The trucking industry is bouncing back in a big way. After years of dealing with a shortage of drivers, the industry is now home to 3.5 million of them, and that number continues to grow. The demand for truck drivers has never been stronger, so if you’re looking for trucking jobs, you’re in luck!
More Opportunities Than Ever Before
Trucking has always been a major backbone of our country’s economy. Without trucker jobs, online shopping would grind to a halt and affect the lives of countless businesses and consumers. And since the number of people shopping online continues to grow, it’s safe to assume that the demand for truck drivers won’t be going away anytime soon.
There’s more good news, too! The industry is more diverse than it’s ever been before, as companies (like Lily Transportation!) are actively hiring women, veterans, and anyone interested in seeing what the truck driver lifestyle has to offer.
As soon as you get your commercial driver’s license, a whole new world of opportunity will open to you. Whether you’re looking for trucking jobs that will let you see the whole country or just your local area, Lily Transportation has openings for you. We’ll work with you to find a role that finetunes your skills and helps you find your place behind the wheel of one of our beautiful trucks.
The Importance of Truck Drivers Is Never Going Away
One of the best things about trucking is that just about anyone can do it. The demand for truck drivers has remained strong for years, and even as the industry continues to evolve, that isn’t going to change. Just look at our country today as it deals with the COVID-19 pandemic. With so many people sheltering themselves at home, it’s our country’s truck drivers that have ensured everyone has access to the essential supplies they need.
Even when the pandemic is over, online shopping will remain a staple of our country’s economy (maybe more than ever), which means our way of life will continue to need dedicated and professional truck drivers.
“Lily made me feel comfortable and gave me the opportunity to change careers. It’s a great company to work for and I just want to ask you (other drivers): “What are you waiting for?” Join us!”
— Yessica Licona–Amador, Driver
The demand for truck drivers isn’t going anywhere, so if you want to find truck driving jobs that will compensate you well and make sure you and yours are well taken care of, reach out to one of our recruiters today at 800-248-LILY.
OTR trucking is one of the best jobs that don’t require a college degree. If you’re a military veteran looking for a new career, but don’t have a college degree, then OTR trucking might be the job for you.
With the trucking industry in need of drivers, and carriers excited to work with new and excited drivers, finding good jobs without a degree no longer has to be a challenge. Here’s how you can get your OTR trucking career started!
Truck Driver Qualifications
While OTR truck driving offers good jobs without a degree required, there are qualifications that each prospective driver still needs to meet. Before you start pursuing an OTR driver role, you’re going to need to acquire a commercial driver’s license (CDL).
To be eligible to apply for a CDL, you’re going to have to meet the following federal rules, as outlined by DMV.org:
Must be 21 years old to:
Drive across state lines. OR
Operate a vehicle containing hazardous materials.
Have no prior disqualifying criminal offenses.
Certain criminal felonies may disqualify you from CDL eligibility.
The FMCSA will also ask for proof of a valid driver’s license, a 10-year driver history—which the state may check electronically, or ask you to bring in a copy of your own—and a medical examination form. The form should be from a qualified medical examiner and will prove that you’re physically capable of operating a commercial vehicle in an OTR trucking role.
Trucking Jobs for Veterans
If you’re a military veteran looking for a new career, then Lily Transportation is here to help! We understand the challenges that veterans often experience as they move back into a civilian career—especially if they joined the military out of high school. This is why we’re committed to creating and providing as many trucking jobs for veterans as we can.
Not only do we offer scholarship programs that can help fund your truck driving training, but we’ll work with you to ensure that you’re provided all of the skills, confidence, and expertly maintained equipment you’ll need to thrive both on and off the road; regardless of whether you have a degree or not.
Earn a Degree On the Road
One of the (many) great things about OTR trucking jobs is that drivers can curate their schedules in a way that works best for them. For example, if a driver prefers to drive overnight and sleep during the day, then that’s a lifestyle they can stick to while on the road. As long as you reach your destination on time, your daily routine is mostly up to you.
