Top Tips to Transition from Factory Work to Truck Driving

Making the transition from factory work to truck driving may be easier than you think. If you’re looking for a rewarding career change in a thriving industry, the freedom of the open road may be the answer. A career in the transportation industry can offer job security, financial stability, and growth within the industry. If you’re unsure about making the transition, read our blog to determine if trucking is the career for you.

There are a number of skills that translate perfectly from the factory floor to behind the wheel. If you’ve determined that trucking is a good fit for your skills and interests, read on for our tips for making the switch from factory work to truck driving.

Tips For Starting a Career in Truck Driving

If you’re looking to transition from factory work to truck driving, you probably already know a few things about the trucking and shipping industry. When deliveries are made at the manufacturing facility that you work at, you might want to chat with the truck driver about their job to see if you’re a good fit for the job. Below are a few tips to help you change careers:

Use Your Existing Skills To Your Advantage

Working in a factory can set you up for success in the trucking industry due to the fact that a number of things learned will translate well. Here are a few skills that help you on the factory floor and behind the wheel:

Technical Knowledge

Working in a factory may require a high level of technical knowledge, both specialized and general. If you’re fascinated by how things are put together, you may have a very easy time making the transition from factory work to truck driving. Knowing how to perform general maintenance on your truck, or knowing what to look for can be a huge help. If you’re comfortable using tools, and enjoy working with your hands, you’ll find that doing daily checks on your truck and making simple repairs are more fun than work. An18-wheeler is an amazing piece of machinery, and those who show an aptitude for mechanical work will do well in the truck driving industry.

Dependability

Those who work in manufacturing must be dependable. Factories are often huge workplaces, so employees need to be able to do their jobs correctly without a lot of oversight. This skill translates very well to truck driving, as it is frequently a solo effort. Those who are well suited to truck driving are able to complete long drives by themselves in a timely fashion. Truck drivers must manage their time wisely and deliver on tight deadlines.

Attention to Detail

Attention to detail was especially important for factory and manufacturing jobs way back when every task was performed by hand. But just because machines have become more prevalent doesn’t mean that the skill isn’t important. Speed and precision are a priority in manufacturing, so it’s important for workers to remain focused and detail oriented. 

When making the shift from a manufacturing job to truck driving, that attention to detail will only help you once you’re on the road. Paying attention to road and weather conditions, as well as having knowledge of the type of cargo you’re transporting can only help you.

Ability to Remain Calm in Stressful Situations

Factories are very regimented workplaces, and time is frequently of the essence. Machines work at a set pace and it is up to those who work with them to keep up. Being able to keep a cool head while surrounded by commotion is a valuable skill in a factory.

That same ability comes in handy behind the wheel of a truck. The open road is a very different workplace, and it’s up to the driver to stay calm, and collected. Other drivers, inclement weather, and construction may make a normally smooth drive into a stressful one, so individuals who are able to keep a cool head in stressful situations will find success.

Commitment to Safety

Manufacturing jobs can be dangerous. Factories are high stress environments full of heavy machinery. Being careless or not paying attention can lead to serious injury or even death. If you make the transition from factory work to truck driving, a commitment to safety will serve you well. Trucking can involve dangerous conditions at times and being a defensive driver who is determined to be safe can help you and other drivers on the road.

Go to Truck Driving School

If you’re truly looking to make the switch from manufacturing to truck driving, you should attend truck driving school. These schools consist of a mix of classroom learning and real life driving experience on closed courses, so that new drivers feel confident behind the wheel and know the law.

Attending a truck driving school can open up a whole new world of career opportunities for factory workers. Many schools also help place new drivers with some of the nation’s top carriers.

Truck Driver Institute will Help You Make the Transition from Factory Work to Truck Driving

If all the signs are pointing to a transition to a career in truck driving, buckle up and take the first step at an industry-leading truck driving school like Truck Driver Institute (TDI). At TDI, you can start your trucking career in just 3 weeks with the help of our expert CDL teachers and examiners. Our comprehensive training covers everything from maintenance logs to driving at night, and prepares you for your new career on the open road. Truck Driver Institute has been an industry leader since 1973; we pride ourselves on the fact that 80% of our graduates choose a career in the transportation industry.

With over 11 campuses located in seven states, we pride ourselves on being able to offer job placement for our graduates with our more than 20 carrier partners, including major carriers such as FedEx and Schneider.

If you’re ready to start your trucking career today, contact us to learn more about enrolling in TDI!