Here at Lily Transportation, we believe that it’s our people that make us unique. When someone becomes a member of our team, they’re not only becoming part of one of the most dedicated carriers in North America; they’re also becoming part of a family.
We’re proud of our employees and are committed to doing anything and everything we can to help them maintain and sharpen their skills behind the wheel. It’s the people we work with who have enabled us to earn a respected position in the industry, and as such, we strive to provide every employee with all the benefits and support they need to thrive day-in and day-out.
Here’s just a small glimpse of the salaries and benefits Lily Transportation offers to its drivers:
Competitive Salaries
Since the trucking industry needs drivers (and lots of them), companies will pay their drivers well and often offer them a variety of bonuses and benefits that can help ensure every one of their employees is content, committed, and well taken care of. This is true across the industry, and it is especially true here at Lily Transportation. Not only do we offer paid holiday and vacation time, but we also provide our safest drivers with safety bonuses to reward their exceptional skills behind the wheel.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average truck driver makes over $40,000 annually, but each carrier will offer a variety of truck driver salaries depending on experience, contracts, and other factors. AllTrucking.com also says that “The pay does gradually increase year by year, based on performance, safety, and experience.”
The bottom line is that truck driving pays its drivers well, and with competitive pay becoming increasingly common, anyone willing to commit to the role is sure to be well compensated for their talents behind the wheel.
Approaching Retirement
The longer you spend with the same carrier, the higher your truck driver income can become, and the more experience you have behind the wheel, the more companies will want to work with you. Whether they’re recent converts to the trucking lifestyle or lifelong devotees, the trucking industry rewards its drivers for their work on the road.
When it’s time to retire, that reality remains true. With Lily Transportation, for example, drivers aren’t only given benefits like Blue Cross Blue Shield Medical and Dental Insurance, but they’re also provided with a matching 401k retirement plan. This means that, when your time on the open road is coming to an end, you can be confident that you’ll have the resources you’ll need to enjoy your truck driver retirement to its fullest.
Other Benefits
The perks of a truck driving career don’t stop there, though. When you enter into the professional driving field with Lily Transportation, you can expect to find a wealth of benefits like:
Health and wellness programs
24-hour dispatch
Safety bonuses
Excellently maintained equipment
Training programs
Flexible Schedules
And more!
If you want to learn more about what a career at Lily Transportation looks like, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 800.248.5459 or visit our website today!
Military veterans are some of the most qualified people in the job pool. With their diverse wealth of experience and exceptional work ethic, their skill sets empower them to thrive in a multitude of career paths. Here at Lily Transportation, we’re devoted to finding jobs for veterans that not only put those skills to use, but also provides them with a work environment that supports them both personally and professionally.Lily Transportation understands the challenges that military veterans go through as they transition back into a civilian career. This is why we’re so steadfast in our commitment to pursue, hire, and support as many veteran truck drivers as we can. When you get behind the wheel of one of our expertly maintained trucks, you’ll be starting an adventure that will take you to places few other careers can.
Getting to drive across the country and encounter the world from a unique, one-of-a-kind perspective is an experience only professional truck drivers get to have. Whether you’re driving solo or with a partner as part of an OTR driving team, the open road is rife with opportunity for veteran truck drivers who are eager for something new.
If you’re a military veteran looking for veteran employment programs, then you’ve come to the right place! Even if you don’t have prior experience driving large vehicles, Lily’s Veterans Employment and Training Program can help you acquire the skills you’ll need to thrive behind the wheel.
Table of Contents:
A Veteran Friendly Employer
Seeking Out Veteran Drivers
The Industry Wants to Work With You
Lily Veterans Network
CDL Skills Test Waiver for Veterans
Veteran Training Programs
Find Jobs for Veterans at Lily Transportation
A Veteran Friendly Employer
When military members exit the military, getting into civilian employment—regardless of whether this is their first time looking for a civilian career or not—can be a challenge. While every employer is willing to hire veterans if they have the right qualifications, some companies are more “veteran friendly” than others, and it’s these companies that you should be seeking out.
