All CDL FAQ

 Thinking about taking your CDL career to the next level? Hazmat truck driving is one of the most in-demand and well-compensated specializations in the trucking industry. Drivers who carry hazardous materials play a crucial role in keeping chemical plants, fuel depots, and manufacturing facilities supplied — and they're compensated well for the added responsibility. Before you can get started, though, you need to understand the hazmat truck driver job requirements, what the work actually involves, and what you can realistically expect to earn.

Thinking about your next move after earning your CDL? Flatbed truck driving jobs are among the most in-demand and well-paying opportunities in the trucking industry, but they're not for everyone. Understanding what the work actually involves, the good and the challenging, will help you decide if this career path is the right fit before you commit.

The trucking industry has long been the backbone of the U.S. economy, delivering goods across vast distances and connecting communities. But there's a widespread misconception that a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is only useful if you plan to spend your career behind the wheel of a long-haul semi-truck. The reality is that a CDL opens doors to a wide range of careers, many of which offer competitive pay, predictable schedules, and the chance to work close to home. Understanding all the jobs you can get with a CDL license is essential before you commit to a career path.

The trucking industry has long been the backbone of the U.S. economy, moving goods across the country and keeping supply chains running. Once you've earned your CDL, one of the most important decisions you'll face is choosing the type of trucking job that fits your life. OTR vs regional vs local trucking — each path comes with its own pay structure, home time expectations, and lifestyle trade-offs, and the right choice depends entirely on what matters most to you.

How do I become a successful truck driver?

There will be long days, construction traffic, inconsiderate drivers, and other obstacles. The most successful professional truck drivers take all of it in stride and are trucking companies’ preferred drivers.

What is driver orientation?

Driver orientation is the first step toward becoming a driver with a trucking company. It’s for those who want to become company drivers and will be a combination of you and the company (e.g., the driver success manager, recruiter, etc.) getting to know each other, driver training on company procedures, completing paperwork, and passing a driving test.

It’s no doubt that truckers work long hours. Over the road (OTR) truckers travel long distances and put in a lot of miles — that’s how they get paid, after all. But what does a truck driver do to pass the time when not driving? What is a “day in the life” of a trucker like?

If you are here it is because you either have completed the necessary steps to get your CDL, in which case congratulations! You may also be thinking about getting your CDL and want to know what your options would be, in which case welcome!

As of January 2022, an average OTR truck driver can make upwards of $52,000 per year. Compared to the rest of the gigs in the trucking industry, this is huge!

Truck Drivers Salary

Entering the trucking profession can be stressful but also rewarding. The average salary for truck drivers is around $65,000. However, there is the opportunity to increase earnings depending on the specific position. For example, positions that require more experience, education, specialized equipment, or navigating rough terrain tend to pay more.