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The makeup of the driver workforce has shifted as the number of drivers has expanded. Although most taxi and limousine drivers are red-blooded American men, women and immigrants have developed a substantial presence in this sector. Foreigners have immigrated to the US as taxi drivers and truck drivers, especially in significant urban areas, where they make up more than half of taxi/limo drivers. Female drivers have also surged in recent decades. Women, on the other hand, outnumber immigrants outside of big cities.

This article will inform you about driving jobs in the US, How to immigrate to the US as a taxi driver or truck driver, the requirements, US cities with the most payment, etc.

Shortage of Taxi Drivers and Truck Drivers in the US

Taxi Drivers Shortage in the US

According to the LPHCA (Licensed Private Hire Car Association), the market is short 160,000 of its once 300,000-strong workforce. As the need dropped during lockdowns, many drivers quit the sector. Demand for taxis is increasing as Covid-19 restrictions are eased, but the epidemic has resulted in a lack of licensed taxi drivers returning to our streets.

It’s not due to drivers being reluctant to go back behind the wheel. Although some may have chosen alternate professional routes, backlogs mean that licenses and applications take longer to complete, and fewer taxis mean passengers are waiting longer.

Uber has agreed to list all cabs in New York City on its app. As a result, riders in New York City will be able to call a taxi directly from their Uber applications later this spring, assisting the firm in combating its driver shortage and soaring rates.

Truck Drivers Shortage in the US

There is a shortage of 80,000 truck drivers (maybe more) in the US. The ATA also estimates that trucks handle around 72 percent of America’s freight transit, demonstrating how reliant customers are on the truckers who get turkeys to supermarkets, petrol to pumps, or the Christmas gifts you purchase at home.

How to Immigrate to the US as a Taxi Driver or a Truck Driver (2)

General Skills Required for Taxi and Truck Drivers

  • Map Reading Skills. Taxi drivers must be capable of navigating their way around a metropolis. Before acquiring a taxi license in most bigger cities, taxi drivers must pass examinations on the layout of their city.
  • Knowledge Of Local Culture. Taxi drivers are frequently the go-to source for information about local and surrounding places. They must be able to locate their route effortlessly to transport you to your destination.
  • Multitasking. Taxi driving is frequently referred to as the ability to multitask.
  • Communication Skills. To get you to your location, taxi drivers must be able to speak fluently with clients. They must be able to comprehend and respond swiftly to your accent.
  • Patience. Taxi drivers must have a lot of patience since they have to deal with demanding customers. They may be hurried, furious, intoxicated, or all three.
  • Driver skills. Taxi drivers must be able to operate their cars quickly and safely to avoid problems and accidents on the road.

Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs’ Requirements in the US 

  • Age. The minimum age for drivers is 19.
  • Drivers License. Having a legal driver’s license from your home country and then passing a driver’s license exam in the United States. Following training, these taxi drivers must get a taxi driving license from the municipality.
  • Taxi License. It is required before getting behind the wheel. Many start working for licensed firms and working their way up to being private contractors after saving enough money to start their businesses.
  • Car. Any automobile that meets the safety and maintenance requirements can be operated as a taxi. If you are not a private cab driver, this is provided by the firm for whom you work.
  • Insurance. Taxi drivers must possess insurance coverage that meets or exceeds the state minimums. Unless you’re a solo driver, this is taken out by the firm that hired you.
  • Clean Driving Record. You must not have any drunk driving records or significant accidents that might jeopardize your chances of acquiring a cab driver employment in America.
  • IDP. If you are a foreigner in the United States, you must obtain an International Driving Permit, sometimes known as an IDP. An IDP is a type of identification recognized by several nations worldwide.
  • Driving training. Most cab drivers receive just little training. Taxi drivers must complete a brief term of on-the-job training, which may last up to two weeks. In American cities, certain municipal governments have training laws. Local restrictions allow drivers to learn to drive under these laws.
  • High school diploma. A high school diploma is usually necessary for employment as a cab driver.

How to Apply for an IDP?

You will need an international driving permit if you wish to drive in another country (IDP). The international driving permit is a legal translation of your home country’s driver’s license that allows you to legally drive in another country. As a result, this document is often known as an international driver’s license.

