Category: Blog

Between heavy traffic, tight deadlines, and long hours behind the wheel, truck driving can be a stressful career. If not properly managed, that stress can lead to health problems that affect your body physically and mentally. Learning how to cope with the stress that comes with trucking can help you improve your daily life and wellbeing. 

Follow these five tips to manage truck driving stress:

1. Listen to Music, Audiobooks, or Podcasts

A great way to take your mind off stressors, both driving-related and not, is listening to something while you drive. Whether it’s music, audiobooks, or podcasts, having audio to focus on rather than ruminating on your thoughts helps clear your mind. You should always stay focused on the road, but having something stimulating to listen to will keep your mind from wandering. 

2. Get Out and Stretch

With all trucking jobs, you will spend most of your day in the driver’s seat, so it is a good idea to step outside and move when possible. Each time you stop at a gas station, rest area, or truck stop, stretch for three to five minutes. Moving your body for short intervals during the day will work wonders to clear your mind. Not only will it relax any muscles that might be tense, but it will also prepare you for the remainder of your route.

3. Practice Meditation and Breathing Techniques 

Mindfulness techniques like meditation and breathing exercises are another way to help you remain calm when stressful situations arise while driving. Before you start your engine, take a moment to be mindful to start your day with a clear head. Practicing these techniques during breaks from driving or after your shift ends will also relax your muscles and alleviate any tension you’re holding in your body. 

4. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle

When you feel good, you can better manage stress levels. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle starts with what you put into your body. Although fast-food restaurants are convenient while you’re on the road, they are not the best choice for your health or wellbeing. Make modifications to your eating habits like packing healthy meals and storing them in a mini-fridge or a cooler in your truck, and if you decide to stop to eat, make nutritious choices.

Exercise is another crucial aspect of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Many truck stops and rest areas have walking paths to get in a mile walk on your lunch break. Cardio gets your heart working and blood pumping, putting you in the right mindset to deal with the stressors of being on the road.

5. Plan Your Trips

Another way to reduce stress is to prepare for each trip you take. Worrying about whether or not you will make it to your next stop on time may cause you to rush, skip safety checks, or drive irresponsibly. Planning your trips can help you feel better prepared for when you encounter stressful situations. Before you hit the road, take the time to look over your route, pack meals, and inspect your truck.

A Trucking Driving School That Cares

When you attend Yuma Truck Driving School, we prepare drivers for a rewarding career where health comes first. We pride ourselves on graduating drivers that are thoroughly prepared to excel at life on the road. We also help ease the stressful transition from training to driving with our job placement program with local and national carriers. 

Get in touch with us to start training for your CDL today.

Once you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), there are many different types of trucking jobs you can pursue. However, most drivers start their career with an over-the-road (OTR) position, even if they switch later on. Experienced drivers typically advise rookies to take this path, and you’ll also notice that the majority of entry-level CDL jobs are OTR.

Here are some of the reasons for this:

1. Exposure to New Situations

OTR truckers are exposed to a variety of different situations and driving conditions as they drive across the country. For example, long-haul drivers often get experience with icy roads, traffic jams, mountain driving, sudden changes in weather, and more, just during the course of their first year. Whether you plan to transition into a different type of trucking job or continue with OTR, this first year is a great opportunity to build your driving skills as you overcome these types of challenges.

2. Space Out Challenges

Although OTR does expose you to a variety of challenging driving conditions, these times are spaced out over various hauls, and much of your time will be spent on the highway. You’ll be able to focus on learning new skills and although this isn’t without its challenges, it’s less stressful than constantly doing the most difficult tasks every day.

By contrast, local jobs (and many regional jobs) often involve backing into loading docks several times a day and driving on crowded city streets. OTR still exposes you to these challenges, but you don’t have to do them all day every working day.

