Acquiring CDL is not only limited to trucking jobs. In fact, there are many non-trucking jobs available for CDL drivers. Some who want to seek these opportunities are newly licensed graduates and retired drivers.
Luckily, there are many opportunities available for drivers in the trucking industry. Having a CDL is versatile to use. You can always think about what works best for you.
Here are ten non-trucking jobs for licensed CDL drivers:
1. Truck Driving Instructor
Teaching jobs are for those who want to train students to become CDL drivers. Trucking schools, corporate training schools, and some trucking companies train drivers.
Excellent and patient instructors are needed to mentor their students. Every student learns at different rates, so you must be patient with drivers of different capabilities. Training your students well will give them an edge to have good employment opportunities in the future.
If you enjoy teaching and are dedicated to working with students and their different personalities, then this one is an ideal job for you.
2. Commercial Truck Or Equipment Sales Person
These kinds of jobs commonly require a high school diploma or equivalent. However, not all applicants need to own a CDL. Previous experience is preferred, but not required.
The thing here is you must be interested in sales and your success. You must have a pleasant personality, the ability to close sales, and good work ethics. Having good verbal communication skills are an advantage.
3. Recruiter
Trucking companies need recruiters. However, some bus companies and other agencies required licensed CDL drivers.
Companies know that well-trained drivers are an asset to their business. This means they would want to have good top-notch drivers on their staff.
As a recruiter, your job is essential because you will be recommending the application that you believe will perform well on the job. Their success in doing their jobs is a reflection of your ability to choose drivers wisely.
4. Supervisor
Working as a supervisor can smoothly go if you have a good staff. Excellent drivers are a must for companies because it reduces driver turnover to cut down on the number and frequency of accidents.
If you notice that some drivers require more assistance than others, then you should be willing to help them. Most drivers want to be trained, as this helps them become safer and more professional drivers on the road. This also helps to give your company a good reputation.
5. Commercial Bus Driver
If you like to work with people, then I recommend you working for one of the nationwide bus companies. However, expect that you will be dealing with unruly passengers when you work for one of the national bus companies. There are also other unexpected things and crying children at times, so you need to learn to handle those situations.
Another option is to drive for Charter bus companies. When you work here, you are called motorcoach drivers. Here, you transport people on chartered tours or trips.
You should also know about different places and amenities for passengers. This means you also serve as a tour bus driver. Some who work this kind find it pleasurable because the passengers are usually excited and enjoying the tour.
Moreover, tour drivers must keep the tour on schedule and account for all the passengers. This is because they often get out of the buses to explore landmarks and attractions and take pictures.
If you like to work with children, a school bus driver is another consideration. Just remember that every driver. This is why you need to consider what type of bus driving job would work best for you.
6. Tractor Trailer or Bus Inspector
Being a tractor-trailer or bus inspector requires CDL in most states. This is because you need not only know how to drive but also know how to inspect them properly.
This enables you to detect any issues so the mechanics can repair your vehicle. You might also need to inspect the vehicles after the repairs are done. This way, you can ensure the mechanics do not miss anything.
7. Tractor Trailer Technician
Some states do not require tractor-trailer technicians to have a CDL, but many do. Technicians may not haul loads with trucks, but they are the who repair them. This is the reason why companies need to have good teams of semi-truck technicians so they can maintain fleets of trucks or buses in good condition.
Having an excellent operating vehicle is a vital part of the trucking industry. This ensures the safety of the drivers and others on the road.
8. Personnel Supervisor
Once you become knowledgeable about the trucking industry and gain experience, you can upgrade your role of supervising others. This requires you to oversee the daily activities of the company directly.
The workload also covers handling the personnel of the companies to ensure that the meets are acquired during normal operations.
9. Transportation Supervisor
A transportation supervisor oversees the daily activities and workload of those that drive on vehicles for their various operations. Their work is vital in maintaining optimum operational efficiency while reducing costs.
Companies that hire them include a variety of companies such as freight companies, government agencies, food and beverage companies, and manufacturers, to name a few.
10. Terminal Manager
The need for truck terminal managers is required by every transit company to oversee the operations of the terminals. Most terminal managers worked for trucking companies as truck drivers.
Their duties vary from company to company but usually involve freight coordination. This includes verification and review of paper works and bills of lading.
Each job would be different, so the requirements for those jobs would vary depending upon the employer. Some companies would require a bachelor’s degree. However, others emphasize on actual experience.
What matters is that you have a good understanding of the trucking industry to be proficient at this job. It will benefit you more if you have proven experience in supply chain management. You would be more effective if you have good communication and negotiation skills.