Career In Truck Driving

How much money can I make as a truck driver? 

If you're considering a career in the transportation industry, of course you're going to wonder about truck driving pay. 

As an entry level truck driver, you can make between $35,000 to $40,000 in the first year.  For a job which requires no previous experience, this is a solid starting salary.  

The other thing to consider when discussing truck driver pay is the potential to advance and make more money.  While it may seem like just a truck driving job at the time, the career possibilities are greater than many other options in today's economy.  Once you gain some experience while maintaining a clear driving record you'll be able to receive bonus and advancement opportunities - at that point it's not uncommon to make up to $50,000 as a truck driver. 

When you consider the benefits of a company paid CDL training program such as the one Driver Solutions offers and the ability to earn a steady paycheck, truck driving jobs are a great option for many people.  

Apply with Driver Solutions
If you'd like to get more information on the company paid CDL training options that can help you get the training you need to find a truck driver job with no experience, just complete our secure online application.  

Focus

Becoming a truck driver takes a lot of focus.  During truck driving school, you must focus on developing the skills you need to successfully get a CDL license.  In order to do this in just 3-4 weeks, all distractions must be removed.  You can do this by getting all other areas of your life in order.  Make sure your family life is in a good state, you've budgeted for training and most importantly that you're truly ready to make the commitment to make a career change.   

And once you've started your truck driving job, it's important you continue to maintain that focus.  Understand that your job starts everyday in traffic.  While being a safe truck driver means being aware of your surroundings, you cannot become obsessed with what others are doing around you.  If another motorist cuts you off, as the professional driver - you must move on.  If a vehicle stops suddenly in front of you, you must do as you were trained to handle the situation. 

The bottom line is things are going to happen. Rather than you getting caught up with your surroundings and becoming part of the problem, you must become a part of the solution.  Stay focused on the safe operation of your vehicle and life will take care of itself.  

Go here for more truck driving tips  

Apply with Driver Solutions
Complete our secure online application if you're focused on a better 2012 and want to get started by finding a truck driving job that offers CDL training.  Completing the application will allow you to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your career options.

Thinking about truck driving school? 

Wondering what it's really like to go from an inexperienced driver to a confident CDL holder in 3-4 weeks? 

How about the instructors, what's it like to work with them?

Check out the video below as real truck driving school students talk about the learning experience that is CDL training.  In this video, students will discuss training in general as well as their experience with the truck driving school instructors.   


On the surface, driving a semi tractor trailer may seem pretty easy, but once you learn all of the information covered in the classroom, on the range and out on the road you'll gain a whole new resepect for what it takes to become a professional truck driver. 

Truck driving school is a fast paced, fun learning experience that will give you the skills needed to find a truck driver job and open doors to a career in the transportation industry.  Remember, the instructors are there for a reason and it's to help you be successful.

Apply with Driver Solutions
If you are looking to find the best truck driving school in your area to learn the skills necessary to find a truck driving job, complete our secure online application.  This will allow you to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your options. 

Whether you're considering a career in truck driving, currently in truck driving school, or you're out on the road, you're probably wondering where your truck driving job will take you. Maybe the United States, Canada, Mexico…or Iraq.

In this blog post, we welcome back our guest video blogger Jerry Ott, who you'll remember is also known as "Bullfrog" to his friends and peers. A couple weeks ago, Jerry gave us some background on his career as a truck driver in Canada. He regularly posts videos for truck drivers on his YouTube channel called Big Rig Talk. Last time, Jerry told us how he got into the truck driving industry as an entry level driver, and more about his current job. In this video post, Jerry begins to tell us about his unique experience as a truck driver in Iraq, starting with how he got the opportunity, and what it was like to be in Iraq as a civilian truck driver.

