How to find a truck driver job in the USA in 2021

The United States has approximately 6.5 million km of excellent highways, on which almost half (about 45%) of all trucks in the world travel. According to the nation's Bureau of Transportation Statistics, nearly 2.5 million trucks are in use, and trucking generates 5-6 percent of the gross national product. Working as a truck driver in the United States is in demand and well paid. The industry employs over a million people, more than 400 thousand companies and private entrepreneurs. However, the American Trucking Associations complains that 90% of employers cannot find enough workers.

American characteristics

According to official data, there are about 4 million truck drivers in the country. Moreover, every twentieth truck driver in the United States is a woman.

Along with large carriers in the United States, there are many small companies (up to 80%) that own one or more trucks. However, working conditions and the amount of payment per flight depend little on the scale of the business. This is a single demonopolized market with total profitability amounting to tens of billions.

Working as a driver requires meeting certain criteria. At the same time, there is the possibility of obtaining a truck driver vacancy in the USA for Russians, Belarusians and other immigrants from the CIS.

Regardless of the driver's class, the applicant for the position of driver must have sufficient physical fitness.

American law allows you to drive a heavy truck from the age of 18 with a driver's license and license. Nevertheless, employers primarily pay attention to people at least 25-30 years old, and in fact, the average age of a truck driver in the United States is 49 years old.

Here you cannot leave work without a good reason, and it is not customary to go on sick leave. The market is strictly standardized, due to which the work characteristics of truckers are the same for everyone. The activity is optimally organized, characterized by simple regulation and a complete absence of corruption.

Trade unions are actively involved in issues of employment, working conditions and leisure. Training, consultations and legal support are provided by professional associations.

How to become a truck or bus driver

The driver's work requirements depend on the type of vehicle he will be driving: a small van, a truck for local or long-distance transport (long-haul trucks), a passenger bus, etc. However, despite certain differences in requirements, the basic criteria are nevertheless the same. Let's look at them using the example of a truck driver for local transport within a state or city.

So, the requirements for hiring a local truck driver depend on the size and weight of the vehicle. No higher education required. For large vehicles, the ability to drive a truck and have a commercial driver's license (CDL) are usually the main criteria. CDLs are divided into three categories: Class A, Class B, and Class C.

Class A license covers large trucks, incl. tractors.
A Class B license allows you to drive medium-sized trucks, vans and large passenger buses.
Class C licenses are for relatively small vehicles, including passenger buses and some delivery trucks.

Most truck driver jobs require a professional CDL driver's license. At least minimal truck driving experience will be a plus.

Since different states have different requirements for obtaining a driver's license, the first step in finding a job as a truck driver is to check your local licensing requirements. Knowing in advance which license you will need will help you in your job search. Additionally, having a CDL endorsement will allow you to apply to more jobs.

CDL certifications include authorization to operate gasoline tankers and other trucks transporting hazardous materials.

Driving categories

A real American truck is a heavy, powerful and technically complex vehicle. The qualifications of a truck driver are largely determined by his conditional category depending on his specialization, which can be:

Dry Van Drivers ─ transportation of dry products to long-term storage warehouses;
Less than Truck Load ─ transporting a load less than that of a truck. Such drivers are engaged in the transportation of various goods within one city or maximum state;
Auto Haulers ─ transportation of large equipment;
Flat Bed Drivers ─ platform driver for building slabs, structures, pipes, logs;
Reefer ─ refrigerated truck driver;
Tanker Drivers is a carrier of liquid fuel, oil, gas, gasoline, and other hazardous liquids in tanks.

Actually, the largest vehicles - trucks - are driven by specialists of the last four categories. They are the most in demand, and those of them that participate in long-distance and international transportation are also the highest paid.

Categories of truck drivers in the USA

Tanker drivers. This category applies to truckers who transport gasoline and other types of flammable substances in specially equipped tanks.

Reefer. Transportation of chilled or frozen products in special trucks equipped with powerful refrigeration units. As a rule, such trucks are designed to transport ice cream, frozen fish and other food products.

Less than Truck Load. A rather specific category for truckers is the transportation of light cargo across the United States. The category primarily relates to store services.

Flat Bed Drivers . Carrying out transportation of similar large-sized cargo. As a rule, we are talking about transporting building materials, metal pipes or logs.

Dry Van Drive r. Transportation of various products with a long shelf life in special closed trucks. Mostly cargo is transported for large wholesale warehouses.

