Moving from the military back to civilian life is rarely simple. Your time in the military was likely fast-paced and unpredictable, and suddenly needing to reacclimate to an everyday routine can be challenging. This challenge is only magnified when military veterans have to face unemployment.
Unemployment is a difficult position for anyone to be in, but for military veterans especially. Having their life grind to a halt can be jarring and disruptive. This is a situation that Lily Transportation Corp. wants to rectify. We recognize the unique values that veterans can bring to our company and are eager to support the skills you have learned in the military.
Here are just a few of the ways Lily Transportation—and the Veteran’s Network program we offer—is striving to help lower the rate of unemployed veterans:
Obtaining Your CDL
Before you can get behind the wheel and hit the road, professional truck drivers need to obtain their commercial driver’s license (CDL). Typically, you’ll need to take a training course that will earn you a CDL permit, which will then allow you to drive a truck with a CDL-certified driver present. This provides you with valuable experience and will prepare you for the CDL driving skills test, which you can take after you’ve had your permit for 14-days.
However, if you have experience driving trucks or buses from your time in the military then you may qualify for a Military CDL Waiver. This can be a great way for veterans to bypass the training process and get on the road as soon as possible.
If you qualify for the veteran CDL waiver, then you won’t need to attend truck driving school or even hold a permit before getting your CDL. There will still be a written exam, however, so be sure to pick up a CDL manual from your local DMV to review. You may be able to obtain sample tests from your state as well, that you can use to practice with.
Programs for Veterans
If you don’t have prior experience operating trucks, then don’t worry! As soon as you acquire your CDL certification, you can enter into a Lily training program that will help fine-tune your skills behind the wheel of our trucks. This unique veteran training program, which we provide to all of our veterans in exchange for a one-year commitment in an over the road assignment, comes with a number of incentives:
The curriculum is fully paid for by Lily and will not deplete your GI Bill benefits.
In addition to a full scholarship, you will also be paid a salary of $800 per week plus company benefits during the training process.
Upon graduation, you will become a member of the Lily family and receive annual compensation in the $70,000 range.
Driving with Lily
Military veterans make excellent truck drivers, and Lily Transportation Corp. would love to work with you and help you find a truck driving position that is a productive, exciting, and sustainable career path. Currently, over 15% of our employees are military veterans and it’s our goal to see that percentage grow each and every year. We want to work alongside you, help you in your transition from military to civilian life, and train you to find success as a professional truck driver.
If you’re interested in learning more about how Lily can help military veterans find a career that works for them, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 800-248-5459 or visit our Careers Page to apply directly online. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Starting a new career can be a lot to take in. New routines, new people, new responsibilities; there’s so much to absorb and adapt to that it can feel overwhelming for even the most driven of employees. This is just as true for a truck driving career. With team trucking, you don’t have to get started alone.
When you’re part of a truck driving team, you have the ability to earn more income and a partner to help share the workload, keeping those long hours on the road from becoming lonely. Here are just a few reasons why team trucking can be especially rewarding for young truckers.
Learning the Trade
There’s always going to be a learning curve when starting a new job. When you first start your trucking career, you’ll likely be partnered with a driver trainer who will help you learn the tools of the trade so that when you hit the road on your own, you’ll be more than equipped with the experience and knowledge needed to thrive.
When you join up with a driving team, you can keep learning long after this“training” period has ended. Finding a good co-driver can be tricky, but once you find someone who you’re compatible with, you’ll be able to better acclimate to your new career—and the responsibilities that come with it —by working alongside someone who has a wealth of experience.
More Efficiency, More Earnings
In addition to the companionship and general benefits of working with someone who’s accustomed to the trucking lifestyle, team truck driving also empowers you to travel farther in less time and as a result, increase your overall earnings.
When one driver takes the wheel, the other will have an opportunity to sleep and recover from their shift. This streamlines the driving process since drivers won’t need to stop for the night. Team driving also means that you’ll always have a partner to help make the job go smoother.
If you need a navigator, your co-driver can help. If your truck runs into mechanical problems, then you have someone to work with to resolve them. Having someone by your side can reduce the stress of the unknown, and your combined knowledge will better solve problems to get you back on the road in no time.
Because team drivers are able to log more miles in less time, they often earn more than if they were driving solo. While the two drivers split the profits, their equal shares are typically higher than their earnings would be if they were driving solo. As a young truck driver, this extra profit can be especially valuable, allowing you to set up a better financial foundation for the future.
Get Started Today!
If you’re a young trucker looking for a way to earn a lot of experience, make a good living, and find your footing in a new and exciting industry, then reach out to Lily Transportation today! We’re a family-owned and operated company and would love to talk to you about the wealth of opportunities waiting for you. Visit our careers page to apply or reach out to us directly at 800-248-5459.
