​Men have historically dominated trucking, but times are changing quickly. More and more women are hitting the open road. Many women are curious about truck driving but aren’t sure where to start. Being a woman truck driver isn’t just possible—it could be the career you’ve been looking for. Here are the steps you can take to get yourself behind the wheel of a big rig.

 

Get Your CDL

 

Your commercial driver’s license—CDL—is the key to starting your career as a truck driver. But women can face unique obstacles in this male-dominated profession. It’s crucial to call around and talk to the training schools to find out how the school offers CDL training for women and whether they offer a schedule that works with your transition to the trucking world. You will need to meet specific qualifications, including:

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• Passing a Department of Transportation (DOT) physical

• Passing a DOT drug screen

• Meet the age requirements

• Have a good driving record

 

The training school can call the CDL Help Line to determine if you have any issues with your driving record that might prevent you from earning your CDL. You may also want to ask if there are any women instructors or how many female students are currently attending.

 

After You Earn Your CDL

 

Before you begin your training, ask the schools on your list about their CDL training for women and how successfully they have placed other women in open truck driving positions. There is a shortage of drivers currently, but it’s crucial to find a fleet that will respect you for your skill as a driver, regardless of your gender. If other women have complained about a company’s policies, then chances are, they might not be a good fit for you.

 

Be Self-Motivated

 

Ask women truckers what they love about trucking, and many will say they love being on the open road. However, trucking requires a person to be self-motivated. You’re responsible for getting up on time and getting the miles in. You’ll also want to develop the habit of carefully planning your route and stops to maximize your safety.

 

More women than ever before are turning to trucking as a career. If you’re feeling stuck and you’d like to earn a good living while exploring the country, then consider becoming a female truck driver. It could be the best move you make!

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What Is a Hazmat Driver—and How to Become One

 

Many people become interested in truck driving because of the pay, and with the current truck driver shortage, pay packages and benefits are better than ever. But some kinds of truck driving pay better than others. If you’re looking for an exciting trucking job that pays better than most other types of trucking, then becoming a hazmat driver might be right for you.

 

What Is a Hazmat Driver?

 

Hazmat is short for hazardous materials. Often materials designated as hazmat travel by tanker truck and can include materials or chemicals that are explosive, corrosive, poisonous, or flammable. Transporting these materials takes special care, and because they are more dangerous, the pay is much higher than for most other types of freight. Hazmat drivers must take extra precautions to ensure their hazardous loads reach their destinations without causing harm to people or the environment.

 

Becoming a Hazmat Driver

 

Like other truck driving, you’ll need to have a good driving record and earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Hazmat drivers also get additional training, and some regulations restrict how hazmat drivers can work safely. It’s a good idea to drive nonhazardous materials first and gain experience before looking into hazmat driving. You can gain open road experience and earn a living while taking your hazmat courses. You’ll want to look into special certifications, including:

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• Tank vehicle endorsement: Train to drive the tanks used to transport hazmat

• Hazardous materials endorsement: Learn how to handle and transport hazmat safely

• A combination endorsement: Combine hazmat and tank training in a single endorsement

 

Benefits of Becoming a Hazmat Driver

 

Becoming a hazmat driver can open the door to better pay and create additional opportunities. Having your hazmat certifications makes you a more versatile driver, meaning you won’t likely struggle to find work. Having job security is a great feeling. Your hazmat certifications also help you stand out from other drivers and make you an attractive candidate if you’re looking to change employers. 

 

Whether you’re new to truck driving or you’ve been driving a while, earning your hazmat certifications can be the difference-maker in your trucking career.

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Top 10 Traits of a Good Truck Driver

 

Many people don’t realize that driving a truck requires a lot of skill—it’s not as easy as it seems. The qualities of a good truck driver include more than just staying on the road. The most successful truckers on the road currently rely on these valuable skills daily.

 

1. Self-motivated: Most of the time, you’ll be out on the road alone. You’re responsible for the cargo you’re hauling, and you need to know how to handle emergencies. Self-motivated people are proactive in their training and can work independently.

2. Reliable: Good truck drivers do what they say they’ll do when they say they’ll do it. The goal is to provide a solution by delivering the goods on time whenever possible.

3. Stress management: Traffic, weather, and other issues can create stressful situations, so keeping your cool is essential.

4. A clean driving record: Safe driving is a must both on and off the job and shows that you’re a professional.

5. Courteousness: On the road, you’re showing courtesy by driving safely and looking out for others. When delivering a load, how you interact with clients matters.

6. Alertness: Even safe drivers can find themselves in dangerous situations, so it is essential to stay aware even during long hauls.

7. Healthy habits: Long drives away from home means taking your health seriously is vital. Choosing healthy foods, getting exercise, and avoiding harmful substances protect your health and make you a better driver.

8. Mechanical skills: Having basic knowledge about how your truck operates is critical if something goes wrong and you’re far from help. Knowing how to fix minor issues keeps you safer as well.

9. Honesty: Taking shortcuts won’t pay off for long and could end up costing you dearly. Protect yourself and do the right thing by refusing to cut corners.

10. Good CDL training: The commercial driver’s license school you choose matters! Look for a school that offers a well-rounded curriculum to prepare you for a successful career.

 

Great training programs and schools help people learn how to become successful truck drivers, but many of the traits needed are skills you can practice before you even step foot in the classroom. If these traits sound like you, then maybe it’s time to take the next step toward becoming a truck driver!