3. Better Pay

It’s worth noting that your specific rate of pay will vary depending on the company you work for, and will change as you gain experience. That being said, OTR typically offers the highest-paying job options for new trucking school graduates due to the high demand for these types of drivers. In addition, many motor carriers offer tuition reimbursement to help you pay off the cost of trucking school.

4. Insurance Purposes

The above reasons are related to why OTR is typically the best job to start with from the point of view of drivers. In addition to this, it’s helpful to also realize why there are fewer entry-level local or regional jobs from the point of view of trucking companies. Insurance is one of the major reasons for this.

Insurance is a significant expense for motor carriers, and new CDL holders cost more to insure than those with experience. Additionally, since local and regional jobs have more challenging conditions on a daily basis, there are additional risks associated with insuring new drivers in those positions. This is why most local or regional routes require six months to a year of previous trucking experience. Conversely, since OTR drivers are more in-demand, entry-level positions driving long haul are more accessible for new graduates.

Earn Your CDL and Start Driving

At Yuma Truck Driving School, you can earn your CDL in as little as four weeks and our job placement assistance team will help you find entry-level positions that match your needs, goals, and desires.

To learn more about our trucking school in Yuma, AZ, contact us today.

The first step toward a rewarding career in truck driving is earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL). The best way to receive quality training is through a professional truck driving school. To get the most out of the experience, you should adopt the right mindset that will help you excel. 

Five tips to help you succeed during CDL training are:

1. Be Willing To Learn

Being coachable is one of the most important factors that lead to success during CDL training. Thinking you already have the material mastered will not only hinder your own progress but disrupt the learning of your fellow students as well. Remaining open to instruction is the key. After all, your instructors are drivers with real-world experience and they are a valuable asset to you during training.

2. Stay Optimistic

Throughout your CDL driver training, a lot of new information and skills will be thrown your way, and it is easy to get frustrated when you don’t pick up on some topics as easily as others. Staying optimistic and reminding yourself of the goals you are working toward will help you have the best experience possible. It is also important to try not to compare your progress to those around you. Everyone learns at their own pace.

3. Don’t Be Afraid To Ask Questions

Despite what students often think, asking questions does not make you look incompetent. If you have a question about the material, chances are that other students are wondering the same thing. You are in charge of your own learning and if you don’t understand something, it is up to you to get it clarified. Asking your instructors about their personal driving experiences is another way to get the most out of your CDL training. Showing them you care about your training will help you go further than if you are just going through the motions.

4. Be Observant

A good portion of your time in driving school will be spent on hands-on training, which includes observing other students’ driving. Instead of checking out, pay attention to your classmates while they practice. Make mental notes of their mistakes and learn from their techniques if they are doing especially well. This way, you can make the most of your time even when you aren’t driving.

5. Study, Study, Study

What you get out of the CDL training program depends on how much effort you put in. Paying attention and asking questions during class is a good start, but to retain the information, you also have to study. While the skills on the driving portion of the test require instructor supervision, you can practice pre-trip inspection and study for the written portion of the test on your own time. Getting together with your classmates for a study group is a great way to review the material you learned in class.

The Road to a New Trucking Career

While the above five tips can help you improve your experience, the quality of your CDL training also depends on the program you attend. At Yuma Truck Driving School, our instructors teach students about both technical knowledge and personal skills that are vital to employment in the truck driving industry. We also offer financial assistance, job placement after graduation, and paid externships for those who qualify.

Contact Yuma Truck Driving School to start earning your CDL today.

To become a certified truck driver, the first step is to earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Then, you can take additional endorsement tests that demonstrate your knowledge and broaden your truck driving expertise. One of the available endorsements is for tanker vehicles. 

 

More information about what a tanker endorsement is, what vehicles require it, and how to earn one for yourself:

What is a Tanker Endorsement?

A tanker endorsement, also known as an N endorsement, is a type of certification that is used in combination with a trucker’s CDL. It signifies that they are qualified to transport liquid and gas in bulk. This widens the range of job opportunities available to truckers earning their licenses.