Watch the video to find out what Jerry had to say about the experience:



Here's a video from Jerry's truck of his point of view in a convoy in Iraq:



Jerry was in Iraq from October 2007 to May 2009. He found out about the opportunity driving a truck for a company in Iraq through a friend and applied online. He was accepted to drive a truck, but had to delay his departure for a while due to medical issues since some facilities weren't available in Iraq. In October, he left his home city in Canada and flew to Houston, Texas for a week of training. All of his expenses, from the flights to the meals for training, were paid for by the company he was hired by. In Houston, Jerry and the other truck drivers hired were given basic training and policy instructions, including biochemical training. Next, they flew to the middle East. Jerry flew from Houston to London, then to Dubai. He spent a few more days in Dubai doing additional orientation and training before being sent to Baghdad International Airport.

Jerry says that the landing in Baghdad was very intense because of the tight airspace. Rather than the sort of landing people in the US are used to, this was a corkscrew landing which was unsettling. Jerry says the scariest moment in Iraq was actually the moment he stepped off the plane. He was surrounded by armed guards with weapons in a war zone. He even noted some of the guys left for home almost immediately.

Jerry did more training for his trucking job in Annaconda before being sent to his permanent home base in Tallil, in the southern part of Iraq. From there, he was part of the flatbed division. As a truck driver, he hauled everything from building materials to dry goods to construction equipment. Anything that might be needed at a base and could fit on a flatbed, he hauled on his truck.

As a truck driver in his area, Jerry said he did feel safe most of the time, though he felt most safe outside the base on a convoy than on the base. When they were on the base, they didn't wear any gear, while when he was driving he wore kevlar and was inside an armored vehicle. While driving his truck in a convoy, Jerry said he was only fired upon twice, and both times were by small arms fire which wasn't a big deal compared to what other convoys encountered.

Perhaps the most unsettling part of his truck driving job in Iraq wasn't his time behind the wheel, but in his housing on the base. The base would regularly be hit with incoming mortars at night. Jerry regularly had rounds going off within 1000 feet of him. The base would also send off outgoing rounds at night which happened to be very close to his housing area. In the video above, he shows an example of what this experience was like.

While he was in a war zone with regular heavy fire, Jerry does note that what we see in the United States and Canada isn't always very accurate. From his experience, he felt the media only reported the negative or twisted facts. On the contrary, while it is a very rough place to be, he saw a continual improvement in the conditions, especially with how fertile the land is becoming after regime change allowed waterways to open up.

As far as driving a truck in Iraq, Jerry says truck driving is truck driving no matter where you are. In Iraq, the trucks he drove included Mercedes, Volvo, Freightliner, and International. They were armored especially for these types of trucking jobs. However, there were some things about the truck driving experience in Iraq that were quite different. There was no speed limit to obey. There were also no weight laws enforced. Any rules that the truck drivers had were mostly self-imposed. However, being a safe driver translates to being a safe driver in Iraq.

Jerry is a great example of where an entry-level truck driving job can take you if you put in your time on the road and keep a safe, positive attitude as a truck driver. If you commit to a career in truck driving, there's no limit to the travel, benefits, and joy your job can give you.

Come back soon to learn more about Jerry's trucker lifestyle in Iraq, including where he lived and worked. If you have any questions, leave a comment and he'll answer in a future video.

Excited about where a truck driving job can take you? Start your journey with Driver Solutions. We offer company-sponsored CDL training to get you on your way. Apply online right now to get started.

1. Career Opportunities are Available
Let's face it, there still aren't a lot of jobs available in today's economy.  If you've seen your "field dry up"  and are searching for something new, a truck driving job may be a good choice.  As one student says in the video - it's either truck driving or something in the medical field and a trucking career is much easier to get started.  


Applying with Driver Solutions
If you've thought about becoming a truck driver, get started by completing our secure online application.  This will allow you to schedule a time with a Driver Agent who will being qualifying you for a trucking job opportunity and answer any questions you might have. 

