Category: Blog

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.

Truck driving school will prepare you with the skills that you need to excel in the truck driving industry. Along with learning the essentials about how to operate a commercial truck, you will also gain valuable safety tips and information during your time at truck driving school. Once you start your first long haul journey, you should be aware of the signs that you are becoming fatigued behind the wheel. Here is an overview of the dangerous signs of driver fatigue.

Blurry Eyesight

As you become fatigued behind the wheel, your eyes may start to have increased difficulty focusing on the road ahead. Your vision problems may increase if you begin to blink or nod more frequently as you are driving. If have driven to the point where you are no longer able to see clearly, this is a sure sign that you are in need of a rest break.

Trouble Focusing

When your brain starts to get tired, it may not be able to pay attention to the task at hand. Drowsy drivers are susceptible to daydreaming or inattention to their surroundings. You may also have difficulty recalling the sights or signs that you have just passed along the road.

Nodding Off

If your driving fatigue becomes extremely dangerous, you may actually start to nod off when your truck is still in motion. While your drowsy sensations may be minor at first, they can quickly escalate and cause you to drift off momentarily while you are driving. Rather than pushing through the fatigue, pull off and rest until you are able to drive safely.

At Yuma Truck Driving School, our comprehensive truck driver training program will prepare you for any situation that you experience during your career. If you are interested in starting a successful truck driving career, you should enroll at our top-rated truck driving academy in Yuma. To hear more about the dates of our upcoming open house, give us a call at (888) 647-3239.

When you get your first commercial truck driving road, you may find yourself getting tempted by treats at truck stops and fast food restaurants that you pass during your daily drives. However, neglecting your diet when you are on the road can lead to an expanded waist line and other serious health issues. With a few simple diet tips, it is very possible to maintain a healthy diet on the road. Let’s review three simple tips that truck drivers can use to balance their diets.

Eat Plenty of Fresh Foods

Fresh foods, such as fruits and vegetables, are a foundation for a balanced diet. Rather than reaching for a bag of chips or a sugary soda, you can curb your cravings with carrots, apples, and other fresh snacks. Today, many gas stations and rest stops are stocked up with fresh produce items that are ready to grab and go.

Drink Lots of Water

During your long hours on the road, it can be tempting to reach for highly caffeinated or sugary beverages. While these drinks can provide you with a temporary energy boost, too many sugary and caffeinated beverages can lead to weight gain and blood sugar spikes. Carrying a water bottle with you as you drive will encourage you to drink plenty of fresh, healthy water as you drive.

Monitor Your Protein Intake

A balanced diet contains protein, fat, and carbohydrates. Unfortunately, many of the treats and meals that are available for truck drivers are very high in carbs and fats, and lower in protein. High protein foods, such as energy bars, protein shakes, and trail mixes, can help you supplement your diet with the fuel that you need to stay healthy.

When you attend classes at Yuma Truck Driving School, we will provide you with the information that you need to stay healthy on the road. If you are interested in our truck training programs, be sure to attend one of our open houses. Give us a call at (888) 647-3239 to hear more about how we can help you pass the CDL exam.

If you have been working in the same field for decades, you may be dreaming of switching up your current position for an entirely new career. A field such as truck driving offers fantastic opportunities for career changes later on in life. By taking the plunge and transitioning to a new career, you can achieve a whole new outlook on your workweek. Let’s take a look at three reasons why it’s never too late to change careers.

Many Jobs Hire Older Workers

One of the main things that may be holding you back from changing careers is the thought that you are too old to be hired by a new company. In fact, there are many different types of industries that happily hire older workers. Many truck drivers, for example, get their first jobs after they have retired from their primary careers.

A New Career Provides Renewed Purpose

Working the same type of job day in and day out for decades may leave you feeling like your life is lacking in purpose. Studying for a new career and taking the time to send out your applications can renew your sense of purpose and accomplishment. When you get hired in your new career, you will also have the opportunity to gain additional skills and knowledge.

Career Changes Can Be Financially Beneficial

When you start to approach retirement age, you may find that your retirement fund is not as large as you would like. By changing careers, it is possible to find a new position that offers better opportunities for advancements and a healthier starting salary. After you have changed up your career, you may find that you are more financially stable.

At Yuma Truck Driving School, we welcome students who are looking for career changes. When you attend our truck driving school in Tucson, our friendly instructors will provide you with all the information that you need to embark on your truck driving career. Call us at (888) 647-3239 to learn more about our enrollment process.

When you’ve passed your CDL test and gotten your first trucking job, you’ll have the opportunity to customize your rig. Although there are countless ways you can do this, you might want to consider starting with a new steering wheel, a sleeping area, and reminders of home. Read on for a closer look at these tips.

Choose a New Wheel

Along with being safe, staying comfortable is of paramount importance as a truck driver. Since you’ll spend a great deal of time on the road, a minor discomfort can become excruciating over time. This is why you should consider customizing your steering wheel right away. Your factory steering wheel might not be so comfortable, which can bring about all kinds of problems, from blisters on your fingers to difficulty controlling your vehicle. A more ergonomic steering wheel will keep you physically comfortable and mentally confident.

Set Up a Sleeping Area

Since being safe and comfortable is so important on the road, you should be sure to get an adequate amount of rest. Proper sleep will keep you alert and your reflexes ready, which are both crucial when driving. Although you’ll likely spend your nights in hotels, it helps to have a sleeping area in your truck as well. If you have room for it, this area can let you catch up on some sleep if you find that you’re too tired to keep going safely.

Bring Mementos Along

It’s easy to get homesick, which is why some truck drivers like to bring mementos along with them during their excursions. Pictures of family members, friends, and events that you hold dear can remind you of home and keep you motivated on the road.

You won’t start customizing your rig until you’ve earned your commercial driver’s license, so contact Yuma Truck Driving School to learn what you need to know. Feel free to check out our website or call us at (888) 647-3239 for a look at our services.