Many jobs require an X endorsement instead of just a tanker endorsement alone. The X endorsement combines the tanker and hazardous materials (hazmat) endorsements to allow drivers to haul hazardous materials such as gasoline. 

Vehicles That Require a Tanker Endorsement

Truck drivers need a tanker endorsement to operate a tank vehicle.

 

To determine if your load will require a tanker endorsement, check to see if these three facts apply:

 

• Your cargo includes individual containers of liquid or gas with a capacity of over 119 gallons.
• The containers are loaded on your vehicle and not empty.
• The combined volume of all of the liquid and gaseous materials in the load exceeds 1,000 gallons.

 

If all three apply to your load, then you will need a tanker endorsement to haul it. These guidelines are outlined in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in section 383.119 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

How to Earn a Tanker Endorsement

In order to earn your tanker endorsement, you will have to pass the tanker endorsement knowledge test. This written test contains around 25 multiple-choice questions and allows up to five mistakes. Once you have paid for and passed the test, you have the N endorsement on your CDL.

Obtaining an X endorsement is a bit more complicated. In addition to paying for and passing your tanker endorsement knowledge test, you must also pass a hazmat knowledge test and Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) background check. This process can take up to six weeks to complete.

Important information to familiarize yourself with before taking the endorsement exam includes how liquids and gasses move compared to other types of freight and how to prepare for a surge. There are also additional requirements that need to be met in order to pass your tanker endorsement exam. 

 

A few additional requirements are:

 

• You must be 18 years of age or older.
• You must have a valid United States passport.
• You must pass an eye exam.

Earn Your Tanker Endorsement at Yuma Truck Driving School

At Yuma Truck Driving School, you have the opportunity to take the first step toward becoming a certified trucker by enrolling in our CDL program. We have helped hundreds of students not only pass their exams but become the type of professional drivers that companies rely on. Our program includes three endorsements: hazmat, tanker, and doubles/triples.

Contact Yuma Truck Driving School today for more information.

When you take your commercial driver’s license (CDL) written test, you will also have the opportunity to take endorsement tests. If you pass, you will earn additional certifications that allow you to drive different types of vehicles beyond a standard semi-truck, or to haul different types of freight. 

One of these endorsements is the doubles/triples endorsement, which allows you to drive a commercial vehicle with more than one trailer. Such vehicles can also be referred to as long combination vehicles (LCVs).

Here’s more information about the LCV endorsement:

Why Earn the LCV Endorsement

Semi-trucks with two or three trailers can transport more freight at once. This means that trucking companies are able to pay more for drivers who drive these vehicles. Although you may think you’ll never need to want to use a doubles/triples endorsement in your trucking career, it’s still beneficial because it opens up more job opportunities if you ever wish to explore them.

How to Earn the Doubles/Triples Endorsement

Earning the LCV endorsement requires you to pass a multiple-choice written exam which covers material from Section 7 of the CDL manual. This section contains multiple subsections that you can study to help you prepare.

These are:

Pulling Multiple Trailers

There are various concerns you’ll need to be aware of if you are pulling two or three trailers. Some of these include preventing roll-overs and additional precautions you’ll need to take if there are adverse driving conditions. Vehicles with double or triple trailers also take up more space than other types of commercial vehicles, which presents additional challenges for space management and for parking.

Coupling and Uncoupling

It’s important to know how to couple and uncouple trailers correctly for any type of combination vehicle. When there are twin or triple trailers involved, this becomes more complicated. This section gives step-by-step instructions for how to do this, but you should keep in mind that it doesn’t cover every possible combination and that more on-the-job training may be necessary.

Inspecting LCVs

Vehicles with two or three trailers have more parts to inspect compared to a standard semi-truck. It’s important to fully expect every trailer and the coupling system and to know what additional parts to be aware of.

