You will need a class B CDL, and a DOT physical. A clean criminal and BMV background. Most carriers require 6 months to 1 year experience. Sometimes you can find a carrier willing to take you on with no experience, but those are few and far between due to insurance regs..
This is definitely a life style change. You are going to be living on a truck for the most part. This is ideal for a husband and wife team experiencing "empty nest syndrome", or for a young couple just starting out in life. This career is traveling and camping out. You never know where you are going until you get your dispatch. It's like living in an RV.
Pack lightly. 2-3 changes of clothes appropriate for the weather. Microwave, crock-pot and mini fridge or cooler. Disposable dishes and utensils. Some drivers take along portable grills.
Tools: Cell phone, GPS, Tool box, gloves, steal toe boots, safety vests, hard hats, safety glasses and ear plugs are a must. An atlas and magnifying glass. A brief case. First aid kit. Laptop w/internet access (you can purchase internet time from the truck stops for a reasonable fee). A printer/copier. A book to record your loads, miles and pay.
DVD player, dvd's and reading materials, puzzle books etc. to pass the time. You may wish to carry a digital camera or camcorder. You will be seeing some amazing sights. Do you play a musical instrument? Take it along.
THE CARRIER: WARNING: IT IS ADVISED YOU CHECK OUT THE PROSPECTIVE CARRIERS PRIOR TO SIGNING ON WITH ANY. TALK TO DRIVERS WHO ARE CURRENTLY SIGNED ON. ALSO CHECK OUT THE RIPOFF REPORTS ON THE INTERNET. DO YOUR HOMEWORK!! If you are not a company driver, you are an independent. First step: find a carrier. The carrier is the company you will be hauling for. The carrier will qualify you as a driver and if you own your own truck or need a truck, the carrier will handle the details and get you set up. The carrier will inspect your truck and let you know what it needs to qualify to haul freight. The carrier will handle all the permits you will need to haul for them. A carrier can also set you up with a truck owner who needs a driver if you do not have a truck. Your carrier will get the loads and dispatch you on those loads. Your carrier is your life line in this business.
Are you still interested? There is a lot of red tape to get started, however if you are determined and patient through the beginning processes this can be a very rewarding choice. There are ups and downs, good loads and bad. Trucks break down, traffic jams, weather, construction, long hauls and seemingly endless hours of driving. Loads get cancelled, freight gets slow. Some months you will be so busy time will fly, and other months it will be so slow you will want to just go home. Learn to adjust your time and budget. December through March are usually the slowest months.
This is a business. Your business.