I started truck driving school in order to move into a new career field. I had actually wanted to drive for a long time and always talked myself out of it. This time I went through with it and completed the challenge of attending the truck driving school in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The course curriculum is intense and demanding, but very thorough and rewarding. When you finally test out and go to State to take the actual CDL skills exam that will give you a CDL Class A, it all pays off.

I am looking forward to starting my career with my carrier USA Truck.

Name: Mark D Pankratz
City: Cincinnati
State: OH
Approx Class Start Date: January 9, 2012

Driver Solutions graduate, Nicole Reeves, is quickly approaching the 1 year anniversary of her first truck driving job.  She started truck driving school in late January of 2011, was able to graduate in mid February and by March of 2011 she was an official over-the-road (OTR) driver with PAM Transport.  Overall, she's really enjoyed her time with the company and loves the freedom that comes with working a trucking job.   

For Nicole, becoming a truck driver was fullfilling a dream she's had ever since she was 16 years.  At the time, she was riding a bus to and from work.  During that trip, she'd gaze out the window at the trucks passing by wishing she could become a truck driver.  Since then she's had many other jobs such as: dog groomer, construction worker, cashier, working at a car wash and even at a carnival hauling rides. 

Now Nicole has a stable truck driver job, allowing her to provide for her family.  Her daughters are proud of their mom and show off the post cards she sends from her travels to their classmates at school.  She's visited all but 5 of the lower 48 states and some of her favorites include: Washington, Arizona and Colorado. 

In addition to getting to travel the country, Nicole has more financial freedom than she previously had with her other jobs.  While she's had her ups and downs over her first year, she recognizes that it takes hard work and commitment to be successful.  She's maintaining a positive attitude while staying on track and as a result she's getting good miles and making good money with PAM Transport.  She's also been able to enjoy some of the nice benefits that come along with a truck drivers jobs at PAM Transport such as insurance plans and 401K options.  

Overall, Nicole is loving her job and having fun...and that's how you know you've made a good career choice!

Side Note:
Nicole has also been very active on the Driver Solutions Facebook page in answering questions new students have about CDL training and truck driver jobs.  We'd like to thank her for support and for taking the time to stop by for this follow up interview.  Keep on truckin!!

Apply with Driver Solutions
Are you interested in becoming a truck driver?  Simply complete our secure online application to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your trucking job options.  Get started now by clicking the Apply Now button. 

For Driver Solutions, this type of feedback makes everything we do worthwhile.  To hear time and time again that we've allowed someone to live a better life by giving them the tools (training) they neeed to start a new career is our goal. 


Considering a Trucking Career?
Finding a stable job in today’s economy isn’t easy.  In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find an industry as stable as truck driving.  If you’re ready to bring home a steady paycheck, we invite you to get started by completing our secure online application.  Submitting your application will let you schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent to discuss your trucking career options.

Nicole Reeves first applied with Driver Solutions about 1 year ago today.  She had always wanted to become a truck driver and when some things finally fell into place in her life she realized it was time to pursue this lifelong dream.  She attended truck driving school in Indianapolis and went to work for PAM Transport. 

Fast forward to a year later and we're happy to report that Nicole Reeves is loving life on the road with PAM Transport!  Just yesterday, she stopped by one of the truck driving schools Driver Solutions works with in Indianapolis, Indiana to visit for awhile.  During that visit she took the time to do a video interview (full video will be posted later this week) to share more about her story as well as tips for new truck drivers. 

Let's Get to Know Nicole :

Living Her Dream
Ever since she first got her driver's license, Nicole has had a CB radio in her car just to listen in on the conversation.  When trucks would pass out on the highway, she'd think about how she'd like to become a truck driver one day.  She's now visited all but 5 of the lower 48 states and is very proud to say, "I love my job!"

Getting Started
While she had not previously held a CDL, Nicole had some experience driving trucks and hauling things from other jobs which made areas of truck driver training such as backing up a bit easier for her.  She really enjoyed her time at trucking school, stays in contact with some classmates and stops by for a visit when her schedule allows.

