BECOMING A TRUCKER IN WASHINGTON & STAYING SAFE ON THE ROAD
Trucking is a great career. It allows you to travel, see new places, and make money while providing an essential service that keeps America running. Plus, there is an ongoing shortage of truck drivers, so your skills are always in demand.
Before you embark on a career in trucking, though, you must understand exactly what you are getting into. To help you on this journey, we have gathered a comprehensive collection of tips, tricks, resources, and advice on being a truck driver in Washington State, staying safe on the road, and avoiding fatal accidents.
3 steps to get you started
on the Road to Becoming a Trucker
Consider how your personality fits with the job.
Do you love to drive? Are you content to spend a lot of time alone, away from family and friends? Are you comfortable managing tight deadlines and stress? If so, trucking could be a great match for you. Trucking is a unique field with unique challenges. It takes the right type of person to make a career in the commercial trucking industry.
Talk with established truck drivers.
The best way to understand the life of a trucker is to talk to someone who has been doing the job for a long time. If you don’t already know someone in the field, ask your friends and family if they know anyone you can talk to. If you are comfortable enough, strike up a conversation with drivers at truck stops. Just understand that they may be in a rush to get back on the road.
Make a plan for yourself.
Although trucking schools and training programs take less time and are less expensive than your typical trade school or college degree, they are still investments. Research the schools in the Pacific Northwest region of Washington State, Oregon, and Idaho, as well as the trucking companies you want to work for. Also, research the salaries for the types of trucking jobs you are interested in. Go into your career with a plan for how you will reach your goals.
So You’ve Decided to Become a Trucker
The steps are fairly straightforward if you are wondering how to be a truck driver. You will need to start by enrolling in training at a truck driving school or through a trucking company. Then, you’ll prepare to get your commercial driver’s license (CDL). From there, you’ll be ready to start work.
Where to Go to School
Training to become a trucker can take anywhere from 30 days to a few months, depending on the program's intensity. You’ll learn about state and federal rules and regulations, as well as gain hands-on experience driving a commercial truck. But before you get to that, you’ll need to decide on a school.
Private CDL Schools vs. Company CDL Schools
When evaluating where to get your training, the first decision you’ll need to make is whether you want to go through private CDL training or a school that is paid for or sponsored by a trucking company. There are pros and cons to both, of course.
Private Trucking Schools
Company-paid schools
These truck driving schools may be run by a community college or a family with a business history. They are run independently of a trucking company and require you to pay tuition upfront. Because you pay for your training at a private school, you can often expect more individual attention and a better experience tailored to you.
Although private schools are not run by a particular trucking company, they often have ties to specific companies. They also typically have job placement services to connect you with companies that are hiring. Ask about what trucking companies the school has connections with and how the job placement program works. Note that not all companies will hire from a private school, so do some preliminary research into the companies you are interested in working for.
Company CDL training is either run by or financially sponsored by the trucking company you sign up for. The company usually does this because they require you to become a truck driver for them. These schools may require little or no payment upfront, as the company typically covers the majority or all of the costs. However, you will have to pay these costs back once you begin working for the company, usually through paycheck deductions.
The major advantage of company CDL training is that you already have a job with the company, so you need not go on a job hunt once you finish your training. You will, however, need to sign an employment contract with that company, which can be up to two years. This means you’ll be tied to work for them, even if you realize later that you don’t enjoy working there, and you won’t have a chance to explore other options until your contract expires. It’s best to do research on the company before committing to them.
These truck driving schools may be run by a community college or a family with a business history. They are run independently of a trucking company and require you to pay tuition upfront. Because you pay for your training at a private school, you can often expect more individual attention and a better experience tailored to you.
Although private schools are not run by a particular trucking company, they often have ties to specific companies. They also typically have job placement services to connect you with companies that are hiring. Ask about what trucking companies the school has connections with and how the job placement program works. Note that not all companies will hire from a private school, so do some preliminary research into the companies you are interested in working for.
Company CDL training is either run by or financially sponsored by the trucking company you sign up for. The company usually does this because they require you to become a truck driver for them. These schools may require little or no payment upfront, as the company typically covers the majority or all of the costs. However, you will have to pay these costs back once you begin working for the company, usually through paycheck deductions.
