Now is a good time in world history to be a trucker; jobs are in high demand, the internet is awash with opportunity, and technological advancements have generally made life easier for drivers everywhere.
Still, trying to find dependable work is always a bit of a struggle when you don’t know where to start looking.
If you’re hoping to find some dependable work as a trucker any time soon, check out this list of suggestions; you might catch your next big break on the open road!
Check Load Boards Online
First and foremost, you should check out a reliable load board online. Load boards are essentially online platforms that advertise truck loads, enabling you to pick up shipping work at the touch of a button.
Simply sign up, set your desired criteria (this could be weight, type of vehicle required, distance, etc.), and search away; you’re likely to find a job immediately, especially if you opt for a well-renowned and densely populated load board.
Load boards are superb because they’re tailored specifically for truckers looking for work; you don’t have to trawl through jobs you don’t want, as they’re built with professionals like you in mind.
The best loads boards have some key factors to watch out for, like:
- Very regular job postings
- Reliable reviews and ratings
- An easy-to-use interface
- Plenty of job diversity
Look on Regular Jobsites
Alongside regular fleet work, you’ll occasionally find the odd freelancing job on regular job sites like Indeed. They’re still very powerful search tools, and if you spend some time on them, they can be used to find dependable work as a trucker.
Trucking jobs are in demand due to a shortage of trained professionals that’s been going on since 2021 now. Supply chains have been affected all over North America and beyond, so you’ll likely find a fair few jobs desperate to hire you and your skillset.
If you haven’t had luck with these kinds of job sites before, now might be the ideal time to resume your hunt for work.
Check out the Forums
There are plenty of online meeting spaces for truckers, so it’s worth checking them out when you get a chance.
Not only is this a great way to find dependable work, but you can also meet new friends and form valuable connections while you’re at it.
There’s a very active community on Reddit called Truckers that you might want to take a look at; there’s also thetruckersreport.com and the truckerstruth.com, among many more. It’s worth having a search for yourself to see what’s out there.
Ask Around
You never truly know which company is in need of a trucker, so it’s well worth asking around; you may be pleasantly surprised.
Your local stores and bars might be in need of some work, and it’s a good way to form connections you can fall back on in the future.
Check Comment Sections
You never know who’s lurking in the comment sections of trucking posts. Sometimes, it’s a troll or two; sometimes, it’s a genuine supply chain manager desperately looking for a trucker to hire.
Whatever the case may be, it’s worth having a look at least.
Specialize
If you’ve been driving trucks for a while, you’ll likely have a wealth of experience to show your prospective employees. Moreover, you’ll probably have a chance to specialize should you want to.
Carving out a niche is a good way to make a name for yourself in a certain area, hopefully, a lucrative one like ice driving or long-haul trucking.
Look Further Afield
Cross-country trucking jobs can be extremely lucrative, so you may want to search for work a little further afield. It’s not just the United States that is hit with the trucking shortages; it’s plenty of other places as well.
Casting your net out a little wider could yield some exciting results, so don’t count out a trip abroad just yet!