With the trucking industry continuing to grow and expand its search for passionate and experienced drivers, there are more career opportunities than ever before. If you’re a woman looking for an exciting new career path, or a new lifestyle, then the truck driving industry might be the place for you. Here are just a few of the unique benefits women will find in the trucking industry.
Exciting Change of Scenery
There aren’t many jobs that allow you to see the country the way trucking does. When you’re behind the wheel, you get to travel and see the sights in a way very few people get the opportunity to.
Many truckers will drive coast-to-coast, and experience the country in all seasons and climates. Every day is going to look a little different when you’re a professional truck driver, making this an exciting and dynamic career opportunity.
An Abundance of Resources
Over the years, there have been a number of valuable resources and organizations established to help support and encourage women who are actively pursuing, or are already involved in, a truck driving career. For example, the Women in Trucking Association “is a non-profit organization with the mission to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments, and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the industry.”
This organization—and related organizations like REAL Women in Trucking—provide their readers with information and support to educate women considering a trucking career and improve the lives of the women already behind the wheel.
The industry wants its women drivers to succeed, and there are countless companies who are advocates of female drivers and want to help them begin or prolong their careers as professional truck drivers.
Plenty of Benefits
Most trucking companies offer their drivers benefits that include competitive pay, flexible vacation time, safety bonuses, matching 401k, health and wellness programs, and so much more. Trucking is a lifestyle that can empower people from every walk of life to see the world in new and exciting ways and be well-compensated while doing so.
Equal Pay
Most importantly, the truck driving industry offers its female drivers the competitive pay, benefits, and respect that it offers their male counterparts. Like Ellen Voie—the president of Women in Trucking—says, “As a truck driver, you make the same amount of money as your male peers, because you either get paid by the mile or the load of the percentage. So gender is not an issue in pay in the truck industry for drivers.”
While the trucking industry may appear as a predominantly male industry, there is a place for women in its ranks. Not only are women offered the same incentives and considerations as their male counterparts, but companies are eager and excited to hire women and equip them with the resources they need to succeed.
Over-the-road (OTR) team driving can be a rewarding career for people looking to travel the country, earn a competitive income, and do so with a partner who can share in the journey. Team driving has been a popular option for drivers, but it can be a challenge to be matched with a co-driver whom you are compatible with.This is just one reason why married couples make up an increasing percentage of the team driving population. Driving with a spouse not only eliminates the challenges of drivers spending extended periods of time on the road and away from their families. Also, team driving with your spouse makes it easier for couples to earn a higher combined income.
Here are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind if you’re considering becoming a team driver with your spouse.
More Miles, More Money
When driving with a partner, you can cover twice the distance as you would if you were to drive alone. As quoted in CDL Training Today, “Alternating sleep schedules allows the team to cover more miles at a faster pace. While a solo driver can drive 10 hours a day, a couple can drive for 20. Products are delivered in half the time of a single driver.”
Since most truck drivers are paid for each mile they cover, driving with a partner means more miles traveled and more money earned. While OTR team drivers split the profits they earn, each individual driver will still earn an increased income than if they had been driving solo. However, when driving with your spouse, splitting the income becomes even less of a factor.
Additionally, being part of an OTR team with your spouse can significantly lower your living expenses. With the extra income the two of you will be making as co-drivers, and the reduced living expenses, you’ll be able to further expand your retirement fund or utilize your earnings for other financial gains.
Seeing the Sights Together
While the income incentives are great, arguably the best part of teaming with your spouse is that you get to spend more time with your significant other.
Check out TruckersNews.com to view in-depth interviews with several married couples who work as a good OTR team. Hear their testimonies all supporting the idea that driving with your spouse is a great way to earn a competitive income, spend time with a loved one, and enjoy an active lifestyle. “One of the big pros of driving with your spouse is being able to travel and see things together,” one of the drivers interviewed said. “Seeing it all through her eyes again has really made it a lot more fun for me.”
Get Started Today!
If you and your spouse are interested in pursuing an OTR team driving career, then Lily Transportation Corp. is here to help you get started! Join our ever-growing family of passionate and committed drivers and receive competitive pay, great benefits, and customizable home time! Visit our career page to talk with one of our recruiters, view open positions, and apply directly online!
The trucking industry is full of exciting and profitable career opportunities. As more consumers do the majority of their shopping online, the need for passionate and committed truck drivers is higher than ever. They’re part of the backbone that keeps the logistics industry alive and well, and without them, the industry would likely collapse.
In order to meet demand, the trucking industry is eagerly pursuing younger and more diverse employees. While the demographics of those in the trucking industry may be traditionally seen as skewing older and male, that’s not entirely true.
This stereotype has a basis in reality, of course, but it’s far from the whole picture. Women have long been a vital part of the trucking industry, and their contributions go back to its inception.
Like the U.S. Department of Transportation says, “Since the founding of the United States, women have played an integral role in the development and advancement of transportation. From wagons and horse carts to bicycles, automobiles, trucks, trains, ships, airplanes and space vehicles, women have served as inventors, pilots, engineers, drivers, administrative professionals, conductors, executives and in a host of other vital occupations.”
