$60,710 earning potential
Commercial truck drivers operate tractor-trailer trucks to transport products all across the country. They haul long distances, often across state lines, to deliver their products.
You like to travel
You're good under pressure; you're reliable
You want great job security
You enjoy your independence and working alone
You want to own your own business
You're alert and aware of your surroundings
DRIVER INSTRUCTOR
Hometown: Judsonia
Age: 24
Where I trained: Arkansas State University–Beebe and Maverick Transportation through Arkansas State University–Newport
What I Earned: Associate degree in general studies, liberal arts and business and technical degree in commercial driving
Median Annual Wages
Median Hourly Wage
Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Arkansas Trucking Association and CareerOneStop.org
Average annual job openings in Arkansas
Number of jobs in Arkansas
Expected growth from 2016 to 2026 in Arkansas
What I love about driving is having the best views right from my 'office' windows. I am able to see and experience so many things that would not be possible had I not made the decision to get my commercial driver’s license."
Parker’s training to become a commercial truck driver began the day he walked through the doors at Maverick. From day one, he began learning about map reading, trip planning and truck management skills. Then, Maverick sent him to commercial driver’s license school for four weeks. Once he obtained his CDL, he accepted his job offer and started business unit training, which included over-the-road training with a Maverick driving instructor. After he completed that training, he received the keys to his truck and started his professional driving career.
The skills I think are important for a professional driver are patience, the ability to make good decisions under pressure, time management, multitasking, excellent customer service, and the willingness to learn! With what we call 'The Maverick Way,' it means promoting our emphasis on safety and doing the right thing - with integrity, respect and commitment."
I've had the opportunity to advance my career from a Professional Driver to becoming a Driver Instructor in our training department. But, I can tell you, it won’t stop there! I have goals to advance my career with Maverick and I am fortunate to be a part of a great company that values their people and allows these opportunities. I'm a part of a family at Maverick!"