Category: Blog

Driving a truck for a living isn’t always easy, but there are a couple of apps that can make the job easier. It’s nice to have all the help you can get when you’re on the road for days at a time, and these apps will take some of the load off. Keep reading and learn about some of the essential apps for truck drivers.

Weigh My Truck
As many exciting things as there are to see on the road, one of the less exciting things is a weigh station. Weigh stations are necessary to protect the roads, but they can be time consuming, which can be a hassle when you’re nearing the end of a long shift of driving. The Weigh My Truck app lets you pay from your phone as you use the scale at the weigh station, so you don’t have to go inside and wait on the line. Then you’ll get an email with your weigh ticket.

TruckLogics
The TruckLogics app makes it easier to manage your business, no matter how big or small your fleet is. This app lets you store all your records in the cloud, so you can access them whenever and however you want to. Additionally, you can easily send documents through this app by taking a cellphone picture, uploading it through the app, and emailing it.

Trucker Path Pro
One of the best parts of truck driving is the relationships you’ll develop with other drivers. Trucker Path Pro takes full advantage of these relationships by giving truckers an interactive map that they can share while they’re on their routes.

Modern technology makes life easier and business more streamlined, and the trucking industry is no exception. If you’re looking to make your way into the truck driving industry, Yuma Truck Driving School can get you started. Visit our website or call us at (888) 647-3239 to find out how.

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.

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.

Drivers spend long hours on the road every day, and sometimes they look to beverages like coffee and energy drinks for a little boost. Workers in all industries rely on these crutches to keep themselves alert and awake, but the crash can be especially dangerous for commercial drivers. Here are some ways to keep your caffeine consumption in check on the road.

Take Notes
When you’re accustomed to banking on a certain kind of beverage, stimulant, or ritual of any kind to get you to stay awake, you should keep track of how much you’re relying on these crutches. It’s common among Americans to start the day off with a cup of coffee—or in some cases much more than that—to get enough energy to stay awake throughout the workday. Take note of how much caffeine you’ve been consuming, how often you consume caffeinated beverages, and what this could be doing to your mental state.

Exercise
Natural endorphins improve our mood and physical health without harming our bodies, and exercise is a perfect example. Exercise of any kind can give you the endorphins and energy you need to stay awake while only having positive effects on your body and mind. You might not have the time to stop at a gym or attend a yoga class while you’re on the road, but even running around a truck stop can increase your heart rate and give you the wakeup you were looking for.

Get Out of the Habit
Quitting caffeine entirely would be ideal as a driver, just because you’d never have to deal with the crash. Of course, caffeine consumption is not an easy habit to break. Try carefully weaning yourself off caffeine and changing your diet.

You’ll have plenty of opportunities to go over the ropes and prepare yourself for a trucking job at Yuma Truck Driving School. Please visit our website or call (888) 647-3239 if you’re interested in getting ready to enter the trucking industry.

Trade jobs can be lucrative and fulfilling, and there are plenty of opportunities available. The trucking industry has been doing a great job of accepting new, up and coming drivers to work their way up the ranks and eventually lead the charge. Keep reading for a look at the future of the trucking industry.

Advanced Technology
Technology has made it so easy to interact with one another that we often can’t even put our phones down. This same kind of technology has been implemented in the trucking industry, but so far, the transition has been positive. Modern technology comes with better safety features, which not only protects employees and other drivers, passengers, and pedestrians, but makes sure that the deliveries are made on time. We can expect new technological features to continue to advance at an exponential rate over the years, which should in turn make the trucking industry more efficient.

Self-Driving Cars
Even though self-driving cars aren’t quite a standard of life yet, they’re starting to break into the mainstream. It’ll take a little bit longer for self-driving commercial trucks to be so involved in the trucking industry, but automation already looks to be promising addition to the future of trucking.

Job Security
Despite the advancements of technology in the trucking industry, new and veteran drivers alike can depend on their job security. New and revolutionary technology is starting to become integrated, but there will still have to be experienced workers overseeing the process. There are still plenty of positions open for those who just came up through CDL schools, and these new professionals can count on their jobs remaining secure.

If you want a future in the trucking industry, start by calling the Yuma Truck Driving School at (888) 647-3239. We’ll get you ready to earn your commercial driver’s license and start your life on the road. Check out our website for more information.

Some people stay at their jobs because they love what they do, while others stay just because the prospect of finding a new career is too daunting. If you’re getting tired of the same old grind, stuck in the same position for years, or just plain old sick of going to work, it might be time for a change. Here are a few signs that you’re ready for a new career.

You Need a Change of Scenery

Sometimes it’s simply the grind of going to the same place to do the same thing every day that can make business hours feel like an eternity. If you’re the adventurous type and you’re getting tired of your desk, it might be time for a change of scenery. A new career will put you in places and situations you’ve never been in before. A career in the trucking industry might put you in a new place every day.

There’s No Upward Mobility

It’s nice to have a goal to work towards, but what if there’s no room for you to move up within your company? Working hard every day without any chance of advancement can be discouraging, and it might cause you to become complacent rather than strive for improvement. If you feel like there’s no way to be rewarded for your work in a way that fulfills you, consider a new career path.

You Just Don’t Like Your Job

Life is too short to work for a job that you can’t stand. If the sound of the alarm clock stresses you out more and more with each passing day, you might be in the wrong field.

Changing your career path is your decision, but if truck driving seems like it might be right for you, then call Yuma Truck Driving School at (888) 647-3239. We’ll help you earn your commercial driver’s license so you can start a career path that makes sense for you.