Auto Haulers. One of the most common categories of international cargo transportation. Based on its name, it is easy to guess what exactly is being transported - cars, construction equipment, motorcycles.

Working conditions

If we talk about legal employment, American truckers have the opportunity to get work in reputable companies with consistently high earnings and social guarantees. Of course, this includes insurance, including medical insurance, guaranteed vacation, and paid sick leave.

In addition to experience, physical strength and health, employers pay attention to the personal qualities of candidates, which sometimes contradict each other. Getting a job as a truck driver is much easier for a driver who is characterized by:

composure;
seriousness;
courage;
calm;
ability to react quickly in difficult situations;
excerpt;
stress resistance;
ability to make independent decisions.

According to American labor laws, you can drive a heavy vehicle for no more than 11 hours, after which a rest period of at least 10 hours is required.

High requirements for hired drivers are compensated by excellent working conditions, thanks to which the life of a truck driver in the USA looks quite attractive from the outside. Here no one will force a tired driver to go out onto the highway in a faulty car.

Employers are trying to equip vehicles with everything necessary for work and life on the road and provide drivers with maximum comfort. Navigators, refrigerators, communications, cooking equipment, showers, air conditioning, satellite radio, even television - everything is available.

Job search in the USA for 2021

The easiest way to find a job in America is if one of your friends or relatives is already working in the states. Even despite the tightening of migration rules, this way you can find a job that does not require specialization, at least in order to somehow gain a foothold in the country.

It is somewhat more difficult to search for work through specialized sites. There are a lot of them, the vacancies offered are very different, from cleaners to professions that require special education and skills. But the fact is that most often they are looking for a person with an already open visa; not every employer is ready to engage in official employment.

See also: Work in Austria for Russians vacancies 2021

The most popular sites for self-search:

· Rusrec;

Craigslist;

· Monster;

· Coolworks.

There is a lot of work offered for freelancers, but here you need to be extremely attentive to customers. There are common cases when people simply do not pay for work done. A law has now been passed obliging payment for the order either before it is ready or after 30 days from the date of execution, however, it currently only works in New York.

Popular sites for remote work:

upwork;

· freelancer;

·careerbuilder.

Job vacancies are also advertised in local newspapers, for example, NewYorkTimes, WashingtonPost, USA Today. There are also Russian-language newspapers, such as “AiF.Amerika”, “Russian Bazaar”, etc.

It is convenient to look for a job through recruiting agencies; it is better to choose those that require payment only after employment. There are many scammers in this sector of the market, so it is worth checking the license before concluding an agreement.

An equally effective way to find work is through local advertisements. Often local Russian communities help a novice applicant. They may also produce their own printed publications.

You can also contact the Department of Labor, which can provide employment assistance or offer a training program. It is also possible to find work through exchange programs, for example, Work&Travel and AuPair.

Recruiting company

There are hundreds of recruiting companies in the United States. For a certain fee, they will help you quickly find a suitable job. When choosing one of them, be sure to check whether there is a license to carry out such activities and do not forget to read the contract that is concluded with you.

Choose a company that charges actual payment for services rendered. If the recruitment agency turns out to be a scam, you have the right to file a complaint with the StateConsumerProtectionOffice.

Contacting the company directly

A good way to find a job in the USA is to send a resume in English to one of the large local corporations. For example, Ford Motor, Hewlett-Packard, Chevron, Procter & Gamble, JP Morgan Chase & Co.

It is worth paying attention to large companies because they are constantly in need of specialists, and they already have foreign workers on their staff. Therefore, they have knowledge and experience in the field of hiring foreigners.

Local newspapers

Don't neglect periodicals to find work. Pay attention to Russian-language newspapers: “Russian Bazaar”, “Courier”, “Jewish World”, “AiF. America”, as well as those published by local communities. Good options for internet searches:

· NewYorkTimes.

·WashingtonPost.

· USA Today.

Relatives and the Russian community

In most cases, people decide to move to the United States when relatives or close friends already live in the country. These people may well be able to help you find your first job, and as a rule, they are willing to do so. And even though these are rarely reputable positions, the first job in America is very important, as it helps to socialize in a new country and get good recommendations.

Obtaining rights

Before you start working as a truck driver, you will have to obtain an American driver's license. To do this, you must have an excellent command of the theory and rules of driving, pass the appropriate written exam, and also pass a practical test at the state transport department (). You can sign up for the exam directly on the organization’s official website by selecting the state in which you live.