Here at Lily Transportation, we’re committed to providing competitive pay, health benefits, paid holiday and vacation time, and other great benefits for each and every one of our drivers. If you’re a woman interested in finding a new and exciting career in the trucking industry, then take a look at the guide below, which will help illustrate why now is a great time for you to enter the trucking industry!
Table of Contents:
Women and Trucking
The History
The Numbers
The Benefits
The Industry Wants to Work With You
Companies are Actively Hiring Women
Get Started with Lily
Women and Trucking
Despite the male-heavy stereotype, there are a fair number of women already involved and active in the trucking industry. According to data collected in late 2017, “women comprise between 4.1% and 6% of the overall truck driver population.” However, when you take into account that the industry employs almost four-million drivers, you can see why the discrepancy has led to the male-focused stereotypes. In the next several sections, we’re going to take a look at the historical precedent for women in the transportation and logistics industry and the benefits they can find in a truck driving career.
However, that doesn’t mean women haven’t always been a part of the transportation industry, because they most certainly have. In the next several sections, we’re going to take a look at the historical precedent for women in the transportation and logistics industry and the benefits they can find in a truck driving career.
1) The History
Elaine Chao, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, stressed women’s involvement in the transportation industry in a speech from 2017. As quoted in an article by Fleet Owner, Chao said “Even in the early stages of modern transportation, women helped advance technology through their innovative ideas and inventions. By 1923, more than 175 patents were granted to women for inventions related to vehicles, traffic signals and turn indicators.”
This shouldn’t be too surprising though, considering women make up half the population and over 50% of the labor force. And yet, it still stands that only 1-in-20 professional drivers on the road tend to be women.
This is something that the USDOT Women & Girls In Transportation Initiative (WITI) hopes to rectify by offering internship programs through the department’s Small Business Transportation Resource Centers (SBTRC), which has locations across all 50 states and U.S. territories. The job of each SBTRC is to identify and pursue qualified female college students and provide them with valuable transportation-related internships.
Identify the challenges women face in the transportation industry.
Address those challenges in order to improve the status quo.
Educate participants on the wealth of opportunities available to women in the transportation industry.
Attract participants to the many transportation-related fields available as part of the WITI program and the organizations it partners with.
Retain WITI participants in the transportation industry.
Serve as a resource to all of the WITI participants who are looking for more information about the transportation industry.
This is just one example of the number of programs available to women seeking a career in the trucking and transportation industries. Another prominent example comes from the non-profit organization Women in Trucking (WIT), which was founded in late 2007 and strives to promote career opportunities, improve working conditions, and serve as a resource for women in the truck driving lifestyle.
As seen on their website, WIT’s mission is “To encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry.” They have been active in the industry for over a decade, and Lily Transportation is proud to stand in support of WIT.
2) The Numbers
It’s no secret the trucking industry is in need of drivers, and lots of them. In a 2017 report, the American Trucking Association (ATA) outlined how the trucking industry needs to hire approximately 900,000 new drivers in the next decade in order to keep up with demand and continue operating at peak efficiency.
That’s no small number, and as a result, trucking companies are eager and willing to work with you. For women looking for a new career, this is good news. As more and more veterans of the trucking industry enter into retirement, trucking companies have begun actively pursuing and recruiting younger and more diverse drivers, and women play an important role in that movement.
For example, in January 2017, Women in Trucking reported “that women comprise over seven percent of female over-the-road drivers and 23 percent of management.” By the end of 2017, however, that percentage increased to 7.89, and the number of women in management positions within the trucking industry also showed a similar increase.
In a Stay Metrics annual driver satisfaction report, Ellen Voie—President and CEO of the Women in Trucking Association—said “we’re learning more about why we should focus on bringing more women into the industry, not just to fill seats, but to fill them with capable and well-trained drivers.” While trucking companies have always been open to hiring and embracing women drivers, recent research such as this suggests that companies may be able to improve their business if they actively pursue female drivers.
This gradual, steady progress is great news for drivers and companies alike. Not only do the companies benefit from having more drivers, but the drivers will also benefit from having a shared distribution of workload.
3) The Benefits
Women are drawn to the trucking industry for the same reasons men are: consistent pay, flexible hours, and a wealth of opportunities. Ellen Voie is quoted again, in an article from CNBC saying “A carrier sets the pay based on mileage, hours or percentage of the load. It is not related to age, ethnicity or gender.”
In addition, since the industry needs drivers, competitive pay has also become more common than ever. Most companies offer additional income incentives through safety and loyalty programs, so the safer you are as a driver, and the longer you stick with a company, the more income opportunity you have.
The Industry Wants to Work With You
There is a place for you behind the wheel. There is also no shortage of work as the continued rise and popularity of the e-commerce industry ensures there will always be something for truckers to transport.
