The United States has approximately 6.5 million kilometers of classy highways, which are used by almost half (about 45%) of all trucks in the world. According to the country's Bureau of Transport Statistics, almost 2.5 million trucks are in operation, and 5-6% of the gross national product is created by freight carriers. Trucking jobs in the United States are in demand and well paid. The industry employs over a million people, more than 400 thousand companies and private entrepreneurs. However, the American Freight Forwarders Association complains that 90% of employers cannot find enough workers.
American features
According to official figures, there are about 4 million truckers in the country. Moreover, every twentieth truck driver in the United States is a woman.
Along with large carriers in the United States, there are many small firms (up to 80%) that own one or more trucks. However, the working conditions and the amount of payment for the flight depend little on the scale of the business. This is a single demonopolized market with a total profitability of tens of billions.
Working as a driver requires meeting certain criteria. At the same time, there is the possibility of obtaining a trucker vacancy in the United States for Russians, Belarusians and other immigrants from the CIS.
Regardless of the driving class, an applicant for the position of a driver must have sufficient physical training.
American law allows you to drive a heavy truck from the age of 18 with a driver's license and license. Nevertheless, employers primarily pay attention to people aged at least 25-30, and in fact the average age of a trucker in the United States is 49 years.
It is impossible not to leave work here without a good reason, it is not customary to go on sick leave. The market is strictly standardized, so that the specifics of truckers are the same for everyone. The activity is optimally organized, characterized by simple regulation and a complete absence of corruption.
Trade unions are actively involved in issues of employment, working conditions and rest. Training, advice and legal support are provided by professional associations ─ associations.
Driving categories
A real American truck is a heavy, powerful and technically complex vehicle. The qualification of a trucker is largely determined by his conditional category, depending on the specialization, which can be:
- Dry Van Drivers ─ transportation of dry products to long-term storage warehouses;
- Less than Truck Load ─ transporting a load that is less than that of a truck. Such drivers are engaged in the transportation of various goods within the same city or maximum state;
- Auto Haulers ─ transportation of large equipment;
- Flat Bed Drivers ─ platform driver for building slabs, structures, pipes, logs;
- Reefer ─ refrigerator driver;
- Tanker Drivers is a carrier of liquid fuel, oil, gas, gasoline, and other hazardous liquids in tanks.
Actually, the largest cars - trucks - are driven by specialists of the last four categories. They are the most in demand, and those of them that are involved in long-distance and international transportation are also the highest paid.
Working conditions
If we talk about legal employment, American truckers have the opportunity to get work in reputable companies with consistently high earnings and social guarantees. Of course, this is insurance, including medical insurance, guaranteed vacation, paid sick leave.
In addition to experience, physical strength and health, employers pay attention to the personal qualities of candidates, which sometimes contradict each other. It is much easier to get a job as a truck driver for a driver who is characterized by:
- composure;
- seriousness;
- courage;
- calmness;
- ability to react quickly in a difficult situation;
- excerpt;
- stress tolerance;
- the ability to make independent decisions.
According to American labor law, you can drive a heavy car for no more than 11 hours, after which a rest of at least 10 hours is required.
The high demands on hired drivers are offset by excellent working conditions that make the life of a trucker in the United States look quite attractive from the outside. Here, no one will force a tired driver to enter the track in a faulty car.
Employers are trying to equip vehicles with everything necessary for work and life on the road, to provide drivers with maximum comfort. Navigators, refrigerators, communications, cooking equipment, showers, air conditioning, satellite radio, even television are all available.
Obtaining rights
Before you start working as a truck driver, you will have to obtain an American driver's license. To do this, you must have excellent knowledge of the theory and rules of driving, pass the appropriate written exam, and take a practical test at the Department of Motor Vehicles. You can sign up for the exam directly on the official website of the organization by selecting the state in which you live.
It is worth considering that in some states there is a restriction on obtaining a commercial driver's license (CDL) classes A, B and C required to drive a heavy truck. It usually takes a year after obtaining a Basic Driving License.
