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Being a truck driver in Delaware might be a good idea if you’re considering a new career path.
This article has a lot of information about the process of becoming a trucker and also the salary you can expect earning from the start.
Article Table of Contents
Meet the Criteria
Before you start your new career, you need to start training, and you can enroll in any school offering a CDL after you made sure you meet the requirements and submit the paperwork and fees.
You’ll have to be at the very least 18 years old to drive trucks, but you’ll be allowed to do so only within the state.
If you want to drive out of state, transport dangerous materials, or drive trucks with doubles or triples trailers, you’ll have to be at least 21.
Additionally, you’ll have to prove you can legally work in the USA and reside in Delaware.
Documents
Assuming you meet all the requirements, it’s time you collect the documents.
They include:
- A long medical form – it includes the results from various medical examinations, including eye check
- Proof you passed a background check
- Proof of you Social Security Number
- The filled out an application
You should know there are a series of fees you must also pay, and they’re not refundable.
Getting Trained
Training for truck drivers takes place at special schools.
Their programs have different duration based on the type of license you seek.
The training can last as little as 4 weeks, though perhaps 8 weeks is more common.
Delaware doesn’t have many schools, unlike other states, as seen from the table below.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| American Driver Training Academy | 19B Davidson Lane, New Castle, DE 19720 |
| Delaware Tech Community College | 21179 College Drive, Georgetown, DE 19947 |
| Smith & Solomon Training Solutions | 217B Lisa Drive, New Castle, DE 19720 |
It is worth noting that they could help you find employment after you graduate and that it may be possible for you to qualify for a scholarship.
Which License
There are several commercial driving licenses you can obtain, and that you can add several endorsements as well.
The licenses are split into 3 main classes:
Class A: Covers combination vehicles that are heavier than 26,000 pounds, they can tow a trailer over 10,000 pounds, and it extends to Classes B, C, and D.
Class B: Covers combination or single vehicles but the single one is heavier than 26,000 pounds, the towed trailer is under 10,000 pounds, and it extends to Classes C and D.
Class C: Covers combination or single vehicles that don’t belong in the earlier classes, it extends to Classes D.
- These vehicles can transport at least 16 people or hazardous materials, and it needs to be placarded accordingly.
Class D is for private passenger, or better said your personal car.
Income
In Delaware, truck drivers earn on average $46,436 per year, while those with more endorsements or experience can earn about $53,816 annually.
These salaries are higher than those at a national level.
The median salary in the United States for these drivers is $44,225 per year, while those in the top 10% make around $51,254 per year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Wilmington | $47,144 |
| Dover | $47,072 |
| Newark | $47,109 |
| Middletown | $47,000 |
| Bear | $47,091 |
| Hockessin | $47,144 |
| Smyrna | $47,020 |
| Milford | $47,188 |
| Claymont | $47,144 |
| Seaford | $46,215 |
Regional Salary in Delaware
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dover, DE | 940 | $51,320 | $24.68 | $65,000 | $38,480 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Considerations
Unlike with many other jobs, you can get hired and start working right after you get your license, and there are many companies who need truck drivers in Delaware.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Truck Driver
CDL Schools by State