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 F
REQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
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Below you'll find answers to some of our most commonly asked
questions.
New Feature!
Have a Question about CDL training or beginning a truck driving job?
Our new Question and Answer feature is easy to use and can answer your questions about CDL training and/or beginning a new career as a professional truck driver.
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Driver Solutions Driver Recruitment
Is Driver Solutions a trucking company?
No. We're a career management company for new drivers. Our job is to link you
with one of the trucking companies in our network, trained in a
company-sponsored program, and on the road making great money in a new career.
What geographic area does Driver Solutions recruit?
Our recruiting area is defined by the network trucking companies. Trucking
companies typically hire drivers in their major freight lanes. The highest
demand areas for truck drivers include the Midwest, Southeast, and Mid Atlantic
states.
Do I have to live within the Driver Solutions recruiting area?
Yes. Because the Driver Solutions program is a company paid CDL training
program, you must be eligible to work for the trucking company that sponsored
your truck driver training. You need to have an established address in the
hiring area for the network trucking company.
How long has Driver Solutions been recruiting truck drivers?
Since 1992. PAM Transport was one of our original network trucking companies
when we started offering company sponsored CDL training. Since then, we've
expanded our recruiting efforts and developed relationships with several
top-notch truckload carriers.
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Driver Solutions Application Process
Why do you need my Social Security Number on the application?
In order to complete the background check process, we are required to provide
personal identity information like date of birth & social security number.
This information is required for criminal background checks, motor vehicle
reports (MVR) and employment verification. Your identity information is kept
secure and will never be publicly shared or sold.
I completed an application, but no one has called me. Why?
When you completed the application process, you were prompted to select a time
on the next business day to call your recruiter. Due to the volume of incoming
applications, our staff cannot make outgoing calls to all applicants. You need
to call 1-800-856-0487 between the hours of 8am and 4pm EST Monday through
Friday to speak with a recruiter who can review your application.
I lost the phone number to my recruiter. What should I do?
Call us at 1-800-856-0487 between the hours of 8am and 4pm EST Monday through
Friday and we will connect you to your recruiter.
I received an email that my application was turned down? Can you tell me why?
No, because Driver Solutions is not hiring company, we are not provided with
information from the trucking company as to why your application was not
accepted.
What might cause my application to be rejected by a network trucking company?
Trucking companies are required to by the Department of Transportation to
conduct a three-year background check on every driver. Trucking companies
typically consider your current driving record (MVR), your work history and
unemployment and your criminal record.
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Truck Driver Training Program Qualifications
How old do I have to be to apply?
You must be at least 22 years of age.
Do I need to have a special license to apply?
No. You just need to hold a valid operator's license from your home state (US).
Do I have to pass a physical?
Yes. The Department of Transportation has outlined certain medical conditions
that could pose a threat to public safety. Some conditions require a special
waiver while other conditions may disqualify you from obtaining a CDL. Please
consult with your doctor if you have questions.
Will I be required to take a drug test?
Yes. Per the Department of Transportation regulations, CDL drivers and anyone
enrolling in a truck driver training school are required to complete drug
tests. These drug screens are used to detect use of illegal substances such as
marijuana and cocaine. Random testing will continue throughout a driver's
employment in the trucking industry.
How do I know if I'm qualified?
Generally, the Driver Solutions network trucking companies are looking for
candidates with decent history, good driving record and no felonies. Previous
experience driving a truck is NOT required. We urge you to take a few minutes
to complete the online application so we can better assess your qualifications
for this program.
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Trucking Career
How much money can I make as a truck driver?
A first year driver typically makes between $35,000 and $40,000 his first year,
with about $5K to $10K more the second year.
What type of trucks are we talking about?
Most of the trucking companies in the Driver Solutions network operate only
tractor-trailers, which are sometimes called "semis" or "18 wheelers."
Are these over the road (OTR) driving jobs?
