Month: May 2018

Benjamin Franklin may have been right about the inevitability of death and taxes, but clearly, he never encountered rush hour in Los Angeles, or he surely would have added that conundrum. Traffic is another one of those certainties in life that everyone must deal with. Traffic jams can be particularly challenging for truck drivers, particularly since they’re paid by the mile and because big rigs aren’t easy to maneuver. Savvy truck drivers use the radio or CB to find out about potential traffic issues ahead, and to adjust their plans accordingly.

Los Angeles, CA
According to the INRIX Global Traffic Scorecard, Los Angeles has once again earned the dubious distinction of being the number one most traffic congested city in the world. This scorecard was ranked according to the average amount of time drivers spent sitting in traffic jams. In Los Angeles, that number was 102 hours during 2017. To put that in perspective, 102 hours is the equivalent of 4.25 days.

New York City, NY
In the U.S., New York City is the second-most traffic congested city. Its drivers sat for an average of 91 hours in traffic jams during 2017. However, it isn’t just the traffic that discourages truck drivers from taking a route near here. NYC is infamous for low overpasses, scarce truck stops, and streets so narrow they’re impossible to turn onto. The good thing is that NYC cops are very helpful to truck drivers stuck in a bad situation. Additionally, some trucking companies offer extra pay for NYC routes!

Atlanta, GA
Atlanta is another city that’s infamous for its traffic jams. Situated just northeast of Atlanta is the Tom Moreland Interchange, more often referred to as Spaghetti Junction. During peak traffic hours, truckers can expect to creep forward at less than 20 mph.

You’ll get the insider’s scoop on life as a CDL driver when you enroll at Yuma Truck Driving School. Give us a call today at (888) 647-3239 to request information about our comprehensive driving training programs. Our friendly staff in Yuma, AZ can also help you explore financial assistance options!

Life as a trucker can be challenging at times, but it can also be incredibly rewarding—especially if you make an effort to learn from your experiences. At truck driving school, you’ll learn everything you need to earn your CDL, like the basics of operating a big rig and how to hook up a trailer. But during your first year on the road, you’ll learn other valuable lessons, like the following.

Goal-setting is important.
Driving for hours at a stretch can test your physical and mental fitness. Keep focused on the future by setting goals. Some common goals for new truck drivers are to get more “seat time,” which translates to more experience, to avoid accidents, and to reach financial goals.

Toiletries cost more at truck stops.
No matter which truck stop you’re at, it’s a sure bet that the toiletries available for sale will always be more expensive than at big box stores. Consider them to be a last resort if you happen to run out of something. Otherwise, purchase items like soap, shave cream, toothpaste, and deodorant at a supermarket. Package them neatly into a toiletries kit to take with you. Don’t forget your washcloth and towel!

Certain tools are worth their weight in gold.
Truck drivers swear by their flashlights. Get a top-quality flashlight and always keep extra batteries on hand. You’ll need it for checking underneath the truck and double-checking that the cargo is properly secured. You should also have a power inverter and a digital camera. Use the camera to document every problem you encounter, like if a broken pallet was loaded in the trailer even after you objected to it.

Yuma Truck Driving School offers world-class career training and job placement programs for aspiring truck drivers. Our instructors provide multiple training programs, so you’ll find exactly the right fit for you. Call our office in Yuma, AZ at (888) 647-3239 to ask about our next open house event.