The demand for truck driver jobs in the USA is increasing by the day and you can earn a decent living by doing this job. Read this article to see what is required as well as how to get the job easily. Truck driving is an integral part of the economy of the United States because its services are needed to hasten the work of other sectors.
However, the labor is not available for the demand. The result of this is the opening of many vacancies for truck drivers for both citizens and migrants. In this piece, we will expose you to all the details of the job to enable you to apply and get one soon if you are qualified.
Are Truck Drivers In Demand In USA?
There seem to be fewer truck drivers compared to the level of demand for them in the USA. Hence. We can safely say that truck drivers are in high demand in the USA. According to the report of the American Truck Drivers Association, there were over 64,000 shortages of truck drivers in 2023. It went on to state that as of the beginning of 2024, the shortage has increased to about 82,000.
This means that the demand for truck drivers is increasing while the labor is reducing. To strike a balance therefore, there is a need to get more people into the field as their services are essential to the growth of the commercial sector of the economy. So if you are interested and qualified, seize the opportunity to apply as a truck driver as will be explained to you in the remaining paragraphs of this article.
Requirements For Truck Driver Jobs In USA
To get a job as a truck driver in the USA, you must meet certain requirements. Some of these requirements are listed below.
- You must be over the age of 21. However, 18 years is the minimum if you are staying in-state.
- You must have attended a truck driving school
- You must pass a compulsory driving test given at the school.
- Must have a government-issued Commercial Drivers License.
- Should have at least one year of experience in driving a truck.
- 10 years of driving history.
- Meet medical qualifications
- Should be able to communicate in English.
- Should have at least a high school diploma.
How To Get A Truck Driver Job In USA
To get a truck driver job in the United States you must take the steps below.
Step 1: Find The Job.
This is easy to do as advertisements for truck driver jobs are littered all over the internet. You can find them on the websites of various companies. On LinkedIn, social media platforms, online job portals, etc.
Step 2: Read the job requirements and description.
Before you begin the application properly, you must read the requirements. This is because most companies specify the years of experience that us bedded and other requirements. If you meet the requirements, you can now proceed to the next stage.
Step 3: Prepare All Documents.
Now get all the required documents ready. You will need your CDL (Commercial Drivers License), Resume, cover letter, passport, and so on.
Step 4: Send Your Application.
After getting your documents ready, it’s time to apply for the job. To do this, click on the link shown in the advert and you will be prompted on the steps to take. In other cases, your application will be sent directly to the company through an email, website, or in person. Ensure that you read through the application method before you begin.
After sending your application, the company will look through your details and if selected, you will be contacted for an interview where the terms of the job will be discussed in detail.
Truck Driver Jobs In USA Salary
The salaries of truck drivers in the United States vary with the level of expertise or experience on the job. The average pay, however, is between $71,127 and $89,855 per year. While the weekly salary is between $798 and $2,052. Note that this could increase or decrease depending on the company, locations, and hours spent on the job.
Most entry-level truck driver jobs pay an average of $3,291 per month and $39,500 per year. Hence to get more out of the job, one needs to put in some tears of experience and must be dedicated to the job by working more hours.
On the other hand, OTR truck drivers are paid per mile. Hence delivery drivers earn between $0.44 and $0.64 per mile. So, the longer they drive to make the delivery. The higher salary they earn.
What State In USA Pays Truck Drivers Highest Salary?
The salary for truck drivers in all states of the US is almost in the same range. However, recent statistics show that drivers in Washington DC, and Alaska earn a little more than their counterparts in other states. This is followed by the District of Columbia and New Jersey. The latter has fewer truck drivers hence they are paid more to encourage them on the job.
Can A Foreigner Get A Truck Driver Job In USA?
Yes, foreigners are allowed to work as truck drivers in the USA. As a matter of fact, there has been a recent shortage of truck drivers in the country. Hence, employers are opening opportunities for foreigners to work in their companies. However, such an individual must be eligible and possess all necessary documents for the job, especially the Commercial Drivers License (CDL). Additionally, you must also pass a compulsory truck driving test and get the H-2B non-immigrant visa. With these, you can get the job.
How Long Does It Take To Become A Truck Driver In USA?
As we have mentioned above, you must get a Commercial Drivers License to become a truck driver in the United States. To get this license, you have to be enrolled in a driving school at the end of which you are required to pass a driving test.
Therefore to become a truck driver usually takes between 2 weeks and one year. This is dependent on your enrollment plan and pace of learning. Most people, however, learn and get certified within 6 months of learning. Some reputable schools find job placement for their students upon completion to get the needed experience to get reputable jobs.
Can I Get A Truck Driver Job In USA With Visa Sponsorship?
Yes, if you are a foreigner looking to migrate to the United States as a truck driver, there are lots of opportunities for you. And you might not need to spend so much because some companies offer visa sponsorship to foreigners.
Conclusion
Now that you have seen that the US has a lot of truck driver jobs and some with visa sponsorship, I know you will follow the steps above to apply.