Is a Career As a Department of Defense Truck Driver For You?
D.O.D. Department of Defense truck drivers are a specialized group of drivers within the trucking industry, who haul military freight.
They make sure this special high security freight is delivered on time to where it’s needed to military stations and locations throughout the U.S., as well as get there without being compromised in any way.
So, needless to say, A D.O.D. driving job isn’t just a run of the mill truck driving job.
There is a high level of security involved.
Becoming a Department of Defense Truck Driver
Becoming a D.O.D. driver requires very specific qualifications, safe driving qualifications and a high degree of skill as a driver.
Qualities of a Top Notch D.O.D. Driver
A top-notch D.O.D. driver is more than just a steering wheel holder.
Here’s a few things this special group of drivers excel at:
- Attention to Detail: Logbook entries and safety checks must be precise.
- Reliability: Being late for pick ups and deliveries just isn’t an option.
- Safety-Consciousness: Strict adherence to the FMCSA rules and regs.
- Physical Fitness: Drivers must pass demanding physical exams.
- HazardMat: Hazmat knowledge is necessary and part of the training.
Qualifications Required
- Valid CDL: Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Medical Examiner’s Certificate: Proves your physical fitness based on a medical examination report, just as any truck driver would need.
- Clearance: Need security clearance to haul sensitive D.O.D. loads.
- Driving Experience: Previous truck driving experience (not a realm for new drivers)
How To Become a D.O.D. Driver
- Get Your CDL: Get your CDL license from an accredited CDL school or program.
- Get a Physical Exam: Pass the physical.
- Get Experience: Consider starting as a company or team driver .
- Have a Solid Working Knowledge of Regulations: Know the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) and Hazmat requirements like the back of your hand.
- Apply For Jobs in the Field: Start applying for D.O.D. jobs
What Exactly Does a D.O.D. Driver Do?
- Point A to Point B – Delivering equipment, supplies, and sometimes classified cargo, in and out of military bases and other designated locations.
- Driving a Variety of Commercial Vehicles
- Following strict guidelines for vehicle maintenance
Security and Clearances
With D.O.D. loads, there are extra security measures involved.
- Detailed background checks.
- Your record must be squeaky clean.
- Loads are secured with specials locks and seals (just like for international border crossings)
- Checking load often to be sure the load remains intact and hasn’t been tampered with
Job Demand For D.O.D. Drivers
Specifically, a D.O.D. driver’s role might involve working closely with management and mechanics to ensure that vehicles are maintained and operations run smoothly.
How Much Do D.O.D. Drivers Earn?
ATS is a trucking company that hires D.O.D. drivers.
They haul arms, ammo and explosives and take part in the Transportation Protective Services.
This freight needs constant supervision, clearance and surveillance.
ATS claims their drivers earn $6,000-$8000 per week.
This type of driving job can certainly be profitable, if you’re able to fortunate enough to land one.
A D.O.D. driver’s pay depends on a few things on:
- Experience: The more experience they have, the higher the $
- Material Type: Sensitive or hazardous materials will often pay better.
If this type of truck driving job appeals to you, check out a company that hires D.O.D. drivers, to apply.
The Challenges and Rewards of a D.O.D. Driver
Being a D.O.D. truck driver isn’t a gig for just any driver.
This type of driver needs to be highly motivated, experienced and willing to make the necessary sacrifices to get the job done.
- Job Challenges
- Long hours away from family. (No different that an OTR driving job)
- Navigating tight scheduling to meet delivery deadlines. (Same expectations many companies have)
- Strict military transportation regulations.
- Handling large, sometimes hazardous materials.
- Benefits – The pay can be substantial, if you land a good driving gig.
At The End of the Day…….
Remember, everyone’s experience as a truck driver is different.
So while there’s no sugarcoating the job, know that being a D.O.D. truck driver can be as good as you make it.
Your responsibility carries both the weight of the challenge and the heft of the rewards.
Not all trucking jobs are created equal, so take your time to find a carrier that ticks your boxes for flexibility, home time, and career growth.