It is worth considering that some states have restrictions on obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL) classes A, B and C, which are required to drive a heavy truck. It usually takes a year after obtaining a Basic Driving License.

What categories of driver's license are needed for a truck driver are decided during the course of study or by agreement with the employer.

Next, you need to undergo training lasting from two weeks to nine months. This is available at a special school, which can easily be found in local newspapers or using the Internet.

You can get the necessary information from the drivers themselves and from brochures found at truck stops. Tuition costs average from $1,500.

There are also companies that are willing to take on training themselves. However, not for free. As a rule, during the first year of work you will have to earn five cents less per mile. To obtain a CDL in the USA, you will have to spend about a year.

Additions to a driver's license

To become a real truck driver and count on the highest paid job, you will have to undergo additional training and receive so-called Endorsements - approvals to work in certain conditions). And they are obtained by passing an exam on the rules for transporting specific and dangerous goods (Hazardous Materials). You'll have to study extra.

How to get a job

9 Rights obtained in Russia and Ukraine are not quoted in the United States. In order to get a job in the USA in this specialty in 2021, you will need to pass the rules and obtain an American license. A truck driving license is given only after obtaining a passenger car driving license. A driver in the USA is required to have a CDL license. He must also know how specific goods are transported.

Training and registration of a truck driver's license takes from 14 days to 9 months. Cost - from 1.5 thousand dollars.

Obtaining American rights

In order to get a job in the USA, Russian applicants undertake to pass the theory test. To do this, you need to contact your local department of motor vehicles. It's quite easy to learn American road rules. After this, you will need to take a test and receive a “score” of passing the theory.

The next step is to undergo training at a truck driver school. You can find it by looking for an ad in a newspaper or on the Internet. Each truck stop has specialized brochures where you can also get useful information about schools.

Addition to rights

After this, everyone who wants to get a job in the USA must additionally apply for Endorsements. To do this, you must pass the Hazardous Materials exam. This additional exam gives the right to transport goods classified as “Dangerous” and, accordingly, to receive a higher salary.

The requirement for a rights supplement is expressed by most American companies. This is explained by the fact that they often receive orders to transport dangerous goods.

Job search

What you need to become a truck driver should be practically clear by now. The question is how to look for a job. This is done remotely via the Internet or on site: with the help of automobile associations, advertisements in print media, on TV and electronic resources.

Truckers school

Often, employers themselves supervise drivers during training at truck driving schools, but more often teachers issue recommendations. Steady connections between such schools and transport companies allow the latter to replenish their staff with qualified personnel, and are therefore supported by associations and trade unions.

Call from employer

At the same time, you can solve the problem of legalization and employment in the USA with the help of a potential employer. Under certain conditions, he will be able to help you obtain a work visa, and then organize training to become a truck driver with future employment.

Experience, a good resume and recommendations will allow you to interest the employer so much that he will pay for your studies, tell you how to pass exams the first time and obtain the necessary documents.

Own business

Everyone dreams of owning their own business in America. To open a branch of a company or purchase an existing business, you will need about 100 thousand dollars.

It is easier for immigrants from the CIS to start with individual entrepreneurship. By purchasing or renting a truck, you can engage in private cargo transportation.

And here there are options: you can work alone, in cooperation with the same individualists, or in agreement with a large company.

Russian speaking company

For Russian-speaking drivers, the most logical and simple way into the profession is through employment in a company with Russian roots. All procedures here will be the same as in any other, but there will be no language barrier. Perhaps your former compatriots will even treat you better than local drivers, knowing very well the specifics of working at home.

How to start working in the USA

You need to find a vacancy from an employer. It is he who will sign an employment contract with you and this will help you obtain a work visa. It's good to get the so-called GreenCard. This will provide the opportunity to freely obtain work and live under all legal conditions in the United States.

But it's not easy to get such a card. Usually the employer only offers a temporary work visa. We list their main types:

H–1B. This is the most popular visa. It is available only to highly qualified foreigners with extensive experience. Main requirements for a visa:

- higher education in the profession, or rather a diploma. It must be recognized abroad. If you don’t have it, then you need at least 13 years of experience in your profession. - you must find and receive a job offer from a company with a salary level no less than the regional average.

H–2B. (visa in some cases up to 3 years). Typically for temporary work up to 1 year per season.
H – 2A for work in rural areas. farm
H – 1B3 – for nurses who have a diploma.

