Truck driving jobs are common career options in the United States as they are lucrative and can be fulfilling for those who love to handle big wheels. The growing demand for goods transport and a road network that supports the movement of goods means there’s also a growing demand for people who will do the driving.
Many skilled drivers from abroad have built their truck driving careers in the United States and work life have been quite satisfactory. If you are a non-US citizen with good driving skills looking to build a career, truck driving in the US, this article is for you. We’ll be discussing how to land truck driver jobs in USA with visa sponsorship, things to do to raise your chances of being hired and all the paperwork associated. Hang on!
Categories of Truck Driving Jobs In USA
There are two broad categories of truck driving jobs and these two categories are: local and over-the-road (OTR). As a local truck driver, your work area or range for driving will revolve around a specific place. Most of the time, the distance is within 100 miles from the base.
Over the road drivers on the other hand typically carry goods in trucks across the country and over very long distances. These drives can be so long that it could last many days or even weeks.
Before starting your career as a truck driver in the US, you should spend some time assessing your strengths and capabilities to decide which of these driving categories will suit you best. After doing that, you would need to apply for the commercial driver’s licence as a non-US citizen. Before this licence can be given to you, you would have to first take a couple of tests both knowledge test and skills test as well as a medical exam.
If you are able to get a job that sponsors your relocation to the US, you would have to first take this test before you can resume.
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What Kind of Visas Do Truck Drivers Need?
There are different types of Visas for non-US citizens that would allow them to live and work as truck drivers in the USA. There are the H-2B visas, H-2A visas, and TN visas and others.
H-2B visas can be a little difficult to get but they are offered to non-US citizens that desire to work in industries outside the agricultural sector and truck driving can fall here too.
H-2A visas are given to non-US citizens who would be working strictly in the agricultural sector like driving trucks that transports agricultural products. The process for getting this visa can be as difficult as H-2B.
TN visas are given to citizens of Canada and Mexico who have been offered jobs in the United States. This is an easier route hence why some trucking companies hire from these countries only but there are still requirements that must be met for applicants to qualify.
Once a non-US citizen has obtained a CDL and a valid work visa, they can start looking for truck driving jobs in the USA. Many trucking companies in the United States offer visa sponsorship to non-US citizens who meet their hiring requirements. Some of the top trucking companies that offer visa sponsorship include Swift Transportation, Schneider National, and Werner Enterprises.
Qualifications For Being A Truck Driver In USA
After obtaining a license, and a work visa, aspiring truck drivers have to still meet stipulated qualifications created by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration before driving can be legal.
1. Age:
Truck drivers must be no less than 21 years of age to drive long distances. However, some states allow drivers as young as 18 to drive short distances within the state.
2. Driving Record:
To work as a truck driver, you must have a clear driving record.
3. Physical Health:
Truck drivers must meet specific physical health standards, including good vision and proper hearing. They are also required to pass skill or practical tests.
4. English Proficiency:
Fluency in English is essential for truck drivers to communicate clearly, handle paperwork, and read road signs accurately.
Other things a truck driver should have though not stated by FMCSA are:
- Physical Strength
Truck driving demands physical strength due to tasks such as loading, unloading cargo, and covering long distances. Additionally, strict adherence to work hour regulations and habits is essential in this daily routine.
- Mental Stamina
Driving long distances can be mentally and emotionally draining. Truck drivers require unwavering mental stamina to stay alert despite exhaustion. You must also be able to handle unexpected events like accidents and weather changes effectively.
How To Find a Truck Driver Job In US With Visa Sponsorship as a Non-US Citizen
Searching for a high paying truck driver job in the US with visa sponsorship as a non-US citizen can be a bit hard. However, with the advent of trucking companies hiring drivers from overseas, your chances of getting hired are a bit higher.
Although, if you would be working with a trucking company, know that your pay is going to be quite lower as one of the main reasons these companies hire foreign drivers is to cut costs. Also, considering you have a better chance of getting a visa sponsorship, it’s like a fair game.
Asides working with trucking companies, there are a few things you can do. Start by researching companies hiring drivers that sponsor visas for non-US citizens and focus your job search efforts on these organisations. You may also want to work with a recruiter or an agency as they would have better experience.
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Conclusion on: Truck Driver Jobs In USA With Visa Sponsorship
Truck driving jobs in the USA can be very demanding but they are equally lucrative. Most truck drivers earn between $50,000 and $80,000 within the first few years of working. Your networking skills will go a long way in determining your success in the industry. With hard work and dedication, you can move up to six figures within a short time frame.