According to an April 2017 Statistia study, 40% of all American internet users purchase items online more than once a month, with 20% of them buying items or services on a weekly basis. In addition, analysts expect those percentages to double by 2021, so it’s clear that online retailers—and the products they need to have shipped—aren’t going to be going anywhere anytime soon.
With this in mind, let’s look at how this affects female truck drivers and the companies looking to hire them.
1) Companies are Actively Hiring Women
Even though female truck drivers are still a minority, the American Trucking Association states “that more than 28,000 women have joined the trucking industry since 2014.” The trucking industry is changing, and with that change comes a newfound—and overdue—emphasis on the value female drivers can bring to the trucking industry.
CDL Career Now explains how the trucking industry has taken steps to alleviate any challenges female drivers might face on the road. “For example… truck stops are amping up the parking lot lighting to make the area safer for women. The technology in trucks is advancing, and what was once difficult for anyone to use is now not challenging for any gender. Truck manufacturers are designing the trucks to be more adaptable for women drivers—easier access, closer pedals, and better-positioned seat belts.”
2) Get Started with Lily
If you’re interested in exploring a career in the trucking industry Lily Transportation is here to help! We’re always searching for female truck drivers to join our family and are proud to offer all of our employees’ competitive pay, benefits, paid holiday and vacation, custom clothing, and so much more! For more information please call to speak with a recruiter 800-248-5459, or visit the Careers Page on our website! We can’t wait to talk to you!
It’s no secret that truck driving is a lifestyle as well as a career. The hours on the road and the extensive travel often mean that those who drive trucks professionally live an entirely unique lifestyle. However, as more women enter the trucking industry, how does the trucking lifestyle look for them? Is it different? Is it the same, despite the lower percentage of women who are active in the industry?While it’s true that more men than women tend to land in truck driving careers—estimates from late 2017 say that women make up around 6-7% of the truck driver population, although those numbers are gradually growing—that doesn’t mean that women are less qualified, less supported, or paid less.
One of the great things about the trucking industry is that everyone is paid equally: the more miles you cover, the more you get paid. This means regardless of gender, every trucker has the same opportunity for profit.
Behind the Wheel
An article on Business Insider outlines how women are not only statistically better drivers than men, but they also get in fewer accidents, tend to cover more miles, and have a lower turnover rate then men do in the trucking industry. On top of that, the trucking industry as a whole has taken strides to better equip their vehicles and designated truck stops to meet the needs of their female drivers.
Some of these changes are outlined by CDL Career Now, where it’s explained how “truck stops are amping up parking lot lighting to make the area safer for women…[and] truck manufacturers are designing the trucks to be more adaptable for women drivers—easier access, closer pedals, and better-positioned seat belts.”
Ultimately, the trucking industry wants to work with more women, and it is striving to make the necessary changes to not only appeal to this demographic of driven and committed drivers but also to create an environment where they can genuinely and actively thrive.
Beyond the Wheel
While the industry has made many strides in its support and employment of female drivers, it is still sometimes plagued by a “boy’s club” mentality that can be a cause of concern. However, this is where associations like Women in Trucking (WIT) and REAL Women in Trucking, Inc. can help.
According to WIT’s website, their mission is “to encourage the employment of women in the trucking industry, promote their accomplishments and minimize obstacles faced by women working in the trucking industry.” Meanwhile, REAL Women in Trucking, Inc. has a similar goal, as they were formed “in 2010 as a protest group by women truck drivers seeking improved conditions that were not being effectively addressed by the industry or any other organizations.”
The truck driving lifestyle for women is not without its challenges, but ultimately, the industry is taking great strides towards fully accepting and providing for its growing number of female drivers. For example, in an article published by Medill Reports Chicago, Carol Nixon, 47, of St. James, Mo.—who has been on the road since 1990—says she “cherishes the financial independence she has had since age 20, when she became a driver.”
Just like every career, trucking will have its ups and downs. But as women continue to be recognized as valuable assets in the transportation industry, things are only going to get better and brighter for women who want to get behind the wheel and see the open roads of America in a way few get the chance to.
Lily Transportation is Here to Help
If you’re one of the many people interested in pursuing a trucking career, then Lily Transportation is here to help! We are always searching for passionate and driven female truckers to join our family of solo and OTR drivers, and we’re thrilled to offer all of our employees’ competitive pay, a wealth of benefits, paid vacation and holiday time, and more!
For more information about how Lily Transportation can help you, please contact us at 800-248-5459 or visit our Careers Page to apply directly online. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Transitioning from military to civilian life is no easy task. After time spent in the military, where every day is unpredictable, getting reacclimatized as a civilian can be an overwhelming challenge. Finding a new line of work can be a great resource to help find your footing again.
This is where the trucking and logistics industry can help. Whether you know it or not, your unique experience and mission-focused work ethic make you a great fit for an industry that is ready and eager to find a place for you in its ranks.
