Find a Truck Driving Job

Getting Hired for a Truck Driving Job

You know you want to enter the trucking industry, and you may have even applied or started at a truck driving school. But you still need to complete the final step: being hired as a truck driver. Here are the stages you need to complete for your first truck driving job.

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Hiring Process for Truck Driving Jobs

Depending on the size of the company and their own internal policies, the hiring process may be different. In general, there are several stages you must complete during the hiring process: application, interview, screening, and orientation.

1. Application

You can start applying for jobs while you are in truck driving school; you can even apply for jobs before you have a CDL license. Truck driving applications usually require your Social Security Number, driving and employment history, and criminal record. Most applications are now down online, though some may be done in person.

2. Interview

You’ll meet with a recruiter, human resources director, or manager for an initial interview. They will ask questions about your driving history, skills, and habits. Through this meeting, the interviewer will look to determine your views on personal responsibility, accountability, and teamwork. Most trucking companies are looking for committed drivers, not someone who jumps from job to job.

Use this time to learn more about the company. Ask questions about scheduling, routes, time off, and opportunities for advancement and raises. If you have already worked for a transportation company, you’ll likely want to know how this company is different than your previous employer.

During this interview, you’ll likely hear a schedule of the next steps, including screenings, follow-up interviews, and orientation. Pay attention to this schedule and ask any questions you might have.

3. Screenings

They will take your Social Security Number (SSN), employment history, medical certificate, and Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to verify your records and to perform background checks. Most companies will run your information to receive your personal CSA report through the Pre-Employment Screening Program. The purpose of all these screenings is to verify who you are and to obtain your driving history for the last few years.

As a new driver, you will also be subject to a DOT pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. You won’t be able to start working until your company receives negative test results.

4. Skills Test

Some companies will ask you back for another interview, during which you might go through a skills test. This test would include basic yard skills, like backing up, parking, docking, and hooking & unhooking a trailer.

5. Orientation

Once you are hired, you will attend a new employee orientation. This program, which can last a few weeks, will provide you with an introduction to the company, procedures, and policies. Most companies pay you for orientation, as this helps you become a better driver for them once you hit the road.

Truck Driving Salary in PA & MD

How much can I make?

Your salary for a truck driving job will depend on several factors, including the company, your experience, the type of routes, and more. As you start your career, keep in mind that you will be at an entry level rate. As you gain experience, skill, and take on different routes, you can increase your income.

According to Indeed.com, the average truck driver salary in PA is $59,062 per year (source), while the average truck driver in Maryland makes slightly higher per year at $59,095 (source).

Where to Find Truck Driver Jobs?

There are several online job boards and websites to find available truck driving jobs.

Job Boards

Industry Specific Sites

Trucking Company Websites

Testimonials

Emily Sensenich (Google Review)

I just passed my CDL road test last week and I couldn’t have done it without Shelley Truck Driving School. All the instructors are super informative and respectful. This school doesn’t even compare to any of the other truck driving school that I looked into. Awesome job guys!

Jim Rowe (Google Review)

Attending this school put me on a path to better my life and allows me to go anywhere and find employment. The instructors at this school are TOP notch and I learned valuable things from everyone of them! I highly recommend this school to anyone thinking of getting their CDL.

Amazing what they do in less than 30 days!

Shawn Burkey (Google Review)

I graduated today and this has been hands down the best experience I’ve had at a school. The instructor’s are top notch and will get you where you need to be! Thank you to everyone at the school for the knowledge and experience. You got the one snowman I’m eastbound and down!

Adam Dudas (Google Review)

The instructors really make this class and school. From the class room to driving to the skills, it has been a very fun learning environment for the past 4 weeks. I ALMOST FORGOT I WAS IN SCHOOL! In my opinion no other school should be considered.

Brian Eckert (Google Review)

This is an amazing school, with top notch instructors. During my time there, I learned from all of the instructors and they each had different things to teach and add to the training. This school not only gets you prepared for the CDL test, but also teaches skills that give you a head start once you are out and working. The patience of these instructors is top tier.

Shel Gray (Google Review)

Shelly was a Great experience for someone like me who was changing careers. They provide a relaxed but focused atmosphere where anyone can learn the necessary skills and knowledge to obtain a CDL. You really get the feel that the instructors care about your well-being and goal for getting a CDL. I would recommend this school to anyone looking into getting their CDL.