Commercial drivers spend many hours on the road, and as such, boredom and fatigue are real threats that drivers must worry about. Sleeping well, eating properly, and exercising can help you stay in shape and alert, but it’s nice to have something to keep your attention on while you drive. Keep reading for examples of a few types of great audiobooks for your next long-haul drive.

Entertainment

You might not be able to find every book ever written in audiobook form, but there is a surprising number of books to choose from when you want to hear one read to you. Commercial driving requires you to keep your attention on the road at all times. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t listen to your favorite comedian’s autobiography while you’re on a long stretch of open road. If you’re trying not to overplay your favorite album while you’re driving, you might find an audiobook about the musician or band’s roots that will give you insight as to how the songs were written.

Information

If you’re the type of person who wants to take every possible opportunity to learn something new and useful, seek out a few informative audiobooks before you set out on your next long-haul drive. Not all audiobooks are fiction or autobiographies, and you can learn a great deal about the topics that interest you while you work. If you want to continue to improve your performance on the job, you can even look for audiobooks that offer driving tips. This way you can try the tips out as you listen to them.

The Yuma Truck Driving School is dedicated to helping new commercial drivers earn their CDLs so they can get jobs in the trucking industry. If you’re interested in enrolling in one of our classes, call us at (888) 647-3239 or stop by for an open house.

Even if you haven’t been in the military for a long time, you might feel a bit different when you come home. You’ll have to reintegrate into civilian society, and part of that means finding a fulfilling job. For many veterans, this means earning a commercial driver’s license and looking for a job as a truck driver.

Going to Trucking School

Many veterans decide to go back to school when they return home from the military. If you want to go back to school and learn skills and information that you can apply almost immediately, look into trucking schools. There you can learn what you need to know to earn your CDL, or commercial driver’s license, which will come in handy when you take the necessary tests. You may also make connections that can help you throughout your career.

Earning Your CDL

Some people have a bit more of a straight shot to earning a commercial driver’s license than others. If you drove a truck in the military for two or more years, you might not need to take the full test. You may qualify for a veteran skills test waiver if the vehicle you drove for the military is similar enough to a commercial motor vehicle. Whether you qualify for this waiver or not, you will also have to pass a knowledge test.

Joining the Trucking Industry

With your new CDL in hand, you can start considering trucking jobs. This career path is great for military veterans because it offers freedom, flexibility, and the opportunity to spend your days traveling. Truckers also enjoy a decent salary and job security on the road.

W24e are happy to answer any questions you have about joining the trucking industry after exiting the military, so call HDS Safety Services at (877) 206-1282. It’s our job to make sure truckers find the jobs they’re looking for.

New advances in technology continue to change the way every industry operates, and it’s come up with a lot to offer truck drivers. New techniques and equipment like platooning, telematics and fleet management aim to make the roads safer and more efficient. Read on and stay updated on the newest pieces of trucking technology.

Platooning

The word “platooning” has a few uses, and in the context of trucking, it refers to several commercial vehicles driving in a single file line. Each vehicle is equipped with technology that allows them to communicate with each other at all times. All trucks behind the leader will automatically brake at the same time, reducing the risk of collisions between them. Platooning keeps trucks close together so they don’t take up too much space, which helps with the flow of traffic.

Telematics

You need to know what’s going on with your fleet at all times, and technology is making it easier every year. When you integrate GPS with technology like computers and mobile phones, you can monitor each one of your vehicles whenever you want to. Each truck sends information regarding where it is, how fast it’s going, and what condition it’s in. That lets you check up on any part of your fleet to make sure your business is running as productively as possible. Customer service will benefit, and unauthorized vehicle use will subside.

Fleet Management

Truck drivers have always had to keep track of their record of duty status, but now electronic logging devices can do it automatically. This reduces the chances of recording mistakes due to human error and improves organization.

At HDS Safety Services, we’re always caught up on the latest technology so we can offer you the best experience possible. Our website offers an overview of our compliance, safety, and drug testing services, and you can call us at (877) 206-1282 if you have any questions.

When you become a professional truck driver, you will enjoy the freedom of spending your working hours on the open road. With long haul trucking comes many hours of repetitive driving, often for long stretches at a time. To keep yourself alert and motivated while you drive across country, consider bringing along some entertainment for the road. Let’s take a look at some popular entertainment options for truck drivers.

Satellite Radio

In past decades, drivers were forced to listen to whatever radio stations that happened to be available in the areas that they were passing through. Today, however, satellite radio has made it possible to find your favorite tunes, wherever you are in the country. From classic rock to modern country, you will be sure to find a satellite radio station that suits your taste.

Podcasts and Audiobooks

Over many miles and hours of driving, you may want to listen to something other than music. To broaden your mind while you are driving your commercial truck, consider listening to a podcast or audiobook. With thousands of audiobooks to choose from, you can rest assured that you will not get bored.

Streaming Television

Once you have tuned off into a rest area and settled down for a break, you may want to take your mind off of the road with your favorite TV show. Since many rest stops and modern trucks are equipped with internet services, you will have the chance to stream shows on demand. You may even consider hooking up a smart TV in the cabin area of your commercial truck.

If you want to get your foot in the door as a commercial trucker, but are not sure where to start, let Yuma Truck Driving School help you begin your journey. Our top rated CDL school in Yuma will provide you with the hands-on training that you will need to excel in the truck driving industry. Give us a call at (888) 647-3239 to sign up for an upcoming course.