You may drive in over 140 countries with an IDP. It’s a driver’s license with a worldwide version. The IDP is meant to augment, rather than replace, your UK driving license. So, if you’re traveling abroad, be sure you have both. There are three types of permits; which one you need depends on the country you’re driving in. If you want to visit more than one country, you may require more than one IDP. When your IDP expires, you must apply for a new one. IDPs are not the same as green cards, which are used in other countries as proof of motor insurance.

There are three types of international driving permits: IDP 1926, IDP 1949, and IDP 1968. Which one you need is determined by where you want to drive. You will need to collect the following documents:

  • A filled-out application. Return it to your local AAA branch office.
  • Two passport photos.
  • A US driver’s license.
  • Payment of the permit fee(USD 20).

You can request an IDP by mail if you cannot visit a AAA branch office. If you are sending your IDP by mail, please submit the documents below:

  • Your completed IDP application form.
  • Two genuine passport images, each signed on the back.
  • The fee for the permit is USD 20.
  • A duplicate of your driver’s license.

Truck Drivers’ Requirements in the US 

If you plan to work as a professional truck driver in the US, you must first receive your Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP), followed by your Commercial Driving License (CDL). Some trucking schools require GEDs or high school credentials from their enrollees. Do your study and select an option that considers the abilities necessary for the job. You must also have a GED/High School diploma in addition to the requirements listed below:

  • To cross state lines, you must be at least 18 years old and 21 years old to drive from one state to another.
  • A clean driving record
  • Proof of residence in the state
  • A social security number (SSN)
  • Insurance documentation
  • Pass drug testing and medical exams regularly.
  • Clear a background check

What is CLP?

A commercial learner’s permit (CLP) allows you to practice driving on public roads with a certified CDL holder seated next to you. Obtaining the permit entails more than passing all of the knowledge examinations for the driving you intend to conduct. A CLP enables you to gain the abilities needed for a Class A CDL.

What is CDL?

After you’ve gotten your CLP, you’ll need to locate a CDL training school in your state. CDL is an abbreviation for Commercial Driver’s License. A valid Commercial Driver’s License, or “CDL,” is required to operate a commercial motor vehicle in the US.

H-2B Temporary Visa for Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs in the US

The H-2B visa is a work visa that permits firms to recruit non-agricultural employees to fill short-term employment openings. This visa can only be used when no American workers are available for the task. Taxi driving and other seasonal eligible non-agricultural jobs are all served. 

How to Immigrate as a Taxi Driver or a Chauffeur to the US?

Here are the steps of applying for the US work visa for taxi drivers.

Employer Applies for Temporary Labor Certificate

Your potential employer or agent in the United States must begin the application process by requesting a temporary labor certificate from the Department of Labor (DOL). The DOL will investigate whether the company’s hiring of foreign nationals would hurt domestic workers. Aside from establishing that the labor is temporary, the company must demonstrate that it attempted and failed to hire trained and commercial drivers and that hiring H2B employees will not negatively impact the salaries and working conditions of similarly hired US workers.

Employer Files Petition with USCIS

If the employer receives a labor certificate, they must file Form I-129, Petition for Nonimmigrant Worker, with US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). In addition, an employer can file a single H-2B petition for multiple foreign nationals.

Worker Goes Through Consular Processing

When your employer’s petition is granted, you will be told to apply for your visa with the United States Department of State (DOS) and participate in an interview at a US Embassy in your country.

US Work Visa for Truck Drivers 

H-2B

Trucking businesses in the United States can use the H-2B visa to employ foreign commercial truck drivers. This visa program is intended to assist US firms in meeting labor shortages caused by a lack of US workers willing and able to conduct non-agricultural labor. Employers can temporarily engage truckers from other countries for up to 12 months and can petition to extend the H2B work visa for up to three years if the requirement remains.

EB-3 Permanent Resident 

The EB-3 immigration visa category allows firms in the United States to recruit unskilled foreign drivers permanently. The EB-3, like the H-2B, needs a labor certification from the Department of Labor and prevailing pay and position advertising requirements.

