Commerce is always booming in the US. The stores are brimming with goods to buy. Online retailers like Amazon are likewise always busy and need their warehouses and fulfillment centers full of inventory and ready to ship.
Not many people think about how these products get to the stores or warehouses. The reality is that the entire supply chain for goods relies on the hard work of truck drivers. Without them, there simply would be nothing to buy.
Luckily for people that want to be a part of such an important industry, the pay is very good. There are many benefits to being a truck driver. Anybody looking to get into the industry will find a lot to like.
In this article, we will go over what it takes to become a truck driver with your own rig and be your own boss.
#1: Get licensed
All truck drivers need a CDL or Commercial Driver’s License. There are different kinds of CDLs such as passenger buses and towing. For commercial truck drivers with semi-permanent trailers, there are also special endorsements.
You can get your CDL in just 3 weeks if you apply to Truck Driver Institute. They’ve got 11 locations in the U.S. and are incredibly accommodating to all their students. You can learn more about being an owner-operator, or contact them, to learn more about getting your CDL.
The three major types are A, B, and C but there are basics that all three share. For example, to drive interstate you’ll need to be 21 years old. Only 18 if you plan to drive intrastate, however. The test center also requires proof of state and US residency as well as a US social security number.
In Addition, there are two physicals to take. One for vision and a Medical Examiner’s Certificate Form from a physician for overall health.
These requirements are federally mandated but each state has its own requirements. There are differences between states and some are more rigorous than others as far as requirements go.
The first step in getting licensed it to take the vision and medical exams to make sure that you are healthy enough to be behind the wheel. A big rig is a dangerous thing when piloted by somebody who can’t see well and may have preexisting conditions that could impair their driving ability.
Once a clean bill of health comes through, it is time to take the class A license. This license is for trucks that will have a weight of over 26,000 pounds. A semi-permanent rig is going to need this class license. Depending on the type of driving you will be doing and the kind of rig, there may be endorsements that are required.
It isn’t required to go to a truck driving school, but it is highly recommended. There you will have access to instructors that know all the tricks of the trade. Studying independently is possible, but leaves a lot of room for error that could see you fail your first attempt.
#2: Get your truck
As an owner-operator, your truck is going to be your place of business. It is what is going to make or break you as an independent business owner. It is very important to choose the right truck for the loads that will be hauled and for reliability.
You essential have three options; buy a new truck, lease a truck or buy one used to like these International trucks for sale.
Buying new is the most expensive but will put you behind the wheel of a reliable vehicle. A warranty is very important to have when driving as repairs are costly when the miles rack up. It will take a good down payment towards what costs between $70,000 and $150,000.
Leasing makes sense for those that don’t have a huge down payment to make. This saves money on the initial outlay so you can start making money right away. At the end of the lease, it is possible to buy the truck or switch to another.
Lastly, a used truck is an option for those that want to save money as they start their business. The risk is that repairs will start happening quickly and out of warranty.
#3: Form a business
You’re not just a driver, but also a business owner. And the USDOT is going to need to know it. You’ll need a number by the USDOT and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will need to register you.
The first step is to pick a name and then search your state’s database to see if it has already been taken. Once a name is settled upon it is time to determine how to structure the business.
The options are to be a sole proprietor or to pick a form of LLC or limited liability company. There are a lot of pros and cons to each, but an LLC is a good idea since it is easy to be sued in the case of an accident. If this happens then your personal assets are protected.
#4: Find freight
Now that the business is set up it is time to start driving for money. There are several ways to go about finding loads, but probably the best is to become an independent contractor for a shipper or a retailer. You won’t be an employee but they will essentially be your main client.
If you like the idea of being a free agent better then there are many online load boards that list available freight. The good loads will have a lot of competition so check back often.
Contracting with a dispatcher is a reliable way to get freight. They are connected to shippers and brokers and will dole out the jobs as they come. It is a good way to always be working, but you will give them some of your pay as a fee for the service.
Networking is always a good way to go and it often doesn’t cost any money. As you meet other drivers, brokers, and shippers, work will find a way to you without paying a middleman. There are even associations for owner-operators that can be joined and will serve as a way to network for loads.