According to Military.com, a “veteran friendly employers” are companies that give “a veteran priority over a regular civilian for the job” and “may also want to ensure that they reach a certain percentage of their employees that are veterans, hence it makes it easier for the veteran to get employment with this company.”
Here are just a few of the ways that Lily Transportation can provide veteran truck drivers with the stability and support they deserve!
Seeking Out Veteran Drivers
As of March 2019, a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics said that “that about 269,000 veterans were unemployed in March 2019, compared to 392,000 in March 2018.” That’s some encouraging progress and speaks to the continued improvement of the employment situation for both veterans and non-veterans alike.
However, as positive as this progress is, that’s still a lot of unemployed veterans in need of work, and Lily wants to help get the unemployment percentage even lower. The values, skills, and discipline exemplified in military veterans are the characteristics we strive to represent in our company.
Currently, 15% of all current employees at Lily Transportation are veterans, but we want to see that number continue to grow. It’s our goal to continue to seek out veteran drivers actively, make veterans employment a top priority for our company, and see our percentage of employed veterans grow by approximately 10% every year.
The Industry Wants to Work With You
If you’re a veteran and you’re interested in learning more about what the trucking industry has to offer, then you’ll find no shortage of companies who are excited by the prospect of working with you.
For veterans who are looking for an adventure, an OTR trucking position could be just the thing they’re looking for. This role involves driving across the country, which means you’ll be spending time in a fully equipped sleeper truck and you’ll have access to a side of the country few people get to experience.
However, if you’re looking for a local position that doesn’t involve being away from home, then many trucking companies have more centralized and regional jobs that still include driving a truck but without the same mileage of an OTR role. The bottom line is this: trucking companies want to work alongside you to find a job that suits your skills and your preferences.
Also, with the trucking industry in need of more drivers than ever, there’s no shortage of trucking jobs for veterans. With your specialized skills in situational awareness, leadership, adaptability, stamina, and commitment, trucking companies across the country are more than willing to provide you with the resources and training services you’ll need to settle into your new career.
The Lily Veterans Network
Many companies across the country are willing to offer a variety of benefits and training programs to veterans who are looking to get started in the trucking and logistics industries. Whether that’s a sign-on bonus or a driving school scholarship, companies want to work with veterans and are eager to provide them with incentives.
Lily Transportation offers a unique program for veterans who:
Are actively interested in a truck driving career but don’t have any experience
Are already commercial truck drivers or who have experience operating heavy trucks as part of their military service
Have served in various leadership roles and are looking to apply those skills in the trucking and transportation industry
Here’s a breakdown of what our Veterans Program looks like and how it can help you get CDL-certified, trained, and ready for the open road in record time.
CDL Skills Test Waiver for Veterans
Before your professional trucking career can begin, you’ll be required to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL). There are several steps toward acquiring your CDL, but the first step should be to visit your local DMV and pick up a CDL manual. This handbook is your “textbook” and will provide you with the information and tips you’ll need to help you pass your written exam.
If you don’t have prior experience operating heavy vehicles, then you may need to earn a commercial learners permit. This means that your driving record for the last ten years will be reviewed and you will need to provide proof that you’re medically qualified to drive a commercial vehicle. We will help you through the process and after that’s completed, you’ll spend the next two weeks practicing driving in one of our trucks with a CDL-certified driver as your co-pilot. Once you feel comfortable, you can go ahead and schedule your road test.
However, thanks to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Military Skills Test Waiver Program, veterans who have experience operating large vehicles can skip the skills test and earn their CDL after passing the written exam. This program is available in every state and is open to any veteran who can verify to a State Driver Licensing Agency (SDLA):
Their safe driving experience;
That they have not held more than one license (except a U.S. Military driver’s license) in the past two years;
They have not had their base State issued driver’s license suspended, revoked or canceled;
They have not had convictions in any motor vehicle for the disqualifying CDL offenses listed elsewhere in the regulations.