With this in mind, OTR drivers can earn a sustainable income on the road and work on a college degree in their off time. OTR trucking is an excellent choice for people looking for good jobs without a degree. And the inherent flexibility the OTR lifestyle allows means that you can take online courses and continue to grow your educational and professional repertoire.
To learn more about how Lily Transportation can help you find success in jobs that don’t require a college degree, reach out to us today!
There are approximately 1.8 million truck drivers in the country right now, and each one is tasked with transporting and delivering specific shipments to specific destinations. Sometimes those destinations are only a few miles away, but if you’re on an OTR trucking team, then your goal could be hundreds of miles away.
If you’re curious about what team trucking jobs look like and want to learn about how they’re some of the highest paying trucking jobs around, here are some examples of the OTR trucking lifestyle:
Experience the Open Road
There are plenty of things to do in your off-time while on the road. Not only will you have regular access to some of the most beautiful sights in the country, but many truck stops are outfitted with a cavalcade of amenities designed to make the OTR trucking lifestyle a little brighter. For example, in an interview with Travel Channel, Brett Aquila—the founder of TruckingTruth.com—mentions that one of his favorite stops is outfitted with “gigantic, beautiful spa suites with wonderful hot tubs” that “made you feel like you’re living like a king.”
Truck stops don’t have to be the only place that makes you feel like a king, though. If you and your co-driver don’t want to rely on the greasy, high-calorie food options at restaurants or rest stops, then you can easily cook your own fantastic meals from the comfort of your truck cabin.
“For a driver, truck cabs are like mini-apartments,” MentalFloss.com says. “In addition to sleeping quarters, many have outlets or power sources that can accommodate small appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, and cooking gear.” Don’t hesitate to try out some new recipes with your partner and liven up your daily routine with some tasty, homecooked meals.
You and your co-driver can (and should) take up hobbies on the road, as well! Just because you spend most of the day in the cab of a truck doesn’t mean you can’t learn something new or have a little fun. If you’re looking for a way to pass the time, generate lively conversation, or just keep yourself active, here are some of the most popular activities OTR drivers can do while on the road:
Listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or new music
Learn a new language with one of the many programs available online
Exercise at truck stops (go for a jog, lift weights, or stretch out your muscles)
Take up photography and show your friends and family all the beautiful sights you’ve seen on your travels
You and your OTR trucking co-driver will have plenty of time to experiment with different hobbies, so let your imaginations go wild! If you want to do a little bit of extra planning, you can even plot out a route that takes you to some popular tourist sites. This not only gets you both out of the truck but also helps you encounter areas of the country that may have otherwise gone unseen.
The Benefits of the OTR Trucking Salary
OTR team trucking is one of the highest paying trucking jobs in the industry. Since OTR trucking jobs often pay their drivers on a per-mile-driven scale, the more miles you cover, the more money you’ll be making. When driving with a co-driver, you can effectively double the number of miles you cover in a day, since one driver can sleep while the other drives and vice versa.
This means that OTR team drivers can make twice as much as a solo driver would in the same length of time. Even though team drivers split the salary 50/50, their percentage is still substantially more than a solo driver would make.
If you want to learn more about what OTR trucking opportunities are available to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lily Transportation at 800.248.5459 or at our website!
The trucking industry is changing. As the current demographics of truck driving professionals approach retirement, the trucking and logistics industries are broadening their gaze toward new, passionate, and more diverse drivers interested in learning more about the types of jobs in the transportation industry available to them.
OTR trucking jobs come packaged with a wealth of benefits. As the modern trucking industry grows and adapts to a changing environment, those benefits are evolving as well. Not only have trucking companies started offering perks like “signing bonuses and increased pay” to try and attract more drivers, but new truck industry trends have also introduced a variety of technological advancements into the industry as well.
The idea of an OTR driver—or two, if they’re working as an OTR driving team—traveling for hours a day in relative isolation is becoming nearly obsolete. Technology in logistics has introduced new and dynamic features into truck cabins that make it easier than ever for long-haul drivers to stay in touch with their dispatcher, their family, and the world around them.
