Things You'll Need:
- CDL License
- Resume and cover letter
-
Step 1
Decide if truck driving is the right career choice for the both of you. Truck driving can be a fun, lucrative but physically demanding career. As a truck driver, you will be expected to transport various items including equipment, automobiles, precious cargo and ensure that items are delivered safely. You'll both need to have excellent driving, analytical and organizational skills and able to lift items. The two of you may be required to travel hundreds to thousands of miles to make your deliveries and you can expect to make $35,000.00+ per year (per person) which equates to $70,000+ for the two of you.
-
Step 2
Develop a plan of action. Once you both decide to make this work, you'll need to both get on board with the plan. Discuss how you will divide the tasks and duties between the two of you. For instance, if the wife is a night owl, she might consider driving the night shift and the husband can take over the day shift while she sleeps. Either way, you will need to devise a workable plan so that one can rest and sleep while the other person drives.
-
Step 3
Ensure that you both have the proper background and training. Even though a GED or High School Diploma is not required, it is recommended by most companies. In addition, you will both need a stellar driving and criminal record, able to pass a drug and alcohol test, have 20/40 vision with or without glasses or contacts, obtain a CDL or Commercial Drivers License.
-
Step 4
Decide if you'll take a course or not. The two of you must decide how you'll prepare for your upcoming CDL exam (which evaluates knowledge of truck operations and highway safety). Although a training course can help prepare you, it is not required. If you decide to complete an approved truck driving training program, they will help you improve your truck driving schools and prepare for the upcoming CDL exam. For a listing of truck driving schools in your area, please visit the Yahoo Directory (See Resources)
-
Step 5
Take the written and driving exams. To pass the written exam, you'll need to answer at least 80% of the questions correctly and you'll need to correctly maneuver the truck for the instructor. Keep in mind that you'll need to bring your own truck (preferably the one you'll be using when taking the driving exam). Once you pass the driving and written exams, you and your spouse might also decide to pursue additional licenses. For instance, if you decide that you would like to transport Hazardous Material, you will need to take an additional test that covers transportation of this material in addition to required CDL licensing requirements.
After you pass the exam, you will obtain your CDL and be ready to proceed with the next step. -
Step 6
Apply as a driving team. Now that you have all the requirements in place, you'll need to apply for positions as a husband and wife team. Therefore, it is paramount that you both get your resume together and apply for positions at trucking companies that you're both interested in. Sites to check out are Hiring Truck Drivers, Simply Hired, and Hot Jobs. (See Resources).
When applying, make sure that you pinpoint the fact that you and your spouse will be working as a husband and wife team and that you will then be able to take on twice as many trucking assignments. This can be discussed in your cover letter and again at the interview.
Comments
athome said
on 2/28/2009 I dont think I would be able to even see out the windows, I am only 5'2. Good info though.