It’s not a secret that the trucking industry is booming and that new drivers are, consequently, looking for a job all over the country. The pay and flexible hours are good, but it’s hard to find one without qualifications or experience. It’s a well-known fact that for new drivers, the best thing to do is get your driving license as soon as possible. But before you think about getting your license to start driving for yourself, read this article and keep the following tips in mind:
1. Do Not Let Your Driver’s License Go to Waste
It is the most obvious advice for everyone that wants to do business in the trucking industry. The license you have obtained for your truck is a valuable asset, and it can be useless if it’s not used to its full potential. Get your license up-to-date and report any changes on your record.
Many companies will help you with that process, which is much cheaper than getting a separate license from the state of California, where you reside. Don’t forget that sometimes there are special requirements for certain professions or trades.
2. Know Your Rights and Expect to Get Them
In California, everyone has the right to work as a truck driver without license restrictions. It is an advantage as it allows you to be realistic in your expectations and build a business plan. On the other hand, it can also be a disadvantage because some companies may not accept you if this fact is known to them. Check their policy, or inform yourself properly on the subject before going ahead with your business plan.
3. Consider Your Financial Situation
The trucking industry can be expensive, especially if you want success. If you plan to lease a truck and buy a device, the investment can be huge, and the return on investment is difficult to calculate. Some drivers report they had to pay $5000-$6000 just for the lease of their truck. That is another reason it makes more sense to do business in your state, where you would have all these expenses covered by your license and insurance.
4. Get Professional Education Before Going for It
The best way of avoiding many problems at work is by getting professional education beforehand. There are many opportunities to get free education that will help you avoid mistakes in the future. The training aims not to make you an expert overnight but to fit you with the tools that will help you succeed.
5. Consider Your Vehicle
There are certain factors to consider before buying a vehicle. The first one is your budget, which makes it difficult for some drivers who do not have a lot of money in reserve and cannot afford a new truck or lease it. Another factor is the truck’s load capacity, which must match your needs and ambitions: if you plan on making money with many small loads, then renting can be a better option since trucks for said cargo often cost less than $500 per month. Consider buying your vehicle from intermodal trucking companies used to transport containers. Containers are well protected against weather conditions and can be transported at lower costs than traditional vehicles.
6. Be Flexible
It is essential, especially if you plan on renting rather than buying your vehicle. After all, you do not know how the trucking industry will change and how many of your customers will be still interested in your service as a sole driver. Consider leasing, transferring, trading, or selling the vehicle later if necessary.
7. Optimize Your System That is Driving
The more devices you have in your vehicle, the better it will be for you. Still, there are also disadvantages if you want to save money in the long run: the cost of devices may become prohibitive over time, and it can lead to more enormous bills when there is a breakdown or a theft.
8. Consider the Cost of Fuel
If you are planning on getting a giant truck and you are going to lease it, then consider that the bigger the truck, the more fuel it will consume. The fuel cost can create a substantial monthly bill if your mileage per gallon is too low. The best option would be to get a smaller truck that consumes less fuel but is good enough for your needs. More giant trucks will leave you with less money at the end of each month because they are expensive to maintain, and they need more space in your driveway, which may be a problem if you live in an apartment or rented house.
9. Do Not Forget to File the Necessary Paperwork
New drivers often make mistakes in filling out the file and following the rules, but it is a crucial step if you want to avoid problems. You are responsible for reporting all the accidents, collisions, or tickets you have had on your record. Otherwise, a company might be penalized for letting you drive if they do not know about these problems. The same goes for drugs or alcohol consumption: a company must know about them if they want to keep their license and avoid legal troubles.
Conclusion
If you still have any doubts, refer to one of the best online trucking schools for beginners, where you can learn everything about the trucks, their prices, and how to apply for a commercial license in California. You can get an excellent education from some of the best truck driving schools in America without spending a single dollar. It is an investment that will pay off eventually in the long run.
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