10 Essential Safety Tips for Truck Drivers

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10 Essential Safety Tips for Truck Drivers

On the road truck driving is one of the most important jobs for the economy. It ensures timely delivery of important goods all across the country. Unfortunately, it’s also one of the most dangerous jobs. In 2017, 4,889 large trucks and buses were involved in fatal crashes, a 9-percent increase from 2016, according to the National Highway and Traffic Safety Administration. Truck driving comes with the heavy responsibility of safety for yourself, your cargo, and others on the road. Every great truck driver is going to try to prioritize safety. Here are ten essential safety tips for truck drivers.

1. Defensive driving

Driving defensively means being constantly aware and vigilant for changing or unexpected road conditions. You have to take particular care for motorists who don’t understand trucks and how they operate. Make sure you leave enough space ahead of you—about twice the distance of that the average motorist keeps. Braking distance is the time it takes for the truck to reach a stop once the brake has been applied. The average braking distance for a commercial truck is about 4 seconds. If you’re traveling 55 mph, that’s another 390 feet until you come to a complete stop.

2. Regulate your speed

Of course, you want to follow the speed limit. When it comes to trucking, there are even times when the posted speed limit is too fast.

Take corners, curves, and ramps very slowly!

This is an example of when the posted speed is for cars and not big rigs. Trucks can easily tip over if approaching these too fast. You also will want to take weather and traffic conditions into account for your speed. Know when to slow down, and when you can afford to speed up. You probably shouldn’t be driving at top speed anywhere except the middle of a deserted Interstate on a clear day.

3. Vehicle maintenance

Make sure you complete your pre-trip inspection. The tires and brakes are especially vital given how much weight is riding on them. Any abnormalities should be reported to dispatch right away. If you skip steps in your inspection, or gloss over them, you are compromising your safety and the safety of others on the road!

4. Weather conditions

Subscribe to weather alerts, so that you’re aware of the weather conditions before departing on a trip. Winter weather is especially dangerous as it causes roughly 25% of all speeding-related truck driving accidents. You should be cutting your speed in half for snowy or icy roads. Allow more time for everything in winter weather—signal longer before turning, double your following space, and change speed more carefully. If you see other truckers pulling over, consider doing the same.

5. Work zones

Work zones will present many hazards for truck drivers, like lane shifts, sudden stops, uneven road surfaces, moving workers or equipment, and erratic behavior from other motorists.

About one third of all fatal work zone accidents involve large trucks.

Keep an eye out for road workers and adjust accordingly. Along with obeying all work zone signs, you can also slow down, maintain extra following space, and be prepared to stop quickly.

6. Minimal lane changes

The most adept truck drivers pick a lane and stay in it. The chances of getting into an accident increase every time the truck moves to another lane. If you absolutely have to change lanes, move over very carefully and slowly. Check your mirrors, be aware of blind spots, and signal well ahead of time. Remember that most motorists don’t know how to react to a lane-switching truck, so you’ll have to take that into account. Avoid lane changes during heavy traffic, poor weather conditions, or during night driving.

7. Check delivery spots

Here’s a safety tip veteran truck drivers will recommend to you.

Scope out your delivery spots on foot if possible.

A truck can easily get trapped or unable to turn around into a tight or unmanageable delivery location, even if the shipper assures you that they have trucks there all the time. When delivering to a new customer, find a place to park safely, leave the rig secured, and check out the delivery spot on foot. Shippers may not be aware of all the hazards or obstacles that make it difficult to turn your rig around. A large fraction of accidents take place while backing up, so try to avoid that if possible.

8. Trip and route planning

If you plan your route ahead of time, you’ll be aware of road and weather conditions, detours, work zones, and other obstacles. Non-commercial GPS navigation systems and apps may not be the most complete or accurate guides for truckers. They also don’t provide warning of height and weight limitations. Invest in a GPS especially designed for truckers which shows vital info like which exits to take, distance before exit, when to change lanes, etc. Don’t rely on any one resource entirely, and cross-reference your information. The Rand McNally Road Atlas is another invaluable tool for truck drivers.

9. Remain alert

This is probably the single most important of the safety tips for truck drivers. Good driving requires you to remain alert at all times and that means no distracted driving. At any given second you may face changing traffic, road conditions, poor weather, or unpredictable motorists.

If you’re distracted, you won’t be able to react in the fraction of a second that is needed.

Texting is the worst driving distraction as the odds of being involved in an accident are 23 times greater for truck drivers who are texting. Add to that list anything that will take the focus off the road such as eating, map reading, or interacting with a navigational device excessively. Make sure you are well rested and getting enough sleep to feel refreshed and alert behind the wheel. If you’re drowsy, pull over. These cautionaries are drilled into truck drivers for good reason but are still worth repeating. If you need to attend to something other than driving, then get off the next exit. Remember that none of those distractions are worth risking your life over.

10. Use seat belts

This one is a no-brainer but super important. Remember to buckle up every time you drive the rig. Don’t take the risk. Seat belts have been shown to save lives and reduce injuries. It also protects you from being ejected from your vehicle in case of a crash.

