How do I become a truck driver in America?

Yes, I’ve researched this before.

Since they don’t have a “truck driver shortage”like the USA you wouldn’t be allowed in.

They have a list of professions needed but truck drivers are not on it.

I posted a link somewhere on the forum about it but too lazy to go looking for it.

 

WORK WITH US | Bison Transport
Bison Transport is one of the larger fleets in US and Canada,they have a lot of immigrants driving for them.They might be able to give you more information.I don't know what they pay.

 

Its not as simple as just going to the US and getting a job, If your from Norway or Sweden there are opportunities to get a working holiday visa for Canada, or Australia which will give you the opportunity to drive in Canada and if your with any of the major Canadian transport companies will be driving into the USA. So you'll get the best of both worlds, also most Canadian companies will offer you Canadian residency unlike with any of the US work visas like a H2a or H2b. So any move to the US will be of a temporary nature if you get a H2a or H2b visa, whereas if you chose the Canadian work option you will gain Canadian residency, and also still be allowed to drive/ haul freight into the US, however any freight you bring in must be going straight into the US and going straight back to Canada with a return load. There is also the option of applying for the DV lottery which is the opportunity the US government gives to people all over the globe to gain US residency and eventual US citizenship, however the catch is with the DV lottery is you must have a minimum of 12 years education or a recognized qualifying trade, and be born in a country that still qualifies for the DV Lottery. The DV lottery is currently open for registration and will close in early November with results available in May 2024. There would be millions of entrants for the DV Lottery so don't get your hopes up to much as only 55 000 are chosen. And you'll need to have the right qualifications to apply for the immigration visa if you win. Unfortunately, being a truck driver is not a recognized skill by the US dept of Labour that would qualify for the DV Lottery.

 

Western parts of Canada are probably easier driving.I reset at the Nova in Edmonton,talking to other drivers they generally like to stay in Canada.Make more money and get home more often.A lot of Bison drivers are from European countries.I see them all the way from Alaska to Texas.

 

Hop a plane to Mexico City and find somebody to sneak you across the border illegally into the US for a few thousand dollars. Then you can get a job driving a truck anywhere once here but I'd suggest once you get across the border make your way to the greater Chicago area before you seek employment. Your illegal status won't be a problem in fact it might be beneficial. There's lot's of Euro companies in Chicago that will gladly give you a job without any red tape. If your English isn't so good that won't be a problem, it's not really a requirement and you can get by with Google translate ok. We need more drivers here in the US. There's always been a shortage. Good luck.

 

Can’t help you on specifics, but apparently it’s an easy process.

 

I think to do this it is easier to try it in canada. At the beginning the right to stay in canada is connectet to your work. Some bigger compynies would be helpful with the imigration. When You want to do this in the US, I see there much more problems with the imigration. In canada it is much easier.
All good
M.

 

1st, welcome aboard, and you made the right decision coming here. 2nd, I. like many, I'm sure, wonder what could possibly be wrong in Scandinavia? We, in America, have so many problems today, one is, too many people looking for that golden ring, that isn't there( anymore) and I suggest to stay put. The hoops and hassles you will encounter, will make anything you may experience as a driver in Europe a piece of cake. Conversely, because of this wonderful machine, the hype for drivers in America is highly overblown. They have to lie, or will surely get nobody. Sadly, much of our truck drivers are people who took a gamble, possibly due to no other choices, and regret it, but are trapped until the debt is paid, if ever.
It can be done,, as mentioned kiddingly( I hope) many do come here from other countries illegally, and can slip through the cracks finding refuge in a truck, for ANY pay. It beats the cardboard box the family was living in, but it attracts sub par drivers that fill the seats, and I've seen what European drivers do, and am mighty impressed, I must say. Some of the schmucks here would never make it there.

 

I would form two plans, one for the US and one for Canada. Others have commented on the US H2b visa programs, which are abused a lot but there are other legal ways to come here. It all depends. I would make a stop at the US consulate or Embassy and talk to someone there, they can be the most useful source of information without coming here.

That said, I would also consider plan B, emigrating to Canada and establishing yourself there and then coming here once you are established there. You can get a green card more easily to allow you to work and live here than if you did it from some countries in Europe.

Either way, unless you have been here before, be prepared for a real shock, it isn't like where you are now, nothing is.

Good luck.

 

Don’t we have waaaay to many Eastern European and Indian’s as it is.