Category: Yuma Truck Driving School News

When you spend the time in truck driving school, you are giving yourself the opportunity to find a rewarding job in a field that is always looking for new people. Keep reading to learn about some of the amazing job opportunities that are available for commercial drivers.

Over-the-Road Jobs

These kinds of CDL jobs take you across the highways of the United States. It will be your responsibility to transport products in a commercial truck. Most off-the-road jobs require you to drive through 48 states and keep you on the road for about 3-4 weeks at a time. If you like staying on the road for long stretches, you might want to think about accepting some over-the-road jobs.

Solo Jobs

There are plenty of solo driving opportunities that help you enjoy some quality time on the open road with just yourself. If you do not like working with others, this kind of driving opportunity might be the best option for you.

Team Jobs

The commercial trucking industry also has plenty of team driving opportunities. This enables you to switch off driving responsibilities so you can go farther with fewer stops. It also gives you some company on the long patches of highway.

Regional Jobs

If you do not want to go far from your home base, you can look into some regional jobs. These positions usually only take you within a few hundred miles of a specific area. You can expect to be traveling these smaller routes for about 2-3 weeks at a time.

Trainer Jobs

Once you get some experience working as a truck driver, you can start to work as a trainer. If you want to show other people the ropes of working in the industry, you should think about becoming a trainer.

No matter what kind of commercial trucking job you want, HDS Truck Driving Institute can help you get it. Our classes are designed to teach you everything you need to know to obtain your CDL in Tucson. To learn more, visit us online or call 1-877-205-2141.

Attending truck-driving school opens up a wide range of career possibilities that can help you secure a long-term future for yourself in the industry. After you get your CDL, you might want to consider becoming an owner-operator. Keep reading to find out why:

You Have the Potential to Earn a Lot

If you are a self-motivated individual that is willing to work hard, being an owner-operator gives you the opportunity to make a lot of money in the industry. There are always plenty of work opportunities for someone who owns and operates their own vehicle, but you have to be the one to go after them. If you consider yourself an entrepreneur, this could be a really lucrative career move for you.

You Can Work for Yourself

A lot of people choose to own and operate their own vehicles because they do not like working for someone else. If you want the opportunity to serve as your own boss, you should consider investing in your own truck so you can decide your hours, the distance you drive, and the kinds of jobs you take.

You Are Creating a Good Investment

Purchasing your own truck is a great way to make an investment for your future. Not only does it give you the opportunity to earn money in the trucking industry, but it also gives you more collateral that can be helpful in other facets of your life. If you want to secure your financial future, you might want to consider purchasing and operating your own vehicle.

Whether you want to work for yourself or take a job with a company, HDS Truck Driving Institute is here to teach you everything you need to know about the trucking industry. Our teachers and informative classes can help you achieve your career goals and move on to the next phase of your life. To learn more about our truck driving school, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Driving a truck safely requires a certain set of skills and a lot of attention to detail. Once you complete your time in truck-driving school, use the following tips to ensure that you can operate a commercial vehicle safely.

Drive with Safety in Mind

When you are operating a large vehicle like a truck, it is more important than ever to abide by the rules of the road. You should never tailgate vehicles in front of you because it significantly reduces your ability to stop in a hurry. Use your turn signals any time you turn or change lanes and turn it on well before you start to move to alert other drivers of your plans. Follow speed limits and stay in your lane at all times.

Do Not Drive Tired

Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of accidents involving trucks. You should never get behind the wheel if you are feeling drowsy or tired. Try to get plenty of sleep the night before you drive and pull over if you need a rest. Listening to your body can help you figure out when you need to take some time away from the road.

Use Caution in Bad Weather

Driving a truck in rain and snow is much more difficult than driving a car. Use caution when you are driving through bad weather conditions. Keep your speed low and pay attention to the road in front of you. If the weather gets so bad that you do not feel safe driving, you should pull over and turn on your flashers. Use reflective triangles and road flares to let other drivers know you are there.

