Month: March 2018

The trucking industry lingo isn’t always so intuitive, so you should know what it all means before you enter your first job. Knowing terms like CDL, brake check, and even the more obscure alligator will ensure that you have an easier time on the road. Keep reading for your crash course in trucker lingo.

CDL
You’ll have to earn your CDL before you apply for a job in the trucking industry, so it’s one of the first terms you should know if you decide this is the career path for you. CDL stands for commercial driver’s license. You need to earn one before you can be eligible for a commercial driving job, and it’s a good idea to start out at a CDL school. Every applicant needs to have had a standard driver’s license for a year prior to applying, and they need to pass both written and practical tests in order to earn their full CDLs.

Brake Check
You might think it means that you need to check your brakes, but “brake check” in trucker lingo can refer to a traffic issue. If you hear it over the radio, get ready to slow down or stop due to a traffic tie-up on your route.

Alligator
One of the more obscure trucking terms, “alligator” refers to tire debris on the road. Tires and tire debris blow off all the time but running over an “alligator” can do serious damage to your rig. They can damage your tires or bounce up and hit another part of your vehicle, and in some cases they’ll even projectile towards another vehicle. If you hear “alligator” on the radio, you know there’s something to avoid.

You know some of the lingo now, so consider calling Yuma Truck Driving School at (888) 647-3239 to kick start your career in the truck driving industry. Look at our website to see how our truck driving school can help you land the job of your dreams.

Part of the fun of being a commercial driver is experiencing what life is like for people in other parts of the country, and new cuisine is something you can experience without even knowing anyone in the area. You’ll find different types of pizza in different areas, and you might enjoy coastal areas’ phenomenal seafood or the South’s brilliant barbecue. If you’re heading out on the road, read on and learn about some famous regional specialties.

Pizza Styles
Chicago and New York City are two of the most famous cities in the United States, if not the world. They’re both known for their huge populations and rich culture, but they also both have very different takes on pizza. New York slices of pizza are relatively thin, and they’re easy to eat on the go. Chicago slices, on the other hand, are deep dish and meant to be eaten with a fork and knife. There has been a perpetual debate about which one is better, but you’ll have to try both types to make your own decision.

Seafood by the Coast
Coastal areas like Plymouth or Provincetown are chock full of restaurants that specialize in seafood that has been corralled right off the shore in the local area. If you’re a fan of seafood and you find yourself in a harbor or port town, you’ll want to stop by one of these restaurants and fill up on some local seafood to see what all the fuss is about.

Barbecue in the South
There’s no place like the South for barbecue. If you’re heading down the coast, you’ll have to grab some pork in the Carolinas. Alabama is also known for its smoked meats, while Tennessee boasts some of the greatest slow cooked pork ribs.

There are a lot of hidden perks to becoming a truck driver, and you can get your start by enrolling in the Yuma Truck Driving School. You can learn about us by calling (888) 647-3239 or checking out our website.