Many companies are offering generous salaries to fill the jobs of delivery drivers and truck drivers. Find high-paying driving jobs online now. 

The rampant success of retailers such as Amazon and Walmart, has meant goods are being shipped across the United States like never before. Demand for trucking services has increased due to the growth in goods being transported over longer distances, making it difficult for many trucking companies to keep up with the extra demand. In fact, it's estimated that there is currently a shortage of over 80,000 truck drivers, despite employers offering a starting salary of $80,000 a year to fill the positions.

How to Become a Driver

 To become a truck driver, you'll need to obtain a commercial driver's license (CDL). There are three different CDL classifications: A, B, and C. Classifications A and B are for smaller vehicles, such as passenger vans, buses, and dump trucks. Classification A is for drivers who want to drive a tractor-trailer legally.

To get your CDL license, follow these three steps:

Pick Up a CDL Manual

Your first step to getting your CDL license involves picking up a CDL manual at your local Department of Motor Vehicle or downloading a copy of the CDL manual from their website. Before starting your training, it's important to determine if you qualify to take the CDL examination. The CDL manual can be used to identify your eligibility. In most states, you must be at least 18 or 21 years of age and have a valid driver's license. 

Pass a Series of Tests

Once you have determined you're eligible to qualify for a CDL license, your next step is to take (and pass) a series of written tests. These tests can be taken at your nearby DMV testing site and enable you to qualify for a commercial driver's instruction permit (CDIP). The CDIP is necessary, as you cannot practice driving a tractor-trailer without it. 

Add Endorsements

If you want a CDL license that requires endorsements, you'll need to pass additional tests to obtain them. This includes:

• Class S: School Buses
• Class P: passenger-carrying Vehicles
• Class H: Hazardous Materials
• Class T: Towing a Double or Triple Trailer
• Class N: Tank Vehicles

Pass Required Skills Tests

To obtain a Class A CDL, you'll need to take your test in a tractor-trailer rig and prove your proficiency in driving a commercial vehicle. You also need to pass some examinations if you want to get endorsements on your license.

To give yourself the best shot of passing the CDL tests, you should attend a CDL training school. A CDL training school provides both theory and hands-on training to best prepare you for the CDL assessment. Some training schools also have relationships with trucking companies and assist students in finding a job upon graduation. If you already have a trucking company lined up, they may be willing to reimburse you the cost of your CDL training school fees.

What are the Benefits of Becoming a Truck Driver?

Competitive Salary

Becoming a truck driver can be an extremely lucrative occupation. The average truck driver in the US earns a base salary of $80,921. However, if you want to opt for the qualifications to haul oversized loads, you can expect to earn even more!

Employee Benefits

Along with a lucrative salary, truck drivers also receive competitive employee benefits. In fact, many trucking companies offer excellent 401(k), retirement plans, and life insurance. Some trucking companies also offer health insurance benefits, including medical, prescription drug coverage, dental, and vision insurance. Plus, many truckers can take advantage of paid vacation time!

Travel

Driving a truck can take you all over the US, to states and cities that you've never had the chance to visit before. Think of it this way — you get paid for traveling the country! Plus, many truckers have their accommodation and meals covered by their employer, so they have few expenses.

Teams

Many truckers operate in teams of two people. This is perfect for couples that want to work together and travel together while getting paid! Working as a team enables truckers to make long haul journeys in less time than one trucker would, as they can take turns alternating driving. For a particularly productive team, it may be possible to earn bonuses that increase their annual salaries over the $100,000 mark.

Find High-Paying Truck Driving Jobs

 If you're considering a career change, truck driving could be a perfect choice. These jobs are in high demand and can provide a lucrative income. Truck drivers are in high demand right now — don't miss your opportunity to gain a rewarding, well-paid career.