Truck Driving Jobs in DC

Apply for CDL Jobs in DC

Many truck drivers are drawn to the truck driving jobs in DC, also known as the District of Columbia. This could be, in part, due to higher than average salaries, excellent benefits, or even needing a sense of freedom and adventure. Of course, there are pros and cons to this line of work, no matter where you live. Keep reading to find out what the trucking companies in Washington D.C. are offering truck drivers in terms of pay and benefits.

Getting Your CDL in Order to Work for District of Columbia Trucking Companies

Prior to working for trucking companies in the District of Columbia, you must obtain a special type of driver’s license. To get your Commercial Drivers License (CDL), you must first obtain your District of Columbia Commercial Learners Permit (CLP). Prior to taking the CDL skills road test, you must have a CLP.

This requires already having a Class D driver’s license in Washington D.C. You will also need to prove that you are at least 18 years of age, that your driver’s license in any state has not been revoked or suspended, and pass physical and vision exams. A color blindness test and a CDL general knowledge test must also be passed. Additionally, you must pay the required fees.

What do District of Columbia trucking companies require of their drivers?

All trucking companies located in the District of Columbia have at least a few qualifications and hiring requirements that applicants must meet. These companies may have different hiring requirements, however, many are based on local and national laws and provide for safety, both on and off the road.

some of the most common hiring requirements advertised by District of Columbia trucking companies include:

District of Columbia Truck Driving Salary and Benefits

While CDL jobs in DC can be very personally rewarding, most people are trying to earn a living by working. This makes salary and benefits an important factor when choosing a career and a place to live.

District of Columbia trucking companies generally have higher pay rates than the national average for truck driving jobs. Truck driving jobs in DC usually pay between $40,000 and $61,610 annually, with the median income of a truck or tractor-trailer driver being $48,610 as of 2016. Nationally, truck drivers earn between $26,900 and $63,100 annually, with a median income of $41,340.

District of Columbia Trucking Companies report that they pay up to $65,000 to $70,00 in their first year. Drivers also have the opportunity to make more money with sign-on, retention, referral, safety, and orientation bonuses. These bonuses can range anywhere from $1,000 to $10,000.

Common benefits offered by District of Columbia truck driving companies include the following and more:

District of Columbia Taxes and Cost of Living

When applying for jobs with District of Columbia trucking companies, you will also need to factor in the cost of living and taxes. Washington D.C. is known for having a higher cost of living when compared to many other areas of the nation, however, it has lower local tax rates.

The average cost of living for an individual with no children in District of Columbia is $32,686 before taxes. For a family with two adults and two children, the average cost of living is $90,858 prior to taxes. Out of all 50 states and itself, District of Columbia has the 17th lowest combined state and local tax rate at 10.00%.

Fuel prices should also be a factor of consideration when it comes to applying for CDL jobs in DC. As of May 2017, the national average price for a gallon of diesel fuel is $2.524, while in the District of Columbia the price is notably higher at $2.354. While most trucking companies will pay for your diesel fuel, if you are an owner-operator, you will be responsible for your own business expenses, including fuel. It is also important to remember that fuel prices frequently fluctuate, depending on many different factors.

Driving Conditions for Truck Drivers in District of Columbia

One drawback to truck driving jobs in DC is heavy traffic. This is an unavoidable aspect of working for District of Columbia trucking companies. Heavy traffic can cause more stress to drivers as well as more wear-and-tear to their fleet.

Another driving condition truckers here may need to deal with is snowy and icy road conditions in the winter months. However, terrain and extreme heat are rarely problems for those working in truck driving jobs in DC.

Expected Growth for Truck Driving Jobs in DC

CDL jobs in DC are expected to see less than average growth over the next several years when compared to all 50 states. Across the United States, jobs for people driving heavy and tractor-trailers are expected to grow by 40,450 openings by 2024, which demonstrates a 6% growth of what it was in 2014. For truck driving jobs in DC, there is a lower than average expected rate of growth by 2024 at only 5%, which equates to an additional 10 job openings annually.

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