When you apply to work as a truck driver with us, we aim to make the process as clear and straightforward as possible. Here’s what you can expect:
The first step is filling out the “Application for Employment.” This is an official document, so it should be completed carefully, accurately, and fully.
The application asks for:
Personal information
CDL qualifications and endorsements
Driving and accident history
Employment history
Important:
Drivers are generally required to list all employers and periods of employment from the past 10 years if they have held a CDL.
If your CDL is less than 3 years old, a 3-year employment history is sufficient.
We recommend gathering this information before visiting the company to make the process fast and efficient.
Along with the application, you will need to provide:
Your CDL license
Your medical card
Consent for background checks
Double-check all dates and employer information to avoid delays.
Make sure your CDL and medical card are valid and up-to-date.
Prepare any questions you may have about the position or company policies — it shows initiative and professionalism.
We care about driver safety, compliance, and support. Our goal is to provide a work environment where you can focus on the road, confident that all procedures are clear, fair, and transparent.
A CDL Class A license is required to drive vehicles with a gross vehicle weight over 26,000 pounds when pulling a trailer.
When you apply, recruiters will check:
That your CDL is valid
Any restrictions (for example, if you are limited to automatic transmission vehicles)
Many companies also require a Tanker endorsement. Even if you don’t plan to drive a full tanker, it’s a good idea to take the short test. Transporting liquids in tanks on a Dry Van trailer still legally requires a Tanker endorsement.
If you plan to transport hazardous materials, a HAZMAT endorsement is required.
All truck drivers operating in interstate commerce must have a valid medical card to operate a commercial vehicle. Your card must:
Be issued on the correct form
Contain accurate personal information
Include signatures from both the issuing medical professional and the driver
After receiving a new medical card, it must be certified with the DMV. In many states, your doctor sends the information directly to the DMV, so self-certification may not be required.
Some states offer online certification, but it can take several days for your card to appear in the system. When possible, handling certification in person is often the fastest way to ensure your record is updated correctly.
Recruiters will review your driving records and compare them with the information you provided on your application and submitted documents.
If everything matches and you meet the formal requirements, your driving record will be carefully examined. Companies pay close attention to:
Accident history
Moving violations, especially:
Speeding over 15 mph
Reckless driving
Improper lane use
Failure to obey traffic signs or signals
Inspection history, particularly violations caused by driver negligence or inspections resulting in Out of Service (OOS) orders
DUI / Drug & Alcohol violations
All professional drivers are also checked in the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a national database that records CDL holders’ drug and alcohol test results and violations. Any positive tests or unresolved violations in the Clearinghouse can prevent employment until cleared.
If you meet your prospective company’s criteria, you will be qualified for the next stage: the Road Test, which evaluates your driving skills.
Before your road test, it’s important to prepare yourself and your vehicle:
Dress appropriately; no flip-flops.
Bring gloves and a flashlight (your phone works).
If you have long hair, tie it back.
If your CDL has restrictions (like vision correction), make sure to have your glasses or contacts during the test.
You will be evaluated on your knowledge of vehicle safety and inspection procedures. Prepare to answer questions about:
Pre-trip inspection
Post-trip inspection
In-trip inspection
For detailed guidelines on vehicle inspections, see: [PTI link].
Coupling:
Align the truck’s rear axle under the trailer without touching the fifth wheel.
Stop, apply the brakes, exit the truck, and check the height of the fifth wheel relative to the trailer.
Fifth wheel too high → lower suspension if available
Fifth wheel too low → raise trailer legs if truck suspension cannot lift
Back slowly to engage the kingpin. Listen for the click and verify it is properly locked.
Exit the truck and use a flashlight to visually check the locking pin — ensure it is fully engaged.
Uncoupling:
Fully extend the trailer legs and ensure they contact the ground.
Release the fifth wheel lock carefully. If it doesn’t release, slightly back the truck to relieve pressure.
