Category: Yuma Truck Driving School News

When you spend large amounts of time on the road, it is easy to turn to fast, unhealthy food like burgers and French fries. If you make an effort to pack some snacks before you get on the road, though, you can avoid these items and maintain a healthy weight. Keep reading for some great snack ideas for truck drivers:

Nuts

Nuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats, which can actually reduce your risk for heart disease. Try to grab some roasted, unsalted nuts that you can munch on while you drive to keep yourself satiated with a delicious and nutritious snack. Trail mix is also a great snack option that keeps you feeling great while you drive.

Fruit

Fruit is always a great choice for a snack and there are plenty of varieties that are easy to eat on the road. You can grab a handful of blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries without any trouble. Dried fruit is a better snack option than something fattening like potato chips, but it is often full of sugar so you should try to limit your intake.

Hummus and Veggies

Snacking on foods that are high on fiber help you feel full longer. If you can reach for some hummus and chopped vegetables instead of a milkshake, you can satiate your hunger while giving your body important vitamins and nutrients like iron, vitamin C, fiber, and protein.

Hard Boiled Eggs

Spend some time hard boiling eggs before your next big job so you have easy access to this healthy snack. Eggs have very few calories and a lot of protein. They are also a great source of lecithin to help your body burn fat.

At HDS Truck Driving Institute, we can teach you the skills you need to obtain your CDL and start working as a qualified truck driver. Our programs can put you on the path toward a rewarding career. To learn more about our program or our financial aid opportunities, call 877-205-2141.

Some people are more equipped to handle certain lifestyles than others. If you can relate to any of the following, it might be time to consider enrolling in truck-driving school so you can get your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and start out in a new career.

You Love a Challenge

From long hours on the road to unpredictable weather patterns, no two days are the same when you drive a truck. If you love to experience new things and get bored doing the same thing every day, you might really love the life of a trucker.

You Want to See More

There is no better way to see the beauty of the country than by driving a truck. From the green forests of the Northeast to the stunning mountain views of Colorado, America has so many hidden treasures that you might never experience in other venues. Start driving a truck to get a front-row view of these majestic sights and to gain a new appreciation for the place in which you live.

You Enjoy Alone Time

If you hate the idea of being surrounded by coworkers in an office, a career as a truck driver can give you the lifestyle you want. Whether you drive across the country or stay local, you can enjoy plenty of alone time while you are behind the wheel. It is just you, your truck, and the open road.

You Want Job Security

Between 2004 and 2014, there were more than 320,000 trucking jobs and that number is expected to continue to grow. If you want more job security in your career, you should think about enrolling in truck-driving school so you can learn the skills you need to break into a long-lasting career.

Turn to HDS Truck Driving Institute to enroll in one of the best CDL schools in Tucson. We offer nationally recognized truck driver training to enable you to start working in a job you love. To learn more, visit us on the Web or call 877-205-2141.

The American economy depends on the trucking industry. If you are looking to start a career that provides job security, you might want to consider going to truck-driving school to get your CDL so you can be a part of an industry that provides these essential services:

It Transports Domestic Shipments

Companies depend on domestic shipments to run their businesses. Trucks transport about 70 percent of all domestic shipments. This enables businesses to move their products to other areas of the country and it also allows them to get the products and the supplies they need to continue running their companies. Without the trucking industry, domestic shipping would take a huge hit.

It Moves Items between Other Types of Transportation

Even if goods and products are sent by train, boat, or air, they will still likely travel on a truck at some point. The trucking industry allows companies to send their materials from one location directly to another. Without trucks, it would be much more difficult to get these items to the desired destination.

It Provides Thousands of Jobs

The trucking industry employees about 800,000 truck drivers in the U.S. alone. This is an essential addition to the economy and provides plenty of work opportunities for people who are looking for a steady career. With such a valuable working resource, the trucking industry helps thousands of families earn a reputable living.

It Boosts the Economy

On top of providing a lot of jobs, the trucking industry adds a lot to the American economy. It brings in about $650 billion of revenue each year, which is a huge contribution to the country’s gross income. In fact, trucks are responsible for about 84 percent of the entire revenue of the whole transportation industry.

