Transportation Jobs

Take the first steps towards truck driving or other transportation jobs
By Kim Finn Whether you work in a transportation job, or wish you did, you'll find jobs in the transportation industry plentiful and rewarding. The outlook for transportation jobs, particularly those associated with truck driving, remains favorable.

A shortage of available long-haul truck drivers continues because of an aging driver population, drivers switching jobs in the transportation industry, leaving the transportation field altogether and the increasing need for truck transportation. For example, escalating Internet sales have increased the need for jobs in transportation. Once you buy any product online, someone must still deliver it to you, and trucks/vans generally connect goods with their ultimate consumer destination.

As you investigate transportation as a job or a new career:

1. Scan transportation job openings for the type of transportation industry careers that interest you.

2. Understand some trucking companies hire drivers without a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and then provide licensing/driving training, but many don't.

3. Find the job you want online.

Narrow the field of possibilities in your transportation job search

The transportation field includes everything from jobs in logistics to different modes of transportation and all the supporting industries in between. You'll find transportation job listings for traffic control jobs, service/repair companies and warehouse/distribution centers. You'll learn about transportation employment opportunities in the aircraft, rail and shipping industries, as well as transportation management careers in all areas.
Try:  If the logistics field interests you, start with LogJobs.com, a website devoted to logistics and supply-chain jobs and careers. Begin your search for transportation management careers at Top USA Jobs, or look for specific types of transportation employment opportunities at Simply Hired.

Get the proper licensing before applying for most trucking jobs

When you hear about jobs in transportation, you may immediately think of driving a big rig across the country. With the large truck driver shortage, you'll easily find available jobs, but you can't just start driving a truck tomorrow. You must like to regularly drive long distances to turn this job into a successful career. Once you decide that, secure the proper license and training. Also, research types of truck driving: long hauls, owner-operator, short hauls or light/delivery service truck driver. Requirements for licensing vary, so check with companies you're interested in; some require you to already have your CDL when you turn in your transportation employment application.
Try:  If you have a Class A CDL, consider applying with Marten Transport, a highly reputable company that not only offers trucking positions but also contractor opportunities and lease-to-own options. Experienced truck drivers might consider their trainer program to earn extra money. If you’re ready to earn your CDL, search for a good truck driving school. Ensure you attend a course that meets the highest transportation standards by checking for Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI) accreditation. The PTDI provides the only national standards for truck driver training, and you can find PTDI-certified courses on their website.

Search transportation job listings online for plentiful truck-driving opportunities

Once certified, you may find yourself overwhelmed at the number of transportation jobs listed online. Investigate different companies' reputations regarding pay rates, benefits, and how much time you can expect to spend away from home.
Try:  Register with Every Truck Job and find truck driver job openings based on your status (truck driving student or recent graduate, solo or team driver, company driver or owner-operator). You can also search truck driving opportunities and companies at ClassADrivers.

• While researching jobs in transportation, know that getting your CDL is not free. Courses can cost several thousand dollars, so research existing methods of financing.
• If you're under 23, check age requirements for the company that interests you. Some companies hire in-state drivers at 18, but Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations stipulate a minimum age of 21 to drive commercial vehicles between states; many companies may not hire you unless you're at least 22.