All across the US and Canada, the trucking industry is immense and easy to access. All it takes to move your freight across the country or even across the border is a phone call. Because if the size of the industry, there is usually a need for experienced personnel. Most of these truck driving jobs have prerequisites.
Trucking industry job seekers across the US and Canada have a single advantage. Usually, experience speaks volumes for the employer. Employers may advertise for someone with a college background or technical knowledge, but experience will get major consideration every time. This is especially true with the driving positions.
Other positions that may be available are in dispatch, management, sales personnel and dock personnel.
How big is the industry?
The trucking industry is responsible for getting materials, food, water and even medicine to where it needs to be.
In the US, there are approximately 750,000 companies offering trucking jobs. Trucking jobs may be posted in any of a number of mediums including newspapers, industry magazines and public job boards. To the north in Ontario, the trucking industry accounts for 5% of ALL jobs in that province. In real numbers, that is 230,000 employees at any given time.
How safe is it to work in the industry?
In reality, trucks are only involved in less than 5% of all North American traffic incidents. Because of this low rate of accidents/incidents, Canadian drivers are in high demand.
What do I need to start?
Drivers will need to complete a truck driving course and procure the proper licensing. They are also responsible for remaining within the regulations that apply in their area.
Dispatchers are usually considered based on experience level. A good, clear speaking voice is a good characteristic for this position.
Management positions will probably require a business or management degree from an accredited college. This is in addition to any practical experience.
Dock personnel will need to have experience on any equipment the employer may have onsite. This could mean forklifts, pay loaders, side fork trucks, etc. Again, experience will go a long way here.
Sales personnel usually require a sales background. College may be in the mix, but not always. Business degrees are better but not usually required. A high level of motivation is a necessity for this position. Sales people MUST be purpose driven and goal oriented as well as creative and motivated to achieve quotas.
In the present economic situation, these types of jobs may be fairly easy to come by. After all, things still have to move from here to there. The result is a constant demand for all the positions listed above.
Some larger companies may find that they need to expand a bit. Although this seems to be in contrast to the present economy, it may happen as smaller companies don’t make it and the larger, established ones pick up the pieces.
The trucking industry in the US and Canada is extremely competitive and that is to your advantage.
