After you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), there are a variety of job opportunities available to you within the trucking industry. This career can be very rewarding, and truckers can earn more than $69,000 a year. *
Our job placement assistance team can help you prepare and can find motor carriers that are hiring new CDL graduates. It’s a good idea to be prepared for the most common truck driver interview questions, as well as understanding how the trucking interview process is different from other industries.
The Basic Requirements for a Trucking Job
The trucking industry is regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). In order to get a driving job, you will need to meet the basic requirements set by these agencies. This is true no matter which carrier you choose to work for.
Any company you apply to is required to check your motor vehicle record (MVR) and you should be prepared to explain any accidents or traffic violations. You should also expect a full background check and need to pass a drug test before you can begin safety-sensitive duties, i.e. driving.
It is important that you do not lie at any point during this process. If there is something on your record that is less than ideal, it’s better to be honest and explain how you have learned from it.
The Interview Process
How to Dress
Trucking interviews often have a more casual dress code than is the case for other industries. You will likely feel a bit overdressed in full professional attire, but you should still make an effort to make a good first impression. Business casual is usually a safe bet.
Questions to Expect
Each interview is a little different, but many of the same topics are covered. Although not every truck driver interview question listed here will come up, it’s better to be over-prepared than under-prepared.
Some questions to prepare to answer during your interview include:
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How would you handle/how have you handled an accident?
Emphasize your focus on safety and staying calm, while being honest about any accidents that have occurred in the past.
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What would you do if you were running late for a delivery?
Discuss how you would effectively communicate any delays and again emphasize your commitment to safety, even when unexpected factors affect your route.
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What do you know about FMCSA regulations that apply to truck drivers?
You will be expected to understand and follow hours of service (HOS) limits, pre-trip inspection requirements, and other regulations.
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Why are you interested in this position?
This is a common question for almost any type of job interview, and it helps the interviewer determine whether you are committed to a trucking career.
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What are your strengths as a truck driver?
Again, this type of question is likely to show up in any type of job interview, so be prepared to explain what you offer to your potential employer.
Questions to Ask
At the end of your interview, the last question is usually whether you have any questions to ask the interviewer.
Here are some questions you can ask during your driver interview:
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What sorts of routes/hauls are most common for your drivers?
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Are there opportunities to advance and if so, what are these?
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What is your home time policy?
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How are miles calculated (dispatched miles, practical mileage, household good miles, etc.) and what is the pay per mile?
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What benefits are available?
Driving Test
Many trucking jobs will require you to complete a road test prior to hiring. If this is the case, be sure to do a thorough pre-trip inspection. This is an opportunity to show that will follow all necessary regulations. Throughout the road test, your best to calm your nerves and focus on driving safely.
Prepare For Your Trucking Career
If you love the open road and want to earn high pay as a trucker, HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) can help you get started. Many of our students even have job offers prior to graduation.
To learn more about our CDL programs, contact us today.
*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $48,710. The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $69,000 per year according to the 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics.