Today, we’re diving into an important topic for anyone thinking about getting their CDL or already working in the trucking industry: how to increase your value to trucking companies.
Whether you’re just starting your journey or looking to take your career to the next level, the key is to make yourself so valuable that companies compete to hire you. Better pay, better routes, better opportunities – it’s all within reach if you put the right steps in place.
Let’s break down how to do exactly that.
1. Highlight Your Skills and Experience
When it comes to impressing a trucking company, your first opportunity is the interview. This is where they see you not just as a driver, but as a person, someone with a unique story, mindset, and skill set.
The two biggest traits you want to emphasize are:
Strong communication skills
Clear communication makes you easier to train and a better fit for team dynamics. The more effectively you speak and listen, the more confidence the employer has in your ability to operate within their system.Commitment to growth and learning
Show you’re not just looking for a job, but rather that you’re building a career. Stay current on regulations and demonstrate that you’re someone who invests in their own improvement.
2. Demonstrate a Clean Safety Record (Or Be Honest About It)
One of the fastest ways to boost your value is to show a solid safety track record. If your driving record is clean (no tickets, no accidents and definitely no DUIs) then say it proudly. That’s a huge plus.
But if there are incidents on your record, don’t try to hide them. Instead:
Be upfront.
Provide details and police reports if needed.
Show you take ownership of your mistakes and what you’ve learned from them.
Transparency builds trust, and that’s something every company values. Just make sure you’re always driving safely!
3. Advance Your Skills with Endorsements
The more you can do, the more valuable you become. Adding endorsements to your CDL is a game-changer. Here are a few worth considering:
Hazardous Materials (HazMat)
Tanker
Doubles and Triples
Passenger or School Bus, depending on the company
Choose endorsements based on the type of work you’re aiming for. For example, HazMat might not help in a school bus job, but for general freight, it could land you higher-paying loads.
4. Master Preventative Maintenance
Want to stand out from the pack? Understand your truck.
Drivers who know how to properly inspect and maintain their equipment are gold to companies. Fewer breakdowns mean:
More time on the road
Less money spent on repairs
Fewer headaches for dispatch
This all makes you more profitable. Not just for yourself, but for the company. And that’s huge for adding value! A true win-win.
5. Choose the Right CDL School
Where you train matters. Just like Harvard or Yale opens doors in the business world, Driving Academy does the same in the trucking world.
Here’s why:
We train you not just for the test, but for the real world with hands-on experience and simulator training.
We have strong partnerships with companies nationwide that hire our graduates.
You get lifetime job placement assistance whether you need your first job or a better one down the road.
Just make sure you really graduated from Driving Academy. We’ve had people falsely claim they went to our truck driving school, and companies will verify it. Don’t get caught in a lie. Earn it the right way, and the opportunities will be endless.
6. Show Consistency and Loyalty
One of the most overlooked ways to increase your value? Staying loyal and consistent.
Truckers who:
Show up on time
Keep their word
Stick with the same company for years
…are extremely rare. And that makes them extremely valuable.
If you stay with a company for 5, 10, or even 20 years, and then decide to move on, two things will happen:
New companies will want you immediately, offering better pay and perks.
Your current employer will fight to keep you, giving raises or bonuses.
You’ll be in the driver’s seat, literally and professionally.
Ready to Get Started?
If you don’t have your CDL yet, Driving Academy is your best first step. We’re opening locations nationwide, and we can help students from all across the country.
Find a trucking school near you to learn more. If there isn’t a location near you, check out our Linden, NJ location, we can still help no matter where you’re from.
Watch The Video