Air Brakes

Before hitting the road in a vehicle with an air brake system, you’ll need to perform an air brake inspection. For doubles/triples, you’ll need to ensure the air goes to all trailers, and will also need to test the service brakes, emergency brakes, and trailer protection valve.

Earn Your Doubles/Triples Endorsement

At Yuma Truck Driving School, we can help you earn your CDL and three endorsements (hazard materials, tanker, and doubles/triples) in as little as four weeks. Our experienced instructors will teach you the skills you need to succeed as a truck driver.

To learn more about earning your CDL in Yuma, AZ, contact us today.

 

Earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is the first step toward becoming a truck driver. For certain vehicles or types of freight, you will need more than just the standard commercial license. Endorsements are additional certifications that you can earn by passing written exams. At Yuma Truck Driving School, we help our students earn three endorsements: hazardous materials (hazmat), tanker, and doubles/triples. The hazmat endorsement allows you to transport sensitive freight and can increase your earning potential.

More information about the CDL hazmat endorsement:

X Endorsement

One thing to be aware of is that hazmat is often in a liquid or gaseous form and needs to be transported using a tank vehicle. As a result, you will also need the tanker endorsement for many hazmat jobs. The combination of these two is known as the “X” endorsement. Our program allows you to earn both.

Studying for the Hazmat CDL Test

To prepare for the written hazmat test, you should read Section 9 of the CDL manual. This covers the material that you will need to know to answer the multiple-choice questions on exam day. It is broken down into several subsections.

Keep in mind, however, that the manual does not necessarily cover everything you will need to know on the job. If you choose to pursue a career as a hazmat trucker, you may need additional training from your employer and should always prioritize safety.

The subsections you will need to study for the CDL hazmat test are:

The Intent of the Regulations

Hazmat regulations are intended to contain the material, communicate the risk, and assure safe drivers and equipment. You should know how these regulations accomplish those three goals.

Who Does What

The shipper, the carrier, and the driver all have specific responsibilities when transporting hazmat. You will need to know what these are.

Communication Rules

If there is an accident involving hazmat, the driver may not be able to communicate the hazards of the material they are transporting. To make it easier for emergency response personnel to identify and address any spills or accidents, hazmat must be properly labeled. You will need to know the different hazmat classes, placard requirements, and shipping paper requirements.

Loading and Unloading

You need to be cautious when loading and unloading hazmat. This subsection of the CDL manual goes over specific regulations based on the material’s class as well as general rules to follow.

Bulk Packaging, Marking, Loading, and Unloading

There are additional requirements for bulk packaging that you need to be aware of and follow.

Driving and Parking Rules

Certain classes of hazmat have restrictions for parking and driving that you’ll need to be aware of. Route restrictions can also vary by state and county, so if you take a job hauling hazmat, you’ll need to ask your dispatcher about these requirements for the specific route you are taking.

Emergencies

This subsection includes general guidance for handling emergencies that could arise when transporting hazmat. It also gives more specific information based on material class.

Earn Your CDL and Hazmat Endorsement

The hazmat section of the CDL manual can be confusing, and you may find it difficult to study for the written exam on your own. Yuma Truck Driving School can help. Our program covers the information you need to know to earn your CDL with the hazmat endorsement, as well as endorsements for tankers and doubles/triples. We can help you get on the road and earning in as little as four weeks.

Contact us today to learn more about earning your CDL in Yuma, AZ. 

Beginning on February 7, 20220, new entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements went into effect. These were set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which regulates the trucking industry. The ELDT regulations apply for drivers who are upgrading from a Class B to a Class A commercial driver’s license (CDL), earning a Class A license for the first time, or earning certain endorsements. 

If you are interested in entering the trucking industry, you will need to complete training with an institution that meets these requirements, such as Yuma Truck Driving School.  

Updates to the FMCSA’s ELDT Requirements

The new ELDT requirements include several key updates, and it’s helpful to compare the new regulations to the previous ones to get an idea of what has changed.