If you’re a veteran searching for a new career path after the military, then the trucking industry is a great place to start. It’s an industry that pays its drivers well, offers travel opportunities, provides its drivers with a wealth of benefits, and is a relatively easy industry to break into. All of this works together to make it a great option for anyone who is looking for an exciting new career and lifestyle.
To help you decide whether this industry could be the place for you, here’s a comprehensive list of all the ways a trucking career can help make your transition from military to civilian life easier.
Table of Contents:
You Already Have the Experience
Leadership Ability
Operating as part of a Team
Sense of Commitment
Ease of Entry
How to Obtain Your Commercial Driver’s License
Programs for Veterans
Finding Adventure on the Open Road
Life on the Road
See the Sights
Wealth of Opportunities
A Road Towards the Future
You Already Have the Experience
As a military veteran, your experience in ever-changing scenarios makes you uniquely qualified for a number of careers. Your dynamic leadership skills, ability to thrive as part of a team, a fierce sense of commitment, and ability to adapt to the situation at hand are incredibly valuable skills that make you someone plenty of companies are eager to hire.
This is especially true for the trucking industry. Trucking companies are eager to work with diverse individuals who have the dedication and experience necessary to thrive in the industry.
1) Leadership Ability
Military veterans have an intimate understanding of the importance of leadership. Your experience in the service has equipped you with the discipline, resolve, and understanding that are innate in a leader.
This is a very appealing quality to trucking companies. Truckers must take initiative to lead and make educated decisions when needed in order to overcome obstacles on the road. These are all abilities that military veterans are experienced in, making them a valuable addition to any trucking company.
2) Operating as Part of a Team
While many truck drivers drive solo, some companies—such as Lily Transportation—also offer over-the-road (OTR) driving teams where two drivers work together in alternating shifts in order to spend less time stopped and more time on the road. Regardless of which role best fits you, military veterans are uniquely prepared to thrive in both solo and team driving situations.
Whether you choose to drive solo or as part of a team, there’s a special sense of community in the trucking industry. Whether you’re interacting with other drivers on the road or swapping stories with co-workers, truck drivers enjoy being part of a community built on a passion for their careers.
This is yet another reason why military veterans are qualified for a trucking career. You know how valuable teamwork and community can be, and for someone transitioning from military to civilian life, this camaraderie can be especially important.
3) Sense of Commitment
Being committed to a task’s completion is a must in any field of work, but when you’re behind the wheel of a large truck carrying cargo across the country, that commitment is more important than ever.
As a veteran, your mission-focused experience in the military has trained you properly to understand the importance of committing to the task at hand. Your ability to filter out distractions and see a job through to its successful completion makes you an attractive candidate to trucking companies across the country.
Ease of Entry
Where some careers require years of education and schooling before you’ll even be considered for the position, the trucking industry is different. Success as a truck driver does demand some education and training, but the extent and time commitment are less substantial than most careers, and as a military veteran, you may even qualify for the military skills test waiver program that is provided through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. Even if you don’t qualify for a waiver program, getting started in a trucking career is still a straightforward process.
1) How to Obtain Your Commercial Driver’s License
The first step in obtaining your commercial driver’s license is to obtain a CDL manual from your local state DMV. This manual will be your textbook, of sorts, as it’ll help you study for the written exam you’ll need to complete before you can take the skills test that’ll earn you your CDL.
You’ll also need to decide on what classification of CDL you’ll need for your desired trucking role. Here’s a breakdown of the three CDL classifications you can consider and the requirements of each one, as outlined on DMV.org:
Class A License: Required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs. or more.
Class B License: Required to operate a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs. or heavier and/or any vehicle as described above that is towing another vehicle weighing up to 10,000 lbs.
Class C License: Required if the vehicle you intend to drive does not meet the criteria for either a Class A or Class B license and is meant to transport at least 16 passengers (to include you, the driver) or any hazardous material (HAZMAT) as laid out by federal guidelines.
In addition, depending on what CDL you’re pursuing, you might need endorsements for specific types of trailers and vehicles. These can involve taking additional skill or written tests and are intended to show you’re an experienced and educated professional behind the wheel of whatever class of truck you drive.
After you take and pass your driving skills test, you’ll be CDL-certified and fully-equipped with the tools and experience needed to thrive in your new role as a truck driver.
However, if your MOS in the military was heavy equipment, then you might qualify for the aforementioned military skills test waiver program that would mean only needing to take the written-portion of the CDL test.
2) Programs for Veterans
Here at Lily Transportation, for example, we offer veterans a one-of-a-kind training program that won’t deplete your veteran benefits. After your CDL-certification is complete, you can enter into Lily’s veteran training program, which includes:
A fully paid curriculum that doesn’t require the use of your GI Bill benefits
A paid salary of $800 per week, while in training, including company benefits
Annual compensation in the $70,000+ range upon graduation
A one-year commitment from you in an over-the-road assignment
Lily Transportation Corp. acknowledges and values the wealth of skills and experiences the men and women who have served in our military exemplify in their daily lives, and we are committed to providing them with a safe, secure, and productive place of employment.