See also: Work in the Czech Republic for Russians: vacancies 2021 without knowledge of the language

This is a list of just a few types of visas. But how can a Russian person find a job in the USA?

It is the employer who facilitates obtaining a visa. And only he issues a permit for your work. To find a job for Russians without knowledge of English in the USA, they can directly contact the employer at the company. It is better to contact a large company, since they already have experience in hiring foreigners.

Meet on social media networks with people already working abroad. Find out from them how they were able to go abroad, under what conditions they were hired. Also find out everything about obtaining a visa.

Salary of an American Truck Driver

The average truck driver salary in the United States in 2021 is about $1,300 per week. Annual earnings can reach up to $90,000. The final numbers will depend on several factors:

mileage, since the rate is calculated per mile based on the tachograph;
qualifications;
categories;
type of transported goods.

The more complex and dangerous the cargo, the larger it is, the further it needs to be transported, the more the driver will earn. On average, they pay 50 cents per mile.

How much a truck driver receives per month is determined by an agreement with the employer or personal ambitions, if we are talking about individual entrepreneurial activity.

If you take the average speed of 30-40 miles/hour, then you can earn 150-200 dollars a day if you work for the owner. By the way, in Nebraska, Utah and Nevada, the speed limit on highways is higher, so a driver there can earn up to $300.

Also, much is determined by the driver’s personal experience and authority, and the ability to quickly troubleshoot problems.

The more famous the company, the higher the wages. A private trader with regular employment earns up to 10 thousand dollars a month. In addition, companies ordering transportation pay for downtime of more than two hours at the rate of $10/hour, but not more than $120 per day. That is, with a long load, you can also earn money without actually doing anything.

As an alternative, Russian-speaking emigrants first choose to become a school bus driver. Salaries here range from 20 to 44 thousand dollars per year.

The Process of Becoming a Truck Driver in America

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In America, many of our compatriots work as drivers. Some partner with Uber or Lyft. Others drive the truck. Someone else has a personal business transporting goods. Bobur Hassan started as a truck driver, but soon he founded his own company, Uz Trans Inc., and has been running it for more than 10 years. Bobur is from Shakhrisabz, Kashkadarya region. Self employed. Engaged in logistics, cargo transportation and real estate. We talked to Babur about becoming a truck driver in America.

What are the basic requirements?

Firstly, you must be at least 21 years old. Once you have decided to drive a car, you need to study the relevant rules. To do this, go to your state's DMV (Department of Motor Vehicles) and pick up the State Commercial Driver's Manual. It contains the CDL-Commercial Driver License, which outlines how to obtain a truck driver's license, rules for driving a truck, and other important information. Start studying them.

When can I start driving a truck?

If you have a light vehicle license and no serious violations, you can obtain a CDL permit, but only after answering the computer questions, the answers to which are contained in the manual. Once you receive your permit, you can start driving a heavy truck with a CDL driver.

What other documents are required?

Every driver must undergo a medical examination after receiving a CDL permit. Only after this will you be allowed to take the final exam. The doctor who conducts the medical examination is called a Medical Examiner. Medical Examiner checks whether you are healthy enough to drive a truck. The eyes are checked, blood pressure is measured, the heart is listened to, and they also look to see if the body can move without pain. Those who successfully pass the medical examination are issued a Medical Examiner's Certificate.

Finally, you must arrive at one of the test centers in a truck and accompanied by a CDL-certified person to take the practical driving test. If you pass the test, you will be issued a CDL driver's license.

Do I need to know English? Are exams conducted in English only?

Yes, you need to know English. At least at the intermediate level, because all exams are conducted in English. You must answer questions clearly in English.

I broke many traffic rules and was fined several times. How will this affect?

If traffic rules are repeatedly violated and there are “points” on the driver’s license (an assessment of the severity of the traffic violation), these points and fines are stored in the driver’s license history for up to three years. After 3 years they lose their strength. If you have received many fines or points in the last 3 years, it will be extremely difficult for you to find a job and be accepted as a driver by insurance companies. Employers and insurance companies prefer drivers who do not violate traffic laws and do not have a serious driving history. Since drivers with a high number of tickets are more likely to be involved in car accidents, insurance comes at a higher price.

Is it necessary to attend a special school?

You don't have to take a special course (Truck Driving School) to learn how to drive a truck. After receiving your CDL permit, you can learn to drive a truck with a qualified CDL driver with at least 3 years of driving experience. However, there are benefits to taking a Truck Driving School course. Such schools not only provide licenses, but also teach competent truck driving and provide the necessary information. They help solve problems that arise during work, and also explain the rules of the road. Training at Truck Driving School can last from 30 days to 1 year. Each state and school has its own rules.