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3 Tips for Truck Driver PTO Days

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CDL truck drivers have a high amount of stress compared to most other jobs. Long hours, time away from home, and difficult driving conditions all contribute to a stressed-out truck driver. On top of that, drivers have to follow multiple rules and regulations, and make sure they are meeting the needs of shippers, receivers, and dispatchers. A 34-hour reset doesn’t always give you a break from the trucking job and lifestyle, so it’s important to take truck driver vacation days from work. Taking time away from trucking to spend with family and friends, or even just time to yourself, can be incredibly beneficial to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Here’s everything you need to know about truck driver PTO days.

1. Make sure you have PTO days

Ideally, your carrier has a good vacation policy, so you have enough PTO days to be able to utilize when you see fit. Make sure to ask about PTO when you’re searching for trucking jobs, and before you accept any job offers.

Although PTO may be lower on your list of job factors to consider, don’t underestimate the advantages of vacation time. If you’ve already accepted a job offer from a carrier and haven’t taken PTO for a while, take the time to familiarize yourself with the PTO policy. You may be surprised by how generous it may be and can learn about how to maximize PTO based on rollover or other policy details.

Once you know you want to use PTO, talk to your manager as soon as you can. The earlier you can inform your fleet manager about upcoming days off, the more flexibility they can have.

Of course, you’ll want to finalize vacation plans with your family in advance also. Don’t forget that the earlier you plan the vacation, the cheaper the airfare and hotel costs will be. The exception to this is if it is during peak travel season or holidays. While traveling during holidays may be unavoidable, it is best to make any additional airline travel plans off-season, if possible. Even if you aren’t planning to travel out of town for the PTO days, you want to make sure your days off don’t coincide with important work days for your spouse, or important school days for the kids.

2. Use trucking to your travel advantage

Having a trucking job doesn’t have to make having PTO days difficult. In fact, you can use trucking routes to your advantage. Your family vacation destination could be at or near your typical routes. Maybe you and your spouse always wanted to spend a few days taking in the sights in Denver, but never got around to it. Or perhaps that long OTR run to Arizona gives you the perfect excuse to finally see the Grand Canyon. You can also try to fly out of airports near your trucking delivery stops and meet your family at the destination directly if it can save you money. Many travel websites have tips about which airlines have cheaper tickets depending where you’re flying out of.

Trip planning can be a hassle for anyone, but truckers can find the time easily.

Use the time you have between drives or at truck stops to research and make detailed travel plans.

There are also dozens of travel podcasts full of trip ideas and fun facts about interesting destinations. Using books or podcasts, picking out a travel destination with your family can be easy even if you’re on the road. Some helpful online resources include Trip Advisor, Airbnb, Kayak, and Hotels for Truckers. Remember that if you make some plans before the vacation, it can help save time later, and ensure you spend the time relaxing. Even if you’re not going out of town for PTO days, planning activities and outings ahead of time will make it easier.

3. Ideas for truck driver PTO days

Regardless of your destination, there are some activities you can pursue anywhere. Of course, you’ll want to sight-see the local attractions, and catch a bit of the local culture.

Apart from that, here are some ideas of how to theme your getaway based on what you enjoy about travel:

Outdoor adventure

Always a favorite for families regardless of where you go. Look for state or national parks and find some tips on the best hiking trails or camping grounds. The more adventurous can try to spend a few days in a cabin in the woods (no Wi-Fi!) or go rock climbing or mountain biking. Being outdoors doesn’t have to be daunting though—even sitting by a lake while fishing or reading a book can do wonders for relaxation.

Culinary exploration

The food scene everywhere is different. Step out of your comfort zone and try your hand at a new cuisine. If you’re traveling, it’s a must-do to take in the local or regional cuisine, whether its Chicago pizza, Tex Mex, or Louisiana gumbo. Many destinations will also offer the best in global cuisine. Some people are surprised by how spicy or sweet different international dishes can be. If you’re staying in town during PTO, it’s still a great excuse to try a different Thai restaurant or the trendy new brewery.

Family fun

Whether it’s science museums or sports arenas, there are always some family-friendly events for kids of all ages to enjoy. Outdoor events like festivals and ballgames are popular throughout the summer. Even a day at the pool can be a welcome getaway. Science and history museums will offer kids fun and learning at the same time. If your child has visited the local science museum a dozen times, they’re probably still up for going back and exploring.

Date night

Spend some quality time with your partner by planning a date night during your PTO day. You can catch a show in town or go bar-hopping after dinner at a nicer restaurant. Staying in is always fun too: pamper your spouse by opening a bottle of wine and offering to cook a meal for the two of you. Taking time off from trucking gives you the chance to keep the romance alive.

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5 Secrets to Becoming a Great Truck Driver

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Whether you’ve recently begun your CDL trucking journey, or you’ve been driving for 20 years, you probably have the goal of being a great truck driver. Truckers enjoy the freedom and independence that the road brings, and along with it the opportunity to really succeed at the job and strive for improvement. Drivers know that nothing beats the pride and dignity that comes from a job well done, and the knowledge that you’re doing honest work to provide for themselves and their families. Whether you’re a rookie driver or a veteran, there’s always room for improvement. Here are five secrets to becoming a great truck driver.

1. Safety

Veteran drivers all keep coming back to this point: safety is a driver’s number one priority. Truck driving can be a dangerous job considering freight and road safety. Drivers are responsible for maintaining the safety of their freight, themselves, and other motorists on the road. Remember that other drivers may not be familiar with the challenges and differences in driving a truck, so you may have to go out of your way to ensure their safety as well. Safety also involves having a good mechanical aptitude in case you need to troubleshoot equipment issues while on the road.

