What is a Sprinter Van?While the phrase “Sprinter Van” has almost become interchangeable with “Cargo Van,” a Sprinter is actually the brand name for a van exclusively manufactured by Mercedes-Benz. Sprinter Vans have been around since the mid-90s in both cargo and passenger models, but have just recently skyrocketed in popularity. This is thanks to the trend of people downsizing by living in them along with Amazon using them as their go-to delivery vans over the past few years. But, it’s not just the big box carriers like Amazon who are looking to fill these Sprinter Van Driver Jobs. Delivery companies all over the country are looking for drivers to complete the all-important “Final Mile” in the logistics chain. This gives prospective Sprinter Van Drivers a great amount of leverage in finding the right job for them. Like with every driving job, there’s pros and cons, and that’s definitely true with Sprinter Van jobs. If you’re thinking about making the jump into Sprinter Van driving, here’s what you need to know about this line of work. ProsNo CDL RequiredMaybe the biggest plus for people considering driving Sprinter Vans is that there’s no CDL requirement. Some states have a few additional requirements for delivery drivers, including proof of a clean driving record and the ability to pass a physical and drug test. Aside from that and passing any company training, there’s nothing stopping you from hitting the road. Part-Time PossibilitiesYou’ve probably heard of people who work on the weekends or during the holidays for Amazon as part-time delivery drivers. In addition to getting experience driving a large vehicle, working as a Sprinter Van Driver is also a great job for someone trying to make a little extra money on the side. Easier Path to Owner OperatorAnother benefit to driving Sprinter Vans is that there’s a much easier path to becoming an Owner Operator than there is with a traditional semi-truck. The starting MSRP for a new Sprinter Cargo Van is $36,000. Compare that to the average price for a commercial truck, which is anywhere from $130,000-$200,000 and you can see why so many people are looking to buy Sprinters instead. Home TimeWhile there are a few exceptions, most Sprinter Van Drivers can expect to be home every night. The shifts might be long, but you’ll still make it to your own bed at the end of each day, which can’t be said for all trucking jobs. ConsTight DeadlinesYou’ve probably heard already, but being a Sprinter Van driver can be a very stressful job. Drivers are expected to deliver close to 300 packages per shift. While some might enjoy this fast-paced environment, it definitely isn’t a role for everyone, especially drivers with physical limitations. Customer ServiceAnother element involved in Sprinter Van driving that may be overlooked is customer service. In addition to driving, you may be dealing with customers who can sometimes prove to be difficult. This won’t be a problem for some, but many drivers got into this line of work to avoid these types of interactions altogether. Physically DemandingWith Sprinter Van Driver jobs, it’s almost certain that you’ll be working with touch cargo. This may not be a huge deal for drivers unloading one or two big deliveries a day, but it’s a much different beast when you’re a Sprinter Van Driver. Delivering hundreds of packages and walking up and down driveways for 8+ hours a day makes this one of the most physically intensive jobs you can do in the logistics industry. On the flip side, if you’re looking for a job that will get you fit while you earn some money, look no further. If you’re a disciplined worker who doesn’t mind--or even enjoys--a bit of stress, Sprinter Van driving could be the right career path for you. It’s also a great job for those considering a career in trucking but want to try their hand at something smaller before going through the process of getting their CDL. And with the wide variety of jobs available in Sprinter Van Driving, there’s no doubt that you’ll find the job right for you.