The major advantage of company CDL training is that you already have a job with the company, so you need not go on a job hunt once you finish your training. You will, however, need to sign an employment contract with that company, which can be up to two years. This means you’ll be tied to work for them, even if you realize later that you don’t enjoy working there, and you won’t have a chance to explore other options until your contract expires. It’s best to do research on the company before committing to them.
FIND A TRUCK DRIVING SCHOOL IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Are you ready to find the best truck driving schools to fit your needs? Check out our database to find a truck driving school in the Pacific Northwest region of Washington State, Oregon, and Idaho.
NATIONAL TRUCKING ASSOCIATIONS
Depending on the career path you choose and your interests, you may choose to join one or multiple national trucking associations.
Paying for Your Truck Driver Training
If you choose to go to a private truck driver school, you must be prepared to pay upfront. The good news is some scholarships can help ease this financial burden.
Trucking School Scholarships
Getting Your Commercial Driver’s License
Once you’ve completed your truck driver training program, you are ready to get your CDL. To do this, you’ll have to pass a state licensing exam. In Washington State, this exam includes both a written test of your knowledge and a road test to demonstrate your driving skills.
You will also need to pass the FMCSA exam. This exam has a written portion and a physical portion.
You may need to take additional tests to earn commercial vehicle endorsements as part of your CDL. Endorsements allow you to drive specific vehicles such as school buses, tank vehicles, and passenger commercial vehicles. The FMCSA must also screen you if you plan to get a hazardous materials (HAZMAT) endorsement.
Choosing a Company
When you’re evaluating potential employers, you’ll need to consider several factors:
Does the trucking company hire drivers from your area?
Does the company haul the type of freight you are interested in?
Does the company have good reviews from other drivers on sites like glassdoor.com?
What benefits does the company offer?
What amount of home time does the company offer?
Keep in mind that new drivers often get assigned less desirable routes and have to work their way up. Be prepared to pay your dues.
Truck Driver Salary Expectations
When considering this career, most people’s first question is: How much do truck drivers make? This really depends on the type of truck, the type of materials being hauled, which routes you are willing to take, and whether you own the truck. Drivers may be paid by the mile, by the hour, or as a percentage of their load.
Per Hour
Per Day
Per Week
Per Month
Per Year
Average base salary
430.8k salaries reported, updated at October 5, 2023
$4,444
per month
The average salary for a truck driver is $4,444 per month in the United States.
Solo drivers must take time to stop and sleep between shifts. In a team driving situation, two truck drivers make runs together. Owner-operators generally earn a higher gross salary, but expenses reduce take-home pay.
Company Team Driver$0.48 - 0.75per mileUp to 6,000 miles per weekEstimated average of $3,154 per week
Company Solo Driver$0.40 - $0.64per mileUp to 3,000 miles per weekEstimated average of $1,183 per week
Owner Operator Driver$0.94 - $1.79per mileUp to 3,000 miles per weekEstimated average of $3,163 per week
The pay as a route-specific truck driver can vary. For local and regional routes, drivers get modest salaries but usually work five-day weeks and are home nights and weekends. Over-the-road (OTR) drivers spend weeks on the road but command better salaries.
OTR Driver$0.44 - $0.58per mileUp to 3,000 miles per week3.2% of the OTR drivers get weekly home-time.
Regional Driver$0.37 - $0.55per mileUp to 2,800 miles per week60.3% of the regional drivers get weekly home-time.
Local Driver$0.42 - $0.71per mileUp to 2,500 miles per week52.3% of the local drivers get daily home-time.
Solo drivers must take time to stop and sleep between shifts. In a team driving situation, two truck drivers make runs together. Owner-operators generally earn a higher gross salary, but expenses reduce take-home pay.
Company Team Driver$0.48 - 0.75per mileUp to 6,000 miles per weekEstimated average of $3,154 per week
Company Solo Driver$0.40 - $0.64per mileUp to 3,000 miles per weekEstimated average of $1,183 per week
Owner Operator Driver$0.94 - $1.79per mileUp to 3,000 miles per weekEstimated average of $3,163 per week
The pay as a route-specific truck driver can vary. For local and regional routes, drivers get modest salaries but usually work five-day weeks and are home nights and weekends. Over-the-road (OTR) drivers spend weeks on the road but command better salaries.