Truly great drivers take their safety department’s concerns seriously and do the due diligence to maintain safety.

Pre- and post-trip inspections form the backbone of safety, but it can and should go much beyond that. Maintaining a safe and accident-free record will also clear the path for continued professional success with that carrier. If you’re hoping to switch to another carrier or become an owner-operator one day, a strong safety record will be essential.

2. Build relationships

Truck driving is often considered to be a solo gig- it’s just you and the open road. But drivers are actually in constant communication with others, whether it is dispatchers, fleet managers, or other drivers. You’ll also interact with shippers and receivers, and other reps from your own carrier or others.

The secret is that you need all these people in your corner to be successful.

So, a truly great truck driver seeks to build relationships with all these colleagues.

No man is an island, and no one does it alone, so seek to build a network of people you can communicate and work well with. Always strive to be courteous and respectful to everyone and try to be easy to work with. While trucking can be challenging, avoid projecting your negativity on colleagues since it may come back to bite you. In addition, great drivers need to avoid negativity from others impacting them, since the job is too important to be affected by someone’s bad attitude.

health3. Prioritize health

Great drivers are the ones who don’t let the challenges of the job negatively impact their health and lifestyle. It’s no secret that truck driving is considered an unhealthy profession. Between the schedule challenges and sitting behind the wheel for hours at a time, it can take a toll on the mind and body.

Great truck drivers know that these aren’t excuses to neglect their mental and physical health.

Truck drivers can take simple measures to improve their diet and find time to exercise regularly. Some drivers cook in their cabins, or find small snacks to continually munch on, instead of relying on the greasy truck stop food. Similarly, finding about 15 minutes to exercise everyday can make a big difference in a truck driver’s lifestyle. Not having access to a gym shouldn’t be a problem since many exercises can be done in or around your truck, or in parking lots. While a trucker’s schedule is rarely regular, making sure you get proper sleep will help keep you alert and allow the body to rest and mind to feel fresh. Great truck drivers are the ones who are happier because they found a way to prioritize health despite the obstacles.

Free Resource: Guide to Maintaining a Diet

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4. Professional attitude

The difference between a good truck driver and a great truck driver probably boils down just to attitude. Companies are looking to hire drivers who have certain characteristics. They want to make sure drivers can be reliable, responsible, honest, and work hard.

However good a driver’s record, credentials, or skills are, there’s no substitute for good character.

Keeping this in mind, make sure you’re always on time. Being reliable shows everyone that you take the scheduling seriously and can be depended on to make deliveries on time. Timeliness will also shine through when you’re looking to get promotions or raises or looking for a better driving job elsewhere.

A professional attitude also means not complaining too much, or at least too loudly and to the wrong people. While trucking can be frustrating, complaining to your colleagues only reflects poorly on yourself instead of anyone else. Find a different outlet for complaining about work and maintain a professional attitude to distinguish yourself from other drivers. Working hard means sometimes taking the appealing runs or working extra when no one else can. Yes, it’s a sacrifice and you can’t do it every time. But whenever you do take that extra step, it will be noticed and will probably help in the future. Truck driving has become a more professional job, whether the general public realizes it or not. Treat yourself with respect and dignity, and maintain a professional attitude through all the troubles, and others will probably do the same.

parenting tips5. Don’t forget life outside of trucking

Here’s a big secret to becoming a great truck driver: don’t think of trucking all the time. Work-life balance is important in any profession, and it’s no different for truck drivers.

In fact, there’s more of a risk that trucking can become all-consuming, so it’s important to know when to hit the metaphorical brakes and rest.

Great truck drivers make sure that they find enough time to spend with their families. Even while away from home, you can Skype with the kids or enjoy a virtual date night with your partner. Finding a job with good home time will allow you to take a break from trucking, refuel and energize, and then return.

Even while on the road, great truckers will find hobbies to engage in. Some truckers like photography or cooking. Others have gotten into reading or audiobooks. Some others are passionate about travel or exercise.

Whatever your passion is, don’t leave it by the wayside just because you’re a truck driver.

Engaging in hobbies and leisure will help ensure a sound body and mind for work-life balance. Not only will you reset and forget the stresses of the job, but you’ll be better prepared for them when you get back to work. Remember: trucking isn’t everything!

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Trucker Dating: 3 Tips to Help Maintain Relationships

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trucker datingTruck drivers who travel long distances have a very tough schedule and a very stressful job. Driving all of those miles without getting any time at home for a week (or more) can take a toll on all of their personal relationships. This type of schedule is even tougher for the trucker who’s starting, or looking to start, a new relationship. So, when talking about trucker dating, how can you maintain an over the road relationship?

1. Technology Can Help

There are many things you can do to stay connected with loved ones while away… innovative ways to connect beyond just phone calls.

Open lines of communication are key to any good relationship. Plan for a video call once you’re parked for the night. Download an easy to use app for your phone, such as Skype or Facetime. These allow you have a face-to-face conversation, even if you’re thousands of miles from home. You can share your location’s current view and can see your partner’s face and surroundings. You could even virtually have dinner together this way. Not quite as good as being there, but so much more personal than just a phone call or a text.