Find a Truck Driver JobDrive My Way matches you with a job based on your personal preferences and qualifications. The post The Pros and Cons of Sprinter Van Driver Jobs appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct
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Final Mile Delivery has always been a part of the logistics chain, but thanks to large retailers like Amazon, it’s become more and more important over the past ten years or so. Now, it’s not just specialty products and large furniture getting delivered to front doors. Customers are relying on Final Mile Drivers to bring everything from fast food to lifesaving medication to their doors. With all this emphasis on the Final Mile, companies everywhere are looking to bring in more drivers to help with the influx of online orders that seem to be growing every day. For drivers considering Final Mile, here are the pros and cons of the position, the companies that hire Final Mile drivers, and the different types of Final Mile jobs available right now. What is Final Mile Driving?Final Mile Driving is any time that all-important last step of the logistics chain is completed, when the product finally goes from the warehouse to the customer’s front door. Final Mile Drivers can drive anything as large as a straight truck, down to their own personal vehicles. While we mostly think of Final Mile drivers as just delivering Amazon packages, there’s way more types of Final Mile driving than just that. What Do You Need to be a Final Mile Driver?Final Mile Drivers may or may not need to hold a CDL, depending on what vehicle they drive. Straight Truck drivers will need to hold their Class B CDL. If you’re driving a sprinter van, you won’t need a CDL, but a few states do require you to have a chauffeur license. Who Hires Final Mile Drivers?Big Box RetailersAmazon, Walmart, and Target are always looking for Final Mile drivers. In recent years, Amazon started contracting smaller delivery companies as DSPs (Delivery Services Partners) to get Prime orders out even faster and create a better delivery experience for the customer. Courier ServicesUnlike retailers who stock, store and ship their products directly to consumers, courier servicers only transport cargo. While this cargo is usually consumer items, courier services are trusted with transporting VIP cargo, like hardcopy legal documents across town and medical specimens and samples between hospitals. Courier services will usually deliver within 50 miles and their cargo is 150 pounds or less. Think of them as standard parcel delivery. Expedited Freight ServicesExpedited Freight Servicers specialize in same day or next day LTL solutions for businesses who need to get freight from point A to point B as fast as possible to avoid further delays and disruptions. Businesses typically utilize them when plan A for getting their freight to where it needs to go didn’t work out. Expedited freight drivers travel within an entire region, and their cargo can be much larger than what a courier service will handle. Are There Different Types of Final Mile Services?There are two main types of Final Mile services. The first is Ring & Run, which is exactly what it sounds like. You drop the package off at the customer’s doorstep, give a ring or knock, and then you’re off to the next stop. White Glove service, on the other hand, is all about going the extra mile for the customer. This is usually done when delivering large furniture, appliances or other heavy products that could be easily damaged in transit. Instead of ringing and running, the driver (or sometimes a technician) will come into the home or business and install or set up the product. We talked to Kevin, a driver with over 20 years of tractor-trailer experience. He currently works for Need It Now Delivers and shared what a typical day looks like as a Final Mile Driver.
What are the Pros?The biggest benefit to Final Mile driving is the home time and consistent shifts. While Final Mile drivers may work long hours, they’re able to go home and sleep in their beds every night. Most smaller Final Mile companies won’t deliver on Sundays, giving drivers one guaranteed day off a week. Another plus to this line of work is that many companies are looking for part-time drivers, making it ideal for students or people looking to pick up extra cash during the holidays.
For Wilson, who’s been with Need It Now Delivers for over 6 years, the training opportunities the company provided were the biggest benefit.
What are the Cons?A lot is expected of Final Mile drivers, especially those working for retailers like Amazon or Walmart. In addition to being the driver, they’re also the deliverer, unloading the product and bringing it to the door. The deadlines are also very tight. Drivers are expected to deliver close to 300 packages per shift. While some might enjoy this fast-paced environment, it definitely isn’t a role for everyone. Choosing the Final Mile Driver Job That’s Right for YouWhen considering a job as a Final Mile driver, the most important thing to keep in mind is that there’s a ton of variety in this position. Final Mile drivers are in heavy demand across a lot of industries, and it doesn’t look like that’s going to change anytime soon. You have a good chance of finding the perfect job to meet your current pay, schedule, and benefit needs, just like Kevin did.
