Article - Getting a job driving the big rigs

Hi folks. I recently wrote an article about getting into the trucking business and thought that some of y'all may be interested in reading it.

I'd love to hear any comments you may have.

http://www.infobarrel.com/How_to_get_a_Driving_Job_Driving_the_Big_Rigs__What_You_Need_to_Know

Best regards,

Ed

 

Thanks for the input mgfg. You aren't the first to comment on that part of the article. I should have elaborated further on the "driver shortages".

You've made some interesting and valid points.

I still contend, however, that there are shortages. Here's my reasoning.

Most large OTR fleets have open trucks available and sure, many of these companies fill them with new CDL holders who are usually paid lower than fair wages - sometimes much lower. Many of these same companies embrace the "revolving door" business model.

There are, however, many other companies who value drivers and offer fair wages and programs designed towards driver retention. Unfortunately, what most people hear about is the former situation. The other piece of the puzzle, in regards to driver shortages, is that many of the companies that have a shortage of drivers don't hire new drivers.

Take my situation for example. I work for a tanker company and I haul crude oil in South Texas. When I stated this job a year ago there were maybe 7 or 8 companies hauling crude in this area. There's now probably 27 or 28 companies and every single one is crying for drivers and recruiting between companies happens all the time. As a result, my company just last week implemented an across the board pay raise for all crude oil loads. This shoudl result in a $150-$200 per week pay raise - just to retain drivers.

You said: "When's the last time you read in ANY business paper or magazine about a business owner or shipper that was lamenting about an prolonged truck shortage? Again try never! "

Well, here's just a few examples to contradict your claim.

Aug 25, 2011 from Bloomberg
July 20, 2011 from Arizona Central
Aug 29, 2011 from The Seattle Times
American Trucking Association

So, in summary, I could have done a better job in the article on the point of driver shortages and in fact I have an edit in for review from InfoBarrel on this and another section of the article.

The intent of the article is to be helpful to anyone looking into driving as a career. I hope it acomplishes this goal.

Be safe out there drivers!

Ed

 

Thanks Nashville! I like your city!

 

No, as I said "you made some interesting and valid comments". Drivers are indeed viewed by many as a commodity. It's not right, but that's the way it is with may of the "driver mill" companies.

As for the ATA, well, no matter who I used as a resource I should expect to get some who don't like it.