Veteran Training Programs
Once you’ve acquired your CDL—either the traditional way or via the Military Skills Test Waiver Program—Lily Transportation will enroll you in a training program to help fine-tune your CDL driving skills to meet the needs of the industry. During Lily’s veteran training program, you’ll be compensated with $800 per week, enjoy company benefits, and upon graduation, receive annual compensation in the $70,000 range.
The entire training service is fully paid for by Lily, and as such, will not deplete your GI Bill benefits. In exchange for your full scholarship, including the pay and benefits you’ll receive during training, we ask for a one-year commitment from our drivers in an over-the-road (OTR) assignment.
For veterans who are interested in management careers with Lily, we encourage you to apply to our management training program. This program will provide you with in-depth training in all the aspects of a transportation business.
You’ll be assigned to a senior executive in the company who will act as your mentor and counselor as you get started in your new career path. Similar to the driver’s training, the management program is ten weeks in length, and participants will enjoy full compensation and company benefits.
When you become part of the Lily family, you will be honored as one of “Lily’s American Heroes,” provided with first-class equipment with decals that designate your branch of service and receive a competitive income in the $70,000 range. We value your service and the experiences you bring to our company, and we’re always striving to help enable our veteran employees to succeed in their new careers.
Find Jobs for Veterans at Lily Transportation
Finding jobs for veterans who are reacclimating to the civilian lifestyle can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. When you join Lily’s Veterans Network, you’ll not only be plugging into a community of passionate and driven professionals but also unlock an endless stream of opportunities for personal and professional growth and success.
There are plenty of veteran trucking jobs out there, just waiting for a chance to provide your unique experiences, mission-focused work ethic, and adaptable skill sets with an opportunity to thrive and evolve. If you’re interested in learning more about Lily’s veteran employment programs, then don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
We strive to be one of the most veteran-friendly employers in the trucking industry and would love to get in touch with you. Everyone at Lily Transportation is excited about the prospect of your new career path. If you have any questions we encourage you to give us a call at 800-248-5459 or check-out our contact page! We hope to hear from you soon.
Finding a job as a military veteran can be challenging. After so much time spent in the unpredictable conditions of military life, coming home and seeking out a new career that offers financial stability and a personally fulfilling lifestyle is easier said than done.
Lily Transportation Corp. knows how difficult transitioning from military to civilian life can be, which is one of the many reasons why we strive to be one of the most veteran-friendly companies around. If you’re looking to find one of the best jobs after the military, then look no further than the truck driving and logistics industry.
Here are four ways that a truck driving career with Lily Transportation can provide you with the stability, support, and opportunities you’re looking for:
1) Lily is Actively Hiring Veterans
Here at Lily, we are actively looking for veterans who are:
Interested in careers as commercial truck drivers but don’t have any experience.
Already commercial drivers, or who drove heavy trucks as part of their military service, and are looking for a change.
Experienced in leadership roles and want to apply those skills in a new setting.
Simply curious about what a trucking career has to offer.
Over 15% of our current employees are military veterans, and it’s our goal to grow that percentage every year. We want to work alongside our veterans, help them transition back into civilian life, and train them to find success as a professional truck driver.
2) Job Security
It’s no secret that the trucking and logistics industry needs new drivers. With the diverse array of skills and experience military veterans bring to the table, countless companies are eager and excited to work with you.
The commitment, discipline, and exceptional focus you exemplified in the military are traits that Lily Transportation actively seeks out in potential drivers. When you drive with Lily, not only will you become part of a family of dedicated and passionate professionals, but we’ll also work alongside you to integrate, train, and retain you for years to come.
3) Financial Stability
In addition to job security, professional truckers are also provided with consistent and competitive income. Whether you’re driving solo or with a partner as part of an OTR-team, most trucking companies pay their drivers for each mile they cover, meaning that the more miles you (and your partner, if you’re on a team) cover, the more income you’ll make.
4) The Lily Veterans Network
Before your trucking career can begin in earnest, you’re going to need to obtain your commercial driver’s license (CDL). This involves taking a written test and then taking a skills test behind the wheel with a CDL-certified driver present.