2. Make Your Time Together Special

During the week, spend some time planning out your time together. It’s always a great mood booster to have something to look forward to! Maybe it’s a romantic restaurant that you both love, a nice hike in a local park to relax and unwind, or maybe a fun night at a local music event. No matter what the plans are, put some thought into making it special, and it will make the time pass more quickly until you’re together.

3. Trust is a Must

Keeping your eyes on the road could have a few different meanings when dating. Certainly, the obvious one of not being distracted while driving. It also can mean that during downtime at rest stops or when parked for the night, don’t let wandering eyes lead to trouble in your dating relationship. Building trust early is so important, especially when trucker dating. Don’t give your partner any reason to question your dedication, and vice versa. Be honest and trustworthy, and your significant other will do the same.

As a truck driver, the prospect of dating can be daunting. Travel schedule, time away from home, long hours during the day and sleeping at truck stops can make things tough for any relationship. But making the most of the technology options available, keeping focused on your job and your health in your downtime, and always having something special to look forward to with your partner can make things easier. And knowing there’s a trucker dating community out there who have successful relationships at home while out on the road. Keeping your relationship healthy can lead to a healthier life overall for any trucker.

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Women Truck Drivers: What to Expect in the Industry

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The truck driver shortage is showing no signs of stopping any time soon. In order to fill the open jobs, the pool of drivers needs to find ways to grow. This is attracting many new job seekers to enter this hot job market. Women are entering training programs and getting their CDL endorsements. So, for women truck drivers seeking their first trucking job, what can they expect?

Training is Important

Women trucker drivers go through the same training and licensing requirements as men do. The difference might be that women might look for programs that have women included in their advertising, websites, and in their list of instructors or staff. Or even a program that has a course specifically geared towards women. This might differentiate a school that will offer a program that will be a better fit for a woman entering the industry vs. one that doesn’t feel welcoming or respectful of women in a trucking job.

Male-Dominated

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, women make up about 6.6% of all truck drivers. And that number has been fairly steady (4.5% – 6%) over the past 15 years. Something women truckers can expect to find is that it is a still a HIGHLY male-dominated profession. Women truck drivers might frequently find that she’s the only female trucker at a truck stop. And she could be the only one in the lot waiting on loads where all the other drivers are men. Women trucker drivers also find that truck stop showers and parking lots might be places to use extra caution at night.

Physical Job

Life on the road is a physical job, and it’s important to stay healthy. Part of that is being prepared for the physical demands of the job as well as the mental aspects as well. Many of the today’s trucks have features and improvements that make them easier to drive and maintain.

But there are other aspects of the jobs that demand women truck drivers stay in good shape. Cleaning out trailers, moving loads around, covering and tacking down cargo, are all things a driver might have to do daily. And this job can be very stressful, so maintaining your mental health is important too. You can find a great ebook resource for staying healthy on the road here.

Whether it’s the lure of the freedom of driving a big rig along miles of open road after years at a desk job, or a change of pace once the kids have moved out, being a CDL truck driver can be a great career for a woman. If you’re looking for a perfect fit truck driving job for you, start here and complete a profile. You can list all your driving preferences and we can help match you with an opportunity tailored specifically to you.

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3 Secrets to Mastering Truck Driver Exercises

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3 Secrets to Mastering Truck Driver Exercises

A career in trucking gives drivers freedom and flexibility and can be deeply rewarding. At the same time, it has been called “the most unhealthy occupation in America”. And that’s coming from Siphiwe Baleka, trucking fitness guru at Prime. Any job which requires sitting down all day for hours and unpredictable schedule and breaks, can start to take its toll on the body.

Lack of exercise can contribute to health issues like obesity, chronic heart disease, and diabetes. According to a 2014 study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), nearly 69% of long-haul truckers are obese.

Frequent and regular exercise can help both body and mind, and significantly reduce health risks such as high blood pressure and heart disease. Although a trucking career doesn’t make it easy to find time and resources to exercise, the good news is that with a few lifestyle changes you can implement daily exercise into your schedule. The secret to truck driver exercise is that you don’t need a full-gym or endless hours to remain active. Here’s everything you need to know about truck driver exercise.

How should truckers exercise?

Finding the time for 2-hour workouts isn’t feasible for most over the road truckers. So, keep it simple instead. Studies show that even 15 minutes of exercise every day can dramatically improve health and reduce risks of disease.

Regularity is more important than intensity, so make sure you exercise for at least 15 minutes a day, no matter what. Most fitness plans and tips are designed for people who have steady access to a gym.

Truck-stop gyms are a great idea, but you don’t get the chance to stop there every day. Use a truck-stop gym whenever you can find one, but don’t let the absence of one be an excuse to remain sedentary. Your daily, regular exercise plan can be entirely in-cab and gym-free, with a truck stop gym as an occasional luxury when you have access to it.

So, what kind of exercises are best for truck drivers? Basically, your entire exercise plan can be a combination of outdoor cardio, body weight exercises, and simple equipment you can carry in your truck.

Cardio

3 Secrets to Mastering Truck Driver ExercisesAn overlooked component of any exercise plan is cardio. Even if you’re not looking to lose weight, cardio is essential to raise the heart rate. You don’t need a gym for running or jogging- there are plenty of running trails you can find during mandated rest time. Even if you can’t find any trails, there’s nothing stopping you from going for a quick jog around the truck stop, or around your own truck. Did you know that about 32 laps around your truck is 1 mile long? Bicycling is another great option if you can spare the cash. Either full sized bikes or folding bikes can be brought along on your truck. Take these out for a spin whenever you find good bike trails. While biking or running, remember that pushing the heart rate up is the goal.

