While the trucking industry is desperately in need of drivers, what they are looking for is not any just any driver who is capable of steering a powerful 18-wheeler and keeping it on the road. What trucking industry is looking for are qualified drivers that meet certain minimum specifications; and these qualifications are not restricted to just possessing a truck driver's license earned from a reputed truck-driving school.



With newer and more stringent measures in place, it is equally important that anyone who wishes to land a job driving trucks should have a clean history of driving as well as impeccable employment and criminal records. Higher insurance rates also mean that trucking companies will give preference to drivers who have clean records are considered low-risk.

Even before enrolling into any truck driving course, you need to make sure that you qualify in the other areas.

Misdemeanors & Felonies

Consider yourself out the running right away if you have any felony charges against you. Post 9-11, companies have become extra vigilant and trucking companies that transport materials that can be used for nefarious activities will not even consider hiring you if you have a criminal record.

And if you thought conviction for theft was minor and would pose no impediment in the trucking business; think again! Conviction for theft is a major concern among trucking companies that transport valuable freight that can easily be sold on the streets. They would never risk taking a chance with anyone who is already convicted of theft.

Misdemeanor charges, though seemingly minor, are sure to be closely looked at. For one thing, misdemeanor charges could very well be felony charges that have been pleaded down. Moreover, if you have more than one misdemeanor on your record, it indicates that you've had a questionable past with several run-ins with the law. Most companies do not want to take the risk of finding out whether or not you have changed for the better.

Alcohol/Drug Charges

Alcohol or drug charges, especially those incurred within the past five years could seriously hamper your chances of landing a job with any reputable trucking companies. Controlling 75,000 cumbersome pounds of metal through populated towns and often crowded highways requires quicksilver reflexes and a clear head; something that's impossible if you are either an alcohol or drug abuser.

Traffic Violations

Most trucking companies will accept up to two moving violations in the past three years; any more than that and you'll be shown the door instantly. As for reckless driving charges, you should not have had any in the past five years.

Health Concerns

Problems with your vision, insulin-dependant diabetes, hypertension or any physical handicap are some of the health problems that can have you eliminated from the list of potential drivers instantly.

Before enrolling in any truck driving school it is advisable to undergo a thorough medical check up and also to ascertain which prescription medicines are on the long list of medications not permitted for use by a truck driver. A compulsory pre-employment drug test would reveal any prescription medicine that you are under and instantly put you in the high-risk category.

Inflexible employment standards mean that if you have any of these red flags against your name you could very well find your self stopped in your tracks before you even get started.