When you attend truck-driving school at HDS Truck Driving Institute, you learn all of the skills you need to know to operate a commercial vehicle safely. To learn more about our programs or how to apply, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

 

 

Working as a truck driver gives you access to a field with job security and the potential to make good money. Here are steps you can take to secure a job as a truck driver so you can begin a new and rewarding career:

Apply to Truck-Driving School

The first step toward finding work as a driver is to apply to a program. Truck-driving school gives you the information you need to earn your CDL and start working in the field. Choose a reputable school that has the kinds of classes and instructors you need to help you achieve this career goal.

Take Advantage of Job Placement Services

Once you finish your program, you can look into job placement services that your school offers. With their help, you can narrow down your choices and have a better chance of finding a job right away. These job placement services help you find the kind of job that you want so you can start to work in the field.

Gather Your Information

When you start applying for jobs, you have to provide certain documents that prove you are qualified for the position. You will need to show your current CDL, a copy of your driving record, and evidence that you are legally able to work in the United States. If you have worked for other companies, you should provide the names and numbers of previous employers. Some companies might also ask you to complete a background check before they officially hire you.

Start on the journey toward your new career with the help of HDS Truck Driving Institute. Our informative programs help you learn the information and the skills you need to start working in the industry. We can ensure that you are ready to obtain your CDL and get started with a new career. To learn more about our programs, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

If you are feeling stuck in your life and want to find new opportunities that can help you reach new potential, consider getting your CDL. Keep reading to find out how this kind of license can enhance your life:

It Makes You More Marketable

Truck drivers are always in demand. If you obtain your CDL, it gives you a way to market yourself to companies that are looking for responsible drivers to handle their shipments. Sign up for truck-driving school now so you can be on your way toward earning your CDL and finding work. Earning this kind of license gives you a chance to market yourself in an industry with a secure future.

It Gives You Flexibility

One of the best reasons to start working as a truck driver is flexibility. If you want to have more control over your schedule, you might want to consider going to school for your CDL so you can be well on your way to working in a field that offers the flexibility you’re looking for in a career.

It Helps You Earn a Good Living

Truck drivers make competitive salaries that allow you to live comfortably. If you want to start enjoying financial stability, you should look into enrolling in a truck-driving school that makes it easy to earn your CDL and start working in the field. The sooner you enroll in school, the sooner you can get your license and start your trucking career.

Turn to HDS Truck Driving Institute to learn the information that you need to earn your CDL quickly. Our teachers and classes are here to make it easy to cement your future in a fun and reliable career that offers plenty of job security. To learn more about our programs or our financial aid opportunities, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Once you complete your time in CDL school, you must pass your test before you can start working in the field. Use the following tips to study for your exam so you can easily pass it the first time:

Pay Attention in Class

One of the most important elements of studying is paying attention while in class. In order to have good study material that you can reference, good note-taking skills are a must. Make an effort to pay attention in all of your classes and to ask questions when you are unsure about a certain concept.

Write While You Study

Another effective way to retain information is to make notes as you study. Instead of just reading over the material, you can rewrite it all to give yourself a better chance of retaining the information when you sit down to take your test. You should actually sit down with a paper and pen and write out the information instead of typing it up on your computer or laptop.

Work with Classmates

You can also try to work with some of your classmates to discuss the information you learned in class. Hearing someone else’s point of view on a certain topic might help you remember it. It is also useful to explain concepts that your peers do not understand. As you sit down and talk to them about the ideas, it helps you remember them even more.

Take Breaks

Taking breaks can actually help you retain information. You should get up and walk around at least once every few hours to give your brain the rest it needs to get back to studying.

Enroll at HDS Truck Driving Institute to learn the information you need to pass your CDL exam and start working as a truck driver. With thorough instructors and informative classes, we make it easy to take control of your career. To learn more about the program or the admissions process, visit us online or call 877-205-2141.

 

 

Driving long hours and sleeping in new places are regular aspects of working as a truck driver. If you are planning to start working in this industry, use the following tips to ensure that you avoid drowsy driving incidents that could lead to big accidents.

Take Frequent Breaks

You should take a 20-minute break every few hours during your shift. Pull over and get out of your vehicle so you can walk around. This gives you the opportunity to take a bathroom break, to replenish your snacks, and to get some beverages if you need them. Truck drivers are actually required to take at least one 30-minute break after driving for eight hours. You should also pull over any time your eyes start to feel heavy.