Because there is a significant scarcity of commercial truck drivers in the United States, demonstrating that there are no competent US truckers to fill the post should be pretty straightforward. Once the Labor Department has accepted the labor certification, the employer can file a Permanent Resident petition with the USCIS. If the petition is received, the trucker must either proceed to the nearest United States embassy to get an immigrant visa or, if already in the United States, file for adjustment of status.

Canada, Mexico, and the provinces and territories of Canada issue foreign commercial driving licenses that the US government recognizes. In principle, such trucks can start working right away. Otherwise, in most jurisdictions, getting a commercial driver’s license will take a few weeks.

Owner/Operator E-2 Visas

E-2 work visas may also be available to owner-operators. These visas can be secured if the trucker can demonstrate that they are beginning a business in the US and that it is expected to develop to employ a few individuals in addition to the Owner/Operator over time.

An investment pact between the United States and the trucker’s home country, including Mexico or Canada, would serve as the foundation for this work visa. In addition, the E-2 visa is allowed if the trucker has made a significant investment in their rig and transferred ownership to the trucker’s US firm formed for that reason.

How to Obtain a US H-2B Visa for Truck Drivers?

You must be 18 years old to qualify for an H-2B visa as a truck driver. While commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) granted in Mexico and Canada are recognized in the US, other drivers must pass a test and get a US CDL before commencing employment. It is your employer’s responsibility to ensure that you are adequately trained and licensed.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, H-2B visas are only accessible to nationals of around 80 nations (DHS). Mexico, Canada, and countries from all parts of the world are included on the permitted countries list, which was last changed on January 19, 2021.

First, ensure that you can meet the standards for becoming a truck driver in the United States. You’ll require a heavy vehicle driving license, and many employers will need a CDL (commercial driver’s license), which you may receive from the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and about which your employer can advise you. In addition, many trucking schools in the US provide CDL training. Truck drivers must be at least 18 (21 to cross state lines). You must also have appropriate employment experience, and a clean driving record is preferred.

Second, get a suitable employment offer from a business with all the appropriate paperwork in place, such as a temporary labor certification for H-2B employees and the successful filing and approval of Form I-129. You cannot apply for the visa unless you have a work offer and an employer willing to sponsor you. According to USCIS, your recruiter must verify that the job will be temporary (less than a year), that there is a lack of available US employees, and that you have experience in your industry. The employer must also pay the prevailing rate for truck drivers where the firm is situated. On April 29, 2015, changes were made to the rules for H-2B visas increasing worker protections, so it is essential to make sure job offers include these new requirements.

Lastly, once USCIS determines that your potential employer has done their part, you must go to the US Department of State (DOS) at a foreign embassy to apply for a visa or admission.

What are the Best H-2B Visa Recruitment Agencies in the US?

Here are the leading H-2B visa recruiting companies with a proven track record of assisting businesses to discover answers to their H2B demands.

Work Abroad Network

Work Abroad Network has streamlined the H-2B application and recruiting process by handling all the paperwork and legal difficulties. In addition, to assure a dependable workforce, the agency thoroughly checks possible foreign workers.

Some of the advantages of using Work Abroad Network include:

  • Employers receive timely certifications.
  • Expertise in pairing qualified employees with suitable employers.
  • Friendly advice simplifies the visa application procedure for both the business and the guest workers.
  • Taxi driving and other seasonal eligible non-agricultural jobs like construction and manufacturing are all served.

LaborQuest USA

LaborQuest offers a dependable pool of temporary workers to any company needing temporary staff. In addition, LaborQuest assists employees in locating suitable employment for non-agricultural job advertisements.

LaborQuest can assist you in finding competent workers in various industries, including landscaping, taxi driving, hospitality, construction, and a variety of other specialist service firms.

LaborQuest provides the following essential services:

  • Help with payroll record keeping
  • Help with giving workers insurance
  • Advice on Wage Determination
  • Legal assistance
  • A highly qualified workforce that can meet any job demand

FEWA

The Federation of Employees and Workers of America assists businesses in dealing with labor shortages through legal measures. In addition, it enables companies to access laborers from around the world. 