Jobs in the transportation industry are more accessible than ever before. With the truck driver shortage still a motivating factor in the industry, companies across the country are eager and excited to work alongside new drivers and help them get settled into the OTR driving lifestyle.
If you’re one of the people interested in learning more about OTR trucking jobs and the emerging truck industry trends, or if you’re simply bored with your job and are looking for something new, then Lily Transportation is here to help. Keep reading and see firsthand how the modern trucking industry is changing to meet the needs of its drivers.
In the years since there have been countless truck industry trends and developments that have each helped the concept of long-distance trucking evolve and adapt to the needs of its drivers. Here are just a few of the (many) trends that are either currently growing roots in the industry or are expected to do so in the not-so-distant future:
Technology in Logistics
Technology is on an endless cycle of iteration and evolution that means there’s always something new and groundbreaking that promises to change the world for the better. This is true for every industry you can name, including the logistics industry and the OTR trucking jobs it provides.
When it comes to trucking, technology is being used to improve the driver’s comfort, increase safety, maximize efficiency, and even reduce the industry’s overall environmental footprint.
For example, in an article on Trucker.com, Sandeep Kar—the global vice president for a business consulting firm and a renowned expert in heavy truck systems and technologies—says that the “‘future truck is going to be a green truck; it will save fuel and have a smaller environmental footprint.’”
According to Kar, these future trucks will be “connected to the world outside, and the world outside will be connected” to our trucks. Where OTR trucking jobs once meant spending days or weeks separated from your loved ones, technological advancements have made it easier than ever before to stay in touch with your friends and family back home.
Drivers “can now video chat with loved ones in their downtime,” Advanced Career Institute says. “They can receive text messages, emails, and make phone calls from their trucks. This has created a more socially connected trucking world that is healthier for the OTR truck driver as well as those back home missing a truck driver.”
Technology in logistics doesn’t stop there though, as NPR reports that “Many new trucks have automatic transmissions and the type of safety features you might expect on a new car: cameras and computers that watch lanes, look out for obstacles and even hit the brakes automatically sometimes.”
While many are talking about the potential of self-driving, automated trucks, a future without truck drivers is nowhere close to reality. Just as planes still have pilots, so too will the OTR trucking industry still have drivers. As such, new trucking technologies are designed to better the comfort, safety, and productivity of OTR drivers across the world.
Updated Truck Cabins
One of the most obvious places new technology has influenced OTR trucking jobs is in the truck cabins themselves. It’s no secret that the trucking industry needs drivers, and updating the way the truck cab works with the driver to promote comfort and accessibility is one of the most important things the industry can do to attract and retain more drivers.
On Trucking Info, the product marketing manager for a prominent trucking company says that “‘The simple fact is that as trucks continue to offer more desirable features, the profession becomes that much more appealing. And, if a fleet can appeal to drivers with their equipment and use it to differentiate themselves from their competitors, they’re willing to spec more premium driver-friendly features.’”
Electronics like a TV, refrigerator, microwave, sound system
More outlets for devices
Heated/ventilated seats
Aircraft-inspired LED lighting and dimmer switches
More accessible layouts of switches and gauges
There are even trucks emerging on the market that come with a mini-gym so drivers can stretch, exercise, and keep themselves active and healthy when they stop driving for the day.
Truck Driver Health and Wellness
Another essential addition to the growing list of new truck industry trends is one that’s been around for many years: truck driver health and wellness.
Ensuring the continued health of its drivers has been one of the industry’s most valuable and long-lasting “trends,” and it’s doubtful that it to ever go out of style. A trucking company can have the most meticulously maintained equipment, but without well-taken-care-of drivers to operate that equipment, they’ll have some trouble filling their open OTR trucking jobs.
Sound dampening has become an especially big deal in truck cab design, and Trucking Info reports that many of the newer truck models feature “dramatically reduced interior noise levels – both when a truck is moving and when it’s at rest.” This means that drivers can sleep more comfortably, regardless of what time of day they prefer to do so, and drive without the distraction of passing cars, sounds, and other abrasive noises.