However, if you regularly drove trucks or buses while in the military, then you may be able to qualify for a Military CDL Skills Test Waiver, which excuses you from the skills-test portion of the CDL-training program. Even if you don’t qualify for the waiver, Lily Transportation’s Veterans Network Program is here to help.
Lily Transportation provides this unique veteran training program to all of our veterans in exchange for a one-year commitment in an over-the-road assignment. This program offers veterans a training curriculum that’s fully paid for by Lily, won’t deplete your GI Bill benefits, and even involves a weekly salary of $800 plus company benefits so you can provide for yourself during the training process.
Upon graduation, you’ll officially become a member of the Lily family and receive annual compensation in the $70,000 range. If you’re interested in hearing about how Lily is one of the most veteran-friendly employers in the trucking industry, then don’t hesitate to contact us at 800-248-5459 or visit our Careers Page to learn more about the exciting opportunities at Lily Transportation Corp!
There are a lot of driving myths about women, but most of them are just that, myths. Not only do statistics show that women are safer drivers, as of 2017 more women have driver’s licenses than men do. With that in mind, here are a few driving myths about women that we can put to rest, especially when placed in the context of the trucking industry.
Driving Safety
When it comes to professional truck drivers, not only are women involved in fewer accidents but when they are behind the wheel they’re often going at a much slower speed, meaning the extent of the damage is less. CDL Career Now also says that women tend to pay better attention to detail when driving, which is especially important when operating a large truck. On top of that, NBC reports on a study that says how “women are 27 percent less likely than men to cause auto accidents.”
While women still don’t occupy a large percentage of the truck driving industry, a recent report from the National Transportation Institute (NTI) says that “female driver representation grew from 7.13% in January to 7.89% at the end of December, and women in management grew from 23% to 23.75% in the same time.”
No matter what the myths say, trucking companies are looking to hire more women than ever before, and the American Trucking Association even says “that more than 28,000 women have joined the trucking industry since 2014.”
It’s safe to say, then, that the trucking industry is taking notice of the benefits women can bring to their industry. Not only do they tend to be safer behind the wheel, but Business Insiders reports that “they also are less likely to quit driving, which is particularly critical as turnover rates among truck drivers reach 95%.”
Women Have Always Been Truck Drivers
Thanks to organizations like Women in Trucking and developments like the USDOT Women & Girls In Transportation Initiative (WITI), women truck drivers are finally receiving the kind of support and resources they need to thrive behind the wheel. However, even though these are semi-recent developments, women drivers have been a vital part of the trucking industry since its very inception.
In an article by Fleet Owner, Elaine Chao, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, is quoted saying how “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.”
Considering that women make up half the population and over 50% of the workforce in the country, this shouldn’t be surprising. And yet, despite the fact that women have been driving for as long as men have, only 1-in-20 of all professional drivers on the road tend to be women.
Drive with Lily!
As more studies show that women are safe and careful drivers, and more trucking companies begin actively hiring women, dispelling myths about women drivers is easier than it has ever been. If you’re a woman interested in seeing what a career in the trucking industry could look like, then Lily Transportation is here to help!
We’re always searching for passionate and driven female truck drivers to join our family, and we’re proud to offer all of our employees equal pay, benefits, and opportunities. For more information, please call us at 800-248-5459 or visit our Careers Page! We hope to hear from you soon.
If you feel like you’re stuck in a boring career, or have had enough of a desk job and are ready for something different, you’re in luck. A truck driving career may not be the first idea that pops into your head when thinking of a new career path, but maybe it should be.
An OTR trucking career is an experience full of benefits, consistent (and competitive) income, a flexible working schedule, and the ability to see the country in a way few people ever get the chance to. It’s a lifestyle unlike any other, and with the industry more in need of passionate drivers than ever before, it’s time to stop being bored with your job and embrace a new and riveting career as an over-the-road driver.