OTR Driver$0.44 - $0.58per mileUp to 3,000 miles per week3.2% of the OTR drivers get weekly home-time.
Regional Driver$0.37 - $0.55per mileUp to 2,800 miles per week60.3% of the regional drivers get weekly home-time.
Local Driver$0.42 - $0.71per mileUp to 2,500 miles per week52.3% of the local drivers get daily home-time.
Top Trucking Companies to Work For
Choosing a trucking company to work for is a big decision. TruckersTraining.com evaluated many factors to determine the top 20 trucking companies to work for:
UPS
FedEx Corp.
Old Dominion Freight Line
ArcBest Corp.
XPO Logistics
J.B. Hunt Transport Services
Landstar System
Knight-Swift Transportation
Estes Express Lines
Prime Inc.
YRC Worldwide
Werner Enterprises
Hub Group
Schneider National
U.S. Xpress Enterprises
Saia
TFI International
R & L Carriers
Daseke
Kenan Advantage Group
Types of Trucking Jobs
There are many different types of trucking jobs out there. You may choose to work as a solo driver or decide to be a team driver, where you work with a partner and take turns sleeping while the other drives.
You may prefer to stay local or just in your region, or you may enjoy being an over-the-road (OTR) trucker or long-haul driver. You may decide to be a dedicated driver for just one company or choose to become an owner-operator and work for yourself.
Then, of course, there’s the type of freight you want to haul. For example, you may be interested in:
Pulling a dry van or box trailer
Hauling cars and other autos
Hauling hazardous materials
Pulling reefer or hauling refrigerated freight
Hauling flatbed loads
Pulling a lowboy
Driving a tanker
Driving a bull hauler
Hauling containers
Pulling hoppers/ hauling grain
Hauling heavy equipment
Driving for oilfield jobs
Driving LTL freight (with multiple shipments on the same trailer)
The different types of trucking jobs have different pros and cons. As you get started driving, talk to other drivers about what they like and don’t like about their jobs.
new truck driver
Safety Tips
Even if you have been driving for years, getting behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler or other large truck is a whole new experience. All of those driving habits that have become second nature have to be adjusted when you’re in a big rig. Plus, you have the stress of a new job to deal with.
Here are a few trucking tips to avoid common rookie mistakes:
Time management:
You will face tight delivery deadlines and countless obstacles to meet them. Making too many stops, running into traffic, hitting a detour, getting lost, and just feeling fatigued can all slow you down. When you start to get behind schedule, you may be tempted to speed or violate hours of service regulations to meet your deadlines. That’s why managing your time wisely and planning for potential obstacles is crucial.
Stress management:
You are going to hit traffic jams. You are going to face bad weather. You are going to get into minor fender benders. You are going to struggle to find places to park. You are going to have customers who don’t value your time. Your truck is going to break down. All of these things can send your stress level through the roof, especially if you are already feeling the pressure of being away from your family. Explore different techniques to manage your stress, and don’t be ashamed to seek help when you need it.
Communication:
Although there is a certain level of solitude for truck drivers, communication is a crucial part of the job. You will need to be able to effectively communicate with your dispatcher, your customers, your mechanics, and anyone else who has the power to speed up or slow down your work.
Maintenance and inspections:
Put a priority on routine maintenance and your pre- and post-trip inspections. Never ignore a problem because you are concerned it will cost you time. Lack of maintenance and delayed repairs can lead to major problems, including fatal crashes.
Emergency preparation:
You never know when you’re going to hit bad weather, have a tire blowout, or get stranded somewhere. In addition to the truck’s emergency kit, put together a personal emergency kit with water, snacks, a change of clothes, first-aid supplies, and other necessities.
Focus on the road:
When you’re hauling 80,000 pounds, there’s no room for error. You should always be focused on defensive driving techniques. You can avoid fatal road errors by monitoring the distance of other vehicles around you, checking your blind spots, and signaling to other drivers when you turn or change lanes.
