With unemployment levels at record highs all across the United States – and the world – it’s not surprising that so many people are eager to find a job that won’t get pulled out from under them. More and more people are being laid off every day, and it’s nerve wracking to work in an industry where your job could disappear at a moment’s notice. One very reliable industry that never suffers from such problems is the truck driving industry. If you receive training to be a truck driver, you can rest assured that you’ll always have those credentials to fall back on. Truck driving courses are abundant across the country, and successfully completing one might be easier than you think.
How Long Do Truck Driving Courses Take?
Every truck driving school is different, so there is no set-in-stone time frame for how long truck driving courses take. However, many schools can get you through the basic frei training that you need – allowing you to get your CDL, or commercial driver’s license – in as little as four weeks. While taking truck driving courses, you can usually continue doing your regular job. Many truck driving schools have evening hours, which is perfect for busy people. The bottom line is that truck driving courses can take as little as four weeks, but more extensive courses might take eight weeks or longer. Either way, the skills you acquire will serve you well in the long run.
Choosing Truck Driving Courses
The kind of truck driving course that you choose will also play a huge part in how long it will end up taking to receive your license. Many people elect to take a generic truck driving course to learn the basics and receive their CDL first. Many truck driving courses then link their licensed drivers with trucking companies from around the country. When you find a good match, you’ll probably then have to travel to the company’s headquarters to take additional truck driving courses. That’s because different companies have different guidelines, equipment and rules. The truck driving courses offered by specific trucking companies are almost always free, though, so you won’t have to spend any extra money.
Becoming A Trucker
After traveling to the trucking company’s headquarters and successfully completing their truck driving courses, you’ll probably be paired up with a more experienced driver for a little on-the-job training. When that is done, you’ll be let loose and be able to embark on your trucking career in earnest. Remember that the first few years of being a truck driver are usually the toughest; once you’ve racked up some experience and know the ropes a bit better, it will get much easier – and the pay will become a lot more lucrative, too.