Here are some of the ways a career as an OTR truck driver can give your lifestyle the boost of adventure it needs:
A World of Possibility
Not only is the trucking industry in need of new drivers, but trucking companies are more than willing to help new drivers acquire their commercial driver’s license (CDL) and support them both on and off the road in whatever way they can.
Most trucking companies pay their drivers for each mile they travel, which means that the more miles you cover, the more money you’ll be making. And since the industry is so eager to hire more drivers, industry-wide competitive pay has become almost a staple.
Some companies, like Lily Transportation, will also offer additional income incentives via loyalty and safety programs. The bottom line is this: the trucking industry is eager and willing to reward its drivers for a job well done. Trucking may not always be easy, but when you commit to the job, the job will also commit to you.
Seeing the Sights
While there may be some career paths that allow frequent travel, few of them are as dependent on it as truck driving. Even with the long hours behind the wheel, an OTR trucking career provides its drivers with an opportunity to experience the country in a very special way.
Whether you’re driving solo or as part of an OTR team, exploring the open road is a place of adventure, opportunity, and untold beauty. If you know an office job isn’t right for you, and you’re looking for a dramatic change of scenery, then perhaps it’s time to consider getting behind the wheel. Not only is it one of the best opportunities to see the world you call home, but every day is going to look a different—both literally and figuratively.
Drive with Lily
If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a professional OTR truck driver, or simply want to learn more about what the open road could offer you, then Lily Transportation would love to hear from you!
When you become a truck driver at Lily Transportation you’ll become part of a larger family of passionately driven professionals who love what they do. Don’t hesitate to talk to one of Lily’s recruiters at 800-248-5459, or browse our available positions through on our careers page.
Millennials are gradually becoming the largest demographic in the country. As more and more of them migrate into the job field in search of work, the trucking industry is in a position to fill its ranks with passionate and dedicated drivers who are eager for new experiences.
Pew Research Center says that “Millennials are expected to overtake Boomers in population in 2019 as their numbers swell to 73 million and Boomers decline to 72 million.” To put that in context, consider how the often talked about 2017 report from the American Trucking Association says that “Over the next decade, the trucking industry will need to hire roughly 898,000 new drivers, or an average of nearly 90,000 per year” to keep up with demand.
The millennial generation could hold the key to the trucking industry’s need for new drivers. Not only is there a place for them behind the wheel, but a trucking career is also full of unique benefits and perks that can help millennials build a great résumé, earn valuable experience, and make a sustainable living at the same time.
Here are four reasons why millennials should consider a career as a professional truck driver:
1) Travel Opportunities
Truck driving careers, especially for over-the-road (OTR) drivers, offer a unique kind of travel experience that few careers can even begin to match. Many OTR drivers, for example, will often drive cross-country and experience the country across all four seasons in a way few people ever get the chance to.
If you know that an office job isn’t for you, and you’re looking for a career where every day will look different, then the truck driving lifestyle may be for you.
2) Lots of Benefits
Trucking is a career path full of benefits that go far beyond the opportunities for travel. Most trucking companies provide benefits like health and dental insurance, paid vacation and holiday time, and even a matching 401(k) retirement plan.
The benefits don’t stop there though. With a company like Lily Transportation, you’ll also receive bonuses for safe driving, cell phone allowances, 24-hour dispatch, and meticulously maintained equipment that will ensure you’re always working with the best tools and trucks possible.
3) A Stable Income
One of the best reasons to consider professional truck driving is the financial stability it can provide. Most companies pay their drivers on a per-mile scale, meaning that the more miles you cover, the more money you’ll make. And since the industry needs drivers, competitive pay is becoming increasingly common across the industry.
OTR team driving can be especially lucrative, as you and a co-driver can cover twice as many miles in far less time than if you were driving alone. You’ll be splitting the profits, of course, but your overall earnings will still be higher on a driving team. Team trucking is also an excellent option for new drivers, as you’ll likely be partnered with someone who can help teach you the ins-and-outs of the truck driving lifestyle.
4) The Trucking Industry Wants You!
