Getting Started as a Long-Haul Driver

Getting Started as a Long-Haul Driver

Traveling the open road with Classic Transport offers drivers a unique chance to take in the sights and experiences of cross-country travel while earning money. Better yet, drivers can choose when, where, and how often they travel. Working as a long-haul driver with Classic Transport will broaden your horizons and allow flexibility while you benefit from the variety of incentives that the company offers.

Let’s look at how to qualify for the opportunity to work for Classic Transport and have a career that offers competitive compensation and incentives. Have the freedom to work on your schedule and have a chance to see new parts of the USA and Canada.

Basic Requirements

Classic Transport seeks to maintain the highest driver and equipment standards possible. This means each long-haul driver and piece of equipment must match the standards to qualify.

Drivers must be at least 23 years old and have 18 months of driving experience. Additionally, they must have:

  • No more than two moving violations in the past three years
  • No more than two accidents in the past three years, regardless of fault
  • No driving suspensions in the last three years
  • No major violations within the previous seven years
  • Pass a DOT physical exam that is effective for a minimum of one (1) year from the date of the examination
  • A pass on a drug screen – done during orientation
  • Successful completion of the road test if you do not have a CDL driver’s license
  • The appropriate and current chauffeur/for-hire license for your state
  • Correct and legal documents that establish identity and nationality. These must comply with the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). Examples include a U.S. passport, passport card, or enhanced driver’s license.

Vehicle Requirements

Specifications for your vehicle for Classic Transport jobs are simple. You must have at least a 3/4-ton truck that is no more than ten years old. All additional accessories must meet weight, tolerance, and safety standards for fifth wheels, hitches, and other equipment. Specs for additional equipment are:

  • Fifth wheel not less than 15,000 pounds – Currently not mandatory 
  • Minimum Class IV hitch/receiver
  • Vertical adjustments to equipment are necessary and should be complete with a 1,000-pound stabilizer and equalizer bars (not mandatory)
  • Solid shank for two ball sizes – 5/16 inch & 2 inch
  • Mirrors must be large enough for 102 inches-wide trailers
  • Mud flaps are a necessity and must cover both tires completely
  • Mud flaps should have no more than 4 inches of ground clearance under load
  • Any optional accessories must be installed using Department of Transportation guidelines. They should also not extend above bed rails
  • You must have a trailer brake control installed
  • Truck registration registered at 20,000 to 26,000 pounds
  • 12-volt battery
  • Annual DOT truck inspection (within the previous 90 days of starting orientation) and be in good appearance
  • No window tint on the front windows

You will also need safety equipment such as:

  • A mounted fire extinguisher 
  • Three flares
  • An emergency triangle
  • A tire gauge
  • Tire changing equipment
  • Spare fuses
  • Small hand tools
  • A secure padlock

Towaway Combinations

To qualify for towing accommodations, the driver and vehicle must meet certain requirements. In addition to having a CDL A license, you are expected to have a minimum of two years of step deck, lowboy, or semi experience. Furthermore, you must provide and maintain IFTA and IRP and present a scale ticket for the truck/trailer combination.

Towaway equipment must:

  • Be at least a 1-ton with a standard 8-foot bed
  • Meet all Classic Transport equipment requirements for truck
  • Match all Classic Transport documentary requirements for truck and trailer, including the title on the trailer
  • Provide pictures of the set-up
  • Demonstrate that the trailer is  48-53’ long, 100-102” wide
  • Additional equipment requirements: tie downs, ramps, working winch

Driveaway Drivers

As many drivers do not live in Northern Indiana, where Classic Transport headquarters are, other means of transport and sleeping arrangements may be necessary to return the drivers to their location once a job is finished. Discounts from airlines, buses, hotels, car rentals, and others are available.

In some instances, the driver may tow a personal vehicle to provide return transportation. The maximum towing weight is set at 3,500 lbs.

Looking for a New Opportunity?

See the world and enjoy the freedoms of a long-haul driver and transport. Classic Transport offers a range of exciting opportunities that can meet your needs while providing competitive rates and incentives.

Check out the opportunities by visiting the Classic Transport website today.


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