Eat a Healthy Diet

The foods you eat have a big impact on how well you feel during the day. You should make an effort to stay hydrated, especially on the days when you drive. Try to eat a diet with plenty of lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates so your body has the energy it needs. If possible, you should avoid fatty, processed foods that might actually make you feel more tired as you drive.

Use Caution Between Midnight and 6 A.M.

Most drowsy driving incidents tend to occur between midnight and 6 a.m. You should pay special attention to your body and its needs during these hours to avoid an unnecessary incident. If you feel tired and a 20-minute break does not help, you should pull over for a longer period of time.

If you are interested in getting your CDL in Tucson, sign up with HDS Truck Driving Institute. Our programs offer nationally-recognized truck driver training, refresher courses, road testing, and third-party Commercial Driver License testing to give you the tools you need to succeed in your career. To learn more about our programs or our admission process, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

When you enroll in truck driving school, you learn how to safely operate larger vehicles. Knowing about the top causes of trucking accidents can help you avoid them even before you start your program.

Disobeying the Rules of the Road

Driving rules are put into place for a reason. One of the most frequent causes of trucking accidents is when a driver neglects certain rules. It is extremely important to pay close attention to the information you learn in your driving school classes so you know exactly how to follow these rules and drive safely.

Not Servicing Vehicles Regularly

Another common cause of accidents is problems with the vehicle. If you drive a truck with under-inflated tires, bad bakes, tires with worn tread, or other maintenance issues, you have a higher risk of getting into an accident. Make sure you get your truck serviced regularly so you can be sure it is safe for the road.

Driving Tired

Drowsy driving is responsible for far too many trucking accidents each year. You should take a 20-minute break every few hours to avoid fatigue while on the road. If you feel like you are getting tired, you should pull over, get out of the vehicle, and spend some time walking around.

Speeding

When you drive a truck, you are carrying heavy loads. If you speed or accelerate in an unsafe manner, it puts you and the drivers around you at a higher risk for an accident.  You should use caution when accelerating and when braking to ensure that you drive safely at all times. Check and double-check your blind spots before you change lanes.

HDS Truck Driving Institute offers some of the best truck driver training in Arizona. If you are interested in getting your CDL in Tucson, we are here to teach you all of the skills you need to know to get ahead in your career. To learn more about our programs, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

When you enroll in truck driving school to earn your CDL, you will learn the fundamentals that you need to know when you operate a larger vehicle. This guide helps you gain some preliminary knowledge about how to safely maneuver mountain roads in a truck.

Do Some Research

There is plenty of information available about mountain roads. If you know the route that you plan to take, you can look up information about the mountains to learn about the steepness of the trail, how many lanes you can expect throughout the trip, and whether or not there are any escape lanes along the way. Depending on the weight of your load, you can determine if you need to plan for an alternate route.

Get Your Truck Serviced Before You Go

If you know that you will be driving through the mountains, you should make some time to get your truck serviced before you leave. It is important that your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater, and exhaust systems are all in working order. You should also check on the brake and transmission fluids and the tread of the tires. When your vehicle is in top condition, it will be much easier and safer to navigate the mountain roads.

Do Not Hug the Line

Some drivers have the tendency to stay too close to the center line when traveling on mountain roads. These roads tend to be narrower than regular highways, which makes some drivers nervous. Driving along the center line can be more dangerous, however, especially if drivers on the other side of the road are doing the same.

Learn everything you need to know about driving a truck at HDS Truck Driving Institute. Our instructors are here to ensure that you learn the information and the skills you need to obtain your CDL. With our programs, you can take control over your future and start working in an exciting industry. For more information on our programs or how to apply, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Driving a truck gives you the opportunity to see large portions of the country as a part of your job. Spending long hours in a vehicle makes it more difficult to abide by healthy, habits, though. Use these tips to help ensure that you can be healthy on the road.