What categories of driver's license are needed for a trucker is decided in the course of study or by agreement with the employer.
Next, you need to undergo training lasting from two weeks to nine months. This is available in a special school, which can be easily found in local newspapers or on the Internet.
You can get the necessary information from the drivers themselves and from brochures that are found on truck stops. Tuition fees are on average from $ 1,500.
There are also companies that willingly take on training. However, not free of charge. Typically, in the first year of operation, you will have to earn five cents less a mile. It will take about a year to make a CDL in the US.
Driver's license supplements
To become a real trucker and count on the highest paying job, you will have to undergo additional training and obtain the so-called Endorsements - approvals for working in certain conditions). And they are received following the results of passing the exam on the rules for the transportation of specific and dangerous goods (Hazardous Materials). We'll have to learn more.
Other required documents
You can't just go to America to work as a truck driver. The default process involves the preparation of medical certificates, as well as documents confirming the legality of being in the United States.
A passport will be required in any case. To get a VU, you first need to get into the registration system and get a social security number. To do this, you must contact your local Social Security office, fill out a form and provide your US address, to which you will receive a document with the coveted number printed on pale blue cardboard.
It should be noted that the rules of the road and, accordingly, the requirements and issued documents in different states have some differences. It's hard to say where it is better to work as a truck driver. Probably where you like to live and where they pay more. For example, in Alaska. And usually just where they will hire.
Depending on local legislation, the driver can be sent to anti-alcohol propaganda courses, which are held every two weeks, and also have an international license taken into account as part of the exam. Non-US driving experience is not taken into account anywhere.
The medical board, as a rule, does not exist as such, but simply check the eyesight directly at the local analogue of the State Traffic Inspectorate. Insurance is very important. A full one for a year will cost around 50 thousand dollars.
Job search
It should almost be clear what it takes to become a trucker. The question is how to look for a job. This is done remotely via the Internet or locally: with the help of car associations, advertisements in print media, on TV and electronic resources.
Truckers School
Often employers look after the drivers themselves at the training stage in truck driver schools, but more often the teachers issue recommendations. The stable ties of such schools with transport companies allow the latter to replenish their staff with qualified personnel, therefore, they are supported by associations and trade unions.
Call from the employer
At the same time, the problem of legalization and employment in the United States can be solved with the help of a potential employer. Under certain conditions, he will be able to help get a work visa, and then organize training for a truck driver with employment in the future.
Experience, a good resume and recommendations will interest the employer so much that he will pay for his studies, will tell you how to pass exams the first time and get the necessary documents.
Personal business
Everyone dreams of their own business in America. To open a branch of a company or acquire a ready-made business, you will need about 100 thousand dollars.
It is easier for immigrants from the CIS to start with individual entrepreneurship. Buying or renting a truck, you can go in for private cargo transportation.
And here there are options: you can work alone, in cooperation with the same individualists, or by agreement with a large company.
Russian speaking company
For Russian-speaking drivers, the most logical and simple path to the profession is through employment in a company with Russian roots. All procedures here will be the same as in any other, but there will be no language barrier. Perhaps former compatriots will even treat you better than local drivers, knowing full well the specifics of working from home.
American trucker earnings
The median salary for a truck driver in the United States in 2021 is about $ 1,300 per week. Annual earnings can go up to $ 90,000. The final numbers will depend on several factors:
- mileage, since the rate is calculated by tachograph;
- qualifications;
- categories;
- type of transported goods.
The more complex and dangerous the load, the more it is, the further you need to carry, the more the driver will earn. On average, they pay 50 cents per mile.
How much a trucker receives per month is determined by an agreement with an employer or personal ambitions, if it comes to individual entrepreneurial activity.
If you take an average speed of 30-40 miles / hour, then you can earn 150-200 dollars a day if you work for the owner. By the way, in Nebraska, Utah and Nevada, the permitted speeds on highways are higher, so there a driver can earn up to $ 300.
Also, a lot is determined by the personal experience and authority of the driver, the ability to quickly troubleshoot.
