Are you looking for meaningful truck driving jobs in Nebraska? Are you eager to find a new career More than just a paycheck, one that involves adding to people’s lives in the grander scheme of things? Then truck driving might be perfect for you!
Trucking jobs in Nebraska have so much to offer. The benefits of life on the road are definitely worth considering!
Keep reading to learn what it’s like to be a truck driver in Nebraska.
More Than Just a Job
Trucking is the backbone of our national supply chain. Truck drivers in Nebraska and around the country have the important mission of transporting goods.
Without truck drivers, food runs short on grocery store shelves. Delivery times become delayed, and warehouses can’t move their stock.
It’s not only about driving. Road freight involves more than moving goods; as a truck driver, you help the economy run efficiently.
“I wish I had known about Chief Carriers seven years ago!”
Commodities need to be carried from one place to another, safely and on time. This may seem like a simple task. In reality, you aren’t just making deliveries, you’re playing a role in the greater good.
Yes, a job as a truck driver is a meaningful one. Keep reading to learn more about truck driving jobs in Nebraska!
Getting Paid
Naturally, you want to align yourself with a trustworthy trucking carrier. This means you’ll receive better support. You’ll also want to be valued as an employee and receive worthwhile benefits.
What is a truck driver’s salary like? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for heavy truck drivers was $48,710 in 2020.
What are the highest paying truck driver jobs? This varies according to skill level. Also, much will depend on the type of goods you carry.
Oversized load truck drivers earn more because of the level of skill involved. You can earn more than the average as an Over The Road (OTR), tanker, or flatbed truck driver.
Are you wondering about the type of salary add-ons that come along with trucking jobs? Below is a list of the type of benefits that some companies might include.
- Medical and disability insurances
- Prescription insurance
- Dental and vision insurances
- 401k plan
- Flexible spending plans
- Life insurance options
Many are more than a little surprised to know that trucking comes with such great benefits.
What’s Involved?
Maybe you think trucking jobs seem pretty straightforward.
Well, there are a few things you should know. For example, if you’re an OTR trucker, you have to be able to drive in many different states. So, you need to be familiar with different state regulations.
You need to know all the rules of the road. Plus, you’ll learn a lot about safety. This includes vehicle inspection, trip planning, and freight management.
Truck driving involves many long hours of solo driving. At the same time, you interact with dispatchers and customers. So, your communication and service skills need to be sharp too.
As with any industry, trucking has its challenges. It’s no secret that trucking jobs involve long hours, time away from home, and strict deadlines. It’s a lifestyle that isn’t for everyone.
Life on the road as a trucker can be varied and interesting. It’s an opportunity to travel and experience the country as a whole.
Yes, trucking is an adventure. So, if you live in and love the open road it might be the perfect career path for you.
Getting Started
There are a few requirements before you start your training. The minimum hiring age of most trucking companies is 21. You also need to start off with a valid state regular driver’s license.
Here are five steps on the road to becoming a truck driver:
1. Minimum Education
You need to complete your high school diploma or a GED. Completing your high school education will open up more opportunities for you. It will also increase your earning potential as you do further training.
2. Further Training
It’s a good idea to enroll in truck driver training courses. These will help you prepare for the Commercial Drivers License (CDL) exam.
Make inquiries with community colleges, private truck driving schools, or even trucking companies. This will help you find the best program for you.
If you choose to enroll in a community college, you might qualify for financial aid to help you with your training. Find out if your school offers any degree courses related to commercial freight. If so, you might choose this route to earn a one-year college degree.
3. CDL
Before you can start applying for trucking jobs, you need to hold a CDL. Consider carefully which classification would suit your future prospects the best. For example, a Class A CDL allows you to drive a variety of different types of trucks, including flatbeds.
An endorsement will help you with transporting specific types of cargo. For example, with a Hazmat endorsement, you can legally carry hazardous materials.
4. Trucking Jobs
Once you’ve completed your training, licensing, and obtained an endorsement it’s time to start the job hunt. Ask around at truck driving schools or get in touch with truck driving associations.
Here’s a quick list of truck driving associations:
- Women In Trucking (WIT)
- Nebraska Trucking Association (NTA)
- Truckload Carriers Association (TCA)
5. Applying
Make sure your resume and cover letter are in order. Modify your application to match the requirements of the position. Remember to prepare yourself well for your interviews.
And finally, follow up your interview with a note of thanks. An extra, thoughtful bit of communication can go a long way to impressing the hiring manager.
And don’t forget, Chief Carriers is always looking for veterans with experience in trucking. Your military experience matters! Chief Carriers knows that veterans consistently achieve higher performance ratings and have leadership experience in intensely challenging situations that go far beyond most civilian trucking experiences. Chief Carriers is currently hiring veterans who have previous military experience in the following military specialties:
- 88M – Motor Transport Operator
- 92F – Fueler
- 14T – Patriot Launching Station Operator
- 3531 – Motor Vehicle Operator
- EO – Equipment Operator
- 2TI – Vehicle Operator
- 2FO – Fueler
- 3E2 – Pavement and Construction Equipment Operator
Put your prior military experience to work at Chief Carriers! Veterans can apply here in two minutes or less!
Keep reading to learn more about truck jobs in Nebraska.
The Road to Success
Choosing a career path is never easy. Any industry comes with its own set of challenges and rewards. So consider carefully to make the best decision for you.
Trucking life can be extremely rewarding. As a truck driver, you get to play a role in the development of society. And you contribute meaningfully to the national economy.
It’s easy to overlook the benefits of life on the road. Many people are stuck working from the same office day in, day out. When you’re a trucker, your office takes you all over the country, and you meet all types of people.
If you’re looking for trucking jobs in Nebraska, why not complete Chief Carriers’ driver application?
Get Started with a Lease Program from Chief Carriers
Entry into truck ownership can be downright tough and expensive. We understand most professional drivers may not have all the resources needed to get started. Leasing can be a welcome alternative to get you started down the path of truck ownership.
If you’re interested in learning more about our flexible lease or walk away lease programs, click here.
Start your career in trucking with Chief Carriers.