Fixing A Growing Problem

A 2014 study found that as many as 60 percent of long-haul truck drivers are obese. 17 percent of these obese drivers are morbidly obese. This weight statistics mean that a lot of truck drivers are at a higher risk for serious health issues like heart attack, diabetes, and stroke. With the proper attitude and the right habits, though, you can stay healthy while on the road.

Finding Ways to Exercise on the Road

It is important to find at least 15 minutes for exercise every single day. You do not have to go to a gym to increase your heart rate and to get your blood pumping. If you are only working out for a short amount of time, you should aim for high-energy workouts during which you maintain a maximum heart rate of 75-85 percent. You can do this by working multiple muscle groups simultaneously. You might want to bring some free weights into the truck with you so you can do a short workout at a truck stop.

Make an Effort to Eat Healthy

You should make an effort to eat after you exercise to help your body build muscle so it burns more fat. Eat breakfast every day and try to eat every three hours. Truckers have notoriously slow metabolism and maintaining a regular eating schedule can help you speed it up. Since it is hard to find healthy food at truck stops, you might want to pack snacks such as nuts, fruits, vegetables, and protein shakes. Try to avoid fatty, processed foods.

HDS Truck Driving Institute can teach you the skills you need to start working as a truck driver. Sign up today to start on the path toward a fulfilling career. To learn more, call (877) 205-2141.

Before you even enroll in truck driving school, you can familiarize yourself with some common trucking terms that you will probably encounter regularly on the road. Use this guide to prepare for your new career.

Alligator

One of the most important elements of driving a truck safely is spotting any potential hazards on the road. An “alligator” is a term that refers to a piece of tire lying in the road. If possible, you should avoid these hazards so you do not get “bitten.” Although a truck is much bigger than a piece of a blown tire, it could cause damage to your hoses, belts, or other parts of the tractor. The force from your truck might also send it onto another vehicle and cause damage or an accident.

Backed Out of It

With all the weight of a truck, it might be hard to continue traveling at the same speed when the road inclines. If you can no longer maintain your speed on a hill and have to downshift, you refer to it as “backing out of it.” When this happens, you should move over to the right lane to let the faster drivers behind you pass.

Handles

The Federal Communication Commission encourages people who talk over CB radios to use handles. These nicknames make it easier to identify the speaker without having to announce your actual name over the radio waves. Drivers tend to pick their own CB handles and often choose a name that they feel reflects their personality.

Too Many Eggs in the Basket

You might use the term “too many eggs in the basket” if you are carrying too much weight in your truck. If you feel like your load is overweight, you should definitely mention something before you hit the road.

At HDS Truck Driving Institute, we give you the tools you need to earn your CDL and start working in the trucking industry. If you are ready to take control of your own career, we are here for you. To learn more about our programs or admissions, call (877) 205-2141.

When you make the decision to attend truck-driving school, you open yourself up to a whole new set of career possibilities. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of trucking jobs for which you can apply when you get your CDL.

Pulling a Dry Van

New drivers tend to start out by pulling a dry van. This type of truck uses a 53-foot trailer to haul dry goods. These jobs are easy and do not require a higher level of skill, which means they usually fall at the bottom of the pay scale.

Pulling or Hauling Refrigerated Freight

It is considered more difficult to haul trailers with perishable items that must be refrigerated. Not only must a trucker haul these goods, but he or she must also ensure that the freight stays at a certain temperature. Jobs that entail hauling refrigerated freight tend to pay more.

Hauling Flat Bed Loads

When freight does not fit easily into a trailer, it is often transported on a flat bed. Drivers handling flat bed loads are often responsible for driving airplanes, scaffolding, and other large loads that must be securely tied to the bed. Drivers who handle flat bed loads often have more work and more pay than they get with other kinds of jobs.

Driving Tankers

Although most people think tankers are primarily used for gasoline, they can hail any kind of liquid. When you drive a tanker, you are responsible for transporting liquids like milk, chemicals, and gases. Because some loads might be dangerous, truckers must receive special training before they can drive tankers.

No matter what kind of truck you want to drive, start your career at HDS Truck Driving Institute. Since 1991, we have served as one of the top truck driving schools in Arizona and give you the training you need to succeed in your future career. To learn more about our programs, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.