When you like to drive, can handle long days and have a passion to see the country from coast to coast, becoming a cross-country trucker could satisfy your skills and desires. In order to start a job in cross-country trucking, you will need to earn certain licenses. Training is also important to beginning your future career.

Earn a CDL

Earning a commercial driver's license, or CDL, is the first step to becoming a cross-country driver. Because truckers are in high demand, many trucking companies will pay for you to earn the required license. Be sure to choose a licensed and approved CDL training program and get approval from your employer so that you earn the correct credentials in order to get a job doing cross-country trucking.

Complete Hazardous Materials Training

If you will be transporting hazardous materials, you will be required to complete hazardous materials training. This is a certification that is added to your qualifications on your driver's license. Even if you are only transporting a small amount of hazardous materials, this type of training is required. It involves learning about the safe handling, loading, transport, and unloading of chemical, flammable, biological, and radiological materials.

Driving a Used Semi Trailer

Driving a used semi-trailer requires training that is related to safely handling your cargo. You may need training from your employer, such as how to arrange the cargo so that it does not shift during transit. Some companies, like Arrow Truck Sales, know that your employer may also require you to participate in training to be able to safely drive the semi. Other things, like inspecting the used semi for mechanical problems so that you can avoid breakdowns while driving cross-country, is also important.

Take a Mechanics Class

When you are driving across the country, it is helpful to have some basic mechanics skills. Some trucking companies may require that their drivers take a mechanics class specific to semi-trucks at a local vocational school. Other trucking companies may even offer this training in-house for their cross-country drivers. A mechanics class will help you to make small truck repairs while on the road.

After about six months of training and earning your required licenses, you should be on your way to driving trucks across the USA. You will enjoy the independence that you have on the road, while serving the broader purpose of helping goods get to where they need to be. Your job as a cross-country trucker will come with many personal and professional rewards and many opportunities for gainful employment anywhere in the nation.