Driver Teamsters 50 - ET Simonds Careers

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TEAMSTERS LOCAL 50

CONTACT TEAMSTERS LOCAL 50

Locations in Swansea and West Frankfort

Office Hours:
Monday - Friday
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Do you ever think about how all of the equipment, supplies and materials actually get to construction projects?

It takes a dedicated team of drivers to make it all happen and across the region, contractors and other companies like E. T. Simonds is looking for union-member truck drivers to get everything where it needs to go. In Southern Illinois, these professional drivers are all members of Teamsters Local 50.

YOUR GATEWAY TO SUCCESS

JOINING THE TEAMSTERS 50

Pat Nichols, president of the local, says in order to drive rigs for construction companies, men and women need to be members of the Teamsters and joining is not that complicated.

“The first thing,” he explains, “to be in the construction industry through the Teamsters Union, it is highly recommended that you have a Class A CDL with multiple endorsements.”

The CDL, or Commercial Driver’s License, is a special driver’s license required to operate any commercial vehicle (like a tractor-trailer or dump truck) which weighs more than 13 tons or 26,000 pounds.

Endorsements are add-on permits for certain type of vehicles or vehicle systems. Nichols recommends endorsements for air brakes, hazardous materials and tanker trailers.

HOW TO APPLY

APPLICATION PROCESS

How to Become a Member of the Teamsters 50

Getting a CDL license requires specialized training such as the truck driver programs offered at community colleges or through private truck driving schools. Additional classes in both type of educational institutions can lead to the additional endorsements. Following completion of the coursework, drivers can test for their CDL with the Secretary of State Driver’s Services bureau.

With new license in hand, drivers can join the Teamsters by paying a visit to one of the union halls (located in Swansea and West Frankfort, 8 a.m.-Noon, Monday-Friday) or by calling Local 50 at (618) 233-0313 or online at www.teamsters50.com.

To join the union, drivers must have a valid CDL with at least an air brakes endorsement. Applicants also must pass an Illinois Department of Transportation physical which is available at many doctor’s offices and clinics.

AGE & EDUCATION

You must be at least 18 years old and hold a High School Diploma or GED.

LEGAL REQUIREMENTS

Possess a valid Illinois driver's license and be eligible to work in the U.S.

HEALTH & FITNESS

Complete the
MCSA-5876 form for commercial driver medical certification.

Nichols said the union will go to work for new members, attempting to help get novice truckers miles behind the wheel with real loads.

“It’s difficult at time because people come out with zero experience,” Nichols said. “We try to find one of our local companies that are willing to put them on and train them in the construction world.” He adds that new drivers can help themselves by talking to area companies and farmers about driving jobs, just to gain experience. “That is their pathway into the construction world as a Teamster.”

He added that some new drivers are able to get jobs with construction companies as apprentice Teamsters (because of the lack of experience). These jobs come with lower skill set expectations from the employer and are paid less than non-apprentice drivers. These arrangements can last up to three years.

next steps

COMPLETE THE APPLICATION PROCESS

“The goal is to introduce these young men and women into our craft and to a job for life,”

- Teamsters 50 President

Obtain a Class A CDL with multiple endorsements through a community college or private truck driving school.

Visit your local Teamsters Union Hall, call, or visit the website to apply and pass an Illinois Department of Transportation physical.

Once in the union, drivers are added to a "call list" and must complete the
Form MCSA-5876.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Get in Contact With The Teamsters Local 50 Union

Located in Swansea and West Frankfort

8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

(618) 233-0313

Teamsters Local 50

The Simonds Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.

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