The Trucker’s Life
Truck drivers sit for long periods. They eat on the go. They have to load and unload heavy cargo. They often find themselves in stressful and even dangerous situations. They are away from family and friends for long stretches. These are the pitfalls of the job. Still, any driver who has made a career out of it will tell you they love the job. As a new truck driver, you must learn to manage these downsides and strike the right balance in your life to succeed.
your health
Your Relationships
It is important to learn how to stay healthy as a truck driver. A study from the Centers for Disease Control indicates that long-haul truck drivers are more likely to smoke and be overweight, compared to workers in other jobs. Truckers are more likely to have high blood pressure and diabetes. And they tend to be less physically active. Plus, truck drivers face a range of mental health disorders due to the stress and isolation of the job.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that truck drivers get a U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) physical exam that includes checkups for vision, hearing, and mental health. This exam has to be completed every two years to ensure drivers are still fit enough to be behind the wheel.
Taking care of your body on the road requires planning and dedication. You need to think about what you are eating and where you can stop for healthy options. You also need to get enough sleep and work in physical activity to get your body moving after long stretches of driving.
Truck drivers face a higher risk for depression, anxiety, and PTSD. This is because they are alone — and lonely — on the road. They are away from family, with visits home seeming short and rushed. In addition, drivers often worry about getting to their destination safely and on time, and they are witness to the horror of auto accidents along their routes.
Not focusing on your mental health could affect your ability to focus on the job. This may contribute to unsafe decision-making behind the wheel, which could lead to a fatal collision with other vehicles. Maintaining connection and support with your family, friends, and fellow truck drivers is important to mental stability. Also, remember that there’s no shame in seeking help from a therapist, many of whom are available for counseling online.
As with virtually all transportation jobs, being a truck driver means spending days, weeks, even months at a time traveling. This can severely compromise how you view your personal relationships; you may feel like you can’t give your all as a spouse, parent, family member, or friend.
New truck drivers often feel this way, as life as they’ve known it gets turned upside down during the first year on the job. Even well-established relationships get tested. With today’s advances in electronic communication, truck drivers are able to call and video chat with family and friends. But you may feel like that’s not enough.
Remember, you didn’t marry your truck first and your partner second, so here are some ways to keep your relationships solid.
For truck drivers, there never seem to be enough hours in the day. But your off-time road hours are truly the precious ones. Devote the majority of your home time to your partner and family; after all, they were away from you as much as you were from them. Keep in contact with your friends. And remember the saying, “Work hard, play hard.”
The other truck drivers you encounter on the road are familiar with your unique challenges — because they face them, too. When you join trucking-related social media groups and online forums, you’ll find hard-earned experiences, advice, and tips. A network of fellow drivers provides the camaraderie and support you need for challenging times.
Just because you’re away from the road, that doesn’t mean the rigors of the road are away from you. Don’t take your stresses and frustrations out on your partner and family. Find ways to combat your stress levels, such as exercise, reading, hobbies, and quality family time. And be honest with your partner if you feel too overwhelmed.
Women in Trucking
Men greatly outnumber women in the trucking field. In fact, female drivers make up only 7 percent of the truck driving workforce. Companies are focused on recruiting more female drivers to meet demand and to add diversity to their workforce. Many of the women who have made a career in trucking have always loved to drive. Some also chose the job because they wanted to spend more time with their truck-driving spouses.
“In addition to seeing more women entering the field, we’re also seeing more couples,” Lindsey Grammel, vice president of global brand development for TriiNorth Global, told the Charlotte Business Journal.
“Many of them are older, with grown children, and have retired from careers outside of the industry. Working as a driver team allows them to not only spend time together, but enjoy traveling to parts of the country they may not have visited before.”
WATCH OUT …
THESE WEEKDAYS CAN BE FATAL
A serious accident involving a tractor-trailer can occur at any time and on any day of the week. But an analysis of federal accident data for Washington State does show that fatal accidents involving 18-wheelers are more likely to occur on certain days of the week and at certain times of day.
WHY ARE THEY HAPPENING?
WHEN ARE THEY HAPPENING?
WHERE ARE THEY HAPPENING?
Fatal tractor-trailer crashes occur primarily because of one of three reasons:
Driver Errors
Mechanical Failures
Unsafe Road Conditions
Driver errors are a leading contributor to crashes. Driver causes include many actions such as driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, distraction, fatigue, unfamiliarity with the roadway, making illegal maneuvers and illness. Many truck drivers violate hours-of-service rules and drive when dangerously fatigued.