FEWA has allowed employees from many countries to obtain H-2B visas to fill temporary employment openings in the US. The mentioned countries are:

  • Mexico
  • Guatemala
  • Costa Rica
  • El Salvador
  • Brazil
  • Belize
  • Hungary
  • The UK
  • Norway

FEWA offers the following notable services:

  • Access to an ample labor supply from several nations.
  • A smooth visa and recruiting procedure
  • A well-trained staff decreases training expenses while increasing turnover.
  • The entire legal procedure

Which US Cities Have the Highest Demand for Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs?

With wait times that are 50 percent greater than usual, several cities have attempted to employ taxi drivers to meet the demand.

New York City

Chicago

Seattle

Austin

Las Vegas

San Francisco

Boston

The best-Paying US Cities for Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs to Immigrate 

Seattle, Fairbanks, Bremerton, Bellingham, and Napa are the urban regions with the highest cab driver salaries.

US city

Payment

Napa, California

$44,510

Bellingham, Washington

$44,880

Bremerton, Washington

$44,940

Fairbanks, Alaska

$45,780

Seattle, Washington

$46,580

The best-Paying US States for Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs to Immigrate

Alaska, Washington, New York, the District of Columbia, and North Dakota have enormous salaries for taxi drivers.

US state

Payment

North Dakota

$41,430

District of Columbia

$41,730

New York

$42,790

Washington

$44,670

Alaska

$45,040

Best US Cities for Truck Drivers to Immigrate 

Here is a list of 20 best-paying cities for truck drivers in the US (from the lowest to the highest).

US city

Living cost

Payment

Wichita, KS

1.29x cost of living

$43,800

Memphis, TN

1.28x cost of living

$44,700

Little Rock, AR

1.33x cost of living

$46,480

Cincinnati, OH

1.31x cost of living

$46,580

Dallas, TX

1.36x cost of living

$46,600

Lexington, KY

1.41x cost of living

$47,260

Boise, ID

1.35x cost of living

$47,520

Phoenix, AZ

1.29x cost of living

$48,080

Eugene, OR

1.29x cost of living

$48,290

El Paso, TX

1.56x cost of living

$48,340

Salt Lake City, UT

1.38x cost of living

$49,100

Kansas City, MO

1.28x cost of living

$49,170

St. Louis, MO

1.30x cost of living

$49,440

Madison, WI

1.36x cost of living

$52,160

Louisville, KY

1.34x cost of living

$50,180

Reno, NV

1.35x cost of living

$50,460

Des Moines, IA

1.34x cost of living

$50,550

Vancouver, WA

1.30x cost of living

$50,600

Lincoln, NE

1.38x cost of living

$51,840

Tulsa, OK

1.53x cost of living

$53,810

Average Taxi Driver Pay in the US vs. Other Best Jobs 

In 2020, the average wage for a taxi driver was $34,360. In 2020, comparable positions made the average salary: 

  • Bus drivers: $48,110
  • Delivery truck drivers: $41,050 
  • Restaurant cooks: $29,530
  • Bus drivers: $48,110

Benefits of Immigrating and Working as a Taxi Driver and Chauffeurs in the US

Immigrating and working in the US as taxi drivers come with various benefits. You can see a list of those benefits below:

  • Getting to know new people. Working as a taxi driver is a well-known way to meet new people. Taxi drivers are famous for being the go-to persons for information regarding other cities and nations.
  • Fun. Working as a taxi driver means you never know what you’ll encounter; the tales you’ll hear, the people you’ll meet – you never know, you may even give a ride to someone famous!
  • How to navigate cities. Taxi drivers must be able to find their way through a town to get you to your destination. Learning how to read maps, multitasking, and multitasking is a valuable ability that may be used for various vocations.
  • Money. The money may be excellent, especially if you opt to work on weekends or during peak times of the week when your expertise is in high demand. You could even notice some driving suggestions if you’re a skilled driver! You’re paid instantly, so you may enjoy the satisfaction of holding your cash in your palm after your shift. A sensation that most of us would relish!
  • Hours. The constraints of the nine-to-five routine will no longer bind you, as becoming a cab driver allows you to work for yourself and set your hours. If you had a lousy birthday, you don’t have to worry about getting out of bed; if you like working at night rather than early in the morning, you have that option!
  • Regular work. Working for yourself is always risky since you never know how busy you’ll be — unless you become a cab driver, you can find employment practically everywhere. People usually need a lift, whether in a significant metropolis or a little village in the country — especially on a Friday or Saturday night!
  • Consistent work. Taxi drivers are always in high demand. Because their consumers are constantly on the go, there is frequently no need to take a vacation.