What does the test consist of?

Many companies require passing the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR) exam. This exam includes oral and written tests. The written test contains questions about federal traffic regulations, and the oral test contains a hearing and vision test. The written test is taken only once and the oral test once every two years.

What should I do if I fail the test?

Each state has its own rules here. A person who fails the exam can retake the next day. Typically, however, the date for taking the new exam is determined in accordance with the daily operating schedule of the testing centers. In some states, you can take the exam up to three times. In others, you are allowed to take it multiple times.

How much does it cost to go through all the steps to drive a truck?

If you want to study at Truck Driving School, your expenses could range from 2000 to 5000 US dollars. If you do not attend Truck Driving School, your costs will be approximately $500. But in this case, a qualified CDL driver will have to teach in his own truck. Considering the difficulty of passing the exams, you should study at Truck Driving School because they provide better training and all the conditions for driving a truck.

What is the salary for a starting truck driver?

The monthly salary is set depending on the driver’s qualifications and the salary set by the employing company. Therefore, salaries vary from company to company. Often the average annual salary for drivers is around $30,000. A driver transporting chemicals (HAZMAT in English), fuel oil and hazardous substances can earn more. Typically, the annual salary can range from $35,000 to $40,000 per year. And a driver with 3 years of experience will earn about $50,000 - $60,000 per year. A driver with 5 years of experience will earn between $60,000 and $70,000 per year.

How long will the whole process take?

Obtaining a truck driver's license, learning to drive the vehicle, and passing all tests can take anywhere from 1 to 4 months. But in some Truck Driving Schools the educational process lasts up to 1 year. Additionally, some states will require a certain amount of time to take the practical test after obtaining your CDL permit. By reading the CDL manual, you can find out the rules of the state in which you live.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of driving a truck?

One of the positive aspects is that you can find a job quickly (about 30-60 days). Since many of our compatriots consider the opportunity to find a job and earn money a great success, this is not bad. As they say, there is a good opportunity to earn good money in a short time. No higher education required.

The disadvantage is that you often have to be away from the family, that is, on the road. And, of course, there is the possibility of getting into a car accident. The working day often lasts about 11 hours. Some drivers quickly get tired of such work. If you have to deliver the cargo by the specified time, you will have to drive the car in bad weather.

Should the driver be insured?

There is a lot of information about our compatriots who died as a result of a car accident. In this case, some companies must pay insurance benefits to the driver's family. Before starting work, the driver must check the insurance coverage for such cases. Companies with fewer than five employees are not required to provide coverage.

Some states generally do not require this type of insurance. However, in cases where a driver is injured or dies on the road, some state laws require a large amount of insurance coverage to be paid to the driver and/or family members. For example, Missouri is one of them. In particular, Uz Trans guarantees that the insurance company will provide insurance coverage for treatment and days when the driver did not work due to an injury on the road. Also, if a driver dies on the road due to a car accident, he/she has insurance that will pay out a large amount of money to his/her family members. This type of insurance is called Worker's Compensation and Occupational Accident Insurance. This insurance is also guaranteed for owner-operator drivers. This insurance should not be confused with health insurance. All drivers should take particular care to check whether such insurance is available.

How many hours can I drive per day?

The driver works 14 hours a day. 11 hours are spent on driving and the remaining time for loading, refueling, checking the condition of the machine, etc. After 14 hours of the working day, you should stop and rest for 10 hours.

Latest tips

I advise young people to consider this work as temporary. After accumulating a sufficient amount of money, young people should pay more attention to family and children. Because many people with such work do not devote enough time to raising children. Compatriots who do not experience much fatigue on the road and who do not have health problems can easily cope with this work.

Taxation

The tax system in the country is quite complex. Taxes are divided into federal and local with progressive rates.

The highest income tax rate is in the state of Iowa and is 12%.
Six states, including Illinois, New Jersey and the District of Columbia, have tax rates of 9% or more.
Rates of 5% or lower are typical for 8 states, including Kentucky, Utah, Colorado and others.

In addition, there are exception states in the country, such as Washington, Ohio, Nevada and Texas, which do not have an income tax. As an alternative, they levy a tax on companies' gross profits.

In Wyoming and South Dakota.