Here are some of the updates: 

• Prior to the recent changes, all that was necessary to provide entry-level training was meeting state-level training requirements. Under the new rules, this training can only be provided by those on the FMCSA’s Training Provider Registry (TPR). 
• There is now a required list of standardized topics that CDL instruction must cover. 
• Before the new requirements went into effect, CDL written tests were administered by each state’s Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). This is not the responsibility of training institutions, and they must report students’ scores to the FMCSA. 

Topics for CDL Theory Instruction

Entry-level CDL training programs must cover a list of topics, which are divided into five categories. Instructors will need to use assessments to determine student proficiency and students must earn a score of 80% or more to pass.

The theory instruction topic categories are: 

• Basic Operation: Students will need to learn the basics of how to operate a commercial vehicle, including orientation, shifting/transmissions, and coupling and uncoupling (for Class A CDLs). 

• Safe Operating Procedures: In order to earn their commercial licenses, students must understand topics related to safe driving including how to handle extreme conditions, night driving, and visual search. 

• Advanced Operating Practices: This category includes the topics of skid control/recovery, hazard perception, and railroad crossings. 

• Vehicle Systems and Reporting Malfunctions: CDL theory instruction must cover how to identify and diagnose malfunctions, as well as roadside inspections and vehicle maintenance. 
• Non-Driving Activities: Entry-level training for drivers must cover subtopics related to non-driving activities, such as medical requirements, environmental compliance, and fatigue awareness. 

Topics for Behind-the-Wheel Training

In addition to theory instruction, driver training programs need to include a hands-on behind-the-wheel component. While there isn’t a minimum number of hours for this, instructors need to cover all required topics and document the total clock hours of training. 

The new ELDT requirements include the following topics in a range setting: 

• Coupling and uncoupling
• Pre-trip, en route, and post-trip inspections
• Sight side and blind side parallel parking
• Straight line, off-set, and alley dock (45 and 90 degrees) backing

In addition, instructors must cover the following topics on a public road: 

• Hours of service (HOS) regulations
• Basic vehicle controls such as lane changes and turning
• Space/speed management
• Driving safely
• Visual search
• Nighttime driving
• Railroad crossings
• Shifting/transmission
• Communication/signaling
• Skid control/recovery, jackknifing, and other emergencies
• Hazard perception
• Extreme conditions

Get Your CDL

At Yuma Driving Driving School, our program meets all the new ELDT requirements and we can help you earn your CDL in as little as four weeks. 

Contact us today to learn more about our truck driver training.

A commercial driver’s license (CDL) is necessary to start a career as a truck driver. This replaces your standard Arizona driver’s license and allows you to drive large commercial vehicles. To earn your CDL, you will need to meet certain requirements, some of which are federal while others are specific for Arizona.

Here is what you need to know about Arizona CDL requirements:

Which Vehicles Require a CDL

Federal agencies regulate the trucking industry, namely the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Administration (FMCSA), which is one of its subagencies. These organizations determine when which vehicles require a CDL to operate and these rules apply in Arizona and across the country.

There are different types of commercial licenses that allow you to drive different vehicles. Our schools can help you earn a class A or class B license. We recommend a class A CDL in most cases, as this allows you to drive both class A and class B vehicles.

With a class A CDL, you can drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or 26,001 pounds or more with a towing capacity of over 10,000 pounds. With a class B license, you can drive a vehicle with a GCWR or GVWR of 26,0001 pounds or more with a towing capacity of less than 10,000 pounds.

Earning a CDL

Federal Commercial License Requirements

To drive a commercial vehicle across state lines, you must be at least 21 years old. If you are at least 18 years old, you can earn a CDL with an intrastate restriction, meaning you can only operate a CMV within state lines.

Before earning your license, you will need to pass a background check. Various offenses can permanently or temporarily disqualify you from holding a CDL. The FMCSA lists these on its website.