Benefits of Immigrating and Working as a Truck Driver in the US

Immigrating and working in the US as truck drivers come with various benefits. You can see a list of 11 benefits below:

Salary. A truck driver’s annual income in the United States is $67,457. Salaries may vary depending on various criteria, including the size of the firm, the location of the employment, and the truck driver’s level of expertise. Due to the growing need for truck drivers, these individuals may rely on this job as a reliable source of income. You may also win incentives for driving routes other drivers do not wish to go. In addition, some firms provide incentives for maintaining a high level of safety or driving a specified distance.

Travel. You get to see more areas as a truck driver than in any other career, and you will get paid for it. While your profession will need you to drive to various regions of the country, you may also utilize your leisure time to see monuments and other attractions. Travel is a nice perk of becoming a truck driver if you want to visit more of the US.

Independence. Trucking typically entails supervising oneself because you’re frequently alone when delivering products. Your boss will probably tell you where and when you need to make deliveries, but the remainder of your work will be self-directed. For instance, you may frequently pick your route, vehicle, and work schedule.

Career advancement. If you love driving a truck, you may typically pursue more training to earn a higher wage or more job prospects. You may, for instance, get qualified to teach at a truck driving school or move to a management position. If you’re interested in starting your own business, you may become an owner-operator, implying you control your trucking firm.

Employee benefits. Employee perks are provided to many entry-level truck drivers. For instance, you may obtain medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage. Some businesses even offer retirement plans or referral incentives. Another employee perk is paid time off, including paid holidays and vacation time. These rewards may vary based on your job or organization.

Flexible schedules. Truck drivers can frequently choose their schedules, allowing them to manage a work-life balance. For instance, you may decide to work exclusively during the week so that you may spend your weekends with friends or family. In addition, flexible schedules allow you to work during the day or at night, depending on your interests. Trucking provides several options to work outside the traditional five-day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. schedule.

Education costs. To become a truck driver, you must first attend driving school and obtain your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), which can take up to eight weeks to get. Some trucking businesses may pay for your CDL exam. Furthermore, some trucking businesses may pay for half or more of your driving school fees. This can help you save money on driving to school and acquiring your license. After receiving your CDL, you may generally begin working within a few weeks, allowing you to start saving money without worrying about debt.

Choosing your driving distance. You may usually pick the miles you drive like a truck driver. For example, if you want to travel home every night, you may choose a shorter route. You might also take longer paths that take several days or more to accomplish. The quantity and distance of trips you travel are determined by the total hours you choose to work. If you drive short, one-day journeys, you may have to drive many routes in a week.

Benefiting others. Truck driving is a job that helps others, making it a satisfying career. Truck drivers play an essential part in society since they transport basics such as clothing and food to various areas such as grocery shops, petrol stations, shopping malls, and hospitals. As a truck driver, you make a difference in many people’s lives by ensuring they have the items they desire and need.

Time on the road. As a trucker, you spend most of your time alone on the road. This implies you may have plenty of time to enjoy, study, or listen to music. You might, for instance, listen to an audiobook while driving to learn a new skill or other instructional resources such as a documentary.

Community. Truck driving frequently provides a sense of community. Many truck drivers build ties with one another due to their jobs. You may perform most of your truck driving alone, but you may develop deep relationships with those who share your lifestyle.