Positive Attitude & Communication
Nicole has a positive relationship with her dispatcher which helps make communication between the two much easier.  She recommends asking for home time as far in advance as possible and always asking to be home a day earlier than needed to plan for any schedule changes that may come up.  She says that having a positive attitude as a truck driver is key. 

Budgeting for Meals on the Road
Nicole typically visits Wal-Mart to get her groceries and has a budget of roughly $50-$60 per week for food.  She recommends having quick, healthy snacks available and avoiding highly-caffeinated drinks as much as possible. 

What About the Miles and Pay?
She is really enjoying her time with PAM Transport and averages around 2,500 - 2,700 miles per week, though she just wrapped up a 3,900 mile run to California.  She's happy with the money she's making as a truck driver as it's allowed her to provide for her family.  She plans on staying with PAM Transport for several years beyond her 1 year anniversary with the company

Helpful Hint
She also mentions that velcro is a truck driver's best friend.  She uses velcro on her CB radio as well as many other items around the truck.

Be sure to check back later this week for more from Nicole! 

Interested in CDL training and trucking jobs with PAM Transport?  Complete our online application to schedule a time to speak with a driver agent about your career options today!

If you're just starting to explore a career in truck driving, you might be wondering where an entry-level truck driving job can take you. What if we told you that you could travel across several countries - including some across an ocean? In this series, we're introducing you to our guest video blogger Jerry Ott, also known as "Bullfrog" among his friends and peers.

Jerry has a YouTube channel and video series called Big Rig Talk where he talks about and showcases his long career on the road. In the next few posts, Jerry will be talk about his background in truck driving -- and his unique experience overseas as a truck driver in Iraq! Watch the video to get acquainted with Jerry, and check back soon for the next part of this video post series.



Jerry has been in the truck driving industry for over 25 years. He started out with driving heavy tow trucks and wreckers and eventually grew tired of those vehicles and desired to drive a tractor trailer. With a little help from his family, he went to truck driving school and got his Class A endorsement on his drivers license. As a Canadian, his drivers license holds everything relating to his truck driving privileges including the Class A, Z air brakes endorsement, and medical card. In Canada, there is no such thing as a "Commercial Driver's License", and the drivers license can be upgraded or downgraded at any time by the Ministry of Transportation.

In 1993, Jerry got the opportunity to do "cross-border" truck driving and has been doing it ever since. He's been to every province in Canada except Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland, and all the lower 48 United States, many times over. He's hauled every kind of trailer, from reefer to flatbed. He's driven over two million miles, accident-free! He believes one of the things that makes truck driving jobs so great is the travel - you're essentially a paid tourist.

Jerry currently works with flatbed trucks on a semi-dedicated lane. He's home every weekend, but his routes somewhat vary between different customers which he prefers since it mixes up his routine. While he's on a dedicated route with plenty of home time now, he started out like all other new truck drivers start out: by paying their dues and spending a couple of years out on the road. But Jerry thinks new truckers shouldn't be discouraged - there's a lot of opportunity out there, and the trucks they'll be getting placed in these days are very comfortable and well-equipped.

Jerry is a great example of how approaching an entry-level truck driving job with hard work and a positive attitude can open up a wealth of opportunities from extensive travel, great benefits, and the perfect position for you.

Check back soon to learn more about Jerry's experience driving a truck overseas in Iraq. If you have any questions for Jerry, leave a comment and he'll answer them in a future video.

If you're looking to find a truck driving job with no experience, you need to fully prepare yourself for that first year behind the wheel of a big rig.  You see, getting the first year of experience is the key, but it can also be one of the biggest challenges you'll face.  Why?  Because the first year requires you to make some lifestyle changes that come along with being away from home for a few weeks at a time.

Check out these must-read blog posts from Driver Solutions to help you make the adjustment and get the most out of that first year:

2011 was a big year for the trucking industry. With the truck driver shortage, the many FMCSA updates, and the increased attention to distracted driving, the trucking industry had a busy year.

