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Intro to Trucking: What a Truck Driving Career Is and Why It's Worth It
72% of America's freight moves by truck, but there is a shortage of drivers. Here's what the job is, what it pays, and how to start in NYC for free.
Free CDL Class A scholarship supported by the NYC Mayor's Office
If you are based in New York City, Emerge Career offers 100% free training for your Class A CDL, supported by the Mayor's Office of Criminal Justice's Next Mile NYC program. Online/in person study materials, trucking school, and job placement, all 100% free.
Live in NYC with a history of arrest, probation, parole, incarceration, or pre-trial diversion? Check the eligibility requirements and apply — it takes 10 minutes.
What the job is
You drive a commercial truck, usually a tractor-trailer, moving freight between warehouses, ports, and stores. There's various routes for different lifestyles:
Over-the-road - Most openings for new drivers. Travel across the country and see new places. Spend weeks out.
Regional - Drive in a set region (e.g. "Northeast Region"). Explore New York and beyond while still being home most weekends.
Local - Home every night, drive local to your state/city. Stay close to your family every day.
Why it's worth it
No degree or prior work experience needed. As long as you come in ready to learn, you can succeed as a truck driver.
Real pay. Next Mile NYC graduates earn a median salary of $75,000 a year. Industry standards are: $50–60K starting, $70–90K with experience, $100K+ as an owner-operator. Most companies provide health insurance, 401(k), and PTO.
Fast entry. 3–4 months of training. Our fastest student: 42 days.
Job security. Many carriers have been short on drivers for years.
Room to climb. Endorsements (Hazmat, Tanker, Doubles/Triples) raise pay. Many drivers go on to own their truck and there's various entrepreneurial avenues.
How you get in: the CDL
The license is a Commercial Driver's License. The top license is the Class A — it covers tractor-trailers and opens the most jobs at the highest pay. Steps:
1. ~40 hours online studying for the permit test (Emerge offers free study materials, various other free study materials available as well).
2. Pass the knowledge test at the DMV for your Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP).
3. ~120 hours behind the wheel at a local trucking school.
4. Pass the CDL road exam.
You'll also need a DOT physical and drug screening.
Ready to start? If you're in NYC, check the eligibility requirements and apply — it takes 10 minutes, and the training costs you nothing.
