Trucking industry | Top 3 factors that contribute to job placement
The trucking industry has grown considerably over the last few years, and the rules are getting tighter. This is mainly due to the fact that a huge liability is placed on the individual behind the wheel. That's why finding a job may not be that easy. You need to know the factors that affect your job placement well before you start your training. Here are the major factors that play a huge role in determining whether you're placed at a job.
Criminal history
A felony is one of the major setbacks when it comes to acquiring a truck driving job. If the crime was within the last five years, acquiring a job becomes even more difficult. Trucking companies are particularly sensitive to alcohol related violations. They assume that you may resume the habit and drive their trucks drunk, which may cause a lot of harm. Imagine causing an accident with a truck weighing 137 tonnes on the highway due to drink-driving. But don't let having a tainted criminal record discourage you. There are companies that offer a meeting to review the felony, and you may even get the job.
Truck driving training
The truck licence training school that you pick has a huge say in your placement. Some truck driving schools place their students with various truck companies, and this goes a long way in securing a job for the students. Before enrolling in a training school, do your research. Know the kind of companies the school takes their students to, and the average number of students placed. Getting into the right school will make it a lot easier to secure a job immediately after you acquire your license.
Private schools are known for their relationship with truck driving companies. In fact, this relationship is what makes the school profitable. However, they charge a lot to enrol, so you may want to apply in their financial programs if the fee is too much.
Pre-hires
Pre-hires are a good way of knowing that truck companies will be willing to hire you even when you're still in school. These are simply acceptance letters from trucking companies saying that you've met the minimum requirements and would be qualified to attend orientation once you complete your training. However, a pre-hire letter is not a guarantee for employment. Trucking companies issue out these letters to get solid candidates to interview. That's why you need to apply to as many of them as you can. All it takes is filling application forms that can be found online, in trucking companies or even at job fairs.