More fatal trucking accidents in Washington State happen on Mondays and Wednesdays, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
According to the latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) motor vehicle crash data, fatal truck accidents in Washington State occur more often on weekdays — especially on Mondays and Wednesdays. Weekdays are when many tractor-trailers are moving freight.
Crashes vs. Fatalities
The number of accidents involving automobile drivers, particularly intoxicated drivers, goes up on Fridays and Saturdays. However, commercial truck drivers are usually not on the road on the weekends. Moreover, they are far less likely than other motorists to drive drunk or high because they stand to lose their CDL.
More than half of fatal truck accidents occur on major roads other than interstates and highways. About a third occur on interstates, freeways, and U.S. highways. Major roads tend to have higher posted speed limits.
The highest concentrations are in the Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Yakima, Vancouver, and Olympia areas.
Truck Accident Deaths by Region
Fatal tractor-trailer crashes occur primarily because of one of three reasons:
Driver Errors
Mechanical Failures
Unsafe Road Conditions
Driver errors are a leading contributor to crashes. Driver causes include many actions such as driving too fast for conditions, following too closely, distraction, fatigue, unfamiliarity with the roadway, making illegal maneuvers and illness. Many truck drivers violate hours-of-service rules and drive when dangerously fatigued.
More fatal trucking accidents in Washington State happen on Mondays and Wednesdays, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
According to the latest National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) motor vehicle crash data, fatal truck accidents in Washington State occur more often on weekdays — especially on Mondays and Wednesdays. Weekdays are when many tractor-trailers are moving freight.
Crashes vs. Fatalities
The number of accidents involving automobile drivers, particularly intoxicated drivers, goes up on Fridays and Saturdays. However, commercial truck drivers are usually not on the road on the weekends. Moreover, they are far less likely than other motorists to drive drunk or high because they stand to lose their CDL.
More than half of fatal truck accidents occur on major roads other than interstates and highways. About a third occur on interstates, freeways, and U.S. highways. Major roads tend to have higher posted speed limits.
The highest concentrations are in the Seattle, Tacoma, Spokane, Yakima, Vancouver, and Olympia areas.
Truck Accident Deaths by Region
what to do
After a Truck Accident
When you drive for a living, accidents — from minor fender-benders to fatal collisions — come with the job. Unfortunately, truck drivers are often blamed for accidents that weren’t their fault. That’s why it’s important to understand your rights and how to protect yourself after a crash.
CALL LAW ENFORCEMENT
Ask for a copy of the accident report.
EXCHANGE INFORMATION WITH THE OTHER DRIVER(S) INVOLVED
Get their names, contact information, and insurance information. But do not discuss the accident with them. Anything you say could later be used against you.
TAKE PHOTOS
Use your phone to take photos or video of the crash scene, damage to the vehicles, any visible injuries, and other evidence such as skid marks or traffic signs.
TALK TO WITNESSES
Get their names and contact information so your attorney can follow up with them.
REPORT THE CRASH TO YOUR EMPLOYER
If you were hurt, this step will also be important to starting a claim for workers’ compensation.
SEEK MEDICAL TREATMENT
Go to the hospital or see a doctor as soon as possible if you are injured. Do not try to “tough it out.” Follow your treatment plan and take the time you need to heal.
WRITE DOWN EVERYTHING YOU REMEMBER ABOUT THE CRASH
Memories can fade quickly, and evidence can disappear. The sooner you can write down what happened, the better.
KEEP A JOURNAL DURING YOUR RECOVERY
Write down how your injuries are affecting you and your quality of life.
SAVE ALL PAPERWORK AND RECEIPTS
If you decide to file a personal injury claim, your attorney will need all documentation related to your treatment and damages.
TALK TO AN ATTORNEY
If you were hurt in a crash that wasn’t your fault, the best move you can make is to call a qualified truck accident lawyer. You cannot count on your employer to fight for your best interests after an accident. You need an advocate who is committed to you.
Get Involved
As you embark on your career in the trucking industry, it is important to stay up to date on the latest rules, regulations, and trends. One of the best ways to do this is to get involved in national and local trucking associations and groups.