If you’re not big on running or biking, walking is a great alternative. But walking isn’t really exercise, right? Think again. Recent studies have shown that walking has almost all the same health benefits as running and can help improve mood and mental health as well. Other benefits of walking daily include improved circulation and immunity and strengthened bones and joints. Walking won’t raise the heart rate as quickly, or help you shed as many pounds, but it’s a slow and steady way to improve mind and body for years.

Whether your goal is to lose weight, build muscle, or just maintain the shape you’re in, cardio is a crucial part of any exercise plan.

Just remember to keep moving at a regular pace to raise your heart rate and re-hydrate afterwards.

Body weight exercises

3 Secrets to Mastering Truck Driver ExercisesYou don’t need a gym to stay in the shape, you just need the resistance of your own body weight. Nothing beats the tried-and-tested method of push-ups, pull-ups, and lunges. There are many different programs and apps for body weight training, and most of them involve some pushing, pulling, or squatting. This can be adapted to whatever equipment is available: your truck and the area around it.

Start with the basics, and then add variations, length, or repetitions to build strength over time. Here’s where to start:

  • Push-ups: you can start with the classic but add variations by doing them on an incline or decline surface; make them more challenging by placing your hands closed
  • Pull-ups: great for muscles in your back; install a portable bar near your truck to aid in pull-ups
  • Sit-ups/crunches: these are essential for the abs and core; you can add holding a ball or small weight for added challenge during sit-ups, or bring your elbow to opposite knee for oblique crunches
  • Planks: will strengthen your back and core; great for stretching after crunches
  • Lunges: will work your legs, especially along with cardio; don’t forget the back leg during the lunge
  • Squats: make sure your knee doesn’t bend in front of your toes, or you could damage the knees
  • Tricep dips: an effective arm work-out; you can do them on the ground or by using your bunk as support to lower your body by bending at the elbow; try a variety of angles

Simple equipment

While you can’t take a full-sized gym with you on the road, carrying these few small items that can make your exercise plan more effective. Ask other truckers and fitness experts for recommendations and shop around for the best deals. Make sure you become comfortable with this equipment at a local gym before investing money in them. There are hundreds of online work-out programs available on each of these for inspiration:

  • Dumbbells: these are cheap, effective, and easy to store. Dumbbells are essential for simple weight training, so make them part of your daily routine. Build strength over time with higher reps and sets, or heavier weights
  • Kettlebell: it’s a cast-iron ball with a handle which comes in various weights. There are dozens of kettleball exercises you can check out online, with tons of variations to add over time
  • Jump rope: people underestimate the work-out which a jump rope can provide. You can start slow and simple, but within a few weeks you’ll have built speed and rhythm. Along with getting cardio, it promotes good posture, balance, and flexibility
  • Resistance bands: rubber or elastic bands which you can hook to your truck or hold with your feet. Stretch them repeatedly to work your muscles. These are popular for whole body workouts

Is that it?

That’s it! Well, not exactly. An important point to remember is that none of this will help you stay fit, or deliver health benefits, if you forget the other components of staying healthy. Exercise only works in conjunction with a proper diet and plenty of sleep. Stretching before and after exercise is important for everyone, but especially for truckers who spend hours behind the wheel. Along with legs, stretching hands and neck will help relax your muscles after long periods of driving.

And that’s it! The sky is the limit with exercise, so there are infinite possibilities of variation and intensity just with these few simple exercises.

The important thing to remember is that you don’t need several hours at a full-size gym to get a good work-out.

Short 15-minute high-intensity workouts of cardio, body weight exercises, and simple equipment is the best for truck driver exercise plan given their schedule and working lifestyle.

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How to Choose a CDL Driving School

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How to Choose a CDL Driving School

If you’ve decided to become a professional truck driver, finding the right CDL driving school is crucial. Enrolling in a training program is a big investment, and you want to make sure you select the right school for you. Pick a school that will set you up for acing the CDL exam the first time. Here are four factors to consider when choosing a CDL driving school.

1. How is it licensed?

The most important thing to consider is how the training program is licensed by the state’s Department of Education or Department of Motor Vehicles. Only pick a school which is licensed by state regulators so that your credentials will be accepted by all trucking companies. A licensed CDL is the requirement all truck companies look for when hiring new drivers. In addition to being licensed, some driving schools may be certified by third-party organizations. Consider it a bonus if your driving school is aligned with one of these associations. They help ensure that the school meets their additional training standards, which may be higher than those by the state. Three of the major professional driver organizations are the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA), National Association of Publicly Funded Truck Driving Schools (NAPFTDS), and the Professional Truck Driver Institute (PTDI). Ideally, your driving school is certified by at least one of these.

Do some research into what types of licenses the driving school offers. Your license classification will depend on what kind of driving you want to do and the type of truck you want to drive.