No one in the United States even thinks about evading taxes; it is always cheaper and safer to pay them, but truckers make the most of the opportunity to receive a legal tax deduction for expenses on repairs, maintenance and equipment of a vehicle.

Part of the payments can be returned in the form of compensation for studies, rental housing, car loans, and so on. There is no vehicle tax or special tolls for heavy vehicles in the United States, but there is a motor vehicle tax, which is a state-level tax.

Forklift operator

A forklift driver in the USA is also in demand by many transport companies. The responsibilities of this specialist include:

loading/unloading of goods, products, etc. using forklift;
warehouse logistics, documentation management;
accounting for shelf life, compliance with storage rules.

A forklift in America often also performs the duties of a warehouse worker, so he must be able to speak and write English. And, most importantly, have extensive work experience.

Wages in different companies range from 10 to 15 dollars per hour. Some companies allow you to operate your own forklifts.

Where is training possible?

If you have a forklift driver certificate or diploma, mandatory licensing is carried out online. The procedure costs about $50.

There are quite a lot of regular courses in the country. Addresses and contacts can be found on the Internet.

The duration of training ranges from 1 to 7 days, and the cost does not exceed $500. Here you can get the necessary minimum of theoretical knowledge and technical skills.

When getting a job, the most important thing is a practical test with the employer. If your skills satisfy him, the specialty of Forklift Operator can be obtained through courses at the expense of the employer.

By the way, the so-called classes offered by large logistics companies can last only 8 hours, and their cost is about $6,000.

The certificate obtained in this way can only be used by the company that paid for the courses. At the new workplace you will have to get a different one.

How to get a job as a truck driver

For emigrants from the CIS countries, it is mandatory to obtain a license again, since the previously purchased document is not valid. The driver must undergo training. Previously acquired rights are surrendered, and new ones are obtained. First, you need to undergo training to drive a car. The second stage will be obtaining rights to drive the truck.

All drivers in America are required to have a CDL license. They must also be able to transport specific cargo.

First of all, to obtain a license, you must have a good command of the theory and pass it in the exam. To be admitted to testing, you must contact the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles.

Theoretical information and signs are learned quite simply. Then the applicant passes the appropriate test and receives a document.

The second step towards realizing your dream of becoming a truck driver will be a truck driving school. This can be found by consulting local newspapers or the Internet. You can also get information about the school from brochures available at truck stops.

Several states restrict you from being able to drive a truck until one year has passed from obtaining a regular driver's license. CDL license required. Obtaining a category consists of two stages:

Taking a written test. It can be taken at the department of any state, and the rules can be downloaded from their website. If successful, they will issue a form for passing the theoretical part.
Training at a special school for truck drivers. The educational institution is easy to find on the Internet and there you can sign up for training in advance, the cost of which is about $1,500. Upon completion of the course, a document will be issued.

With both papers you need to go to the department of motor vehicles in your place of residence to get a CDL license.

There are companies that take on driver training. But such a proposal has its costs. Over the course of an entire year, a trucker will earn five cents less per mile. After a year of training, the driver will receive a CDL class A license.

Personal qualities

As mentioned above, the work of a truck driver is quite difficult. In addition to the fact that a truck driver has to lift weights and sometimes lie on the cold ground under the car (if a breakdown occurs on the road), the very operation of a multi-ton truck requires great physical strength.

Add to this the great emotional stress that invariably accompanies any long trips, the desire to deliver the cargo within a clearly designated time frame, as well as the utmost concentration of attention throughout the entire journey, and you will see a “portrait” of a truck driver who should be:

responsible;
punctual;
hardy;
strong;
stress-resistant;
healthy;
sociable;
disciplined;
unpretentious;
patient;
diligent.

And most importantly, the truck drivers themselves say that their profession is not a job, but a state of mind, so a real truck driver should love his car and feel at home behind the wheel.

Is the job of an American truck driver dangerous?

The main dangers for any driver:

violations of rules;
bad weather;
poor condition of the road surface and people on the road.

You won't find pedestrians on highways in America. The roads here are excellent, and where there is strict video control, no one breaks the rules. There are no racketeers here either.

Statistics say that every year, out of one hundred thousand drivers, about thirty die due to the weather and due to non-compliance with safety, working time and rest standards. In particular, drivers fall asleep at the wheel and exceed the speed limit.

The most difficult conditions, according to reviews from drivers themselves, are observed on certain sections of roads in the following states:

Alaska,
Pennsylvania,
Texas,
California,
Georgia.

Working as a truck driver (CDL long distance)