We are actively working to increase our percentage of employed veterans by 10% every year, and our unique veterans’ program is designed to help make your transition from military to civilian life as seamless as possible.
Finding Adventure on the Open Road
The transition from one career to another is almost always a challenge. One of the tricks, according to an article by Forbes, is “to find the crossover—to look for skills and talents you use in your present career that apply to the new career you are interested in.”
There are plenty of people and services who are willing to help you in this transition. Like the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), these services can be helpful as you begin to search for a new career. You want to find a career path that’s a good fit for you and your skillset, but you also want to identify a career that you’ll find fulfilling and exciting.
1) Life on the Road
Truck driving is a lifestyle. Career truck drivers are tasked with the important job of delivering products, goods, and other cargo all over the country. This means committing to long hours, days, or even weeks on the road, and needing to remain alert, focused and safe for the duration.
For most drivers, there’s an incredible amount of satisfaction to be found in successfully overcoming any and all of the challenges they encounter on the open road. Every day is different in the trucking industry and will expose you to new people, new sights, and new situations to effectively handle and solve.
This kind of lifestyle can be especially meaningful to military veterans, as the time spent behind the wheel can be both calming and exciting. Your attention is engaged, your senses alert, and you have a clearly defined goal to focus on and strive toward.
2) See the Sights
There are very few jobs that allow for the kind of extensive travel that a trucking career does. While that travel is part of the job, you’ll still be seeing the country’s sights in a way few people really get to. Across all seasons, all times of day, and all environments, truck drivers get to experience the country in an up-close and personal way.
For people who love the open road, there’s nothing better than coast-to-coast driving. One trucker even told Thrillist.com that she had driven in places where you could look down on valleys that looked like “landscape paintings.” There’s no end to the diversity and serenity you can find out on the open road as a truck driver: all you have to do is get behind the wheel and see it for yourself.
3) Wealth of Opportunities
In addition to the exciting travel opportunities, trucking careers can also provide you with tremendous benefits. With the industry in need of drivers, trucking companies like Lily Transportation value their employees and are more than willing to support them in as many ways as they can in order to ensure they have happy, driven, and productive employees.
Because of the industry’s need for employees, there’s a healthy degree of job security and financial stability you can rely on. Most companies tend to pay their drivers on a per-mile basis, meaning the more ground you cover the more income you’ll be able to earn.
A Road Towards the Future
Transitioning from the dynamic and ever-changing world of the military back into civilian life can be a challenge for a lot of people but you don’t have to do it alone. Looking for an exciting new career path can be a fantastic way to not only keep yourself busy as you continue to transition back into civilian life, but it’ll also help you meet new people, make new memories, and experience the world in a way you never have before.
If you’re interested in more information about how a career in the logistics and trucking industry could help you, Lily Transportation would love to talk with you. Your unique experiences, mission-focused work ethic, and specific skill set are all qualities that make you an ideal candidate for a career as a professional truck driver.
Everyone at Lily Transportation is excited about your new career opportunities and want to see you succeed in whatever you do. If you have any questions about the trucking industry or any of the resources we have available for military veterans, please don’t hesitate to contact us at 800-248-5459 or on our careers page.
Military veterans have an unparalleled level of expertise, commitment, and work ethic which makes them uniquely qualified for a wide variety of careers. Lily Transportation is committed to the support and employment of the men and women who have served in our military, especially as they transition into civilian life.
When you join our team of passionate drivers, you become part of a larger community of experienced and welcoming professionals from all walks of life who love what they do and the people they get to do it with. Lily values the characteristics veterans exemplify and is committed to helping them find a new career that’s both financially and personally gratifying.
If you’re a military veteran considering a truck driving career, take a look at just a few of the ways Lily Transportation Corp. strives to support military veterans.
1) We Seek Out Veterans
Currently, over 15% of our employees are military veterans, and it’s our objective to see that percentage continue to grow each and every year. We want to work alongside you, help you in your transition from military to civilian life, and train you to find success as a professional truck driver.
2) Job and Financial Stability
The trucking industry is in need of new drivers, so if you’re hired by Lily Transportation, you can rest assured our dedicated routes will guarantee job security and very competitive income!
3) The Lily Veterans Network
While a lot of trucking companies prioritize the hiring of veteran drivers, Lily Transportation offers a one-of-a-kind training program that military veterans can enroll in as soon as they obtain their CDL-certification.
A fully paid-for scholarship in exchange for a minimum of a one-year commitment in an over the road team assignment
Training that won’t deplete your GI Bill benefits
A salary of $800 per week during training, including company benefits
Annual compensation in the $70,000+ range upon graduation
Military veterans make excellent truck drivers, so if you’re interested in learning more about our unique training program for veterans, or if you want to talk to a representative about recruitment, don’t hesitate to contact us at 800-248-5459 or visit our Careers Page to apply directly online. We can’t wait to hear from you!