Class A certification is the most common and popular, as it is for any combination of vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more. With a Class A CDL you may be able to drive tractor trailers, truck and trailer combinations, tractor-trailer buses, tanker vehicles, flatbeds, and more. Class B is for a single vehicle with GCWR of 26.001 pounds or more, including straight trucks, most buses, box trucks, and dump trucks. Class C certification is less common and usually for small hazmat vehicles, passenger vans, and small trucks towing a trailer. In addition to the CDL, you might need special endorsements to operate special types of vehicles such as hazmat or tanker endorsement. Think about what kinds of trucks and jobs you want and match them with a CDL driving school which offers those endorsements.

2. How good is the training?

There’s no point investing time and money into a CDL driving school if the training isn’t exceptional. Fortunately, there are some indicators of good programs which you can investigate before enrolling.

One of the most important numbers is the student-to-instructor ratio. A ratio of 3 or 4 students to one instructor is ideal.

You want to be able to benefit from having a few other students in the program to learn along with. Don’t settle for anything beyond a 1-5 ratio. Do some research who the instructors are. Ideally, they are former drivers or current drivers who are teaching as a side gig. Great instructors are skilled drivers but also experts on industry trends, federal regulations, and can give you perspective of the job and lifestyle. There’s no substitute to being taught by someone who has years of hands-on experience in the industry.

Another important metric is the time behind-the-wheel (BTW) where you’re controlling a real truck and not a simulator. There’s no point enrolling in a program if you don’t get significant amount of actual drive time. The more drive time, the better. A solid program will offer at least 27 hours of BTW time for each student. Observation time is important as well- your learning can benefit from watching others drive also.

Don’t forget to consider the program length. Strong programs will be around 160-200 hours in length- that’s about 4 to 5 weeks.

You’ll see ads for schools offering a CDL in a week or two: avoid them! Learning to drive an 80,000 lb tractor-trailer takes time and can’t be rushed within two weeks. Finally, research to make sure the driving school has a high graduation rate. You can research all these things by checking online reviews, the school’s website, and talking to previous graduates and current drivers about the reputation of the driving school.

3. How practical is it?

Finding a great school won’t be any help if it is impractical to enroll. You’ll need to consider cost, location, and your schedule before investing the time and money into the program. You can expect to pay between $4,000 and $10,000 for CDL training. That’s a pretty penny, so you’ll want to make sure you’re in a strong financial position to be able to invest in the driving school. Signing with the lowest tuition can be really tempting, but make sure that the school fits all your criteria before doing that.

There are dozens of truck carriers willing to pay drivers to get their CDL and come work for them. Carriers may cover a portion of your tuition or offer tuition reimbursement after you graduate.

Look into different companies to find the details and don’t be afraid to ask around about financial aid options. There are also various federal and state funding programs, including for veterans, which can help cover the costs.

Try to be flexible about the location of the driving school. If there’s a better school 30 minutes further away, then consider driving the extra distance if you think it is worth it. Even if your preferred school is in the next state, consider if you want to live there temporarily for a few weeks while in the program. You’ll be driving and living all over the country, so this can be good practice to get in the habit. Make sure to confirm that your CDL will be transferable to your state of residency. On the other hand, you may have job or family commitments during the week and can’t take off a few weeks for driving school. In that case, look for a school that offers the training program during nights or weekends. There are many students with other commitments and schedule constraints, so schools will understand that students need flexibility in order to enroll.

4. How will it help me get the first job?

Perhaps the most important thing to consider is job placement.

Your purpose in getting CDL training is a to land a great first job to set you up for a career in trucking. Ask about the driving school’s job placement services.

Many schools will have relationships with different trucking carriers which can help you find the right job for you. Opportunities to connect with visiting recruiters from the carriers upon graduation will be a major advantage in securing the first job. You can even get ahead of the game by narrowing down which companies you’d like to work for and speaking to recruiters to ask about the driving schools you are considering. If they’ve never heard of that school, it’s a good sign you shouldn’t enroll there.

Company-sponsored training programs are an alternative to finding an independent CDL driving school. If you go the company route, you get free training and a job with the company when you graduate. However, you’ll have long training days away from home and have to agree to work for the company sponsoring your training, even if its not the best fit. Consider all your options before you decide on a company-sponsored program versus an independent driving school.

Investing your time and money to start a new career path is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Ensuring that you receive proper training and at a licensed CDL driving school is an unavoidable part of that decision. You’ll want to find the best deal for you that provides good training, is practical, and helps you land your first job, without breaking the bank. Remember these four factors when choosing a CDL driving school.

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3 Ways to Become a More Efficient Truck Driver

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A truck driver’s work and life can be full of inefficiencies. Sometimes you’ll feel like you’re losing time and energy because you ended up doing things in the wrong order. Sometimes other people’s schedules don’t match yours. Inefficiency can be annoying, but it can also waste resources like time, money, and fuel. Improving truck driver efficiency means saving more time, money, and energy by doing things in more optimal ways. You’ll feel more productive and get the sense that you’ve hacked some mysterious way of the universe. Here are three simple ways to become a more efficient truck driver.

1. Attempt early pick-up and drop-off

Every time you get a new dispatcher, find out when the load picks up and delivers. This is important because sometimes they’ll ask you to drive a very short distance to pick up a load, but the pick-up time is five hours away. Let’s say you’re only 70 miles away from the pick-up and expect to be there by 1:00 PM. But dispatch says that pick-up time is 5:00 PM, which means you’ll have arrive four hours early and will have extra time to kill. Or you may find yourself arriving at the delivery location several hours early as well.