Find a Truck Driver JobDrive My Way matches you with a job based on your personal preferences and qualifications. The post What to Know as a Final Mile Driver appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct Drive My Way announced that Lance Pshigoda joined its team as the Vice President of Sales. Drive My Way matches CDL truck drivers and owner operators with jobs based on their professional qualifications and personal lifestyle preferences. Lance brings over two decades of experience designing risk mitigation, hiring, onboarding, and safety strategies for the Transportation Industry with previous roles at both of the top background screening and SaaS solutions available in the market today.
Starting at DAC Services in 2003, Lance has been involved in every aspect of driver recruiting, retention, qualification, and safety protocol development. He has worked with industry specific leaders like Hireright, Tenstreet, and now Drive My Way. Lance is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science and currently resides in Skiatook, OK with his wife and two children.
About Drive My WayDrive My Way is disrupting truck driver recruiting by treating the driver as a consumer in the employment relationship. Drive My Way is a next-generation recruiting marketplace powered by a patented and proprietary platform that matches CDL truck drivers and owner operators with jobs based on their qualifications and personal preferences. Drive My Way’s driver-centric technology lets both the driver and hiring manager know how well they match to each job before entering the hiring process. Drive My Way is making truck driver recruiting personal again by creating meaningful connections for employers to turn into lasting relationships. Employers partner with Drive My Way to start recruiting for retention. IT’S TIME FOR SOMETHING NEWStart Recruiting for RetentionDrive My Way partners with employers to help them recruit for retention. Book a meeting with Lance Pshigoda to discuss how Drive My Way is making driver recruiting personal again. The post Drive My Way Hires Lance Pshigoda as Vice President of Sales appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct Looking to get into trucking but think that you need to wait until you’re 21? That’s not the case! In most states, drivers can earn their CDL and begin driving at 18. Because of this, there are a ton of truck driving jobs for 18-year-olds that pay well, give great experience, and will give you a leg up when you turn 21. Why Won’t Some Companies Hire 18-Year Old Drivers?While it’s a myth that you can’t start driving until you’re 21, it is more difficult to find the kind of high-paying work that older, more experienced drivers can. There are two reasons for this. The first and biggest is that you can’t carry freight across state lines. There have been pushes to do away with this requirement over the past few years, but nothing has happened yet. Since most OTR routes will take you beyond your home state, larger companies won’t even consider hiring you until you hit 21. The second is insurance. Many of the large insurance companies that specialize in trucking insurance won’t even consider insuring a driver until he or she is 21 (even 25 in some cases). What Kind of Trucking Jobs Am I Able to Land?Since you won’t be able to drive across state lines, your work is limited to intra-state. This isn’t a bad thing by any means. Many of these jobs will help you learn the essential skills you’ll need when you turn 21. While some of these jobs will require a CDL, there’s a good number that don’t, depending on the type of truck you’ll be driving and the state you’re in. 1. Furniture DeliveryLarge retailers are always looking for drivers to deliver large furniture to customers. These jobs are great for young drivers since all deliveries are within state lines and you’ll get straight truck (think of a large U-Haul) experience. Be aware though, these jobs are more than driving, you’ll most likely be doing the labor of moving the furniture as well. 2 Repo/TowYou’re probably familiar with the concept of repo/towing. This job entails towing wreckage from an accident, or a perfectly good car from a driver who chooses not to make their car payments. Either way, this job is a great way to not only get you driving experience, but learning worthwhile mechanical skills that will help you further along in your career. 3. Dump TruckThis is another example of a Class B vehicle that almost never crosses state lines, making it a prime option for 18–year-old drivers. Dump truck drivers can either work for a company or be owner-operators, but if you’re under 21, you’ll most likely be going the company route. This work can also be a gateway into a career specializing in construction equipment. If you tend to be more social, that’s another reason dump truck driving might be for you. This line of work will have you working with the same crew on a consistent basis. 