Want to be a trucker? Here's what you need to know

According to Bob Collins, owner of Interstate Truck Driving School in South St. Paul, a driver can expect ongoing drug testing. For example, on the first day of the job, a driver is required to provide a urine sample. Beyond pre-employment, there are three other situations where a drug test is a possibility:

1) Drivers are placed in a random pool where 50 percent of that driver pool are required to take a drug test once per year.

2) If an employer has reasonable suspicion that a driver is taking drugs, the employer has the right to ask that driver to take a drug test.

3) If a driver gets into an accident while on the job and/or if a ticket is issued for a driving infraction, that driver is required to take a post-incident drug test.

Student Tom Bunhean gets acquainted with the gearshift as he practices driving a truck with instructor Paul Holmquist, at Interstate Driving School in South St. Paul on Tuesday, October 27, 2015. (Pioneer Press: Scott Takushi)

And even with a plethora of available driving jobs in the industry, Collins said employment is not guaranteed.

Some people get into a driving school and get a DUI while enrolled. He said it is an industry for sober people with the right work ethic. Drivers need to show up on time and be able to pass the criteria for getting a commercial driver's license, he said.

Darin Heinemeyer, recruiting director at Koch Trucking Inc. in Minneapolis, also said there is no guarantee someone will get hired.

"Some carriers will hire students upon graduation -- but most still require one year of post-CDL school experience," Heinemeyer said.

But according to Collins, Interstate Truck Driving School has a 100 percent placement rate, and more than 30 companies seek to hire its students.