Being a truck driver definitely comes with benefits, like good pay, job security, and the ability to travel, but potential drivers have to be ready for change. From the route your drive and the loads you carry, to the rules and laws that dictate what drivers can and cannot do, change is inevitable.

Driver Solutions covered many of the most important trucking stories in 2011 and tried to provide trucking industry and CDL training information to the many aspiring truck drivers out there. Though we wrote hundreds of posts over the past year, here are some of the highlights of 2011:

FMCSA Rulings

• U.S. Dept of Transportation – Final Hours-of-Service Rule
• Final Ruling on Hand-Held Cell Phone Ban for Truckers
• The New CSA 2010 Program

Safety

• Sleepy? Keep Your Eyes Open and Mind Focused with These Helpful Tips
• CDL Training for Safe Driving
• How to Drive Safely on Unsafe Bridges

Truck Driver Lifestyle

• Wanted: 140,000 Truck Drivers for 2011
• Over 40 Tips for Truck Drivers with No Experience
• 3 Reasons Your First Year as a Truck Driver Will Make or Break You
• 2011 Truck Driver Appreciation Contest Winners
• Truck Driving School – CDL Training Students Sing Christmas Song
• Get a Free Truck Driver Survival Guide
• Find a Truck Driving Job: Is 2012 Going to Be Your Year?

With the additional industry attention on safety and a continuing driver shortage, 2012 seems like a great time to get a career in truck driving started.

If you ready to get more information on the Driver Solutions CDL training program, go ahead and complete our secure online application. This will give you an opportunity to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your options in the trucking industry for 2012.

If you’ve made the choice to become a truck driver, you’ll end up driving with a company trainer for a while. There are plenty of articles discussing what you can expect from the viewpoint of a trainee, but what about the trainer? I was a driver trainer for a large refrigerated carrier and would like to tell you what training is like from a trainer’s perspective. I hope this article helps shed some light on what trainers go through so that you can better understand why trainers do the things they do or say the things they say.

It’s Stressful
Chances are, you’ll be nervous about meeting your trainer. For the next 3 to 6 weeks (or longer), you’ll have to share a tiny little space with a total stranger nearly 24hrs per day and 7 days per week. Well, guess what? Trainers feel nervous about it, too!

Sure, trainers sign up for it and do it voluntarily, usually for some additional pay, but there is still a ton of stress involved when first starting out. On top of that, trainers are expected to ride around with a brand new CDL holder. Most trainees have absolutely no truck driving experience other than what their CDL school taught them. The only way trainers can control the situation is to use their voice. It’s a very helpless feeling seeing a curve coming up too quickly or noticing the trailer is about to take out a pole with zero control over the situation. To make matters worse, many trainees are either too nervous to take in everything they are told, or flat out don’t listen to advice. That only increases the anxiety levels.

Lack Of Sleep
A controversial issue within driver training is the fact that most companies operate training trucks as team dispatched trucks. Meaning, after the first week or so, the trainee drives while the trainer sleep and vice-versa. Do you know what it’s like to try and sleep while a brand new driver is cruisin’ along the expressway at 65mph? It’s terrifying! Any jerk of the wheel, curve, strange noise, or application of the brakes will jolt your trainer awake. This only adds to the stress for your trainer. It’s extremely difficult to get quality sleep in that type of environment because trainers usually aren’t ever in a deep sleep. They are one step below sleeping with one eye open!

Pressure Buildup
It’s fairly common for trainees to complain about their trainer “yelling and screaming for no reason.” I don’t condone trainers yelling and screaming unless it’s an immediate emergency. But there is a very good reason this happens. Trainers are in constant stress and fear. Their job is not only to teach you how to become a safe and efficient truck driver, but they are also responsible for keeping you safe, keeping themselves safe, and keeping the motoring public safe. Combine that with the lack of quality sleep and a possible personality clash and it’s a perfect setup for a trainer to temporarily lose his or her cool. That’s what we call a blowout. Imagine a balloon being blown up with more air every time a trainer feels stressed, but suppresses that stress. Eventually that balloon is going to pop. Whether your trainer has a blowout or not entirely depends upon your specific trainer and situations you both go through together. Chances are, he or she will not have a blowout. But if it happens, just move passed it. Don’t take it personal. Trainers build up a ton of stress and anxiety over the course of training and not all of them handle it perfectly all the time.