Yes, you can take a break during this time, but if you’re interested in efficiency you won’t like that option. Instead, always find out if you can load or deliver early.

Your documentation will usually have some notes on this sort of this, but it isn’t always 100% accurate. If you have the shipper/receiver’s contact info, call and ask whether it is an option to load or deliver early. You’d be surprised how often the shipper wants to send out the freight quicker and how often the customer wants to receive is sooner. If you don’t have their contact info, you can contact your dispatcher and ask them to make the same inquiry. Yes, your dispatcher may get annoyed if you do this repeatedly.  But remember that it’s part of their job to manage efficient fleets. A few instances of successfully changing to an early pickup/delivery time will remind your dispatcher that this is possible.

2. Keep everyone updated on available working hours

By now you’re aware that your ETA and PTA times are important to remember and communicate with others. But wait, what are these again?

ETA means estimated time of arrival and PTA stands for projected time of availability.

To make things more confusing, some people might use ETA for estimated time of availability. This is completely different and is more like PTA. What’s the difference? Your estimated time of arrival (ETA) at the receiver location may be 2:00 PM, however you won’t be available right after. It’ll take the customer an hour or two to unload, so your projected time of availability (PTA) is closer to 4:00 PM. But if either the customer or your dispatcher is using ETA to mean the other thing, then they’ll be confused and believe you are free at 2:00 PM instead of 4:00 PM. If you arrive at the customer location the previous night and don’t unload until the morning, there may be a twelve-hour difference between your ETA and PTA! Make sure your shipper, receiver, and dispatcher are all kept up to date on your ETA and PTA. More importantly, coordinate to see if they are all using those terms in the same way. Otherwise your schedule and route will become very confusing!

3. Plan your route and truck stops

You’ll find trucking to be easier once you have a tentative idea of where and when to stop instead of playing it by ear.

When you do close for the day, consider stopping at smaller or independent truck stops instead of the big chains (Pilot, Love’s etc). Parking fills up quicker at the nationwide chains and it can be difficult to find a spot.

The reason for this is that most trucking companies are getting fuel discounts from the big chains, so they become required fuel stops for drivers. While there is no requirement to park there for the night, most truckers will do so because they’re already there! Parking spaces at smaller truck stops won’t fill up as quickly—you could easily refuel at a chain and then go elsewhere to park for the night. That being said, if you’re looking for laundry, showers, or other amenities, then the chains are your best solutions. It all depends on your needs for the day. Some of the bigger stops have laundromats. If you run into these wash your dirty clothes even if you have plenty of clean clothes. These premium stops are few and far between, so it’s most efficient to utilize them whenever you find them.

How are you going to know your options for stopping, fueling, or parking? Sure the dispatcher has some information, and you have a handy GPS app, but are those enough? Every trucker knows that both dispatch and GPS will fail them sooner or later. Build redundancies by picking up some essential books. The National Truck Stop Directory is an essential guide to the truck stops you’ll hear about, and more importantly, all the ones you won’t hear about. Another gem is The Next Exit, which documents every exit on Interstates in the country. Finally, the Rand McNally Road Atlas is a fantastic guide to turn to when your GPS provides sketchy directions. Planning your route and schedule through these resources will help you locate where you should stop at the end of your day.

Takeaways

The trucking job and lifestyle usually has many competing demands to juggle. Trying to tackle them all without a method can lead to losing time, money, and other resources. Try out some of these methods to maximize your schedule and route efficiency. You may find that using route planning resources, communicating about available working hours, and trying for early pick-ups and drop-offs will make you a much more efficient truck driver.

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7 Things to Know as a New Truck Driver

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new truck driverIf you’re reading this, you’ve probably either gotten your CDL or are thinking of obtaining one to start a new career as a truck driver. Congratulations, and welcome to the industry. There are a few things you’ll need to know as a new truck driver before starting the job. Make no mistake, trucking is a challenging job and lifestyle. Your first year as a new truck driver will be the most difficult one, and you won’t be racking up the big bucks just yet. You’ll be getting used to the job, getting familiar with the trucks, and becoming accustomed to the lifestyle. With time and experience, and these helpful tips, you’ll become more comfortable with the job and happier with the lifestyle. Here are seven things to know as a new truck driver.

Seat time is the goal

Your main goal in the first year is to build up as much experience as possible. In the beginning, the wages will probably be lower than you hoped. Chances are that the senior drivers get the longer miles and the better runs which pay more. If there is a difficult or ugly run, the company may end up giving the job to the rookie.

You shouldn’t have high expectations right out the gate, but you should prepare and know that experience will make things better.

Since you probably won’t make great money the first few years, have a medium-term financial plan and be prepared for a thin living at first. Remember that the more miles you cover and the more seat time you accumulate, the better your standing becomes over time. The secret that everyone knows in this industry is that experience is everything. With more experience you’ll get better behind the wheel, you’ll make more money, and you’ll enjoy your job more.

Meals can be challenging

One of the biggest changes in the lifestyle for new truck drivers is meals. It can seem like the only option is to eat at restaurants and diners but avoid the temptation to eat out for every meal! It can end up breaking the bank and adding too many inches to the waistline. Many truckers have embraced making their own food, and some even say it’s essential. Find out what sorts of kitchen amenities are available in the cabins you’ll be working in. Even if you don’t have a full kitchen, investing in a crockpot or microwave is a great solution.