If you want to be a part of an industry that is such a pillar of this nation, sign up for truck-driving school at HDS Truck Driving Institute. Our programs are designed to get you behind the wheel of a truck or other kind of commercial vehicle as quickly as possible. To learn more, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

After you complete your truck-driving school program and earn your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), it is important to start utilizing resources that can help you in your career. Keep reading for some ideas on resources that can help you excel in your new job.

Landline Magazine

This business publication is designed for professional truckers to help you learn the ins and outs of the industry. With links to articles about government regulations, news stories, and trucking headlines, this magazine can help you become the best truck driver you can be.

Blog4Truckers

If you want to hear news and updates from other truck drivers around the country, you should definitely add Blog4Truckers to the bookmarks on your web browser. This blog gives you tips on freight factoring, fuel cards, and even equipment financing to help you do your job as efficiently as possible.

Department of Energy and Department of Transportation

Government resources can also help you simplify your time behind the wheel. The Department of Energy posts weekly gasoline and diesel fuel updates to help you better gauge how much you will spend while you are on the road. You can also turn to the Department of Transportation for more information on safely operating a truck.

National Traffic and Road Closure Information and National Weather Hazards

Knowing what to expect while on the road makes it easier and safer to operate your vehicle. Check out the National Traffic and Road Closure Information website before you start driving to see if there are any potential hazards or delays on your route. You should also look at National Weather Hazards to make sure you can complete your trip safely.

With an education from HDS Truck Driving Institute, you can quickly earn your CDL and start a career as a truck driver. With the help of our truck-driver training and resources like these, you can be sure to make the most of every experience on the road. To learn more, visit us online or call 877-205-2141.

Completing truck-driving school puts you on the path toward an exciting and successful career. Before you finish your schooling, you should start compiling playlists that can accompany you on your long drives once you get your commercial truck driver license. Here are some selections to get you started:

“Life Is a Highway”

Try to fill your playlist with a lot of high-energy songs that keep you awake and help you focus on the road. “Life Is a Highway” is the perfect example of a road-friendly song that will make the long hours on the highway much more enjoyable. Whether you want to go old school with the original Tom Cochrane version or make it a little bit country with Rascal Flatt’s rendition, this song is sure to keep you feeling energized while you drive.

“On the Road Again”

Willie Nelson’s classic “On the Road Again” should definitely find a spot on your playlist. If you have a passion for your career as a truck driver, this song will speak to your soul. With lyrics like “just can’t wait to get on the road again,” you will be excited to get behind the wheel and start on another long journey.

“Truck Driver’s Prayer”

This ode to the truck driver is another country classic that can help you get through a long shift of driving across the country. Red Sovine’s song pays homage to truck drivers by saying things like “If everyone would drive like you guys do/ there would be a lot less accidents and deaths on the highway.”

“Truck Driver’s Blues”

Merle Haggard sings it well in his song “Truck Driver’s Blues.” With lyrics like “keep them wheels a rollin’/I ain’t got no time to lose,” he perfectly embodies the feeling of driving a truck when you are ready to find a rest stop for the night.

No matter what you choose to put on your own playlist, HDS Truck Driving Institute is here to help you get qualified to begin a career as a truck driver. Since 1991, we have trained countless drivers in Tucson. To learn more about our programs, visit us online or call 877-205-2141.

There are many benefits to starting a career as a truck driver. Just like any other job, though, there are some potential drawbacks. Use this guide to learn about some of the dangers of trucking so you can avoid them and enjoy a smooth and simple career:

Sleep Deprivation

Driving when you are tired can decrease your response time and make it more dangerous to operate a large vehicle like a truck. It can also affect your memory, prevent you from maintaining a healthy weight, and increase your blood pressure. Missing out on sleep also impacts your immune system, which could increase your chances of getting sick. Make sure you get plenty of rest so you are at your best when you are behind the wheel.

Weight Gain

Sitting down for long stretches of time and eating fast food on the highway puts you at risk for gaining a lot of weight. About 73 percent of truck drivers are overweight and 50 percent are obese. Pay attention to the foods you eat and try to get some exercise so you can maintain a healthy weight even when you are on the road. Make an effort to walk as much as you can throughout the course of a day or carry some dumbbells with you so you can do some light strength training. Instead of ordering the supersized meal at the fast food restaurant, you should try to set your sights on healthier options.