Yes. The typical entry level truck driving job is an OTR position. Once you
have at least 12 months of experience, you will be qualified for many regional
and local driving positions. The best place to earn your experience is with a
trucking company that helps accustomed to helping new drivers succeed in the
trucking industry.
Are there any local driving jobs offered by Driver Solutions?
No. The Driver Solutions network of trucking companies do not offer any local
positions.
Do I need any experience to apply?
No. Driver Solutions is in business for the sole purpose of helping new,
inexperienced drivers begin great professional driving careers starting with a
top-notch CDL training program.
Why is the turnover rate for truck drivers so high?
There are many reasons why truck drivers leave jobs at a high rate.
Unfortunately, some people enter the trucking industry having underestimated
the demands of the career. For some, circumstances at home require them to come
off the road. In other instances, drivers disqualify themselves with bad
driving habits, preventable accidents, and poor decision-making.
Why is truck driving such a stable career?
For starters, there aren't enough drivers to full the demand, making an
experienced driver a very valuable commodity. Secondly, nearly everything you
purchase, from groceries to your automobile, was transported by a truck at some
point. American business is dependent on the the trucking industry to keep the
economy rolling.
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Company-Sponsored Truck Driver Training
How much does the training cost?
There are no upfront tuition costs. Driver Solutions has a network of trucking
companies that pre-hires our drivers and then sponsors their CDL training -
they pay for a majority of your tuition fees, and set up a payment plan so you
can pay your portion of the tuition as you drive for the trucking company.
How long does the training take?
Our training programs are about three weeks long depending on which training
campus you attend. Classes begin each week and you are expected to be at the
campus throughout the duration of the training program.
When I'm done training, how easy will it be for me to get a job?
That's the beauty of the Driver Solutions program - as long as you successfully
complete the training course and satisfy all the requirements, the trucking
company that sponsored your tuition will have a job waiting for you when you're
done.
Where is the training facility located?
Driver Solutions works with the nation's most recognized truck driver training
schools. Currently, we utilize several regional campuses throughout the
Southeast, Midwest and Southwest. Many students are less than a 3 hour drive
from one of our affiliated training schools.
Are there any out-of-pocket expenses during the training?
Yes. Many students will need to travel from their homes to the training
facilities. There are expenses for transportation, lodging, meals and license
fees. Keep in mind, the company sponsoring your training will give you $200 to
help cover these expenses.
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The CDL License
What is a CDL?
CDL stands for commercial driver's license. Beginning in 1992, drivers of a
commercial vehicle were required to hold a CDL. The Federal Highway
Administration developed standards that every state must comply with in order
to issue CDLs. There are 3 classes of CDLs depending on the gross weight and
configuration of the vehicle.
What are Endorsements on a CDL?
Endorsements are additional tests a driver must pass in order to operate
special types of commercial vehicles. Some endorsements require passing only a
written test, while other endorsements require both a written and skills test
to pass.
What are Air Brakes?
Large commercial vehicles utilize air-controlled brakes to slow and stop the
vehicle. CDL drivers are required to have an understanding of how air brakes
work.
What is a HazMat Endorsement?
This endorsement permits a CDL driver to transport loads consisting of
hazardous materials. Hazardous materials are defined as a substance or
material, which has been determined by the Secretary of Transportation to be
capable of posing an unreasonable risk to health, safety, and property when
transported in commerce.
What should I do to prepare for Driver Solutions' truck driving training
program?
You need to obtain a copy of the CDL manual from your state's license branch or
DMV or you can download the PDF version of the CDL manual. Begin studying these
four parts: 1) General Knowledge 2) Air Brakes 3) Combination Vehicles 4)
Hazardous Materials You may also want to purchase a CDL study course.
I have an out-of-state license. Can I train in another state?
Yes. Most students in the training program will be from out-of-state. Through a
quick and simple procedure, you will transfer your license, then obtain your
CDL permit and complete the training. Upon successful completion of the
training and passing the skills (driving) test, you will be issued a Class A
CDL license.
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