Category: Yuma Truck Driving School News

Trucking is one of the fastest-growing industries in the U.S. Pre-hiring is a process by which you are notified that a trucking company finds you desirable for a job once you graduate from CDL training. Although a letter of pre-hire is not a guarantee of a job, it is a valuable advantage that will greatly increase your chances of being hired as a truck driver upon graduation.

Seeking CDL Training

The first step in pursuing a career as a truck driver is to enroll in a CDL training school. This is the best way to successfully pass the CDL test and obtain your Commercial Driver’s License. Trucking companies often look to CDL schools to find their newest employees; thus, receiving an education at a notable CDL school is a great way to get pre-hired as a commercial truck driver.

Networking

Networking helps you to build a social structure that will serve you well as a truck driver, particularly as you are starting out. Talking to your CDL trainers, local truck drivers, and trucking recruiters are all avenues you should pursue to increase your chances of being pre-hired. Letting potential employers know who you are and that you are interested in working for them will increase your visibility while also showing that you have self-initiative that makes you valuable as an employee.

Doing Research

Showing that you are familiar with a potential employer before you speak with them is another excellent way to show initiative and interest. Take the time to do some research and find out which trucking companies you feel might suit you best. In addition, many trucking companies offer online questionnaires for pre-hires that provide them with the information they need to determine whether they would like to pre-hire you based upon your answers.

At HDS Truck Driving Institute, you’ll receive not only a top-notch trucking education, but lifetime job placement assistance and access to experienced truckers and trainers in Tucson. Visit our website to explore our programs or call (877) 205-2141 for more information on classes, enrollment, and military benefits.

Trucking is a unique and exciting career that offers the opportunity to travel the country as an integral part of a thriving industry. While you may pursue trucking as a career, you will quickly learn that many truckers consider truck driving to be a lifestyle. Learning to enjoy this lifestyle is a key part of getting the most from your career and the places it will take you.

Life on the Road

One of the major factors that differentiates trucking from other careers is the time you spend away from home. Most truckers spend an average of five to seven days away from home at a time, followed by one or two days at home before the next haul. During this time, your truck becomes your home. Adapting your lifestyle to this constant travel is part of pursuing a career as a truck driver. In fact, many truckers enjoy this type of on-the-go lifestyle and the opportunities it provides. You will be able to see cities, landmarks, and more as you cross the country that you may not have been able to visit on your own.

Driving Safely

Life as a trucker is also a commitment to driving safely. You must learn to maintain constant vigilance and care while behind the wheel, recognizing that many drivers around you will not take the same care. Maintaining a positive attitude and avoiding road rage are important skills for any trucker. Finding ways to keep yourself engaged without taking your concentration off the road is also a key element of the trucking lifestyle. Many drivers explore new music tastes, listen to radio shows, or simply take in the scenery around them as they travel the open road.

You can learn more about the trucking lifestyle and what it takes to become a truck driver when you stop by one of HDS Truck Driving Institute’s open house events in Tucson. We also encourage you to visit our website or contact us by calling (877) 205-2141 to find out more about obtaining your CDL.

Before you can work for a company as a truck driver, you must obtain your Commercial Driver’s License, or CDL. This license allows you to operate any vehicle weighing more than 10,001 lbs for commercial purposes, as well as transport properly labeled hazardous materials. The best way to obtain your CDL in Arizona is to attend a CDL training school to learn the skills and information you will need to pass the CDL exam.

Basic Requirements

Prior to pursuing CDL training to take the CDL exam, there are a few basic requirements all CDL applicants must meet in the state of Arizona. To obtain a CDL in Arizona, you must be able to prove that Arizona is your state of domicile. You must be at least 21 years old to apply for a CDL; if you are between the ages of 18 and 21, you can apply for an intrastate license valid only in Arizona until you turn 21. Furthermore, truck drivers under the age of 21 may not transport hazardous materials. All CDL applicants must also pass a US DOT medical exam. The results of this exam are required upon application for your CDL.

Obtaining Your CDL

Before you can operate a truck—even for training—you must obtain a valid Arizona CDL Instruction/Learner Permit. To obtain this permit, you will need the results from your DOT medical exam, a valid social security card, and a valid driver’s license. You must wait at least 14 days after obtaining your CDL Instruction/Learner Permit to take the CDL skills test for your Commercial Driver’s License. Once you are ready to obtain your CDL, you must take and pass a standard CDL exam that includes both a written and a skills exam.

HDS Truck Driving Institute is a fully accredited CDL school that has graduated thousands of truck drivers over the past two decades. We are proud to offer CDL training, refresher courses, and road testing in Tucson. You can get more information about our programs, admissions, and financial aid on the web or when you call us at (877) 205-2141.