Trucking companies want to work with millennials. As the previous generation nears retirement and the need for drivers continues to grow, companies across the country are eager and willing to hire new and passionate millennial drivers.
Even though truck driving requires a commercial driver’s license, some companies will offer scholarships that sponsor your CDL-training and certifications in exchange for a one-year driving commitment. The point is, trucking companies want to work with you and are ready and willing to help you get on the road as soon as possible.
If you’re interested in learning more about how a professional truck driving career could benefit you, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 800-248-5459 or check out our careers page!
Retirement is a well-earned and rewarding lifestyle for many Americans. It’s a refreshing change of pace from the routines they grew accustomed to over the years in the workforce, and for many, they’re content to stick to it. Some retirees, however, are still looking for the kind of lifestyle only a career can offer.
That’s where the over-the-road (OTR) trucking lifestyle can help. With job opportunities aplenty, flexible work schedules, and consistent income, OTR truck driving can be a great second career for retirees looking for adventure. Here are a few of the unique benefits truck driving jobs for retirees can offer.
Plenty of Opportunities
As of several years ago, “18.8% of Americans ages 65 and older, or nearly 9 million people, reported being employed full- or part-time, continuing a steady increase that dates to at least 2000.” Pew Research goes on to explain how more “older Americans – those ages 65 and older – are working than at any time since the turn of the century.”
For some of these retirees, however, finding consistent work can be tricky. That’s not the case in the trucking industry. After acquiring a commercial driver’s license—which some trucking companies will even help drivers attain in exchange for a one-year commitment to drive for them—a retiree will find that there is a multitude of trucking companies who are more than willing to work with them.
Plenty of Benefits
Since most OTR truck drivers are paid for each mile they cover, OTR driving can be a deeply lucrative second career for retirees looking to try something new and exciting. They can also set up a schedule that works for them. For example, you could drive cross-country for a job and then return home for a week before heading back out again.
This means that you’re empowered to work in ways that allow you to enjoy the benefits of retirement without the drawbacks that led you to seek out a new career in the first place. Especially when you drive as part of an OTR team you’ll be faced with a wealth of experiences, relationships, and benefits that you can only find on the open road.
Plenty of Reasons to Get Started
Just like Forbes says, “it’s becoming more common for people over 50…to pursue second acts as truck drivers.” Whether it’s fulfilling a lifelong dream to see the country, or simply a desire to try something new, opportunity abounds in the trucking industry for prospective drivers of all ages and walks of life.
If you’ve found that the retired lifestyle isn’t quite for you, then consider a second career as a professional truck driver. Companies like Lily Transportation are excited to help you settle into a new and adventurous lifestyle as a truck driver at Lily. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us today and get started!
Driving as a professional truck driver is a rewarding and lucrative career opportunity for anyone and everyone looking to get out from behind a desk and embrace an exciting new lifestyle.
However, like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration says, “Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) requires a higher level of knowledge, experience, skills, and physical abilities than that required to drive a non-commercial vehicle.” As a result, professional truck drivers need to obtain a commercial driver’s license (CDL) before they get behind the wheel.
Here are all of the CDL requirements you’ll need to become familiar with before taking your CDL skills test and successfully getting your CDL.
First Steps
If you want to attain a commercial driver’s license, then you should get started by reaching out to your local state DMV and request a CDL manual. This manual will be your textbook and lifeline as you prepare for the written portion of your CDL test. After passing the written exam, you can begin training for your CDL skills test.
You’re also going to need to pinpoint what classification of CDL you want to acquire, as there are a few options to choose from that each come with different requirements. Here are the three types of CDL you can obtain, as seen 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.
Age Requirements
In almost every state, the CDL age requirement is 21, although some states allow applicants aged 18-20 to apply for a single-state CDL, which “allows the driver to only operate a commercial vehicle within the driver’s state of residence (intrastate driving).”
If you’re the proper age for a CDL in your state, and you’ve passed all of your written knowledge tests, then you can acquire your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). This permit means you can practice driving a CMV on public roads with a qualified CDL holder sitting next to you.
