You’ve finished your CDL training and have accepted a job offer at a trucking company after considering your options. Now it is time to start preparing for the onboarding process at your new job! Being prepared can make all the difference in your experience. Here are a few things you can expect to happen at your trucking orientation!

Questions to Ask Before Your CDL Orientation

There are certain questions you’ll want to ask before your orientation begins so you can come prepared.

Will I Get A Truck Immediately?

Find out if you will be getting into a truck as soon as orientation is over. If so, you’ll need to pack supplies so you’re ready to hit the road. If not, you’ll need to find out what comes after orientation.

Do You Offer Lodging?

You will also want to ask if the company provides food or lodging during orientation. If not, are you expected to pay for your stay?

What Should I Bring?

Lastly, you’ll need to figure out what documentation they want you to bring. If you don’t come with the right documents, you may come off as unorganized and give a bad first impression.

Things to Expect at Your Trucking Orientation

It’s important to remember that new driver orientation will vary between trucking companies. However, there are some things you can expect to see no matter where you’ve been hired.

Orientation Day One

On the first day, you should receive an overview of the company you are coming to work for. They will probably run through the company history, the industry, and how things are done at this specific company. Usually, trucking orientation occurs in groups, and there will be a PowerPoint presentation and an information packet to get started.

The orientation leader will talk to you about what the company expects while you’re out on your route, their safety procedures, and communication tactics. They will go through various safety requirements, best practices, and industry news or updates. You may receive a walkthrough of the building, their driver lounge, shop, and equipment.

Many jobs require you to pass a physical exam and drug test during the orientation process. You also will need to fill out information for insurance and payroll purposes. This is why it’s critical to have the correct documentation when you arrive.

Orientation Day Two

After the presentations, possibly on a second day, you will have a driving test. This is a very important part of the trucking orientation. You’ll most likely do a check ride with someone grading your abilities. Once you have passed all of your physical and skills tests, you are ready to meet your dispatcher and start planning your first route!

Have More Questions?

If you have more questions about this process or what to expect please feel free to contact us for guidance. Congratulations on starting your new career in trucking! If you ever feel a bit lost and are wanting to refresh your skills, DriveCo can help you out with our CDL Refresher course.

Completing your CDL training is only the first step in starting your new career in trucking. Once you finish your training, you’re ready to start searching for trucking jobs! The good news is that there is a high demand for truck drivers. In fact, there are currently about 60,000 job openings in the trucking industry. Discover how DriveCo CDL Learning Center can help you get hired in trucking!

Job Placement Assistance at DriveCo

Offering top-notch CDL training is not our only goal at DriveCo CDL Learning Center. We’re also here to help you get hired after graduation! DriveCo has over 25 years of experience helping individuals start their new careers in trucking. With the job placement services at DriveCo, graduates can get help filling out applications, updating their resume, building their network, and much more! Whether you’re a DriveCo graduate or a current student, our team is here to help you find a CDL job you’ll love.

Hiring Events With Trucking Recruiters

DriveCo maintains relationships with over 20 top trucking companies in the United States. We are regularly hosting hiring events with recruiters from these companies! Recruiters are visiting the DriveCo campuses weekly looking to hire new truck drivers and to share what their company has to offer. This gives students opportunities to directly network with trucking companies and find what works best for them.

These events are also open to the public in addition to DriveCo students and graduates. There are various CDL job openings out there and a lot of trucking companies who are interested in hiring DriveCo graduates specifically. We invite you to join us for these recruiter events and get your questions answered!

Lifelong Career Opportunities in Trucking

The trucking industry has a lot to offer. Trucking companies are offering competitive pay and benefits to meet the high demand for drivers. This will vary between trucking companies, but a career in trucking typically comes along with the following benefits:

  • your hourly wage will run about $20 – 25
  • the average income for a truck driver starting out is about $45,000 annual salary
  • drivers can apply for both regional and local jobs once they have a few years of experience as an OTR driver
  • you get a 401(k) with additional company matches available
  • complete healthcare benefits
  • opportunities to advance into management or operator positions

These are just a few of the benefits that come along with working in the trucking industry. You can make a livable wage and have a career full of options to advance by finishing your CDL training. DriveCo CDL Learning Center has the training you need to exceed as a professional truck driver!

You’ve finished your Class A CDL training and are ready to hit the road. Or at least you think you’re ready. Make sure you’re prepared for the road ahead by having these essential supplies! This ultimate shopping list for new truck drivers will set you up for success.

BASIC TRUCKING SUPPLIES

  • Water. You’ll get thirsty while you’re on the road, so it’s best to pack something to drink. Water is very affordable to buy in bulk.
  • Snacks. You’re bound to get hungry on the road. But it’s best to pack some non-perishable items that don’t need to be refrigerated such as peanut butter, bread, crackers, apples, bananas, beef jerky, or canned soup.
  • Toiletries. Keep clean and stay refreshed with a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, deodorant, cologne, body wash, shampoo, etc.
  • Comfortable clothes. It’s essential to bring comfortable clothes for a long drive. Depending on the weather, you should have button-ups, t-shirts, jeans, shorts, jogging pants.
  • Off-duty attire. During your trip, it’s convenient to have some comfortable clothes for when you’re not driving.
  • Shoes. You’ll need running shoes for comfort. If you plan on stopping to shower, it’s best to pack shower flip-flops shoes to protect your feet from infections like athlete’s foot. It’s always good to have boots just in case you need to do some work or the weather changes up.
  • Gloves. To keep your hands warm or to make loading and unloading easier, it’s a good idea to have gloves on hand.
  • Raincoat. Weather can be unpredictable. You don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere and it’s raining, but you don’t have a raincoat.
  • Cell phone mount. This is best for safety. It can be dangerous to hold a phone while driving, whether you’re making a call or using the GPS. Having your cell phone mounted to the dashboard or windshield can solve this problem.

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

  • Phone number list. In case your phone dies and you can’t access your contacts, having a written phone number list can come in handy when you need to make an important call.
  • Flashlight with batteries. A flashlight is a great tool for any emergency situation. If your truck breaks down at night, using a flashlight can help you see under the hood.
  • Portable cell phone charger. In case you can’t use your regular charger, when you don’t have access to a power outlet, for example, a portable charger can be useful.
  • Small first aid kit. If you get hurt during your trips, it’s good to have bandages, dressings, medications, and treatments on hand.

ITEMS FOR COMFORT

  • Portable toilet. Sometimes it’s not viable to make a restroom stop. A portable toilet can meet your bathroom needs without the need to stop.
  • Sleeping bag/blanket/pillow. When you don’t want to stop at a hotel to rest, you can sleep in your truck. A sleeping bag, blanket, and pillow can provide you some comfort.
  • Pain medication. Whether you have a bad headache or you’re experiencing some knee pain, it’s wise to pack some Tylenol or Ibuprofen for your trip.

For more information about the trucking industry and CDL training, feel free to contact us. At DriveCo CDL Learning Center, our focus is to help our students become successful truck drivers!