Trucks and Truckers Operating Them
A career in truck driving can be a very rewarding experience. Many say it is, “The easiest money they’ve ever made.” Of course, it doesn’t mean things started out this way. Operating a giant 15ton truck might be stressful for someone who has trouble passing them on the freeway. Huge tankers swaying side to side with a mystery liquid inside isn’t easy to ignore. However, once these drivers are educated in operating their own truck, they’ll become a lot more comfortable out on the road. The reality is truck drivers are in high demand. More and More products have to ship out daily and with technology, some trucks can even drive themselves, find news on these at the New York Times.
CDL drivers come in all shapes and sizes. Not just anyone can drive these giant machines whenever they want. A special license is required to operate, this license is known as a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License.) Earning this license will require learning about how a truck works and the necessary inspections that must take place every time in order to take it out on the road. Like getting a driver’s license it involves taking a written test for the learner’s permit and a real-time driving test.
Truck drivers have certain rules to follow and mechanical functions on their trucks to help keep everyone on the road safe. Also, if you want to be an independent trucker, you’ll need to get trucking authority.
The materials on a truck can depend on the company. Most commonly we see trucks with a big box trailer carrying freight for a store, and there is also the large tankers performing a bulk liquid transportation for a string of gas stations. The driver is instructed on how to secure these different types of loads and distribute uneven weight to avoid malfunctions that may result in losing the cargo at high speeds. If we look carefully we’ll sometimes see symbols that indicate hazardous materials, the driver must be certified to handle this type of cargo.
Some companies offer to give this training for free and sign an applicant on for a job after the training is complete. The company will often offer incentives to keep their drivers for a longer term, it’s not a bad idea to research these companies before making a final decision. Companies are scattered throughout the U.S. and it is worthwhile to look for employment opportunities. After experiencing a career in truck driving it’s normal to feel more comfortable on the road in whatever vehicle is operated.
Semi-trucks really aren’t so bad. They operate similar to the average automobile but with additional systems to manage the additional weight. Knowing how to properly secure a load will put a lot more trust in the ones we pass on the freeway. With training and education, it’s possible for anyone to own, operate, and work on their own truck. The more research put into the wide range of companies the more likely it is the driver is matched with the right company and the right truck for them to operate.