Unfortunately too many people will just dive into getting their CDL without really taking a look at a number of factors that will impact their chances of getting a job. In this article on truckdrivercdl101.com we are going to look at a number of areas that one should consider before seeking out CDL training
Drug Testing
Every single CDL company will drug test and the only real variable is what kind of test that they perform. Marijuana tends to be the main one that gets prospect CDL drivers in trouble as people believe that now it is legal in their State that means they are allowed to consume it. However the CDL trucking industry is overseen by the DOT (Department Of Transportation) and that is on the Federal level so until the day comes where marijuana is legal on the Federal level CDL holders will not be allowed to consume it.
If you are going to a company sponsored CDL school training program and you test positive for marijuana or any other drug for that matter you will immediately be sent home and your name is now blacklisted at that company. The company may also submit your name to the drug clearinghouse and you will have to jump over hurdles for years to get your name taken
If you want to get your CDL and you are currently partaking in taking drugs give your body time to get it 100 percent out of your system before you even apply. Take every single drug test that you can get your hands on and pass all of them before taking that next step.
When it comes to marijuana and the Canadian CDL holder the rules are a bit different. Marijuana is legal on the Federal level in Canada so the rules are much more lax. What needs to be noted here is where your CDL job take you. If you cross the border between the United States and Canada then you are now not allowed to use as you fall under DOT restrictions, if you are 100 percent operating in Canada then technically you are allowed to use however Canadian companies may have their own policies
DOT Medical
The dreaded DOT medical is responsible for more people being unable to get their CDL and for the number of drivers that are forced into retirement. The DOT has a very long list of medications that a CDL driver is not allowed to take under any circumstance.
Of course the DOT medical also has a long list of conditions that a driver may not have in order to obtain or keep their CDL.
When it comes to medication and conditions regarding the DOT medical not all may be lost if you can prove to the DOT that you have been using the medication for a long time or been living with the condition for some time and you are completely stable which your family doctor is willing to sign off on
The easiest way to avoid this hurdle in getting your CDL is by going for a DOT medical before applying for your beginners permit to ensure that it will not be an issue.
The DOT medical is not a once and done issue. DOT medical cards are issued for a set number of years and they must be redone during that time frame. Many drivers careers end because of the DOT medical
Driver Shortage
The driver shortage does not exist. I mean if may exist in small pockets but as a whole it does not exist. What does exist is the problem of driver retention. The turnover rate at some companies is scary high as people will go work for the company to get their experience than move on to greener pasture. Of course the other end is a ton of new CDL holders will not make it till their first first year anniversary
This being said when thinking of becoming a truck driver you are not going to get that well paying dream job for years. What is going to happen is you are going to have to find a company that is willing to take on a new driver so you can get some real time behind the wheel
Are there companies in your area that are willing to take on a new driver? How long are you willing to drive on your time off to get to and from the company terminal? Are you willing to go OTR (Over The Road) where you are away from your home days on end? Are you willing to take on a food delivery CDL job that is labor intensive in order to stay close to home? These are questions that you need to be able to answer honestly before seeking out a CDL
Truck Driving Is Not Easy
When it comes to being a professional truck driver the job itself like all others has its high points and its low points.
The high points of course is that you get to spend the day driving and listening to music, books or podcasts. If you have a CDL job that is OTR you will discover places and scenery you may have never experienced before. On its best days truck driving is a dream
The low points unfortunately are long. If you are OTR you are going to be away from home for days or weeks on end putting an incredible strain on your relationships. If you are paid by CPM (cents per mile) there is a ton of work you are not going to be paid for. There is an awful lot of waiting when it comes to truck driving. Truck drivers commonly work seventy hours per week and it takes sometime before your body will become accustomed to it.
Even if you have a local job the hours are going to be high and it seems the only thing you have time for at home is to sleep. Now throw in all of the Government regulations, driver facing cameras and HOS requirements it can lead to a very stressful day
When it comes to getting your CDL there are a number of factors that you need to consider before taking that first step. You do not want to be one of those people who end up on Redditt asking what to do for you failed a drug test, the DOT medical, failed to find a job after getting your license or are way over your head