Heart Attack and Stroke

Unhealthy habits like gaining weight and eating bad food can drastically increase your risk for serious health issues, including heart attack and stroke. Be diligent about eating healthy food and getting plenty of exercise to reduce these risks and maintain your health.

Come to HDS Truck Driving Institute to learn how to drive a truck and earn your CDL license. As one of the top truck-driving schools in the Tucson area, we make it easy to start a rewarding career. Call 877-205-2141 to learn more.

Many people have a preconceived notion about what it means to be a professional truck driver. If you are interested in breaking into the industry, though, you should learn more about the job and what it entails. Keep reading to expand your knowledge of the world of truck driving and find out why drivers do the things they do:

They Abide by Company Speed Limits

You may have noticed that trucks tend to match speed with each other while driving on the highway. Although this might be frustrating for people driving in cars, the drivers are following company protocol. Most truck companies have a maximum speed limit of 65 MPH, which they regulate with a computerized system. If the drivers went any faster, they would be breaking their company’s rules.

They Have to Make Wide Turns

When someone is driving a large truck, they have no visibility in their mirrors when they start to make a right turn. Because of this, most drivers choose to take wider turns so they can avoid hitting curbs and poles.

They Try to Signal Other Drivers

Truck drivers can see a lot of the road in front of them and they sometimes try to inform other drivers of upcoming hazards or obstructions. A truck driver will often turn on his or her turn signal when they are next to another car to give the car the signal to either speed up or slow down. If you pay more attention to what truck drivers are doing, it can help you be prepared for potential hazards on the road.

If you are interested in becoming a truck driver, turn to HDS Truck Driving Institute to get the education you need. Our Tucson CDL school prepares you for your upcoming career so you are more than ready to spend time on the road. To learn more about our program, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Even the best drivers are susceptible to certain road hazards that could lead to a dangerous situation. If you are interested in attending truck-driving school, it is important to understand the different types of hazards you might encounter while on the road so you are always prepared for anything you might encounter:

Debris

Whether you are driving after a bad storm or a bad accident, road debris can create a huge hazard for truck drivers and the vehicles around them. Garbage, the remnants of a blown-out tire, or even road kill could create a potentially dangerous situation on the road. When driving a truck, it is important to pay attention to what is in front of your vehicle so you have a chance to spot debris early and find a way to avoid it.

Bad Road Conditions

Potholes and other bad road conditions like uneven lanes are major driving hazards. Unfortunately, it is often hard to see these hazards until you are right on top of them. Try to abide by the speed limit and pay attention to other drivers to do what you can to avoid hazards like these.

Pedestrians

Trucks are wide, heavy vehicles that are difficult to maneuver quickly. Pedestrians, children, and even animals are huge potential hazards for truck drivers. If you are driving near any pedestrians or children, you should slow down so you have time to react if they suddenly move in front of your vehicle. Although it might be your instinct to swerve to avoid animals, that action might lead to a serious accident.

HDS Truck Driving Institute offers CDL training that prepares you for life as a professional truck driver. We are proud to educate future drivers in Southern Arizona with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully start working in the industry. To learn more about our program or our financial aid options, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

If you are looking for a career with plenty of job security, you might want to consider becoming a professional truck driver. Keep reading to learn more about the labor shortage in the industry and how it can help you break into the field.

Major Labor Shortages

The American Trucking Association has determined that the industry is short by about 30,000 drivers. Because of this, about 90 percent of trucking carriers have reported problems finding enough drivers to meet their criteria from the Department of Transportation (DOT). This means that you can complete your time in truck-driving school and have an incredibly good chance of finding a job right away.

A Lot of Turnover

A lot of companies are having trouble holding onto their drivers. If they can find someone to operate their vehicles, they often have a turnover rate that reaches as high as 92 percent. The trucking industry felt the full force of the financial crisis and they are still trying to replenish their fleet of drivers. If you complete your training at a quality CDL school, you have a great chance of getting a job you will love.

Plans to Invest in Drivers

Since trucking companies are having such a hard time finding people to operate their vehicles, many of the larger carriers are planning to invest more in their drivers. Now is a great time to apply to truck driving school and break into the industry so you can reap the benefits of this labor shortage and find job security for yourself.