The logistics industry is in need of drivers now more than ever. Shopping online has become a staple in the lives of people across the globe, and without truck drivers to transport the products consumers purchase from warehouse to doorstep, the industry would collapse.
However, as important as truck drivers are in the logistics industry, there are not enough of them to keep the industry alive and kicking. With many industry veterans nearing retirement, the industry is looking for an influx of younger, driven, and diverse drivers to help keep it thriving.
The truck driving industry is a backbone of the U.S. economy, and as such, a career as an over-the-road truck driver is a great opportunity for people from all walks of life. It is the perfect blend of stability and adventure that can only be found on the open road, becoming a truck driver can be a great option for anyone looking to explore a new and exciting career path.
If you’re interested in the benefits a truck driving career can provide but aren’t sure if the lifestyle will be a good fit, take a look at this comprehensive list that will help you identify everything you need to know about life as a professional OTR truck driver.
Table of Contents:
The Challenges of Being an OTR Truck Driver
Hours on the Road
Being Away From Home
Unpredictable Conditions
The Perks of Being an OTR Truck Driver
Endless Opportunity
Financial Stability
The Thrill of the Open Road
OTR Truck Driving vs. Local & Regional Driving: What’s the Difference?
Miles Traveled
Driving with Lily Transportation
The Challenges of Being an OTR Truck Driver
Pursuing a career as an OTR truck driver is a rich experience full of exciting benefits, consistent income, and a flexible working schedule, but it’s not a lifestyle that’s suitable for everyone. Before committing to the adventure, it’s important to understand not only what you’ll gain from but also what the potential challenges of a truck driving career.
1) Hours on the Road
If there’s anything you’ll encounter as an OTR driver, it’s long hours behind-the-wheel. OTR drivers are tasked with delivering products and goods all over the country, and it’s the driver’s job to get those products from the starting point to the finish line. This means committing to long hours on the road, remaining alert and focused for an extended period of time and ensuring the safety of yourself, your co-driver and other motorists on the road.
For many drivers, there’s a profound sense of accomplishment in overcoming these long-hours in a safe and efficient way. One of the core characteristics of the OTR driving culture is the pride drivers experience from a job well done and the achievement of having seen it through to a successful conclusion.
However, not everyone is going to find value and fulfillment in these long, potentially monotonous hours on the highway. Just because it works well for most drivers doesn’t mean it will for all drivers. It’ll be important for you to decide if this is something you could find value in, or if a different career would be better suited to your expectations and skillset.
2) Being Away from Home
Another potential challenge of long hours on the road is being away from home. One of the reasons trucking companies are seeking younger demographics to drive OTR is because often times they have more flexibility to be away from home for extended periods of time. The average age of today’s truck driver is mid-to-late-forties, meaning these drivers are more likely to have families making it challenging to spend long periods of time away from home.
For younger drivers, however, an OTR truck driving job can be a great place to start their professional career. With a minimal barrier for entry—you must be 21-years of age and have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). OTR truck driving can help young people pay off loans, build an impressive résumé and see the country in exciting new ways.
3) Unpredictable Conditions
Whenever you travel over long distances, the weather is always going to be a factor you’ll need to consider. Whether it’s snow, extreme winds or rain inclement weather is unpredictable and can present dangerous situations if you are not prepared.
This is true for leisure travel, and it’s especially true for professional truck drivers. When you’re trying to cover a lot of miles having to unexpectedly deal with unfavorable weather conditions is never an ideal situation. However, with experience and preparation, you’ll be able to navigate these situations. Safety is the number one priority.
OTR driving careers can be demanding and come with their fair share of challenges. But if you’re someone who prioritizes safety, can make educated and timely decisions, and likes adventure, then an over-the-road driving position might be a perfect option for you!
The Perks of Being an OTR Truck Driver
There are going to be drawbacks to any career, and over-the-road truck driving is no different. However, the advantages of becoming an OTR driver far outweigh the challenges for anyone willing to take a risk and dive into an exciting new career/lifestyle.
To help get you started, here are some of the unique benefits that the OTR driving lifestyle can offer.
1) Endless Opportunity
According to a study conducted by Statista in 2017, retail e-commerce sales amounted to 99.4 billion U.S. dollars. On top of that, Statista also reported in an April 2017 survey that approximately 40% of all American internet users purchased items online several times per month, with 20% saying they bought items or service online weekly. These percentages are even expected to double by 2021, so it’s clear that online retailers aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.
People love shopping online, and as e-commerce sales continue to skyrocket, so too will the need for professionally trained truck drivers. Without the skills and expertise of these drivers, the products purchased by consumers online wouldn’t reach their doorstep.
