Contract Carriers Education and Training

Become a dedicated contract carrier by completing career requirements

Being a dedicated contract carrier means that you provide transportation services to a specific shipper under an agreement that you'll be compensated. Trucking contracts involve driving large vehicles with large loads and being on call 24 hours a day. This is a demanding job with a lot of responsibility, therefore the training and education involved in this profession is extensive.

A great deal of information is available regarding how to become a contract carrier and what it means to be a truckload carrier. Contract carriers education and training is required to begin work in this profession as there are several rules and regulations that apply. In order to start your career you need to:

1. Attend a truck driving school to earn a Commercial Drivers License (CDL), necessary for contract carriers.

2. Take advantage of training courses offered by motor associations for continued education in contract carrier services.

3. Apply for the appropriate truckload carrier registration and insurance.

 

Enroll in driving schools that license truckload carriers

Before you provide any contract carrier services you must have a CDL which you can obtain through various truck driving schools.
Try: TestQuestionsAndAnswers.com gives you general information about the CDL as well as what happens after you obtain this license. C1 Truck Driver Training offers a driving training program in locations outlined on their website with training that ranges from classroom to behind the wheel. USTruckingSchools.com has a choice of truck driving schools grouped by state and gives a short overview of each school.

Become a member of an association for truckload carrier training

The purpose of associations is to get people of the same profession together so they can network, receive training, and stay up-to-date on industry news. Becoming a member of an association is not required but is helpful to becoming dedicated contract carriers as they offer ongoing training and informational programs.
Try: Truckload Carriers Association has the Truckload Academy (TLA) that offers educational and informational programs to their members. National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA) offers classification training seminars that will instruct you on commodity descriptions and the National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) rules.

Get educated on proper registration and insurance for contract trucking

Appropriate insurance and registration are a part of the requirements for a contract carrier. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) sole purpose is to reduce injuries, fatalities and on-the-road accidents that involve large trucks and buses. The association requires you to complete registration forms depending on the type of trucking authority. Many corporations and companies want a copy of the carrier's insurance certificate as part of the contract carriers application. They'll tell you how much cargo and auto liability coverage you need.
Try: FMCSA has online registration that helps you determine what forms are required. BNET has an article that gives an overview of motor truck cargo insurance.

 

• Visit truck stops as part of your contract trucking training and talk with drivers to get a first hand account of the life of a truck driver.

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