If you are ready to change careers, HDS Truck Driving Institute is here to help. Our programs provide truck driver training, refresher courses, road testing, and third party Commercial Driver License testing to help you learn the skills you need to start working in the industry. To learn more about our Tucson CDL program or how to apply, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Driving a truck might seem like a solo job, but it is actually a career that thrusts you into the center of a bustling industry. If you are thinking about changing career paths, completing truck-driving school can bring you the following job benefits:

Flexibility

When you drive a truck, you have the choice between a few different schedule options that fit with your lifestyle. You can opt for long-distance driving jobs that take you across the country or choose to work for local business that needs you to transport items to a nearby location. Working in the trucking industry means you have more control over your schedule so you can live the life you want.

Job Security

Companies always need qualified drivers to handle their trucking needs. If you complete CDL school, you should always be able to find a job as a truck driver. Join the trucking industry to become a part of a field that will give you the job security that you need for your desired lifestyle.

Access to Interesting People

If you love to meet new, interesting people, becoming a part of the trucking industry will be a great next step for you. When your job requires you to travel to new places, it gives you the chance to interact with new and interesting people that can show you things and sights that you have never before seen.

HDS Truck Driving Institute is here to help you break into the trucking industry. Our Arizona truck driving school helps you learn the skills you need to begin a fulfilling career in the trucking industry. Since 1991, we have offered some of the best training to help Southern Arizona students obtain their Commercial Driver Licenses and start working in their industry of choice. To learn more about our program or how to enroll, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

In order to be a good driver in any kind of vehicle, you must be aware of what is happening around you at all times. Truck drivers have more blind spots than cars, which makes it even more important to pay attention to other drivers. Use this guide to learn more about blind spots in trucks and how to avoid them:

Trucks Have Large Blind Spots

Although truck drivers have big mirrors that allow them to see in many directions, they also have a few large blind spots that can create hazardous situations with other drivers. There are two large blind spots on either side of the truck as well as one in the front and one at the rear of the vehicle. If you are driving a truck, it is imperative to pay attention to how many other cars are on the road so you can be aware if someone finds their way into a blind spot.

More Mirrors Can Help

Some truck drivers choose to add more mirrors to reduce the amount of blind spots they have while driving. If you are just starting out as a truck driver, you might want to add a few extra mirrors so you have a clear view around the perimeter of the vehicle.

Driving Solutions

If you know that someone is driving in your blind spot, you should try to change your speed so you can see them more clearly. Many truck drivers slow down or change lanes to avoid having cars in their blind spots so they can pay more attention to what is happening on the road around them.

Whether or not you have experience driving a truck, HDS Truck Driving Institute can help you learn more about avoiding cars in your blind spot and other ways to safely operate a larger vehicle. Our Southern Arizona truck driving school allows you to obtain the knowledge you need to become successful in the field. To learn more about our Tucson-area programs, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Before you start learning how to drive a truck in CDL school, you might want to brush up on your industry knowledge so you can prepare for your classes and get more out of your time in school. Did you know?:

Trucking Is a Huge Industry

The trucking industry is a very important part of the American economy. When you combine the trucking companies, the warehouses, and the private sectors, this field creates about 8.9 million jobs. About 3.5 million of these jobs are as truck drivers, so there is plenty of potential for major job security in the industry. Since trucking companies usually clock about 432.9 billion miles in a year, they are always on the lookout for responsible drivers.

The Trucking Industry Brings in a Lot of Money

As a whole, the trucking industry brings in about $255.5 billion. Each company earns a profit of about $0.48 for every $1.00 they collect. Drivers tend to bring in about $.30 cents for every mile they drive, which usually works out to about $32,000 a year. Take advantage of your time in truck driving school to learn the skills you need to start working in a career that helps you earn a living.

Truck Drivers Are Less Likely to Be in Accidents

Contrary to what many people might believe, commercial trucks are only involved in about 2.4 percent of all motor vehicle accidents. In fact, trucks are 3 times less likely to get into a collision than regular vehicles. The other vehicle was responsible for more than 75 percent of the collisions that do occur.

At HDS Truck Driving Institute, we offer programs that help you learn the skills you need to break into this successful industry. With our nationally recognized program, you can be well on your way toward a new career. To learn more about our courses or our admission policies, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.