Essentially, you need a professional driver’s license, also known as a commercial driver’s license (CDL), to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) on all public roadways in Texas and the rest of the United States. Of course, this requires training and certification, which takes about seven weeks.
While a CDL is the main requirement to become a truck driver or CMV operator, it also opens up many other job opportunities that don\’t necessarily involve driving. It is worth noting that your eligibility for these jobs depends on your type of CDL. Here is an overview of the different types of jobs you can get with a Texas Commercial Driver’s License.
Jobs Available With a Commercial Driver’s License-A
A CDL-A unlocks the best and most lucrative job opportunities in the industry, including:
1. Commercial Truck Driver
A commercial truck driver transports all types of goods and cargo across the U.S. and internationally. Your cargo, however, may vary in nature and usually includes heavy, oversized, and potentially perishable or hazardous goods. However, it is worth noting that a truck driver spends most of their time on the road, which is ideal if you like the solitude and the adventure of the open road ahead of you.
2. Long-Haul Cargo Truck Driver
Long-haul cargo truck drivers usually transport different types of cargo over long distances, and usually across countries. They usually follow a specific route, which helps bring stability and consistency to their personal lives.
3. Short-Haul Cargo Truck Driver
Short-haul cargo truck drivers transport similar types of goods as long-haul drivers but over much shorter distances. Their driving window is usually 12 hours, and their driving routes are limited to within the state or the country. This is, indeed, advantageous if you need to stay close to home.
4. Truck Driver Instructor With a Commercial Driver’s License
A truck driver instructor trains driving students to equip them with the necessary skills to become commercial motor vehicle operators. Besides a CDL, you also need experience (time behind the wheel) and a CDL instructor certification to become an instructor. Further, you can only become an instructor in the fields covered in your CDL.
5. Transportation Supervisor
A transportation supervisor creates schedules and coordinates truck drivers\’ operations. Essentially, the supervisor manages the logistics coordination involved in transportation – almost every company with a transport or delivery department needs one. It is worth noting that you will also need certification in logistics management to qualify as a transportation supervisor.
6. Terminal Manager
A terminal manager oversees operations at trucking centers where freight is loaded and unloaded. Your main responsibilities will include ensuring that the goods are not damaged during loading and unloading and that everything moves on schedule.
7. Independent Operator
An independent operator functions as a freelancer with their own truck. Essentially, people looking for transportation services hire your truck and your services as a driver. Additionally, an independent commercial motor vehicle operator makes more money self-employed, and gets to choose their own working schedule.
Jobs Available With a Commercial Driver’s License-B
1. Fire Engine Driver
A fire engine driver drives a fire brigade to the scene of fire accidents. It is, indeed, an honorable job that involves saving people\’s lives and providing help to disaster-stricken places.
2. Concrete Truck Driver
A concrete truck driver drives trucks that deliver cement or mix concrete. Most of the work takes place around the construction site, and the driver may also be required to operate other corresponding machinery.
3. Courier
A courier transports parcels and goods to businesses and households in a given area. Your work will mostly involve loading, unloading, and delivering packages to their owners.
4. Recruiter
A recruiter finds licensed drivers for transportation companies. They connect with driving schools and job fairs looking for potential employees and educating them about what the job entails. Recruiters require strong communication skills and other certifications besides the CDL.
5. Mechanic
A mechanic performs repairs and maintenance on trucks and other commercial vehicles. This job is a bit more technical than driving and requires training and certification in mechanics.
Jobs Available With a Commercial Driver’s License-C
A CDL-C limits your options to smaller vehicles, including:
1. Bus Driver
Bus drivers transport people to and from places. For example, school bus drivers transport kids to and from home and school, while commercial bus drivers transport people around the city or across the country.
2. Delivery Driver
Delivery drivers transport goods and products from merchants to buyers such as drivers working for FedEx or Amazon. Delivery drivers on a tight schedule and usually cover fixed routes. They are also bound by strict privacy regulations.
3. Relocation Driver
A relocation driver helps people seeking to move from one location to another in different locations. Relocations can, in fact, be short-distance (within the city or state) or long-distance (to places outside Texas). The job description may also include packing, loading, and unloading, and you can work as a self-employed, freelance mover with your own commercial vehicle.
4. Dispatcher
A dispatcher provides support to truckers and other CMV operators on the road. For example, they can guide drivers on the route to follow if they are lost or if there are obstacles ahead. They also provide emergency response for drivers when something happens, such as an accident or a mechanical breakdown. It is worth noting that dispatchers need sharp spatial orientation capabilities.
Acquire a Commercial Driver’s License
A commercial driver\’s license will unlock many job opportunities. In fact, the available careers with a commercial driver\’s license range from becoming a commercial motor vehicle operator to teaching others how to become commercial drivers and offering all types of support services on the side.
Southern Careers Institute (SCI) is here to provide you with the training and support needed to get a CDL. Get in touch to learn more about our CDL training programs.
