pay for Training
Consider the Program’s Length
Something that many new drivers consider is the overall length of a driving program. Even though shorter courses may seem very appealing to someone just looking to start making a salary, it’s not always the most advantageous route. Shortened or accelerated training programs may lack the right amount of time drivers should spend getting practice behind the wheel — ultimately generating safety hazards as a result of less practice and experience. When you start your career, you’ll want to have the confidence that employers can trust your skills. This will serve to build a solid foundation for the rest of your career and keep your driving record in tip-top shape!
At the same time, driving programs that are excessively lengthy can have their own range of drawbacks. Besides using more of your time and resources to complete them, longer CDL courses may actually cause drivers to forget material covered at the start of a course. Things that require muscle memory such as shifting and responding to road conditions and hazards may be diminished without the right balance of book-learning and actual driving experience.
Think About When / Where You’ll Be Driving
Although it’s obvious once you’re working as a commercial driver, those who seek truck driving jobs with training in areas which they won’t actually be working can have some negative effects. Getting your training in Arizona won’t exactly translate to driving in mountainous upstate New York and vice versa. Differences in terrain can be great ways to gain first-hand experience, although it can also be a risk for new drivers and the companies providing their training.
Additionally, finding truck driving jobs with training in the summer months can have an effect on your comfortability driving in winter conditions. Sure, you’ll have to encounter each type of terrain and weather at some point in your career, but it’s important to be aware of this when you’re searching for training in the first place.
Consider the Cost of Training
It may be cliche, but it stays true even when dealing with finding a training program for you — “you get what you pay for.”
In many cases, the amount of money you’re willing to shell out to get started in your trucking career is a basic way to tell the quality of the training and experience you’ll receive. Whether you’re seeking truck driving jobs with training included or just a standalone program, always be sure to compare the resources and basic features made available with the overall cost. If a program seems to offer only the standard training but is considerably more expensive, consider the standing of the program and how many of their students actually get solid jobs following their education.
When it comes to company training, you will often have the ability to work off the cost of your training with the added benefit of guaranteed employment. This is often the most appealing route for many drivers since it serves as a way for people to get a sense of the company’s culture and current needs. As long as you finish your training, you’ll be on the fast track to making a great salary with a manageable way to pay off your debt!
Check out all of our student commercial driving jobs and apply today to really get your career on the road to success!
June 2, 2018
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