How Experienced Is That Truck Driver, Anyway?

Imagine that you are on the road with a large semi- or commercial box truck that is transporting several thousands of pounds of heavy metals. You are sharing the road with this truck, and right when you are making your way around the truck, you notice that it begins to swerve and experience driving issues. You may begin to panic or worry and get out of the truck driver’s way, but it likely never crosses your mind that the truck driver is a young driver with maybe a few hours of experience.

The truck driver may not even possess a commercial driver’s license (CDL) or have any driving experience at all. You may think that this is a bizarre scenario, but the harsh reality is that many truck companies around the Chicago area are hiring new and inexperienced truck drivers, and some do not even require a CDL license, which can lead to serious truck accidents.

Chicago trucking companies that may be hiring inexperienced drivers

Even though many of the larger trucking companies will not hire new or inexperienced truck drivers, there are several smaller ones that certainly will. Many trucking companies are blaming the truck driver shortage on why they need to resort to this. To make matters worse, various companies are making the decision to hire truck drivers who do not have a CDL simply because their trucks do not require a CDL to drive. Here are some of the Chicago trucking companies that hire truck drivers who are inexperienced, entry-level, or do not possess a CDL:

• Stevens Transport: Stevens Transport will hire entry-level truck drivers with no experience at all and pay for them to get their CDL.
• TransAM Trucking: TransAM Trucking will hire a truck driver who is a recent truck school graduate or does not possess a CDL.
• TMC: TMC will hire an entry-level truck driver and provide training.
• Dollar General: Dollar General in Chicago will hire truck drivers with CDLs who have no experience at all.
• Diamond Transportation INC: Diamond Transportation INC will hire truck drivers who possess CDLs, but they do not require experience. Instead, based on the amount of experience the trucker has, they may train them for a certain period of hours before sending them on the road.
• Class A Solutions: Class A Solutions will hire entry-level truck drivers with little to no experience.
• Knight Transportation: Knight Transportation hires truck drivers with CDLs but does not require any experience at all. They will train their newly hired drivers for two to four weeks before sending them over the road.
• Paschall Truck Lines: Paschall Truck Lines hires entry-level truck drivers who have CDL licenses. The company provides paid training to new truck drivers.
• Reid Transportation: Reid Transportation hires truck drivers without experience. However, this company does require a CDL license.
• Conversyn Transportation Solutions: Conversyn Transportation Solutions hires truckers without any experience at all. They are willing to train the right candidates who they decide to hire.

What kinds of trucks or vehicles do not require CDL licenses to operate in Chicago, IL?

According to the Office of Illinois Secretary of State, there are certain trucks or vehicles that can be driven or operated without a CDL license. These trucks and vehicles include:

• A recreational vehicle used for personal purposes
• Firefighting trucks, vehicles, and equipment
• Military trucks and vehicles
• Farm trucks, vehicles, and equipment
• Emergency snow plows and snow removal trucks and vehicles
• A truck or vehicle that weighs less than 26,000 pounds
• A truck or vehicle that that is being used to transport or tow less than 10,000 pounds
• A truck or vehicle that is being used to transport or carry less than 16 people

Consequences of hiring inexperienced and entry-level truck drivers

Many trucking companies are not thinking about the consequences of hiring inexperienced drivers. Instead, they are only thinking about how they can get their loads and cargo to certain areas quicker by hiring any driver, giving them a little bit of training, and sending them on the road to fend for themselves. Trucking companies are putting their own money and profit above the safety and well-being of drivers, pedestrians, bicyclists, communities, and anyone else who shares the roads with truck drivers almost every day. The following are four consequences that may arise from trucking companies choosing to hire inexperienced and entry-level truck drivers:

1. Their truck drivers may be in or cause more accidents: Drivers who are lacking experience are typically involved in or cause more accidents. As a result, their drivers may suffer injuries, request more time off work, or even be found liable for other drivers’ injuries or fatalities.
2. Their truck drivers may receive more traffic tickets: Entry-level truck drivers are typically unaware of certain traffic laws or how to control and maneuver such a large vehicle. Therefore, inexperienced truckers are prone to receiving more traffic tickets than seasoned truckers. These tickets may be for speeding, failing to stop, making a wrong turn or pass, or even driving in an area where large trucks are not allowed.
3. The trucking companies may see a higher turnover rate: Even if a truck driver has no experience, they are still required to pass certain drug and alcohol tests, have a clean driving record, and pass training courses. Therefore, it can be more difficult for inexperienced drivers to pass these tests or even take them seriously after being hired with little to no experience. The trucking companies will likely see a higher turnover rate when these drivers fail these tests and they need new drivers to fill their positions as quickly as possible.
4. Their truck drivers may be caught distracted driving more often: Inexperienced truck drivers are more likely to drive distracted and get caught while doing so. This is because they may be tempted to make a phone call to their family, read a text message, or even watch a new video that pops up on social video while driving. Experienced truckers are more aware of the dangers of distracted driving, meaning that they typically try to refrain from these dangerous acts until they are stopped somewhere safe.

The Chicago truck accident lawyers at Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers have over two decades of experience helping our clients who are hurt by inexperienced truck drivers. Trucking companies and their insurance companies usually put up big fights to avoid giving our clients the compensation they need and deserve, but our legal team is prepared to hold them accountable and secure the money needed to help you get your life back on track after the accident. If you are ready to hire a truck accident attorney who will fight aggressively for your rights, call Gainsberg Injury and Accident Lawyers or submit our contact form to schedule your initial consultation at no cost today.