Inability To Communicate
The most frustrating thing for a trainer is the inability to communicate properly to a trainee. As a trainee, you’ll be forced to absorb a ton of information in a very short period of time. As a trainer, I had a very short period of time to teach things to my trainee. So it’s a double edged sword. While I didn’t expect my trainee to comprehend 100% of everything I said, after 3 or 4 times it would start to get frustrating having to repeat myself.

Taking It Personal
While I can’t speak for all trainers, I know that I took the success of my trainee very personal. I wanted nothing more than to see my trainee become a safe and happy truck driver. If my trainee were to get into an accident, quit, or get fired, I’d take personal responsibility for that. Even through the little arguments or personality conflicts that naturally comes with sharing such a tiny space, I never once wanted to see a student fail. The only thing I wanted was success and I took that very personally. Everything I did and everything I said was meant to further the success of my trainee. So remember, chances are, your trainer will be the same way. Even if you disagree on something, you and your trainer are interested in the same end result. Success.

Are you a driver trainer?  If so, share with us some of your thoughts on this post below!

More About the Author
Mike Rogers (also known as TruckerMike) is a former OTR truck driver, CDL Instructor, and driver trainer. During his trucking career, he traveled through all 48 continental states in all weather conditions maintaining a perfect service and safety record.
Read more blog posts from Mike here

Every day starts off just about the same way.  You wake up, read the paper while drinking your coffee and look for a new job that's better than the one you're in now...

Does that sound like your 2011?

You see, maybe it's not so much that your job is really THAT bad as it is that the only thing you see ahead of you is a dead end and a life of living paycheck to paycheck. 

After awhile, you begin to realize that no matter where you look you're just seeing the same types of jobs over and over.  Then you begin to remember some things that ran through your head when you were growing up... 

You remember what it felt like to sit on your grandpa's lap in his HUGE semi truck and pretend like YOU were driving by turning the wheel from side to side.  You remember that feeling you got standing next to your dad's big rig when he was showing you what that big diesel engine looked like under the hood. 

Finally, you begin to realize that maybe it's time to make a change and go after something you've always thought about...maybe it's time to become a truck driver.


You are not alone...

Over the last 23 years, Driver Solutions has helped over 20,000 people realize their dreams of becoming a truck driver. 

And many of these drivers had no experience prior to starting CDL training.  None at all.  In just over 3 weeks, they were able to obtain a CDL license and start a new career as a professional truck driver. 

Why?  Because these individuals were able to work with trucking companies that pay for CDL training.


Matt's Truck Driver Training Story

Let's take Matt for example.  He was literally shaking after he climbed down from behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler for the first time during truck driver training.  He was nervous.  He was overwhelmed.  But he wanted more. 

You see, he knew right away the things he'd done correctly and the things he needed to work on.  All it took was that feeling that comes with operating a vehicle that large to ignite his fire to learn more.  While he was a bit frustrated on some of the things he'd missed, he couldn't wait to get back up there to try again.  You could literally see the thoughts running through his head as he began reciting how he should have shifted during some of the turns.  

Through the next 2 weeks, Matt was able to develop his skills and become a confident driver.  Truck driver training enabled him to pass the CDL test, obtain a CDL license and ultimately start a new career.  


So, what is the point here?

The point is that Matt had a goal and didn't give up when times got tough.  After being layed off from the USPS, he knew it was his time to make a change.  Suddenly that career he'd always thought about became a reality because the timing was right.