There are also national standards for the process of obtaining a CDL, which Arizona follows. You will need to first earn your commercial learner’s permit (CLP) by passing a written exam. This is multiple choice and covers information about safe CMV operation. After this, you must pass a skills test using a vehicle of the class that you intend to operate (e.g. a semi-truck for a class A CDL).

Arizona Commercial License Requirements

All CDL holders in the State of Arizona need to have a certificate from a DOT physical on file with the Motor Vehicle Department (MVD). You will need to complete a physical examination every 24 months at a minimum to keep your CDL. If you have any medical conditions, your doctor may require more frequent physicals.

In order to get your Arizona CDL, you also need proof of residency. The Arizona MVD lists acceptable documents here. You will also need to establish that you are a United States citizen or legal permanent resident through the documents listed in the CDL manual.

Earn Your License and Start Your Career

At Yuma Truck Driving School, we can help you earn your commercial license in as little as four weeks. We offer job placement assistance to help you get your career started as quickly as possible.

Contact us today to learn more about earning your Arizona CDL.

The ability to deliver hauls efficiently is essential for any trucker. This helps you have a great reputation with your motor carrier and the customer whose freight you are delivering. Not only that, it also helps you get more miles and, as a result, earn more pay.

Over time, you’ll gain many skills that improve your efficiency as a trucker, and one of the most helpful is trip planning. This involves determining your route, where you will stop, and back-up plans for each day of your haul. It can help you stay on track for an on-time delivery and can reduce your stress while on the road.

Benefits of Trucker Trip Planning

Some of the reasons you should plan your routes:

• Trip planning assists you in making deliveries on time, which will help you build a strong reputation as a trucker who can be counted on to meet and exceed expectations. 
• As a trucker, you need to follow hours of service (HOS) regulations, which limit your driving time each day. Planning ahead makes it easier to avoid fines, stress, and disciplinary action.
• You will be able to plan where to stop for healthy food and when to exercise, which can help you avoid health issues.
• Finding a place to park and sleep for the night can be challenging and with trip planning, you’ll have back-ups in place and will know what your options are. This reduces your stress on the road while also helping you avoid HOS violations.
• If and when something unexpected happens during a haul, a strong trip plan makes it easier to adapt so you can stay on track.

How to Trip Plan Effectively

A Road Atlas Is a Must

Many companies have trucker-specific GPS systems in their vehicles and these will give you basic directions to and from your destination. However, a road atlas for truckers is a valuable tool that you shouldn’t discount. It will include information about road restrictions, truck stops, weigh stations, et cetera.

You can also download a phone application with similar information, and this might help you make a trip plan along with your atlas and GPS. That being said, there’s a reason old-school truckers swear by a classic, physical atlas. If you ever find yourself without internet access, you won’t be able to rely on a phone.

Have A Back-Up (Or Even a Few Back-Ups!)

Things in life rarely go exactly as planned, regardless of your career or lifestyle. The best truckers expect the unexpected and are ready to adapt if they need to.

Having a back-up plan is especially important when it comes to where you are going to stop to sleep. If the parking lot is full, you may need to keep driving to find an alternative. If this happens when you’re out of driving hours for the day, it can lead to a stressful situation and you could end up with a fine or other disciplinary action, so plan ahead in case you do need to stop more than once.

Practice Makes Perfect

Any skill takes time to perfect. It can be tempting to compare yourself to experienced drivers, but if you are just getting started, keep in mind that you’ll get better as you spend more time on the road. After every trip, consider what went well and what didn’t and use this to adjust your trip planning method for the next haul.

Ask for Help From Other Truckers

Experienced truck drivers understand what life on the road is like and many are happy to help rookies get the hang of things. Ask for advice from co-workers, trucker friends, or online forum members. The trucking community is an excellent resource for trip planning and other skills new drivers need to learn.

