Ah, the lure of the open road. Heading out, exploring places unknown, and getting paid for it at the same time? Bonus! Driving jobs are a great way to earn hard cash doing what you love. But how can you find and get driving jobs? What qualifications and licenses would I need? Let’s take a closer look at how to snag the perfect driving jobs for you.
Types of Driving Jobs Available Today
Driving jobs can be anything from driving in Nascar to long-distance trucking. Most of us are probably looking for driving jobs that are somewhere in between. Truck driving jobs tend to be the most lucrative. At the top of the list are highly specialized ones, like ice road trucking, long-haul, and special cargo trucking. Team driving jobs can also be well paid. In these types of truck driving jobs, you take it in turns with another driver. By law, property-carrying drivers may drive for 11 hours with a 10-hour break in between.
Local driving jobs are also available and may not require a truck driving license. For example, some companies employ delivery service partners. Translation – drivers to deliver packages to their customers.
Examples include companies like Amazon and UPS. This has been a growth area during the COVID pandemic and looks set to continue to grow over the next ten years.
Got your own vehicle? You could consider driving for companies like Uber and Lyft. You’d be your own boss and they’re an option if you’re looking for part-time driving jobs.
Finding and Getting Truck Driving Jobs
If you’re interested in truck driving jobs, you need to get a Commercial Drivers License (CDL).
Obtaining a Commercial Drivers License (CDL)
To get a Commercial Drivers License, you must be:
- 21 years old or over for interstate driving
- Get a learner’s permit
- Attend a CDL training course
- Pass your exams
- Show proof of citizenship or green card
- Pass a background check and physical
Once you have your commercial drivers license you’re ready to apply for a huge range of national and local truck driving jobs.
What if you don’t have a license and can’t afford to get one? Start looking for driving jobs anyway. Some companies offer apprentice training schemes that can cover the cost of obtaining your license.
Finding Truck Driving Jobs
Truck drivers are in demand right now. Remember though that trucking requires a clear head and a clean driving record. Expect to be made to take pre-employment drug and alcohol tests before starting with any company.
Here are a few ways to find truck driving jobs.
Online Job Boards
Online job boards such as Monster and Indeed list all kinds of jobs, from CEOs to kitchen staff. They will have a dedicated trucking section.
The beauty of these types of sites is that they’re constantly updated. It’s also possible to filter by local truck driving jobs and interstate vacancies. The drawback is that everyone is looking at them.
Specialist Trucking Recruitment Sites
There are specialist sites devoted to trucking jobs. Like job boards, they’re easy to search and get updated regularly. You can set up alerts so you’re the first to know about new openings that come up.
Big Employer Websites
Is there a particular company you want to work for? Head over to their website. Even if they’re not hiring right now, you may be able to register your interest.
Government sites also occasionally recruit truck drivers. Not the biggest source of jobs but worth considering, especially for local driving jobs.
Social Media
Social media is a huge, free tool that recruiters are now using. Follow trucking recruiters and get alerted to new openings as they become available.
Finding and Getting Local Driving Jobs
Do you like driving, but hate the idea of driving a truck? Maybe local van driving jobs would be more your speed.
Major Retailers and Delivery Partners
Many major retailers, especially online based retailers such as Amazon, are heavily recruiting. They are looking for people with clean driving licenses to make local deliveries.
Think also about delivery partners such as DHL and UPS. You’ll likely drive a branded vehicle and be required to lift boxes up to around 50lbs. If you’re happier to stick to the local area, these kinds of driving jobs can be a great option.
Ads and PPC
When you’re on social media or browsing the internet, search engines will pretty quickly get to know what you’re looking for. Don’t be surprised if weirdly accurate ads come your way.
These can actually provide some interesting leads. Major recruiters such as Amazon use these kinds of ads to direct potential drivers to their site. Some recruiters may offer sign-up bonuses or other incentives to persuade you to make that click.
Ride-share Companies
Check out the websites of ride-share companies operating in your area. Most require you to have your own vehicle, which needs to be to a good standard. Some operators give you access to rental vehicle options.
You’ll also need a valid license in the state you want to operate in.
They provide insurance, and you set the schedule. This is perfect for those looking for part-time driving jobs that are close to home. You can fit them around other commitments such as childcare.
Find and Get the Right Driving Jobs for You!
Driving jobs can be a great way to combine a love of driving and a job. You get to experience different places, and no two days are the same. Depending on the type of driving jobs you choose, you could also earn some serious dough!
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