Things weren't always easy for Matt.  Whether it was spending hours by himself memorizing the pre-trip inspection or putting in the extra effot on the range, but he got it done. 

A new career wasn't handed to Matt, he made it himself with the help of classmates and instructors. 


How Did Company Sponsored CDL Training Help?

With a program such as company sponsored CDL training, this opportunity exists for any qualified individuals who are ready to make change.  One of the great things about truck driving is that age doesn't really matter much.  As long as you're over 22, you qualify for company sponsored CDL training programs.  Many people, like Matt, become truck drivers in their 2nd, 3rd or even 4th career. 

If you've thought about becoming a truck driver and find yourself in a similar situation to Matt, you might ask yourself if 2012 is going to be your year?

If you'd like to get more information on the Driver Solutions CDL training program to learn about the truck driver job opportunities that will be available in 2012, go ahead an complete our secure online application.  This will allow you to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your options in the trucking industry.  

We wish you the best in 2012!  Make it YOUR year!

Are you considering truck driver school?  It's officially the holiday season and we want to make sure you have all of the free CDL training information you need to be successful.

Driver Solutions has put together a quick list of some popular posts with advice and tips to help you with the process of becoming a truck driver. 

Check out these 3 resources below:

• Top 5 Reasons to Start Trucking School During the Holidays
• 7 Winter Driving Tips for Truck Drivers
• The 9 Best Gift Ideas for Truck Drivers

Finding a truck driver school doesn't have to be hard with the help of Driver Solutions.  Getting the education and training you need to successfully start a new career is the first step toward finding some job stability.

As we all know,finding a stable job in today’s economy isn’t easy.  In fact, you’d be hard pressed to find an industry as stable as truck driving.  If you’re ready to bring home a steady paycheck, we invite you to get started by completing our secure online application.  Submitting your application will let you schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent to discuss your trucking career options.

Getting started in trucking can be a daunting task. Some people are lucky enough to know truck drivers or retired truckers. They can ask questions, seek guidance, and know what to expect as they take the journey into the longest road trip of their life... Trucking.

Unfortunately, not everyone is that lucky. Many people have nowhere to go for answers except the Internet. Three years ago, I was that person. I had all sorts of questions:

• How do I get started?
• How often will I get to come home?
• How much money will I make?
• What company should I start with?

The list of questions was long and overwhelming. I spent many hours typing new search phrases into Google searching for the answers.

Luckily, since you’re reading this blog, you’ve already found Driver Solutions. This is a fantastic place to find the answers to those tough questions and a fantastic place to begin your CDL training. But you’re still probably wondering, what comes next? What is it like being a solo driver? What is it like “out there” in the real world? What does it take to survive that all important first year on the road?

In the past 3 years, I’ve gone from truck driving student to truck driving trainer. And I’ve come up with 3 main reasons your first year as a truck driver will make or break you. So grab yourself a cup of coffee, get comfortable, and pay close attention. What you’re about to read could have a drastic impact on your success that first year as a truck driver and beyond.

Reason #1 - The Lifestyle

Make no mistake, truck driving is more than a job. Truck driving is a lifestyle. In fact, this is more of a lifestyle with a paycheck than it is a job with a paycheck. This is especially true for OTR and long-haul drivers who are away from home for extended periods of time and working close to 70 hours per week. In order to be successful and become a happy truck driver, you have to be prepared for both the tough side of trucking as well as the awesome rewards.

Understanding The Tough Side Of Trucking
There’s more to trucking than just driving. The public restrooms, the cramped spaces, the long nights, the solitude, dealing with customers who don’t seem to care about your comfort, and of course, the days and weeks spent away from your friends and family (including weekends and holidays). It’s tough out there. You’ll never hear a truck driver claim it’s a glamorous lifestyle and you need to be prepared for that. Truck driving is not a paid vacation and it’s very tough work. Surviving that first year will completely depend on your attitude. If you expect this to be easy, you’re in for a huge surprise. Transitioning into a trucking career will be one of the most drastic and difficult changes of your life.