Want to Earn Your CDL?

If you are interested in starting your career as a trucker, Yuma Truck Driving School can help you get started. You can earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) in as little as four weeks with our accelerated program.

To learn more about our trucking school, contact us today.

After military service, it can be difficult to transition into the civilian workforce. Many employers don’t recognize the unique and valuable skill set that veterans have. Trucking can be a great option to use the skills you already have and to start a career where your employer values what you bring to the table. This industry has one of the highest rates of veteran employment and as the truck driver shortage continues, there’s no better time to get started.

Here are just a few reasons why trucking is a great job for veterans:

Use Skills You Already Have

Trucking uses many of the same skills you’ve developed over the course of your military service.

Some examples include:

• Mental Stamina/Focus
• Teamwork
• Dependability
• Leadership
• Situational Awareness
• Self-discipline
• Problem solving

In some cases, you may have even driven a truck during your service. You may be able to get an exemption from the road test and earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) sooner in this case, or at the very least you’ll be more prepared than most new drivers.

Serve Your Country

As a member of the armed forces, you served your country and may want to continue this service as you transition out of active duty. Trucking is a great opportunity to do this.

70% of freight in the United States travels via semi-truck. Without semi-trucks and the men and women who drive them, there would be shortages of food, gas, medicine, and more across the country. Trucking is essential to our nation’s economy and truckers can take pride in knowing the valuable contribution they make.

Take Advantage of Job Security and High Pay

As we mentioned above, truckers are essential, and this translates into excellent job security. There is a shortage of qualified drivers in our country, which further increases the demand. Motor carriers are eager to hire CDL school graduates and there is an abundance of job openings for over-the-road (OTR) truckers.

The high demand also translates into high pay. Truck drivers can earn more than $69,000 per year.* Many companies also offer sign-on bonuses and excellent benefits. Additionally, as a veteran, you may be able to take advantage of unique programs and bonuses that motor carriers offer.

Funding Your Trucking Education

If you qualify for GI Bill®** benefits, you can use these funds for tuition assistance. This makes it even easier to get the necessary education to start your trucking career.

If you already have your CDL, some motor carriers offer apprenticeship or job training programs that are eligible for GI Bill® funding.

Earn Your CDL After Military Service

Yuma Truck Driving School is proud to have been selected for the 2021 – 2022 G.I. Jobs Military Friendly Schools list. We can help you transition into the civilian workforce and you can earn your CDL in as little as four weeks with our accelerated program.

To learn more about becoming a truck driver after serving in the military, contact us today.

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $47,130 (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm). The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $69,480 per year according to 2020 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

**GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill

Eating well can be difficult for anyone regardless of their lifestyle. However, being an over-the-road (OTR) truck driver can present some unique challenges. Being on the road all day with limited storage can make it seem like grabbing fast food is the simplest option. Luckily, healthy eating for truck drivers may be easier than you think.

Here are a few tips to eat better on the road:

Meal Plan Before Your Trip

Before you hit the road, make a plan for what you will eat. Try to include a variety of options. This helps ensure you won’t get bored and that you get enough different nutrients. You can prepare entire meals and store them in your truck’s mini-fridge. If you prefer, you cook on the road instead with a hot plate, crockpot, or another device. A mix of both approaches can also work.

Bring Healthy Snacks

In addition to meals, keep a variety of healthy snacks in your cab. This can help reduce the temptation to grab a less healthy option when you want a quick bite. Do any prep work, like slicing vegetables, ahead of time, and have smaller portion sizes. This makes it as easy as possible to get a snack when you want to.

Choose Healthier Fast Food

Even if you have food in your cab, chances are you will want to stop for fast food every once in a while. Maybe you’ve had a long day and don’t want to make anything, or maybe you’re just craving something different. Luckily, most restaurants have healthier options that you can get. For example, consider ordering grilled chicken instead of a fried option.

