Category: Blog

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.

After earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you can earn high pay and take advantage of competitive benefits as a truck driver. The first step as you start your career after graduation is choosing which trucking company you want to work for. There are many options out there and it can get overwhelming. Our job placement assistance team can help you narrow down your choices and find companies that are hiring new drivers. It’s a good idea to think about what is most important to you before signing on with a motor carrier.

Here are some tips for choosing which company to work for:

Type of Freight

To start out, you should determine what type of freight you are interested in. Many CDL graduates start out driving dry vans, which are generally easier to haul and have more job openings for new license holders. A refrigerated truck (reefer) driving job may also be an option. More specialized types of freight such as hazardous materials (hazmat) often require prior trucking experience, although not always.

Pay & Benefits

The most straightforward way to compare companies is the pay and benefits they offer. Keep in mind that this isn’t the full story, but it can be a good place to start. Most over-the-road (OTR) trucking jobs pay per mile so you should consider their rate and how many miles you realistically expect to get. Talking to former and current drivers may help you get an idea of this. In addition to comparing the cents-per-mile (CPM), consider any sign-on bonuses and the conditions required for these, as well as benefits offered with the position.

Home Time

OTR trucking will typically involve being on the road for multiple weeks at a time. That being said, specific home time policies vary. Ask company representatives about this as well as current and former drivers to get a complete perspective. If you are interested in getting home as frequently as possible, consider a regional or local job instead of OTR.

Truck Quality

Since you’ll be spending a lot of time behind the wheel of a semi-truck, it’s a good idea to consider the quality of this vehicle. Some companies have new fleets with high-tech equipment and others have older trucks. Look for features that improve safety and driver comfort.

Reputation and Company Culture

There are going to be mixed opinions about any trucking company, so it’s important to try to hear both sides and get as much information as possible. Talk to current drivers and former drivers as well as reading about the company online.

Get Help from our Job Placement Assistance Team

As a student at Yuma Truck Driving School, you will have access to our job placement assistance team. We can help you find trucking companies that are hiring CDL graduates and will consider the factors that are most important to you.

Start Your Trucking Career

Our program can get you on the road and earning in as little as four weeks and we cover material for three endorsements: hazmat, tanker, and doubles/triples. Our instructors teach valuable skills that continue to benefit students throughout their time in the trucking industry.

To learn more about earning your CDL with Yuma Truck Driving School, contact us today.

When you were earning your CDL at truck driving school, you probably couldn’t wait to get on the road and earn that first paycheck! So, it can be shocking to learn that life on the road has its stressors too. Any career transition can be stressful, particularly when the new job has a great deal of responsibility. Just know that things will get easier with time. The first year is the hardest one, but it’ll go by quickly. In the meantime, use the following techniques to relieve your stress.

Laugh at something every day.

That old saying, “Laughter is the best medicine,” might be a cliché, but it’s also true. No matter what’s stressing you out, you’d be amazed at how much better you feel after a few minutes of genuine laughter. Laughter therapy is a proven wellness technique that releases a flood of feel-good endorphins, eases tension from the body, and instantly lifts the mood.

Connect with nature.

As a truck driver, you have unique opportunities to see spectacular landscapes from your cab. You’ll see lots of sights that many people never get to see. Although many of those sights will pass by your window, you should make an effort to pull over once in a while. When the opportunity presents itself, find a nature trail and do a little hiking. Spend time simply standing still, gazing at a beautiful view.

Enjoy good music.

The trucking life can be a musical one. When you’re on the road, you can play the songs that you know will lift your mood. Once you’re parked for the night, switch to quieter, soothing music that will help you unwind before bedtime. Try classical music, instrumental jazz, or perhaps even a compilation of nature sounds.

At Yuma Truck Driving School, we pride ourselves on graduating thoroughly prepared truck drivers who are fully equipped to excel at life on the road. We can make your career transition easier with our job placement program, including pre-hiring opportunities with national carriers! Get in touch today at (888) 647-3239, and come down to our next open house event!

Long-distance trucking is financially rewarding, but it does require truckers to be away from home for long periods of time. It can be tricky to nurture relationships when a trucker is in the family, but it’s definitely possible. The following tips can help.

Making Time for Your Partner

Your home time is precious, but there are also plenty of people and issues competing for your attention while you’re home. Do make time for your partner every day that you’re home. If you have kids, find a babysitter so the two of you can get away for quality time together. Date night doesn’t have to be extravagant. Pack a picnic and visit the local park, or drive out to the country and gaze up at the stars. Being together is what counts.

Staying in Touch on the Road

Nothing can replace being with your partner, but it’s still beneficial to your relationship to stay in touch while away from home. Call your partner every day. Use videoconferencing software, like FaceTime, to help you and your partner feel closer. Communication technology is very helpful, but don’t discount old-fashioned methods of communicating. Your partner would be delighted to get a postcard from you. It’s a thoughtful way to show that you care and that you’re thinking of him or her.

Nurturing the Parent-Child Relationship

Plenty of truck drivers have young kids at home, and they’ve learned how to make it work. Just like your relationship with your spouse or partner, your relationship with your kids can be nurtured through frequent contact while on the road. Skype and FaceTime are excellent tools for talking to tech-savvy kids, but think outside the box. If your kids like video games, you could set up a console in your sleeper berth and play a long-distance game with your kids. It’s a fun way for everyone to relieve stress and spend time together despite the distance.

Yuma Truck Driving School offers flexible learning options, including evening and weekend classes, so you can earn your CDL while meeting your current responsibilities. When you’re ready to begin your rewarding career in the trucking industry, give us a call at (888) 647-3239. You could earn your CDL in just weeks!

For truck drivers, staying in shape on the road can be a real challenge. Along with keeping up a healthy diet, you’ll need to find ways to get in some exercise. Not only will regular exercise help you stay fit, but it will also keep you from feeling cramped and fatigued while you’re driving. Here are some handy tips for exercising while you’re traveling as a truck driver.

Jog during your downtime.

Keep a pair of running shoes in the back of your truck, and when you pull over at a rest stop, take a quick five-minute jog. Jogging is a relatively easy exercise, and it will get your heart pumping and help your muscles loosen up. Getting into the habit of doing this every time you stop the truck is a great way to squeeze in some regular exercise throughout the day.

Learn some simple stretches.

If you don’t already have a stretching routine worked out, now is the time to do it! Stretching before you get into the truck—and after you get out—will keep your muscles from cramping up, and it will also help ensure that you stay alert and focused behind the wheel. You should also be sure to stretch before you do any more challenging exercises.

Bring your weights with you.

If you lift weights at home, consider bringing them along with you. Weights are generally easy to transport, and you can create a simple workout routine that you can do whenever you’re on the road. However, make sure that you keep your weights boxed up and safe whenever you aren’t using them. If you leave your weights out, they can easily roll around the floor of the truck and distract you from driving—or worse, get underfoot.

Are you ready to embark on a new career as a full-time professional truck driver? At Yuma Truck Driving School, students have the opportunity to learn at their own pace, and on their own schedules. If you’re ready to become a part of the exciting world of truck driving, call (888) 647-3239 to learn more about our driving programs.