Driving Career in USA: Become A Driver Abroad

Being a driver in the US is one of the most lucrative jobs you will find. Drivers are needed almost everywhere; they are required in order to transport people from one place to another, and they are necessary for logistics companies and trucking companies. So what do drivers do, and how can you become one? Let’s find out.

Duties of a Driver in the US

There are different things drivers do, and this is dependent on the type of driving, for instance, truck, delivery, Uber, etc. let’s see some of these responsibilities:

• Obey traffic laws and company policies when driving.
• Ensure timely pickup of passengers or goods.
• Provide good service to passengers.
• Inspect the vehicle before and after use.
• Report any needed repairs and keep the vehicle clean and roadworthy.
• Truck drivers must secure cargo properly to prevent during transit.
• Follow safety procedures when loading and offloading goods.
• Maintain logbooks, mileage records, and fuel receipts, especially for truck drivers.

Things Required to Become a Driver in the US

Whether you’re a US citizen or a foreign national, becoming a driver in the US requires meeting specific requirements. Here’s what you need:

• A state-issued driver’s license is required for drivers in Uber, taxi, and delivery jobs, while truck and commercial drivers need a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL).
• If you’re a foreign national, you need a valid work visa.
• Clean driving record, which includes zero history of traffic or driving violations.
• A clean drug test record.
• For jobs like driving tankers and handling hazardous materials, you need special endorsements, such as the HazMat.
• Taxi, Uber, and delivery drivers may need local permits, depending on the city.

Top Cities For Driving Jobs in the US

Different things make a city suitable for specific jobs, and in the case of driving jobs, the cost of living and job availability are usually considered. Here are the top 10 cities in the US that are suitable for driving jobs:

1. Odessa

Odessa is a city in Texas known for its oil and gas industry. Many companies in this city require truck drivers for hauling crude oil, equipment, and other goods. This translates into good business for the trucking and transportation industries. Likewise, the high demand for drivers in this region brings about high salaries for drivers. Truck drivers, especially those working in the oil and gas area, earn between $75,000 to $100,000 per year. Delivery and taxi drivers, on the other hand, earn between $35,000 to $50,000 per annum in Odessa.

2. Nashville

Nashville is a popular distribution center in Tennessee, which shows the needs of drivers, especially those in the logistics sector. The city’s strategic location at the center of Tennessee makes it an excellent place for drivers, where taxi drivers or truck drivers. On average, taxi or Uber drivers can make up to $37,000 per annum, while truck drivers earn an average salary of $75,000 per annum.

3. Houston

With its massive energy sector, Houston, also in Texas has a high demand for truckers, especially drivers that can work with hazardous materials hauling. Not just that, Houston provides opportunities for delivery and taxi drivers alike. Truck drivers in Houston can expect a salary of $70,000 per annum. However, those with specific certifications, like Hamzat, tend to earn higher. Taxi or Uber drivers, on the other hand, can expect a salary starting from $35,000.

4. Joplin

One of the common trucking hubs in the state of Missouri is Joplin. Joplin is a city with different transportation companies because of its strategic location on Interstate 44, which runs northeast of Oklahoma. If you’re looking for a steady job, especially as a truck driver, move Joplin to the top of your list. In Joplin, truck drivers earn between $65,000 and $85,000 per year. Other drivers earn an average salary of $40,000 per year. 

5. Fayetteville 

Fayetteville is home to Walmart’s headquarters, which means there is a high demand for logistics and delivery drivers. The city also has a growing population, increasing opportunities for local and regional drivers. If you’re interested in logistics and delivery driving, you might want to consider working in Fayetteville. On average, a driver in Fayetteville earns up to 42,000 per year.

6. Fort Wayne

Fort Wayne is a major logistics and transportation hub in Indiana. In Fort Wayne, trucking jobs are always available, with truck drivers in high demand. If you are looking forward to settling in this city, especially foreigners, Fort Wayne might be a good way to go due to its low cost of living and reasonable pay. Truck drivers earn about 60,000 per annum, while normal drivers earn a salary starting from $36,000 per annum.

7. Danville

Here is another one for people looking for truck driving jobs. Danville in Illinois has a strong transportation sector with a need for drivers. Major companies in Danville offer jobs in both regional and long-haul driving and since it’s a city that is close to major highways, it’s perfect for freight transportation. Truck drivers usually earn salaries starting from $55,000 and above. Even though Danville is popular for truck driving jobs, the need for taxi and delivery drivers can’t be relegated. Taxi drivers and delivery drivers earn up to $35,000 per annum.

8. Atlanta

There’s no doubt Atalanta in Georgia is one of the largest transportation and logistics hotspots in the US, providing loads of opportunities to drivers. Regarding salary, truck drivers can expect a salary of $60,000 per year, while delivery and taxi drivers can earn up to $42,000 per year.

9. Morristown

Here’s another city in Tennessee with a great logistics and manufacturing industry. The cost of living is low, and job opportunities are open to both locals and foreign nationals. The salary for truck drivers starts from $54,000 per year, while other drivers earn up to $36,000 per year. 

Why You Should Work as a Driver in the US

One of the jobs that make a good career choice in the US is being a driver, especially for those who don’t have advanced degrees. Driving jobs in the US offers many advantages, and it doesn’t matter if you’re a truck driver, delivery driver, or a taxi driver. Here are the major benefits of being a driver in the United States:

1. Competitive Pay 

Drivers across the US earn a reasonable amount, and this is also dependent on the state and city of work. However, on average, drivers in the US can earn about $40,000 per year. In addition, drivers who work in specialized roles like tankers and HamZat drivers tend to earn more.

2. Job Security

Nothing beats having a job that gives you security and stability, and that is something a driving role in the US will offer you. Drivers are always needed around the city and across the country, so if you need a steady job or a job that brings security, then you’re on the right track by being a driver.

3. Easy Entry

Most driving jobs in the US do not require a designated degree of advanced certification to secure a job. Just your high school diploma or equivalent is enough. In addition, your driver’s license or commercial driver’s license for truck driving is enough.

4. Job Growth and Career Advancement

Driving roles in the US can help you build your way to the top. There are lots of opportunities in transportation, especially the trucking industry, as experienced drivers can move into higher-paying specialized roles, such as tanker or oversized load driving. Likewise, many companies in the US offer career growth into fleet management, logistics, or dispatcher roles.

Types of US Visa Suitable for a Driver

Foreign drivers can work in the US under different visa types based on job duration and employer sponsorship. The H-2B visa is ideal for temporary truck or delivery drivers, while the B-1 visa suits foreign drivers making cross-border deliveries.

How to Apply as a Driver in the US

Here’s how to search and apply for driving roles in the United States.

• Meet the basic requirements, such as getting a valid driver’s license. Foreign Nationals can confirm if their home country’s license can be converted for use in the US.
• Search for jobs either directly or online. Foreign nationals should check for jobs with work visa sponsorships.
• Submit job applications, attend interviews, and pass the screening process. Foreign applicants should submit their visa applications through USCIS and attend a visa interview at the US embassy.
• Get the necessary training and license to work as a driver in the US.
• Start work and ensure you comply with work and state rules.