As an experienced driver, you now have a good handle on what trucking companies look at in terms of your background. You also know that each company has different criteria and qualifications for their truck driving jobs.
Much of the criteria is the same as that of truck driving schools and truck driver training programs. But, there are a few differences.
1. Work History - As an experienced driver, trucking companies will take a look at your record with your previous truck driving jobs.
- History - You will be asked to provide up to 10 years of employment history that includes any truck driving jobs. So, if you have any truck driving jobs within the past 10 years, you will need to put that on your application.
- Unemployment - Most trucking companies will want to see that you have worked while having a CDL. They are trying to determine how strong of a driver you will be if they hire you for one of their truck driving jobs. Gaps of over 3 months will most likely need to be documented and explained.
2. Driving Record -
- DUIs - most truck driving jobs will not be available to those who have a DUI while operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). This will also include any refusals to submit to a drug or alchohol test. Trucking companies look at the refusal as a failure of the test.
- Serious Traffic Violations - violations such as extreme speeding (15+ over the limit), wreckless driving, improper lane change, disobeying a traffic device, following too closely, etc. will be counted more heavily. For most truck driving jobs, you usually can't have more than 2 of these within the past 24 months.
Other than these general differences, applicants will experience will find that the criteria for truck driving jobs is similar to that of truck driving schools and CDL training programs as outlined below:
Truck Driving Schools - Basic Qualifications
Truck Driver Training - Basic Qualifications
Please feel free to contact us with any questions you have.