During your CDL training, you will learn not only how to operate your truck safely under nominal conditions, but also how to control it under poor conditions. Skidding occurs when your wheels lose their grip on the road; this may happen for many reasons, including road conditions and poor handling of your truck. Learning how to control and recover from a skid is an essential skill for any truck driver—keep reading to review some helpful skid control and recovery tips to keep in mind while on the road.

If Your Back Wheels Skid

Back wheel skids occur most often when the truck accelerates or decelerates too quickly, either due to driver mistakes or slippery conditions. The biggest danger involved in a back wheel skid is a jackknife situation. You can stop a back wheel skid by taking your foot off the pedal. Don’t break—keep your wheels rolling, but reduce your forward speed until you regain control of the truck.

If Your Front Wheels Skid

The majority of front wheel skids occur when driving too fast for conditions; front wheel skids may also be caused by worn tires or uneven cargo loading. The best way to recover from a front wheel skid is to stop the truck as quickly as possible; however, avoid braking very hard, which could worsen the skid.

If Your Drive Wheels Skid

During a drive wheel skid, avoid braking to let the rear wheels regain traction. If you are on ice, push the clutch in. As your truck slows, turn quickly—your truck will start to turn sideways, at which point you should turn the wheel in the direction you want to go. Once your truck straightens, countersteer quickly to avoid skidding in the other direction.

Learning and reviewing how to handle your truck in any conditions will keep you safe on the road during your career as a truck driver. HDS Truck Driving Institute offers CDL training, refresher courses, and road testing in Tucson. You can contact us online or by calling (877) 205-2141.

Once you have completed your CDL training and passed the CDL exam, it’s time to begin your job search as a new truck driver. The time has never been better to pursue a career in trucking—each month, new jobs are added throughout the industry. As a new driver, there are numerous possibilities just waiting to be explored; take a look at the tips below to get started.

Applying for Jobs

The best time to begin applying for jobs as a truck driver is as soon as you know the completion date of your CDL training. Apply for as many jobs as possible, keeping in mind that you can always turn down offers if you have too many. Having multiple options allows you to choose the job that best suits you, rather than settling for the only employer that makes you an offer.

Types of Trucking

Most new truck drivers begin their careers as OTR, or over the road truckers. OTR trucking involves longer routes and many days spent on the road at a time. Even if you want to try other types of trucking, OTR provides you with the experience you’ll need to seek more specialized job options later on. As an OTR trucker, you can haul various types of freight for additional experience, such as flatbed trailers and refrigerated trailers.

Talking to Recruiters

One of the best ways to get the trucking job you want is to learn how to talk to recruiters. Keep in mind that recruiters have many different approaches, but being honest and maintaining a positive attitude will help you get the perfect job. Additionally, make sure to ask important questions about pay, benefits, and time spent away from home—this information can help you find the job that meets your wants and needs.

HDS Truck Driving Institute of Tucson offers lifetime job placement assistance once you graduate. Contact us today by calling (877) 205-2141, visiting our website, or stopping by an open house event to find out how we can prepare you for a successful career in trucking.

Even after you have received standard CDL training, you will still receive on-the-job training once you begin work. This training may last for weeks or months, during which you will work with your trainer to hone the specific skills necessary for your job. Knowing what to expect from your on-the-job training can help you make the most of this valuable experience.

What You Will Learn

The purpose of on-the-job training is not only to practice your trucking skills, but also to ensure you learn all regulations and procedures required by your employer. Every trucking company has a unique set of driver requirements and protocols in place, which depend upon the company and your position. These requirements may include safety procedures and specialized policies on damaged goods or package returns. During your on-the-job-training, you’ll also become familiarized with the types of trailers you’ll be handling to ensure you can control your truck safely and effectively once you are on your own.

Why On-The-Job Training Is Valuable

One of the best ways to get the most from your on-the-job training is to recognize why it is valuable. During your on-the-job training, you’ll be working constantly with a more experienced trucker who can offer you advice, tips, and guidance. Taking advantage of your trainer’s experience can give you valuable insight that will help you avoid making beginner mistakes. It’s also important to recognize that the best way to hone your trucking skills is to practice them in the real world on roads in all types of conditions. Your training will allow you to do this while still retaining an experienced trucker at your side to help when you need it.

Are you ready to pursue a career in truck driving? HDS Truck Driving Institute is here to help—we offer comprehensive CDL training, refresher courses, and job placement services for all our graduates. Check out our blog for additional trucking advice and information, or give us a call at (877) 205-2141 to discuss admissions today.

As the job market continues to improve, the trucking industry continues to add new jobs each month. Commercial truck driving offers you the opportunity to see the country and enjoy time to yourself while playing an integral role in the American economy. If you would like to consider a job in the commercial trucking industry, stop by one of HDS Truck Driving Institute’s Tucson open houses to learn more.