Companies need drivers and lots of them. The American Trucking Association (ATA) said in a 2017 report that the trucking industry will need to hire almost 900,000 new drivers in the next decade—or 90,000 per year—to keep the industry’s workforce operating at peak efficiency. With this spike in demand, the trucking industry is eager and willing to work with you wherever you are.
2) Financial Stability
One of the most compelling reasons to pursue a truck driving career is financial stability. Most companies pay their drivers on a per-mile scale, so the more miles you cover the more money you’ll make. Since there is a strong need for drivers, industry-wide, competitive pay is increasingly common.
Knowing what to look for in a trucking job is a great place to start, especially since most companies offer additional income incentives through loyalty and safety program. Do your research, and find a company that will work with you as you work with them. The trucking industry values their drivers will pay to hire and retain those who do the job successfully!
3) The Thrill of the Open Road
There are few careers that allow the kind of travel offered as a truck driver. Many OTR drivers will regularly drive cross-country and get to see the sights in all seasons! If you know an office job isn’t right for you—then truck driving might be a great career option. Not only is it one of the best opportunities to see the country, but every day is going to look a different—literally and figuratively speaking.
OTR Truck Driving vs. Local & Regional Driving: What’s the Difference?
When you’re considering a career in truck driving, you’ll be faced with choices about what kind of driving you want to do: local, regional or over the road.
Miles Traveled
The major difference between these two types of career paths is, unsurprisingly, the distance you travel. OTR drivers typically transport goods coast to coast and often involves being on the road for many days, or even weeks, at a time.
For local truck driving jobs, drivers spend their shift on the road but are home daily; meaning your lifestyle is a bit more predictable than that of an OTR driver. Still, the major difference between the two options is one of preference. If having a consistent routine is your ideal, then local driving can provide that. But with OTR driving, you can live a more flexible and diversified lifestyle.
Driving with Lily Transportation
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a professional OTR truck driver, then Lily Transportation would like to hear from you!
When you become a truck driver at Lily, you become part of a larger family of passionately driven professionals from all walks of life who love what they do.
We’re a family owned and professionally managed company who truly believe people are our greatest asset.
In addition to the lucrative income, flexible work schedule, and travel opportunities, OTR truck drivers who sign with Lily will receive benefits such as:
Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical and Dental Insurance
Paid Holiday and Vacation Time
Matching 401K
Safety Bonuses
Health and Wellness Program
Cell Phone Allowance
Meticulously Maintained Equipment
24 Hours Dispatch
If you’re looking for a new and unique career experience, then OTR driving might be exactly what you are looking for. For more information, please feel free to talk to one of our representatives at 800-248-5459, or visit the Careers Page on our website!
Becoming a truck driver in the logistics industry can be an exciting and lucrative career for anyone willing to give it a chance. The sense of adventure and discovery a driver can find as they travel the country on the open road, the wealth of benefits, and a flexible working schedule are just a few of the unique features of a truck driving career. Here at Lily Transportation, it’s our mission to supply you with all of that and more.
A Demand for Drivers
Truck drivers are a vital part of the American economy. As more and more businesses move away from the brick and mortar stores of old, and online retailers continue to reign supreme, the logistics industry is feeling increased pressure of guaranteeing product deliveries are completed in a timely and accurate manner.
However, in order to meet this growing need, the transportation industry needs to hire and retain more drivers. According to a study published in Forbes, “The American Trucking Association estimates the trucking transportation industry will need 890,000 new drivers through 2025 to keep up with demand and to replace drivers who are retiring, among other factors.”
How to Get Your CDL
The first step in your truck driving career is to obtain your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Your local DMV should have a CDL manual that will help get you started on studying for the series of written exams. Once you pass the written exams, you’ll usually be granted a Class A CDL permit—although that can differ depending on your state.
Once you have your CDL permit, you’ll need to log a certain number of driving hours with a supervisor/driving school. Then, you can take the supervised skills test to demonstrate you have the abilities needed to safely operate a truck at the professional level.
If you’re a military veteran, however, you might be able to bypass some of these steps. If your MOS was driving heavy equipment while in the service, you could qualify for a military skills test waiver program, which lets you earn your CDL by simply taking a written test and skipping the skills portion entirely.
Lily Transportation even has a one-of-a-kind program for veterans who have truck driving experience. Once a veteran has their CDL, they can enroll in Lily’s Veterans Network, which offers a unique training curriculum that is fully paid for by Lily and won’t deplete your GI Bill.
Driving with Lily
When you drive for Lily Transportation, you become part of a larger family of passionate and devoted professionals.
Whether you’re ready to dive into an exciting new truck driving career or you’re just looking for more information, everyone on our team here at Lily Transportation is ready to help. We’re always looking for passionate, experienced, and safe drivers to become a part of our coast-to-coast operations. We’d love to talk to you about our excellent benefits, competitive pay, and various training programs.
If you’re interested in learning more, please visit the Careers Page on our website, or feel free to give us a call at 800-248-5459. We can’t wait to hear from you!
