For commercial drivers, driving in Maine can blend economic opportunity, scenes of rugged beauty – and particularly hazardous conditions in winter.
Important economic sectors in Maine include logging, fishing, agriculture, and manufacturing. Truck drivers transport lumber, seafood, potatoes, and manufactured goods to markets and distribution hubs in cities like Boston and New York. For truckers and bus drivers, the primary commercial route is Interstate 95. Other important commercial routes include U.S. Routes 1, 2, and 302.
U.S. Route 1 is a scenic route as well as a commercial route. But in winter, snowstorms, icy roads, and poor visibility can make I-95, U.S. Route 1, and U.S. Route 2 treacherous for commercial drivers. In northern Maine, where logging trucks operate, steep, winding roads can become particularly hazardous when they turn icy.
Want to obtain a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) so you can start earning money as a commercial driver? One of the most important first steps you must take is to pass the official General Knowledge test on commercial driving theory. This is a necessary step for you to obtain a Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP). Once you hold a CLP, you will be allowed to practice commercial driving under the supervision of a licensed CDL holder.