Drivers are also making great strides toward bettering themselves and their daily routines. Truck stops offer a wealth of snacks and beverages to help you stay energized and nourished on the road, but instead of going for the classics (candy bars, chips, sodas) focus on food items that DrivingHealthy.org says “will keep you fuller longer, like string cheese, pretzels, popcorn, and fresh fruits and vegetables.”
Many truck stops even offer resources that help support OTR drivers exercise. There are walking and running trails for you to enjoy, fitness rooms, and even gym setups where you can get a traditional workout in before hitting the road again.
If you need some help getting started, then you’re in luck, as DrivingHealthy.org says that “There are numerous exercise resources online and through phone or tablet applications. These resources range from workout podcasts, to videos, to images of exercise instructions. Many of these resources are free and can be completed with little to no added equipment.” This means you can get the blood flowing, stretch your muscles, and keep yourself in-shape regardless of the equipment you may or may not have access to.
Increased Emphasis on Diversity
In the past, the majority of OTR trucking jobs were occupied by men. While this demographical stereotype is no longer as widespread, it exists for a reason, as women still hold only a sliver of OTR trucking jobs.
However, with the industry in need of drivers, and logistics companies and carriers actively pursuing newer and more diverse drivers, the needle is moving toward progress. For example, in January of 2017, the renowned organization Women in Trucking (WIT) reported that “women comprise over seven percent of female over-the-road drivers and 23 percent of management.”
That may not appear to be a large percentage, but it is progress. This progress becomes especially pronounced when you take into account how the carriers themselves have also begun to measure and report the growing diversity of the drivers they recruit into their OTR trucking jobs.
In that same January 2017 report, WIT says that “there has been a 19 percent improvement in those companies tracking the percentage of female drivers and managers. This means that more companies are actually monitoring these figures and can benchmark with other carriers in the industry” to work together towards a better, brighter, and more diverse future of OTR trucking jobs.
Unlike other careers, there isn’t a disparity in the way the logistics industry pays its drivers. Like Ellen Voie—President and CEO of the Women in Trucking Association—says on CNBC, “A carrier sets the pay based on mileage, hours or percentage of the load. It is not related to age, ethnicity or gender.” This means that every driver is subjected to the same expectations, payment, and workload: the more miles a driver covers, the more money they make.
The broader logistics industry is taking note of this trend toward diversity as well, and CDL Career Now explains how “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.”
There are more OTR trucking jobs than ever before, and logistics companies like Lily Transportation are actively working to recruit, hire, and support female truck drivers.
Settling Into the Truck Driver Lifestyle
Modern trucking jobs are beginning to look quite a bit different. With more age and gender diversity, and newer, more technologically-compatible trucks, OTR trucking jobs are moving into a “driver first” future that’s sure to benefit the entire industry.
OTR trucking jobs are unlike any other career path out there. Not only do they supply their drivers with a sustainable income—especially if you drive long-distance with a partner—but if you get behind the wheel, you’ll also be able to set a driving schedule that works for you and your preferred lifestyle. Like Career Builder says, “OTR truck drivers don’t have set starting hours, unless they’re calling in to dispatch after returning from ‘time off.’”
OTR trucking is a lifestyle, certainly, but it’s one that’s full of exciting opportunities that are sure to enrich your personal and professional lives. “While trucking requires flexibility in scheduling,” Advanced.edu says, “most drivers do establish routines that provide some sense of stability. For instance, they establish favorite truck stops in every region of the country. There’s nothing like a friendly face, a warm cup of coffee, and a hot shower when you’ve been on the road.”
If you’re interested in seeing firsthand what OTR trucking jobs look like, then Lily Transportation is here to help! When you join the team at Lily, you’ll not only be joining a group of passionate and experienced professionals; you’ll also become part of a large and diverse family of drivers who genuinely love the work they do.
Our people are our greatest asset at Lily; they’re the foundation of our success and the secret to our continued growth. This is why we do everything we can to ensure our brilliant drivers are equipped with the tools, support, and training they need to succeed on and off the job.
