If you are currently looking into truck driving schools or just getting ready to finish truck driving school, you may have a few questions about truck driver training.
Some people have the idea that truck driving schools and truck driver training mean the same thing. But, they are completely different. Many of you already know the difference, but for those of you just getting started, here is a quick overview:
1. Truck Driving Schools - This is where you learn the basic DOT regulations for Class A CDL driving. It is also where you will learn the basics of getting the tractor and trailer to do what you want it to do. You will participate in classroom lessons, range training, and road training. The main objective of the truck driving schools is to get you to the level of competence to where you can obtain your Class A CDL from the DMV.
2. Truck Driver Training - This is where you actually begin working for a trucking company. After you finish truck driving school, you will enter the workforce as a trainee. Certain companies only hire experienced drivers, so you will need to find a company that offers a training program. It is here that you will be trained by one of the company's experience truck drivers.
Here are the basics you can expect from most truck driver training programs:
Length: Most companies set their truck driver training programs at 4 - 6 weeks.
Pay: As a trainee you will make a weekly salary rather than mileage pay. Usually, your weekly salary will be between $350 - $550 per week. Some companies increase the pay each week, while others do not. While this is not a ton of money, it is just the beginning. This is the first stage of "paying your dues" in the trucking industry.
Trainer: Most truck driving trainers choose to join the truck driver training program for the MONEY. They get paid for the mileage the truck drives, so they stand to make a ton of money. As in most businesses, there are good trainers and bad trainers. And, the good thing about most truck driver training programs is the trucking companies tend to remove the poor trainers fairly quickly. From my experience, most of the truck driving trainers are invested in their trainees and want to make it a good experience. And, if you don't get along with your trainer, just ask for a new one.
Hometime: You go home when your trainer goes home. And, this will depend on each trucking company's home time policy.
How it works: Every truck driver training program is different, but generally the trainer will do most of the difficult driving (hills, bad weather, tight roads, etc.) for the first few days. You will then gradually learn more and more and become more comfortable with the truck and the nature of the job.
You will also learn how to handle the customers, how to do the paperwork, and how to interact with operations in your home terminal. And, I suggest you learn as much as possible while in the truck driver training program.
Your truck driver trainer will have a wealth of knowledge and will know the little secrets and tricks of the trade that turn a good truck driver into a great truck driver. So, take advantage while you can. A good truck driver training program will cut your learning curve and lead to a great trucking career.