If you really want a particular unhealthy menu item, you can adjust your portion size. Choose a small order of fries instead of a large or get a single cheeseburger instead of a double. Even a small adjustment can make a big difference over time.

Drink Water

Staying hydrated has significant benefits for your health. It can also help you stay more alert, which is important for safe driving. Water also doesn’t have any calories, which makes it a better option than sodas or energy drinks. Keep water in your cab to sip on throughout the day and order water instead of sugary drinks when you go to restaurants.

Set Reasonable Goals

While it’s important to take steps toward a healthy lifestyle, making too many changes all at once is often overwhelming. It’s easy to get burnt out and turn back to old habits if you try to move too quickly. Instead, set smaller goals that you know you’ll be able to achieve. Continue to build on the progress you’ve made and you’ll be surprised how big of a difference it can make over time.

How to Become a Truck Driver

If you are interested in starting a trucking career, Yuma Truck Driving School can help. We offer high-quality commercial driver’s license (CDL) training.

To learn more about our CDL programs, contact us today.

There are many different types of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that you may encounter over the course of your career. Additional endorsements or certifications may be required beyond a commercial driver’s license (CDL) alone, depending on the specific type of CMV or the freight it hauls. Knowing the different varieties of vehicles can help you determine which you are most interested in and allows you to find your niche as a trucker.

Some types of CMVs include:

Semi-Trucks

The category of semi-trucks includes any vehicle that has a front portion (tractor unit) with a trailer or bed attached using a fifth-wheel connection. The tractor is also called a cab, and this will include a sleeper berth for long-haul trucks. These are sometimes called 18-wheelers, big rigs, or tractor-trailers, depending on the region of the country you are in.

All of the following are considered semi-trucks:

Dry Vans

If you picture a big rig, it’s likely that the image in your mind is of a dry van. This is the most basic type of semi-truck. It has an enclosed trailer that can be used to haul materials that do not require any special conditions.

Reefers

Refrigerated trucks (reefers) have a temperature-controlled trailer attached to the tractor unit. The basic structure is the same as a dry van.

Double/Triple Trailers

Semi-trucks with two or three trailers attached to the cab are known as long combination vehicles (LCVs). They require a CDL endorsement to drive and can be more complicated to maneuver. Jobs involving LCVs will typically pay more since a greater amount of freight can be hauled at one time.

Tank Trucks

A tank truck, also called a tanker, can be used to haul liquids, gases, or dry bulk. Except in the case of dry bulk transportation, it will require an endorsement to operate. Tankers are frequently used to haul fuel or potentially dangerous substances, both of which require a second endorsement for hazardous materials (hazmat).

Flatbeds

Instead of an enclosed trailer, flatbed trucks have a platform attached to the cab. Freight must be tied down to secure it. Flatbed trucks are often used for cargo that does not fit in a traditional trailer and these jobs require more experience, but often have increased pay as well.

Commercial Vehicles Beyond Semi-Trucks

Besides semi-trucks, there are other CMVs you may drive during your career.

Some of these include:

Straight Trucks

Also called box trucks, straight trucks look fairly similar to semi-trucks, but the tractor is directly attached to the trailer instead of using a fifth-wheel connection. Local delivery jobs often use this type of vehicle.

Construction Vehicles

Dump trucks and other heavy vehicles used on construction sites often require a CDL to drive. These sorts of jobs are a great option if you want to stay close to home while still using your commercial license.

Passenger-Transporting Vehicles

A passenger endorsement is required to drive any commercial vehicle that seats 16 or more people, including the driver. With this endorsement, you can drive vans, shuttles, limousines, buses, and more.

Earn Your CDL and Get Started Today

If you are interested in driving any of these vehicles, Yuma Truck Driving School can help. We offer a variety of training programs depending on the class of license and the endorsements you need. Our accelerated program can get you on the road in as little as four weeks. 

To learn how to drive a commercial vehicle, contact us today.