To learn more about the OTR trucking jobs and truck driving lifestyle available here at Lily Transportation, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at 800-248-5459, or visit us on our website!
When it comes to the trucking industry, there is no shortage of job opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a regional driving position or the more ambitious lifestyle of an over-the-road (OTR) driver, there’s an opening just waiting for you to claim it.
An industry veteran said on Trucking Truth that having a career as an OTR driver means “You’ll make very good money, have a ton of fun, and have a career that keeps our economy moving and makes you feel like you’ve accomplished something worthwhile.” This sentiment rings especially true for OTR team drivers, who not only get an opportunity to make more money but also get to experience the open road with a partner.
If you’ve already spent some time driving alone, or are a first-time trucker looking to get started, then OTR team driving might be a route worth pursuing. When you hit the open road with a partner, you’ll be making a higher profit, covering (and seeing) more of the country, and yes, even have more fun.
Share the Adventure
Driving across the country is an adventure in its own right—you’ll see the sights in a way very few people get the opportunity to—but doing it with another driver is an adventure all its own.
OTR driving is, by nature, structured around a schedule that keeps you moving. Your day-to-day driving schedule may not look that different, but the things you’ll see and encounter will look different each new day on the road. And when you’re traveling with a partner, you’ll have someone to share the workload and the adventure with.
Roadmaster.com even says that “you may find that team driving is even more fun than solo driving because it’s a shared experience. Having someone to talk to and to share both the work and the fun with can keep your time on the road from getting stale.” You can even travel with a significant other and share the drive with them if you’re both CDL-certified.
This is becoming an increasingly popular option for OTR team drivers, as it means both drivers get to make almost twice as much as they would driving solo while also working alongside someone they already trust and rely on.
With the extra income you’ll both be making, and the reduced living expenses since you’ll be spending so much time on the road, you’ll have the freedom to expand your retirement fund, savings account, or put your income toward other goals. OTR team driving jobs can become a flexible and dynamic career, and many companies are more than happy to work with you and find a schedule that meets you (and your partner’s) needs.
For example, in an article on The Atlantic, a married couple is asked what it was like driving together on an OTR team and said, “Oh, it was fun. It was like we were on vacation everywhere we went.”
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Truck driving can be hard work, but it rewards those who are willing to commit to the truck driving lifestyle. With competitive pay, a wealth of benefits, and the ability to drive with a partner (and make more money while doing so), the industry is rife with opportunity for professionals looking for an exciting new career path.
If you’re considering a career in the truck driving industry, you probably have a few questions. What’s the truck driver schedule look like? How often do truck drivers come home? What are the expected truck driver hours? Are there driving holidays for truckers? Ultimately, these all circle back to the one question every trucker has to ask themselves: what is it like to be a truck driver?
The truck driving lifestyle is fast-moving, dynamic, and exciting. You spend long days on the road, see sights that few people ever get the opportunity to, make a competitive income, and yes, you’ll also get holidays and vacation time.
Trucking companies value and rely on their drivers, which means they’re always willing to provide their employees with the time they need to refuel themselves. If you’re looking to learn more about what the truck driver schedule looks like, and how holidays and vacation time factor into it, then keep reading!
Truckers Can (and Should!) Take Vacations
Just like any other career path, trucking can wear someone out. Even the most passionate of drivers will run the risk of burning themselves out if they don’t take some time off. While drivers are required by law to take a full 34-hours off-duty after working 70-hours, that break is not enough to recharge a driver completely.
The 34-hour break is essential and provides drivers with the time they need to rest and recover after a long week, but it doesn’t replace the need for vacations. Just like United Truck School says, “As a professional truck driver, you have to be alert and healthy to perform your responsibility to the best of your ability. Truck companies understand that vacations are necessary and you may get sick from time to time.”
In most cases, trucking companies provide their drivers with about two-weeks vacation time a year—just like most careers do—but that number will usually go up once you stay with a company for a specified number of years. This vacation time is often paid as well, although every company is inevitably going to be a little different, as there’s not a rock-solid standard that all carriers abide by.