Disconnect all lines (air and electrical) and stow properly.
Lower the truck suspension before driving away.
Before moving:
Ensure the truck can start, hood is closed, brakes applied.
Familiarize yourself with dashboard controls: lights, wipers, gears, engine brake, etc.
Adjust seat and mirrors.
Turn the key to check all gauges and indicators.
Let the truck perform a self-check.
Confirm fuel and DEF levels are adequate.
Start the engine and verify all warning lights and systems are functioning.
Demonstrate familiarity with all truck controls and emergency equipment.
Be ready to show fire extinguisher use and proper placement of warning triangles.
Obey all traffic signs and speed limits.
Do not turn right on red unless permitted.
Yield appropriately when entering or merging.
Stay on the right lane unless passing.
Signal lane changes with appropriate timing — not too early or too late.
Maintain a safe following distance.
When returning to the right lane after passing, leave plenty of space behind the vehicle you passed.
Signal properly and use the correct lane.
Watch trailer wheels to avoid curbs or obstacles.
Avoid cutting off other vehicles or entering other lanes unnecessarily.
Turn smoothly to protect your cargo.
Demonstrate engine braking when conditions allow.
Use the engine brake if possible.
Inspect the area for obstacles before backing.
Prefer backing to the left side if possible.
Use hazard lights while backing.
If traffic is close, use a short horn blast to alert others.
Open/close doors carefully around other trailers.
Align tandem axles correctly when sliding them.
Move slowly and cautiously — accuracy comes with patience.
Check trailer height relative to the dock before final positioning.
Engage dock brakes before leaving.
Ensure dock doors are closed and no forklifts are inside.
If you complete the road test successfully, you are ready for the next stage: driving on the road.
Important note about drug testing:
Many drivers ask if a drug test is required before the road test. Normally, drivers must pass a drug test before operating a commercial vehicle. However, the road test is the only situation where a driver, not otherwise exempt, may drive on public roads without having completed a drug test.
Before driving your truck under a trailer, always exit the vehicle and check the trailer’s height. Make sure it is not too low or too high. This is not just for the road test — develop the habit of checking areas that cannot be seen in the mirrors.
Practice G.O.A.L. — Get Out And Look:
Always exit the truck when coupling
Check when backing up, especially to the right
Verify that the fifth wheel lock has fully engaged
In the image below, the driver did not take the time to get out and check. The road test was stopped immediately.
Here’s what can happen if the fifth wheel lock is not fully engaged:
Even if the lock itself is not damaged, issues often occur in winter. Snow, dirt, and water can get into the lock and freeze, forming ice that can prevent the lock from closing properly.
When you first couple the trailer and gently move forward, everything may seem fine. However, the lock may not be fully secured.
In the best case, you could lose the trailer on the first turn.
In a worse scenario, the trailer could come loose in an unsafe location, endangering other road users.
Always check this as part of your daily routine:
Take a flashlight
Go under the trailer
Ensure the fifth wheel lock is fully engaged before driving
There are a few exceptions to mandatory drug testing, but here we focus on regular interstate trucking, which follows the standard rules.
In this type of transport, a pre-employment drug test is required and must be arranged by the company. If you work, or plan to work, for multiple companies, each company must send you for its own drug test.
The standard test checks for metabolites of prohibited substances in a urine sample.
Some companies may also request a hair sample test, which can detect substance use over a longer period.
The company will either schedule your test at a partner testing facility or collect the specimen themselves.
If you change your mind before the test, there are no consequences.
However, once you arrive and check in, there is no turning back — if you refuse to complete the test at that point, your result is considered positive.
Important details:
The pre-employment drug test is not observed, meaning no one watches you provide your sample. The key requirement is that the sample is at body temperature.
The company covers the cost of the test. Often, you may pay upfront out of pocket and receive reimbursement once you start working. This policy prevents companies from paying for tests for candidates who are not serious about employment.