As part of the process of acquiring your CLP, your driving record for the last ten years will be checked in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, and you’ll need to bring in proof that you’re medically qualified to drive a commercial vehicle. After that, however, you can hit the road in earnest and make strides towards your CDL-certification.
Taking the Skills Test
You must have your CLP for two-weeks before taking the Skills Test, and some states also require you to successfully complete your CDL training before taking the test itself. Either way, it is paramount that you practice all of the inspection tests and maneuvers included in your CDL manual, as these are parts of what you’ll be tested on before you even show up for the skills test.
The Skills Test consists of three parts: “the Vehicle Inspection Test, the Basic Controls Test, and the Road Test. Your state may even allow you to use their “training aid” to help you remember items on the vehicle inspection checklist.” After you pass all three of these tests, and the proper documentation that signifies your success is processed, you will be able to receive your CDL.
Some states give you your CDL at the time of your completion of the test, while others will send it to you in the mail. In either scenario, take some time at the counter to make sure everything is correct and in order. This will save you from having to deal with a costly mistake that could needlessly complicate things and prevent you from getting on the road.
If you’re a newly CDL-certified over the road trucker looking for a job to help you get settled in this new and exciting career, then look no further than OTR team trucking.
By driving with a trucking partner, you’ll not only be able to earn more but also tap into a wealth of experience that will help you learn the industry, master your driving skills, and build valuable connections with the other truckers you’ll be working alongside. Here are five simple tips for starting a new job as an OTR team truck driver:
1) Accept the Learning Curve
There will always be a learning curve when taking your first steps toward a new career. This is true for just about every new job you’ll ever have, and it’s especially true for the trucking industry. Operating a semi-truck isn’t always easy, and it’ll take you time to take the skills you earned in your CDL training and apply them to the open road.
Don’t fight the process though. Be patient with yourself, practice at truck stops if you can, and always be willing to ask your truck driving peers for advice. This is where your OTR co-driver can be helpful, as they will be happy to help you learn the tools of the trade so your learning curve is as smooth and manageable as possible.
2) Minimize Distractions
There will always be distractions on the road. However, you and your co-driver can work together to minimize how those distractions influence your driving. Here are the three primary categories of distractions you should be wary of:
Visual Distractions: Can be anything that might pull your eyes off the road.
Manual Distractions: Can include anything that could potentially cause you to remove one or both of your hands from the steering wheel.
Cognitive Distractions: Usually includes drowsiness, distracting conversation, or even daydreaming.
You and your co-driver are a team, so if you find yourself growing distracted for any reason, let them know so they can help you stay focused on the task at hand.
3) Communicate
Communication is key in any and every situation you’ll experience on the road as an OTR team driver. You and your co-driver are a team, and regardless of your experience (or lack thereof if you’re just starting out), it’s essential that you consistently communicate with your partner. This means building a foundation of trust with them that will help you both know that, no matter what happens, you’ve got each other’s backs.
4) Pay Attention to Your Environment
Whether it’s a storm on the horizon, an accident on the highway, or just an unexpected detour, it pays to be informed of what kind of environment you’re driving in. This is especially true for OTR drivers since their jobs take them across the country, meaning they’re bound to encounter a situation they haven’t had to face before.
You can’t plan for every possible situation, but you can be prepared and adaptable to whatever the open-road throws your way. This means looking ahead at the weather forecast, checking out the route you’ll be on, paying attention to traffic patterns, and just generally paying attention to the world around and ahead of you.
5) Take Care of Yourself
When you’re spending long days on the road, you’re going to need to be well-rested, fed, and nourished in order to keep your senses focused. As such, it should go without saying that taking care of yourself is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your OTR team truck driving experience is as safe, enjoyable, and lucrative as possible.
One of the (many) unique benefits team truck driving offers is the ability to take turns behind the wheel with a trusted and professional co-driver. If you find yourself growing drowsy, then ask your partner if you can swap roles and take a nap in the cabin while they keep going. You’re both in this together, so be open and honest with each other about your needs.
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!