Holiday Time
While you might imagine that truckers don’t get much holiday time, they do. The need for truckers is steady throughout the whole year, and the end-of-the-year holiday season is often a time where truckers don’t have to spend long days on the road.
CDL Training Today explains it like this: “With sufficient inventory going into the holiday season, there are usually large sales to move products after the holidays and to reduce the overstocking they did prior. This means a truck driver will have fewer routes and can easily take a week off during the holidays to spend with family and friends.”
The bottom line is that, yes, truckers get vacation time and holiday time off. Truck driving is one of the most critical jobs in the country, and as such, trucking companies are well aware of how important it is to ensure that their drivers are well-rested and taken care of.
If you’re considering a truck driving career, then you’ve probably asked the question, “how much do truck drivers make?” It’s a valid question, and something anyone approaching a new job or position would be wise to consider. Thankfully, not only are truck drivers well compensated for their time on the road, but the industry’s need for drivers also means that drivers are often provided with a litany of benefits and perks as well.
Let’s delve into some statistics involving the average truck driver salary, how much truck drivers make per mile, and more:
Average Salary
In 2017, Business Insider reported that only 11% of truck drivers in the industry received wage increases. However, in 2018 that percentage jumped up to almost 50%. “We’ve definitely seen spikes before, but nothing like what we’re experiencing now,” Business Insider said, quoting the co-founder and president of an Ohio-based supply-chain company.
While the average salary for a truck driver depends on several factors—such as the driver’s experience and qualifications, the carrier they’re working for, and the state they’re located in—the Bureau of Labor says that the median yearly income for a professional truck driver falls around the $44,000 range.
However, every company is going to look a bit different. For example, here at Lily Transportation, a military veteran enrolled in the Lily Veterans Network can expect to receive an annual in the $60-70,000 range after they complete their training. In almost every context, however, the longer you stick with a company, and the more experience you earn, the more income you’re likely to make.
How Drivers Get Paid
Depending on the company, a professional truck driver can be paid in several ways. While uncommon, some companies pay their drivers on an hourly scale. This is usually reserved for local drivers, where being paid by-the-hour is often the better option.
In most cases, it’s safe to assume that a truck driver, especially a driver in an OTR role, will be paid on a per-mile-driven scale. This means that the more miles they cover in a day, the more they will earn. According to Roadmaster Drivers School, “a Truck Driver can expect to drive between 2000 and 3000 miles per week. When you get paid by the mile, your odometer counts your money for you as the miles fly by. This makes it easier to track your expected pay.”
If you’re asking yourself “how much do truck drivers make per mile,” then check out Roadmaster.com, where they explain that most companies pay their drivers “between $0.27 to $0.40 per mile.” Of course, that rate will vary depending on how much experience the driver has, the region where they drive, the company they drive for, and what kind of license the driver has. Class A licensed drivers, for example, are sometimes in higher demand and will be paid more as a result.
Learn More Today!
Do truck drivers make good money? The simple answer is a resounding yes. While there’s a range of incomes, trucking and logistics companies like Lily Transportation are devoted to compensating their drivers for a job well done, and in addition to their annual income, will often offer additional truck driving benefits.
These benefits can involve safety bonuses, signing bonuses, and more, and are reflective of an industry that is eager and excited to reward its workforce. If you’re interested in learning more, then reach out to Lily Transportation today!
Over the road truck driving can be a demanding, but deeply rewarding career track for professionals looking for new experiences, challenges, and opportunities.
Over the road truck drivers live a unique lifestyle, and as such, tend to possess specific skills and qualities that help them succeed on the open road. Here are some of the critical skills an OTR truck driver should have:
Training and Experience
Before you get behind the wheel of a truck, you’re going to need to have the proper training and experience. While the truck driving qualifications are relatively accessible, you’re still going to need to go through some training to prepare yourself for the situations you’ll undoubtedly encounter behind the wheel.
