Frequently
Asked Questions
What kind of regulatory requirements are there for
truck drivers?
To operate in interstate commerce, a driver must be
at least 21 years of age, pass a rigid physical examination
every 2 years and submit to testing for drug and alcohol use,
including unannounced random testing. Drivers of all trucks
with gross-weight ratings of more than 26,000 pounds and drivers
of vehicles carrying any quantity of hazardous materials that
are required to display warning signs must obtain a “Commercial
Driver's License (CDL)” by passing rigorous tests of
their knowledge of safety regulations and their ability to
drive the large trucks. Drug and alcohol convictions or combinations
of various serious driving violations can draw temporary or
even permanent loss of driving privileges.
What is the outlook for jobs in the future for Professional
Truck Drivers?
In one word - EXCELLENT! The sizzling economy
of the past few years has brought the freight moved to a record
level crescendo this year, about 7 billion tons. The Federal
Government estimates a current driver shortage of somewhere
around 80,000 drivers. There has never been a better time
for novice drivers to enter the industry. The personnel offices
of the trucking industry are busy creating new innovative
approaches for attracting new drivers. The trucking industry
reports that it is likely pay will increase by 40 to 60 percent
over current levels within the next 3 years. That would put
the average trucker salary in the $50,000 to $55,000 category.
For new drivers qualified to enter the industry, they most
likely will receive a reimbursement for all tuition and training
costs, a retreat from the old long haul trucker itinerary
of being away from home for several weeks to the new "relay
system" where drivers will be gone from home for probably
only a few nights a week. The competitive battle between truck
manufacturers will continue for supremacy in the "who
can produce the most luxurious truck" battle. Naturally,
these new modern trucks will be sold to the trucking industry
for the lure of new drivers.
I have always heard that you must have at least 1-2
years experience to be hired in the truck driving industry?
Not True
- while it is standard for trucking companies to not accept
novices, many are eager to hire graduates from an accredited
established school like National Training. We have immediate
openings with many of the top companies in the country, such
as Central Refrigerated Service Inc., Covenant Transport,
Deboer Transportation, FFE Transport, Stevens Transport, Swift
Transportation, USA Truck, US Xpress, Werner Enterprises,
Wil-Trans, and many others.
How long is the course?
Depending on your qualifications and
school acceptability, NTI can have you road-ready and interviewing
for jobs in as little as 3 to 4 weeks. NTI has also designed
the course so you don't have to quit your present job!
How much do Truck Drivers earn?
A recent survey by the American
Trucking Association reports the average trucker salary is
$35,000 per year. During round table discussions at the March
2000 annual convention of the combined membership of CVTA
(Commercial Vehicle Training Association) and APFTDS (Association
of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools) in Orlando, Florida,
trucking CEO’s from C.R. England, Roberson Trucking
and Crete Carriers predicted salaries would rise from the
current levels by about 40 to 60 percent over the next three
years.
What are the trucking companies trying to do about
the shortage?
From what we have seen and heard, they are trying to counter with such perks as;
- Home leave policies. More companies are trying to get
their drivers home on weekends. An alternative: About a
80% of long distance truckers now use electronic mail (email)
to stay in touch.
- Fancier trucks. An example; drivers who have worked for
Star Transportation in Nashville for 10 years can pick out
their own trucks, complete with accessories.
- From our experience, such things as higher pay, better
scheduling and, of course, 'scouting the schools' is also
being done.
Does NTI have any financial plans available?
Some of the School's best graduates were people who had limited
financial means. NTI offers convenient student loans. In many
instances, NTI can direct our graduates to companies that
will actually reimburse your tuition costs.
Questions and Answers - Active Military/Veterans:
(NOTE: All Service Members must seek assistance from
their local Education Center to ascertain service policy.)
I will be separating from active duty within a year.
What benefits am I eligible for?
All of National Training, Inc. programs are approved for Educational
Benefits for Active Duty personnel through Defense Activity
for Non-Traditional Educational Support (DANTES). NTI's “CDL
Prepared Independent Trucker's Program” is “VA
Approved”. Active duty military cannot use a combination
of DANTES and VA entitlement at the same time.
I am a military veteran. Am I still eligible for
educational benefits?
For all G.I. Bill programs, the educational benefits portion
must be used within 10 years of your official discharge date.
Eligible chapters are;
- Chapter 30: Montgomery GI Bill,
- Chapter 32: VEAP
and in cases where the Veterans Administration has counseled
and approved them;
- Chapter 31: Disabled Veterans
- Chapter 35: Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance.
Reimbursement benefit amounts vary from 55% to 100% depending
on which chapter of the GI Bill you are in.
How do I enroll in NTI's course and apply for active
duty DANTES assistance?
Complete the Tuition Assistance Registration Form. Attach
an approved Special Request Chit and submit it through your
normal chain of command. Upon command approval, submit your
TA registration form to your base Education Services Officer
for processing in the NCMIS system.
How do I enroll in NTI's course and apply for Veterans
Benefits?
Individuals desiring to utilize their VA entitlement must
enroll in an eligible course, provide a copy of their DD-214,
complete the VA 22-1990 (Application for Education Benefits).
NTI will then submit your application for benefit payment. |
