A lot of drivers say they are ready to work, but when an opportunity comes up, they do not have the information an employer needs to move forward. Before applying for a driving position, have these items ready: • Full legal name • Current city and state • Valid driver’s license class • Endorsements and restrictions • Years of driving experience • Types of vehicles operated • Motor vehicle record, when requested • Medical card, when required • Availability and preferred schedule • Reliable phone number and email address Also be prepared to clearly answer: • Are you looking for local, regional, or over-the-road work? • Are you willing to work weekends or nights? • Can you pass the required background and drug screening? • Do you have recent experience with the vehicle being assigned? • Are there any restrictions on your license? Do not message an employer saying only: “Is this still available?” “Call me.” “I need a job.” That does not give them enough information to determine whether you meet the qualifications. A better introduction would be: “Hello, my name is ____. I am located in ____. I hold a valid ____ license with ____ years of experience operating ____. I am available for ____ work and can provide my driving record and required documents.” Being prepared does not guarantee the job, but it helps you move through the hiring process faster and shows that you understand how to communicate professionally. Opportunities move quickly. Have your information ready before you need it.

A lot of people say they want to “get their CDL” when the vehicle or job they are interested in may not require a CDL at all. Before choosing a course, training program, or license class, start with the vehicle. Look for: • GVWR — the maximum rated weight of one vehicle • GCWR — the maximum rated weight of the vehicle and trailer combined • Trailer GVWR — especially when determining whether a Class A license is required • Passenger capacity • Cargo type • Whether hazardous-material placards are required • Your state’s license classifications A basic breakdown: Class A CDL: Generally applies to combination vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more when the trailer has a GVWR over 10,000 pounds. Class B CDL: Generally applies to a single vehicle with a GVWR of 26,001 pounds or more, including certain heavy straight trucks and buses. Class C CDL: May apply to smaller vehicles used to transport placarded hazardous materials or 16 or more people, including the driver. Non-CDL classified license: Some states require a classified license for larger vehicles that remain below the federal CDL threshold. That means a 26-foot box truck does not automatically require the same license in every situation. The answer depends on the truck’s weight rating, how it is used, what it carries, and the state where the driver is licensed. Do not choose a course based only on the size or appearance of the vehicle. Start with the door label, determine the correct license class, and then choose the course that matches your actual goal. What type of vehicle or driving position are you preparing for?

A lot of box truck operators; and even some tractor trailer operators are sitting at shippers and receivers for four, five, or six hours without getting paid because they never discussed detention before accepting the load. Detention pay is compensation for excessive wait time when a shipper or receiver takes longer than the agreed loading or unloading window. In trucking, the first two hours are commonly treated as free time, but that is an industry practice—not an automatic guarantee on every load. Your broker agreement and rate confirmation control when detention begins, how much is paid, and what documentation is required. Before you sign the rate confirmation, look for: • How much free time is allowed • When detention pay begins • The hourly detention rate • Whether detention is capped • Who must be notified and when • What proof is required • Whether the facility must sign your arrival and departure times If the rate confirmation says nothing about detention, ask for it to be added before accepting the load. Do not rely on: “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of you.” “Just send us your times afterward.” “The customer usually pays detention.” Get it in writing. Once you arrive: 1. Check in on time. 2. Record your arrival time. 3. Notify the broker before the free-time period expires. 4. Keep screenshots, tracking records, messages, and signed in and out times. 5. Request a revised rate confirmation showing the approved detention amount before invoicing. Detention is not just an inconvenience. That truck is tied up, your next load may be lost, your operating costs continue, and CDL drivers may be burning available hours of service while waiting. FMCSA continues to study detention because extended wait times affect both carrier operations and driver safety. Do not wait until hour four to ask whether detention is available. Negotiate it before the truck moves. Your time, equipment, and availability have value. Stop allowing facilities to use all three for free.

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