4. Livestock HaulingHauling livestock isn’t the easiest job on this list, but if you’re young, want driving experience and don’t mind getting your hands dirty, it may be the job for you. Because of the extra sanitation and safety concerns present when hauling live animals, livestock haulers are considered “specialty” drivers and are usually compensated as such. If you live in a rural area with a lot of farmland, chances are there will be some sort of livestock hauling work near you. 5. Beverage DeliveryWhile larger beverage carriers may require you to have a Class A, many smaller beverage companies and regional beer makers may use smaller trucks that only require a Class B. Hiring requirements for this job will vary from company to company, it’s a great way to get valuable hours of experience behind the wheel before you turn 21. Be warned, like furniture, beverage delivery will have you not only driving, but unloading and even stocking product in stores and restaurants. 6. Truck Driver AssistantThis job is perfect if you’re interested in trucking but want to make sure it’s right for you before spending time and money earning your CDL. Truck driver assistants mostly help with the loading and unloading of cargo and getting documents signed from customers upon delivery. More importantly, you’ll be getting firsthand experience inside a truck, observing the ins and outs of what it takes to be a driver and ultimately seeing if the position is right for you. Donald Wedington-Clark is a trucker out of Phoenix who started driving when he was 18. He had the following to say about starting your trucking career early,
Many young people think that trucking careers start at 21. Don’t make that mistake. There are plenty of truck driving jobs for 18-year-olds that will help you earn valuable driving experience as well as some good money. Find Companies that Hire 18-Year-OldsDrive My Way matches you with a job based on your personal preferences and qualifications. The post The Best Truck Driving Jobs for 18 Year Olds appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct Many people think the supply chain process is simple: it gets groceries and goods from point A to point B, however we know there’s more to the journey than just that. More often than not, the first stop on that journey involves drayage truckers. While drayage isn’t what most people think of when they hear the word “trucking”, it’s the first and arguably most important part of the logistics chain. What is Drayage?You’ll find different definitions out there, but drayage is usually described as the first mile in transportation. It typically involves hauling a cargo container short distances, usually from a port or harbor to a rail terminal or warehouse within the same metropolitan area. Drayage trucking is an integral part of both Intermodal transportation and the cold chain. The practice goes back hundreds of years, when teams of horses used to pull carts of heavy freight from ports to nearby towns. Around the turn of the century, trucks replaced horses and here we are, over 100 years later. What are the Benefits to Drayage Trucking?If you ask most drayage drivers, they’ll tell you the biggest benefit is the shorter routes. Drivers will usually complete at least one route, (most times more) in a single shift and be home every night Another benefit to drayage work is the variety of consistent shifts you can take on. Intermodal shipping runs 24/7, with cargo moving in and out of piers and rail terminals at all hours of the day. This means that drivers have more freedom when choosing their hours, giving them more time for life outside of work. One more reason drayage work might be for you? Drayage truckers are often hauling “no-touch” cargo, meaning you won’t be doing any of the leg work of loading and unloading cargo from your truck. Any Disadvantages?There aren’t many disadvantages to this line of work, but it can be stressful. Yes, your trips are much shorter, but it comes with a trade-off. Moving in and out of large ports and contending with all the rules and regulations associated with them can be a hassle. Sometimes these rules can change multiple times per day at a single port. But, if you’re able to learn on the fly and handle stress well, this shouldn’t be a problem. ClassificationsAs you could guess, drayage trucking encompasses more than moving containers from a port to a warehouse. The IANA (Intermodal Association of North America) lists 6 distinct types of drayage transportation.
What Are the Requirements for Driving Drayage?
Is Drayage Right for You?We were able to speak with Peter, a drayage driver out of California, to get his advice for people looking to get into this line of work.
Like with all other trucking jobs, there’s a big need for qualified and experienced drivers in the drayage field. If you’re looking for steady work that keeps you close to home and can deal with navigating large ports and harbors, then it might be the line of work for you. Find a Drayage Truck Driver JobDrive My Way matches you with a job based on your personal preferences and qualifications. The post Is Being a Drayage Trucker Right for You? appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct |
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