Integral to Economic Recovery

The trucking industry has always been integral in the movement of consumer goods. Trucks carry anything from raw materials and ready-to-buy products to food, livestock, and chemicals. Although the trucking industry, like many others, saw a reduction during the early years of the recent recession, today it is leading the national recovery. As the U.S. economy continues to improve, the need for both raw materials and consumer goods has increased. Thus, the trucking industry has needed to expand as well, opening up new jobs every month. Because the demand for new truck drivers is so high, there is currently a shortage of drivers. CDL schools report that many graduates have six to 10 job offers before they have even passed the CDL test.

Fast On-the-Job Training and Advancement

Commercial truck drivers are also desirable because on-the-job training is fast and effective. Once you are employed, you will immediately begin building upon the training you received in CDL school. In as little as one year on the job, you can have gained enough experience to significantly advance your career and command a higher salary. After just three years of driving, many truckers enjoy salaries in the range of $50,000. Additionally, if you want to pursue specialties such as the transport of hazardous materials, this training is provided by your employer while you work.

HDS Truck Driving Institute will prepare you for a successful career as a CDL trucker. We invite you to explore our website to learn more about admissions, training, and job placement in Tucson. You can also reach us by phone at (877) 205-2141for the answers to your CDL training questions.

Most professional truck drivers spend multiple days out of the week driving goods to and from various destinations. This can mean significant time spent away from home, which can be a challenge for married couples to overcome. Keeping a positive attitude and communicating with your spouse can help you maintain a healthy and happy married relationship with a truck driver.

Enjoy Your Independence

Spouses of truck drivers have the opportunity to enjoy their independence in a way many other spouses do not. Because a trucker may be gone five or six days out of the week, you have the opportunity to live and enjoy an independent lifestyle. Find hobbies and activities you love that don’t require your spouse. Focus on your own lifestyle and finding things that make you happy when your spouse is not available to help. You can also take time to focus on your non-marital relationships, such as spending time with other family and friends.

Plan Your Time Together

Because time spent together with a spouse who is a trucker is often limited, planning out that time can give you the opportunity to make the most of it. Making plans can also help to bolster your mood if you are feeling lonely while your spouse is away. Keep in mind that plans for time spent together don’t need to be large—think about watching a movie you both enjoy, having dinner at a nice restaurant, or simply talking a walk or a bike ride together when the weather is nice. If you’re able, talk to your spouse while they are on the road to develop plans together that you can both look forward to upon their return.

Truck driving can be a rewarding career that allows you and your spouse time to enjoy an independent lifestyle. If you would like to learn more about becoming a truck driver in Tucson, contact HDS Truck Driving Institute today by calling (877) 205-2141. You can find additional tips for managing your work and home life as a trucker on our blog.

A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is required for those who wish to legally operate a Commercial Motor Vehicle. To obtain your CDL, you must pass both a written exam and demonstrate your ability to safely and correctly handle a tuck. Attending a Tucson CDL school can prepare you for both portions of this exam to ensure you have no trouble passing and pursuing a career as a truck driver.

Receive a DOT Physical

Before you can operate a truck for training or employment, you must first receive a Department of Transportation physical. This physical is designed to ensure that you are physically able to drive a truck safely without putting yourself or others at risk. Your physical may include a vision test, hearing test, blood pressure reading, and assessment of any other physical conditions that may interfere with truck driving.

Obtain Your CLP

A Commercial Learners Permit (CLP) allows you to operate a truck in the presence of a licensed individual for training purposes. To receive your CLP, your driving record over the past 10 years will be checked in all 50 states. You may also need proof of state residency. Additionally, you will need to pay a fee before receiving your CLP.

Enroll in CDL School

The CDL exam includes four parts in total: a written portion and three skills tests. Skills that will be tested include vehicle inspection, basic control, and a road test. A CDL school can provide you with the training and knowledge needed to pass all portions of the CDL exam.

Take the CDL Test

Once you have had your CLP for 14 days, you can elect to take the CDL test for a fee. Upon successful completion of the test, your documentation will be processed; you may either receive your CDL in person or it may be mailed to you.

HDS Truck Driving Institute is here to help you prepare for the Arizona CDL test. Visit our website to learn more about our fully-accredited CDL school in Tucson. You can reach us by calling (877) 205-2141 or clicking on our web contact form.

Finding healthy meal and snack options can be a challenge while on the road as a commercial truck driver. Bringing your own healthy snacks or making healthy store-bought choices can prevent overeating, maintain your weight, and keep you feeling healthy and alert behind the wheel. Check out these healthy snack suggestions to find your next go-to snack while on the road:

Fresh Fruit and Milk

Fruit and milk are a classic combination that fulfills many of your body’s needs. An apple, banana, peach, pear, or plum from a convenience store offers a natural energy boost and a crisp, fresh flavor. Pair your fruit with a carton of skim milk to add calcium, protein, and vitamin D to your healthy on-the-go snack.