Advice for Taxi Drivers and Chauffeurs Immigrating to the US

Passenger advice

  • Don’t be turned off by a small number of rude people. The vast majority are fine people with whom you might make friends.
  • Always maintain a professional and courteous demeanor. Many things may happen in your cab, so if you ever find yourself in a dangerous position, try to stay calm. If you are nervous about picking someone up, believe your gut sense since it is always correct and cancel the appointment. Prioritize your safety.
  • Try not to dispute other people’s opinions; instead, agree with them and avoid confrontation. If you are a football fan, don’t show it; instead, delicately incorporate it into the discussion as and when it suits.
  • Understand your destination and interact with your passengers. Everyone is different; some people enjoy talking while others do not. You must find this out within the first few seconds of them entering your vehicle. It makes all the difference.
  • Customer service at its finest. Provide food to customers, inquire about their temperature, open and close their doors, inquire about their legroom, be witty and pleasant, and go the additional mile! Do not argue with your customers (the customer is always right), and dress appropriately.

On-the-road advice

  • Maintain professionalism, discretion, and enjoyment throughout the trip.
  • Be trustworthy and dependable; recurring business is the finest business.
  • It all comes down to customer service; repeat clients are essential.
  • Drive cautiously, avoid using your phone while driving, and avoid belligerent passengers if possible.
  • Know your surroundings and carefully plan your trip before leaving. Check and recheck the destination. After that, you may relax and talk to your passenger.
  • Purchase internal CCTV and insurance-approved dash cameras for your cab’s front and back. Your passengers should pay first after 11 p.m.
  • You must be patient, honest, know a lot about the city/area, be kind to others, and never lose your anger under any circumstances.
  • Have fun with it. It’s the finest job on the planet!

Taxi insurance advice

  • For insurance, visit insureTAXI.
  • Currently, comprehensive insurance is preferred over third-party insurance.

Advice for Truck Drivers Immigrating to the US

If you want to be a truck driver, here are some pointers:

  • Follow the regulations of the road. One of the most crucial components of truck driving is safety precautions. To keep yourself and other drivers safe, understand and observe all traffic rules.
  • Maintain your car. Before commencing a route, inspect your vehicle. This can assist in guaranteeing that everything is operational, which is a precautionary measure.
  • Be punctual. Delivering your cargo on schedule is critical in truck driving. Give yourself lots of time to finish your trip and attempt to depart as early as feasible.
  • Complete adequate training. While your education can prepare you to drive a truck, it is equally critical that you complete the training provided by your firm. This might help you rapidly discover corporate policies.

How Much Do Uber Drivers Make?

Uber’s compensation structure is fluid and adaptable. It is determined by the location, time of day, and frequency of labor. As a result, pay may vary from day to day.

Uber gives “earnings estimates” rather than a predetermined salary to assist drivers in determining their anticipated profits. These should be regarded just as forecasts. They are determined by what other drivers doing the same hours in the same place earned in the preceding month.

Uber’s compensation system considers various variables, including basic fares, tips, and other incentives. As a result, it is difficult to calculate a reasonable average. Most Uber drivers earn between $15 and $22 per hour.

Location

Salary

Connecticut

$40,202

New York City

$44,702

Kentucky

$35,002

San Francisco

$46,502

Wyoming

$33,102

Can You Drive for Uber on an H1B Visa?

Due to the apparent job limits on H1B visas, H1B visa owners cannot become Uber drivers. While H1B visa holders can fulfill all of Uber’s criteria (such as owning a specific type of car, a license, and a Social Security number), driving for Uber would break the rules of their H1B visa.

The purpose of the H1B visa is to allow businesses to recruit foreign labor when no American-citizen applicants are available. Employers must demonstrate to the USCIS that they attempted to hire an American applicant but could not find one with equivalent qualities before hiring a foreign worker on an H1B visa. For example, there are many American candidates for Uber drivers, and because driving does not require “specialized expertise,” it is not employment eligible for H1B sponsorship.

Let’s Sum Up

Being a cab driver is appealing to immigrants because it is relatively straightforward to enter and provides employment for those who may not speak English well. However, drivers must pass an English exam. Certain immigrant groups have opted to specialize in taxi and limousine driving. South Asian cab drivers exist in the same way that Korean grocers do.

Many foreigners from various parts of the world come to the US to become taxi and truck drivers due to the critical shortage of such drivers in the US industries. The US government offers H2B visas for taxi drivers and chauffeurs and H2A, EB-3, and E1 visas for truck drivers. 

If you like to know about other types of careers that help you immigrate to the US, check out the sidebar on the right.

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2 Comments

  1. Cab drivers# very valable informations