Your Complete Guide to Getting Started as a Truck Driver

Beginning Your Journey to a New Career

Every day, truck drivers get behind the wheel to start a journey. But what about the journey that got them there?

While truckers travel to deliver the products we need, getting started as a truck driver is a journey unto itself. It’s one many people want to embark on, but are hesitant to begin.

In many cases, the fear of starting out as a truck driver isn’t about self-doubt. Instead, it’s about uncertainties involving the industry, how it works, and how future drivers need to prepare for the field.

The question of why do people become truck drivers is easy to answer. The serene solitude of the job, the chance to see new places, and the ability to find consistent work with companies like Hermes are all big perks.

Why miss out on these great benefits? Read on to get the answers you need about starting out as a truck driver.

What Background and Education Do Truck Drivers Need?

One of the best things about the trucking industry is that it’s open to so many people from so many different walks of life.

Like the environments truckers travel through, the pool of drivers is unique with plenty of variety. Sometimes it’s people who have spent decades in one career field but want a change. Other times its people who have always aimed to make their living on the road.

Not only is a college degree not a requirement, about 20% of the trucking workforce didn’t complete their high school degree.

It’s a testament to the adage that schooling doesn’t always equal education. Or maybe more accurately, one-size-schooling doesn’t fit all.

What Makes a Reputable CDL Class?

As far as what’s needed to become a truck driver from a skills perspective, truckers do need reading and writing comprehension skills. Not only does it help on the job, but it’s also a requirement when earning a CDL.

Preparing for the exam requires you to get the proper forms together and complete testing to acquire your commercial learner’s permit. You’ll be waiting a minimum of two weeks afterwards before you can take the driving portion of the test.

Much like colleges, high schools, or any other educational institution, the reputation of your driving school can impact your career prospects. Three things you’ll want to look for in a CDL class are:

• History: Length of operation, or combined experience of staff
• Reviews: General reputation based on feedback from industry insiders and former students
• Clients: List of reputable trucking companies the school has supplied drivers for

After completing a reputable CDL program, future truckers will understand how to maintain their rig, mind the rules of the road, and make each journey safely.

But beyond the technical skills, what else matters?

What Specific Skills Does Hermes Look for?

Every carrier is different, but Hermes takes pride in standing out for all the right reasons.

So, you may wonder: why do people become truck drivers? Often the decision to become a truck driver is based on their desire to change their life and make a better living.

At Hermes, we look for those who are willing to learn. Our network of talented dispatchers, mechanics, and managers work with our drivers to keep our company running like the well-oiled machines under our Volvo hoods.

Should You Further Your Education or Get Right to Work?

Some CDL recipients aren’t sure about getting started as a truck driver. Some wonder if they should spend more time at truck driving schools, honing their skills.

Back on the topic of why to become a truck driver, there’s often a sense of urgency. People want to get on the road making money quick. While it’s vital to get proper training first, it’s often better to build your experience on the job.

There’s nothing wrong with extra schooling, but getting right to work with a trucking company once licensed can help you gain the one thing that will help you most – road experience.

The More Work You Have, the More Confidence You Gain

Getting started as a truck driver is one thing, but building the confidence to keep going is another.

Starting with a company sooner helps you realize you can drive and are cut out for the field, and honing your skills is one of the best ways to build confidence at work. So when you’re starting out as a truck driver, remind yourself you’ve already had the courage to step up into a new role.

Now all that’s left is to put in the time and the miles, gaining more skills and certainty with each day spent on the road. Every trucker learns more every time they get behind the wheel, so your education will be ongoing.

You Have a Support System to Help You

When you get hired with the right company, you gain support for your career growth. Even if you’re new to a company or a field, the proper support can make you feel a sense of belonging.

At Hermes, we have a dispatch team that speaks five languages plus on-site maintenance and repair professionals who are here to help you.

Even though you’re working in a field where you get to make your money on your own, the right company can still provide you with the support you need so you never feel alone.

Why Getting Started as a Truck Driver is Better with Hermes

It’s more than just the top-quality trucks and routes covering 48 states that make Hermes a great place to get started – it’s the commitment to driver safety.

Our company knows that drivers are the true foundation of the industry. For those who are interested in getting started as a truck driver, we appreciate the ambition and welcome the interest.

Everyone’s education, background, skillset, and experience is unique – so don’t let any of those factors prevent you from reaching out. We’ll help you get the wheels rolling for your fantastic journey.

You can name all the reasons why you want to become a truck driver – and now you have some guidance about the “how to” part. Looking to continue the conversation, and see if you’re a good fit for Hermes? Click here – we want to hear from you.