Wheat Crackers and String Cheese

Another great snacking combination truckers can easily obtain is wheat crackers and string cheese. If possible, choose a single-serving package of wheat crackers from a convenience store to prevent overeating.  You’ll gain all the benefits of a low-fat dairy snack, as well as the health advantages of choosing a whole-wheat product.

Chocolate-Covered Pretzels

Chocolate-covered pretzels can help to curb a sweet craving while providing a snack that isn’t overly heavy on calories or fat. If you’re in the mood for a treat, this option can be the perfect easy-to-find solution without resorting to a less healthy alternative.

Fruit and Yogurt Parfait

Today, many fast food restaurants have expanded their menu to include healthy options. Fruit and yogurt parfaits are a staple of many healthy menus and a great healthy snack truckers can enjoy while on the road. A parfait offers a sweet treat while providing your body with healthy energy and protein to get you to your destination.

Choosing a trucking career doesn’t mean giving up the healthy lifestyle you love. At HDS Truck Driving Institute, our experienced instructors will provide you with the firsthand knowledge you need to pass your CDL exam and enjoy a successful career as a truck driver. We invite you to check us out online or give us a call at (877) 205-2141 for more information today.

Semi truck drivers operate vehicles over 26,000 lbs in weight. Most semi truck drivers are long-haul drivers working for spans of many days at one time before spending one to two days off at home. Semi truck drivers play an integral role in the U.S. trucking industry, providing transportation of both raw materials and consumer goods.

Semi Truck Driving Wages

In 2013, there were more than one million semi truck drivers employed in the United States. The mean hourly wage for semi truck drivers was $19.68, resulting in a mean yearly salary of $40,940. However, both hourly wage and annual salary are dependent upon a number of factors, including experience, miles driven, and home state. Hourly wages for a semi truck driver range from $12.18 to $28.66 throughout the U.S., while annual salaries can range from $25,330 to $59,620.

Semi Truck Driving Employment Information

As of 2013, the states with the highest number of employed semi truck drivers were Texas, California, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Illinois. Annual wages in these states ranged from $36,400 in Florida to $45,040 in Illinois. However, the top paying states for semi truck drivers were Alaska, North Dakota, Massachusetts, Wyoming, and the District of Columbia. Of these states, Alaska’s annual wage was highest at $53,440. In 2011, most semi truck drivers are employed with general freight trucking companies, with salaries averaging $41,250 per year. The highest-paying semi trucking jobs are currently express delivery positions, which provided average salaries of $56,830 per year in 2011. The second most highly-paid semi truck drivers in 2011 were those who worked for aerospace corporations; the annual salary for these drivers in 2011 was $56,350.The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that the current trend of growth in the trucking industry will continue to grow through the year 2022.

Are you looking for a job in a desirable, fast-growing industry? Contact HDS Truck Driving Institute today by calling (877) 205-2141 to learn more about CDL training in Tucson. Please visit our website for additional information about financial aid, military education benefits, and our Lifetime Job Placement Assistance.

As a truck driver, there are many safety protocols you must follow. These safety protocols are designed to keep both you and others safe while on the road. The need to learn proper vehicle inspection protocol doesn’t end with passing your CDL exam. Regular vehicle inspections before you get behind the wheel ensure that your truck is safe and will respond to your commands properly under any conditions.

The Pre-Trip Inspection

Before leaving on any job, perform a thorough visual inspection of your truck. Check all areas of the cab and trailer. Look for signs where wear or damage that could pose a safety hazard while driving. You should also read the previous vehicle inspection report to ensure that any prior issues have been corrected before you leave. Never drive a truck that you feel is unsafe—have any issues repaired before your trip begins.

The En-Route Inspection

You should continue to verify the safety of your truck while on the road. An en-route inspection involves being aware of how your truck is handling and responding. Your en-route inspection should include taking note of how your truck’s lights, brakes, tires and steering respond, as well as monitoring any connections with your trailer. If you notice any problems, stop the truck and contact your superiors before continuing.

Post-Trip Inspection

After each day of driving and once your entire trip is complete, you should perform a complete visual inspection of your truck. This inspection should be identical to your pre-trip inspection—look for damage or wear that should be addressed to prevent posing a safety concern. If you cannot make repairs on your own while on the road, request assistance from your employer.

Performing regular vehicle safety inspections is an important part of your CDL exam and your safety while on the road as a trucker. You can find out more about passing the CDL exam and enjoying a safe and successful trucking career when you visit HDS Truck Driving Institute on the web or call (877) 205-2141.