Month: February 2018

A career as a truck driver can take you just about anywhere, and there’s plenty of truck-related lingo you need to learn to communicate effectively on the road. However, there is also some interesting verbiage that people use in exclusive parts of the USA that might throw you off. Here’s a look at some regional slang to know when you travel for a living.

Yinz
No matter where in America you live, you’ve probably heard the phrase “y’all” before, even if it’s not so common around your parts. This contraction of “you” and “all” actually takes many different forms throughout the country, and in Pittsburgh, PA, the word of choice is “yinz”. It means the same thing as the other phrases, but it’s probably more like “you ones”. This unique adaptation of the phrase is only common in Pittsburgh because of the accent.

Gabagool
Combining New Jersey and Italian accents is how we got the word “Gabagool”. Now this seems like a bit of a stretch, but the word is actually “Capicola”, a pork cold cut. The New Jersey Italian accent take on it gives it quite a different sound, which is not out of character. This accent is also responsible for transforming “mozzarella” into “moozadell” and “prosciutto” into “prazhoot”.

Doodinkus
Once you realize what the word “doodinkus” means, you’ll probably think of several alternatives off of the top of your head. Doodinkus is synonymous with “doodad” or “thingamabob”, and it’s just another word to essentially describe a “thing”.

You’d be surprised at the odd words and phrases you’ll hear as a professional truck driver, but now you have some examples of what to expect. The Yuma Truck Driving School is happy to prepare you for your CDL and your career in the industry, and you can call us at (888) 647-3239 if you have any questions.

The best way to get to know what a trucking school is all about is to visit an open house and take the full tour. Find out exactly how the school will help you not only get your career started, but help you advance it in the future as well. And since you’re already at the open house, feel free to check out the trucks. Here are the questions you should ask during a trucking school open house.

Will this school help me earn my CDL?
The purpose of going to a trucking school is to learn what you need to know about the industry, so you can prepare to get a job. Before you can get a trucking or any other commercial driving job, you need to earn your commercial driver’s license. One of the first questions you ask should be about what the school will do to help you prepare for your test and earn your license.

Do you have networking connections I can use in the future?
Some truck driving schools simply prepare you for your CDL and then send you on your way, but others will continue to keep in contact. At the open house, find out if school will offer network connections that you can use to advance your career. It still matters who you know, even for excellent drivers, so choose a school with a real community.

Can I see the trucks right now?
If you think you want to be a truck driver, you should take the first chance you get to look at a commercial vehicle inside and out. Assuming there are no extenuating circumstances, you should be able to have some hands-on time with a truck.

Feel free to come to our next open house at Yuma Truck Driving School and ask us any questions you’d like about the trucking industry or our school in particular. Check out our website and learn what to expect, or call us at (888) 647-3239 today.