The more famous the company, the higher the wages. A private trader with regular employment earns up to 10 thousand dollars a month. In addition, companies ordering transportation pay for downtime for more than two hours at the rate of $ 10 / hour, but not more than $ 120 per day. That is, with a long load, you can also earn money without actually doing anything.
As an alternative, Russian-speaking emigrants first choose a job as a school bus driver. Salaries here vary from $ 20,000 to $ 44,000 per year.
Taxation
The taxation system in the country is quite complex. Taxes are divided into federal and local with progressive rates.
- Iowa has the highest income tax rate at 12%.
- Six states, including Illinois, New Jersey and the District of Columbia, pay taxes at a rate of 9% or more.
- Rates within 5% and below are typical for 8 states, including Kentucky, Utah, Colorado and others.
In addition, the country has exemption states such as Washington, Ohio, Nevada and Texas, which have no income tax. Alternatively, they levy a tax on the gross profit of companies.
None of these taxes apply in Wyoming and South Dakota.
No one in the United States even thinks to evade taxes, it is always cheaper and safer to pay them, but truckers use the opportunity to get a legal tax deduction for the cost of repairs, maintenance and car equipment to the maximum.
Some of the payments can be returned in the form of compensation for studies, rental housing, car loans, and so on. There is no vehicle tax or toll-specific tolls for heavy vehicles in the United States, but there is a motor vehicle tax, which is a state tax.
Forklift operator
A forklift driver in the USA is also in demand by many shipping companies. The duties of this specialist include:
- loading / unloading goods, products and so on using forklift;
- warehouse logistics, documentation;
- accounting for the expiration date, compliance with storage rules.
A forklift in America often performs the duties of a warehouse worker, so it must be able to speak and write in English. And, most importantly, have a lot of work experience.
Wages in different companies range from $ 10 to $ 15 per hour. Some companies allow you to work on their own forklifts.
Where learning is possible
If there is a certificate or diploma of a forklift driver, compulsory licensing is carried out online. The procedure costs about $ 50.
There are quite a few regular courses in the country. Addresses and contacts can be found on the Internet.
The duration of training is from 1 to 7 days, and the cost does not exceed $ 500. Here you can get the required minimum of theoretical knowledge and technical skills.
When getting a job, the most important thing is a practical test with the employer. If your skills satisfy him, the Forklift Operator specialty can be obtained on the courses at the expense of the employer.
By the way, the so-called classes offered by large logistics companies can last only 8 hours, and their cost is about 6,000 dollars.
The certificate obtained in this way can only be used by the company that paid for the courses. The new job will have to get another.
Is the work of an American trucker dangerous?
The main hazards for any driver:
- violation of the rules;
- bad weather;
- unsatisfactory condition of the road surface and people on the road.
You will not find pedestrians on the highways in America. The roads here are magnificent, and where there is strict video control, no one breaks the rules. There are no racketeers here either.
Statistics say that annually out of one hundred thousand drivers, about thirty die due to the fault of the weather and due to non-observance of safety, working hours and rest. In particular, drivers fall asleep while driving and exceed the speed limit.
The most difficult conditions, according to the reviews of the drivers themselves, are noted on certain road sections in the following states:
- Alaska,
- Pennsylvania,
- Texas,
- California,
- Georgia.
Conclusion
Despite the difficult and dangerous work, there are enough people who want to get a job as a truck driver. The profession has many advantages:
- high stable earnings;
- good social package;
- comfortable working conditions;
- respect on the roads and in society;
- the opportunity to see the whole country with your own eyes.
The work also has disadvantages:
- sleep and rest regimen is disturbed;
- diseases of the spine, musculoskeletal system, diseases of the gastrointestinal tract appear;
- career growth is limited;
- life takes place in isolation from the family;
- constant psychological stress negatively affects the psyche.
By the way, in the USA the trucker profession is ranked ninth among the most dangerous. On the other hand, this is a great opportunity to live normally and work legally in the most attractive country for immigrants.