Just as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) 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 such, the first step toward an OTR truck driving career will always be the same: attain your commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Upon completing all of the CDL-certifications and tests, you’ll be suitably equipped with the information and experience you’ll need to transition into a formal trucking role for one of the many companies eager to work with you.
Excellent Teamwork
Whether you’re driving solo or as part of an OTR team, you’re going to need to know how to work (and thrive) as a team. You will have an entire support team working alongside you to help ensure that you get from point A to point B, and as such, strong teamwork skills will be essential to your success.
This will be especially important on an OTR team. Since you’ll be sharing the cockpit with a co-driver for hours a day, the two of you will have to be comfortable working together. A good OTR team is defined by trust, and trust can only come if you’re willing to work alongside your co-driver in every situation you find yourselves in.
Communication Skills
The trucking and logistics industries require a great deal of coordination, timing, and communication. When you’re on the road for days or even weeks at a time, your ability to communicate with your co-driver, your company dispatchers, and other drivers is paramount to your success.
If you can’t communicate clearly with the world around you, then your ability to navigate the unpredictable nature of over the road driving assignments will be impaired. No matter what, always make communication a priority. The stronger your communication skills are, the more comfortable and enjoyable your OTR experience will be.
Flexible Problem-Solving
OTR driving involves long hours traveling across multiple states, environments, weather conditions, and seasons. While you can (and should) plan ahead for each day of travel, it’s impossible to predict what the open road will throw at you on any given day, which is why flexible problem-solving is a skill all great drivers strive to perfect.
Being able to react both quickly and smartly to unpredictable situations and challenges is a crucial ability that will help truck drivers complete their job and stay safe while doing so.
If you want to learn more about the OTR driver lifestyle, then don’t hesitate to reach out to Lily Transportation today! We currently have over 50 driving teams running coast-to-coast and are always looking to expand that number. If you have any questions or want to apply, then visit our website or give us a call at 800.248.5459.
There are plenty of civilian jobs for veterans looking for something new. However, if you’re a military driver with experience operating heavy vehicles, then you should consider looking into the variety of trucking jobs for veterans that companies across the country offer.
Over-the-road (OTR) trucking is one of the best jobs for military officers trying to reacclimate to civilian life. Not only does an OTR job allow you to keep busy and see the country in a way few people get the opportunity to, but you may qualify for a military skills test waiver program that would make getting your commercial driver’s license (CDL) a breeze.
Here are just a few reasons why your military experience makes you a perfect candidate for an OTR trucking job:
Programs for Success
Before you get behind the wheel of a truck, you first have to obtain your CDL and become a CDL driver. To obtain a CDL, drivers need to pass a written exam and take a skills test.
However, the FMSCA says that drivers who have “two years of experience safely operating trucks or buses equivalent to civilian commercial vehicles” can be excused from the skills test by qualifying for a military skills test waiver. To be eligible for this waiver, you must:
Be 21 years old or older
Apply within one year of leaving the military position where you were tasked with operating a commercial-equivalent vehicle
Have not held more than one license in the past two years (other than a U.S. military driver’s license)
Have never had your state-issued license suspended, revoked, or canceled
Have not faced any convictions in any motor vehicle
Many trucking companies will even offer training programs for veterans. So if you’re interested in pursuing an OTR truck driving career but no longer qualify for the waiver, then you can enroll in a program that will help you get the certifications you need.
Be Part of a Team
While driving solo is an option many professional drivers embrace, some companies encourage their drivers to work as part of an OTR driving team. This way, you and another professional trucker will work together via alternating shifts to cover more ground in less time, and ultimately, make a higher income as a result.
Since every commercial driver has to adhere to the FMSCA’s Hours of Service Regulations, every driver must stop to take a break after driving a certain number of hours. When you’re on an OTR team, however, when one driver takes a break, their partner can take their place and keep the truck on the road for longer.
Strong teamwork skills will be essential for an OTR assignment, as you and your partner will have to work together to manage your time and accomplish your goals effectively. With your experience in the military, adapting to the OTR driving lifestyle can be a smooth and seamless process.
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!