Crockpot cooking is perfect for truckers because it is simple, quick and healthy.

There are literally hundreds of crockpot recipes you can find, and you don’t have to be a master chef to do it.

Safety first

It’s not just experience you want to build, but safe driving also. Nothing will hurt your young driving career’s image more than an accident within the first few months. The goal for the first year should be no accidents. Take all the safety precautions required by your company and additional ones even if it takes extra time. It’s better to be late on a run than to have to explain why the truck is damaged. Companies will require you to complete a pre-trip inspection and that you fill out your logbooks. Don’t skimp on these! These tools and procedures will help you keep on top of things and prioritize safety and compliance.

Prioritize your health

Another big change to your lifestyle will be the sheer number of hours you’ll be spending behind the wheel. Doctors remind us that sitting still for long periods of time isn’t good for the body. While the trucking schedule doesn’t make it easy to maintain healthy habits, the good news is that it is still possible. New truck drivers should realize exercise won’t happen automatically and make the time to exercise regularly. Once you’ve committed to an exercise regimen, you’ll feel strange when you skip a day. You can do simple exercises or weights in the cabin itself or go for jogs and runs during mid-day breaks.

A trucking lifestyle can take a toll on mental health as well as physical health. You’ll be away from home for weeks or more at a time and it may be difficult for new truck drivers to get used to this. It is natural for loneliness and homesickness to creep in. While depression or anxiety is not uncommon among drivers, there are people and places to talk to for help. Regularly connecting with your family can make all the difference.

Have long-term career goals

Since you’re new to truck driving, it would be good to start thinking about career goals in general. How long do you want to drive for your current company? Where do you see yourself in five or ten years? Many drivers consider whether they want to eventually be owner-operators or team drivers.

Get to know the organization you’re working for and check out any opportunities for professional development or networking.

More than anything, you’ll want to connect with other drivers and learn from them. Talking to experienced drivers will give you an idea of what to expect in the future. Better yet, find a mentor! Most likely this person will be a veteran driver with whom you can check-in periodically about how your career is progressing. Think beyond just the current job.

Professionalism

Just because you’re thinking about the long-term doesn’t mean you should forget the present. Bringing professionalism to your job everyday will make you feel good and help impress the right people as well. Make a good impression with your supervisors, fleet managers, dispatchers, and anyone else you work for. It has less to do with making them happy than it does with making sure they know you’re a reliable professional who can be counted on. Always be on time and don’t refuse a run on your first year. Refusing a run so early in your career gives a bad image to your work ethic.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help and listen to advice from anyone willing to share it, but make up your own mind in the end.

New truck drivers should make sure they are being treated with respect and dignity, and professionalism goes a long way toward that.

It’s a mental game!

Adjusting to any new job and career can be difficult, but being a new truck driver is uniquely challenging. There’s the skill of navigating the road and the equipment, along with the social component of dealing with new people, and the lifestyle of being away from home. Of course, your first year will be the most difficult one, and there will be times you think it is becoming overwhelming. One of the biggest pieces of advice veteran drivers give is to hang in there. Things really do get better and easier with time. Experience will make the job easier and more enjoyable. Having the right attitude during the first year will make all the difference. Keep these important things in mind, focus on building experience, and know that it gets easier with time.

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4 Tips for Summer Trucking

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Truckers must always be aware of their surroundings and changing road and weather conditions. However, summer trucking days can take those changing conditions to the extreme. More people on the road, extremes in the weather, and large construction projects can add time to your routes and impact deliveries. Here are 4 summer trucking tips to make your travel easier.

1. Extra Traffic

Once the kids are out of school, many families pack up the cars, campers, trailers, and RVs to head out on annual family vacations. Driving cross-country with overly-packed vehicles, and hauling extra gear in tow adds to the congestion on the road.

Being prepared to deal with these extra drivers, and to potentially reroute yourself away from tourist hotspots is a good way to keep your summer trucking travel on track. Keep alert for under-experienced drivers that are hauling over-sized boat trailers or campers. They might be out for the first time this season, so give them a little extra room.

2. Extreme Weather

Summer is a season of extreme weather conditions. Extreme heat, thunderstorms, tornadoes, and hurricanes are just some of the types of weather that can impede your travel plans while summer trucking. Being prepared for these and the potential delays that might result, is an important part of summer trucking.

Make sure you’ve got a good weather app, and that notifications are setup when weather conditions are changing. If you do have to pull off for a while somewhere unexpectedly, be prepared. Have extra water and supplies in your truck just in case.

3. Construction

In some areas, summertime is also known as “major road construction” time. This is a great time to remember that double-checking routes for construction delays and planning alternates can save you both time and money. Prepare for road closures and traffic jams due to construction.

Be ready and aware of workers on the road. Keep an eye out for posted “Construction Zone” signs, and  watch your speed to avoid any unexpected fines. Do this and it will help keep you moving along and your deliveries on track.

4. Sun Protection

Though it’s a good practice to wear sunscreen daily, it’s a good reminder for summer trucking as well. The sun’s UV rays are coming through your windows all day, every day, even when it’s cloudy. Those UV rays are most potent during the summer months. Make it a habit to put on a good layer of SPF before you get in the driver’s seat for the day. Wear long sleeves, sunglasses, and a hat. Your skin will thank you later!

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