Appreciating The Rewards
But there are so many great things about being a truck driver as well. With the right attitude, all the negatives I mentioned above could be positives. Trucking is something I thrive in. I love the solitude, I love the irregular schedule, I love that the only thing which remains constant in trucking is constant change. And of course, driving a huge 80,000lb truck over a 3,000ft mountain on a bright sunny day is my paradise. There’s no other feeling in the world than driving a huge, powerful truck. There’s nothing greater than putting a big smile on a kids face as you lay into the air horn. Cruisin’ along while jammin’ to your favorite tunes and getting paid for it almost makes it seem like you’re steeling from the company. Seeing more of this country in 1 month than most people see in 10 years is simply priceless. There is nothing that compares to trucking and nothing that can match the rewards trucking offers. After a while, it becomes addicting, just like a drug. You’ll never want to leave.
But it’s all about attitude. Understand that this is a major lifestyle change. Understand that it will be tough and test your patience at times. And understand that the longer you do it, the more enjoyable it becomes. Stay positive, stay safe, and no matter how tough things get, dedicate a minimum of 1 year to this lifestyle. You’ll be glad you did.



Reason #2 - The Learning Curve

Now that you understand trucking is a lifestyle and not a job, it’s time to master your skills driving that huge and powerful truck. Just like the lifestyle, driving a warehouse on wheels is not easy. It takes patience, practice, and persistence in order to be a safe driver.

Patience
Without patience, you’ll never survive that crucial first year as a truck driver. Having patience begins with yourself. Even after you’ve completed CDL training and even after you’ve completed company training, you will make mistakes. No question about it. As long as you don’t hit anything, you’re allowed to make those mistakes. The learning curve involved is something every trucker has gone through (even though some don’t like to admit that). So be patient with yourself and learn from any mistakes you make.

You also need to have patience with 4-wheelers (cars) driving around you. Now is not the time to have road rage. People driving cars will do some incredibly dumb things. But guess what? You are the professional and they aren’t. You are expected to drive like a professional and they aren’t. Instead of getting upset about the way some 4-wheelers drive around you, simply be patient, adjust your driving to theirs, and remain as safe as possible. If you don’t learn to have patience around the motoring public, you’ll either burn out from stress or end up in a career ending accident.

Finally, have patience with other truckers. Sometimes a new driver will hold people up as he or she attempts to back into a parking space or a dock. Be patient. Other times, you’ll be the one holding everyone up. So again, be patient with yourself. The more you try to rush things, the more likely something bad is going to happen. Remain patient with yourself, no matter how impatient others around you get.

Practice
As a truck driver, the learning never stops. You should try to learn something new each and every day and you should never pass up an opportunity to practice. For example, if you enter a truck stop which is empty, find a spot to back into instead of a spot to pull through. When you take the time to practice during the less stressful moments, you’ll excel during the stressful ones. Even the routine areas of trucking such as performing your daily pretrip inspection, trip planning, or taking tight turns; You should always practice and learn from each experience by trying new techniques. Once complacency kicks in and you think you know everything, your career is in jeopardy.

Persistence
When things get tough, and they will, keep pushing through. Your first year can be very trying. The learning curve is a long and slow curve. There will be times you want to simply give up. There will be times you’ll wonder why you’re living the trucking lifestyle. There will be times when you wonder if you made a big mistake. Be persistent. Push through. And never quit on a bad day. If you remain persistent and dedicate that first year to success without the option of failure, you can’t help but make it through the toughest year for any truck driver - year one.


Reason #3 - The Grass Is Greener Syndrome

There is a sickness in the trucking industry and it is extremely contagious. It’s called “The Grass Is Greener Syndrome.” It’s no secret that the trucking industry experiences a high turnover rate. But most of that turnover comes from drivers changing companies within the industry, not leaving the industry. Truck drivers are very good at convincing themselves things could be better at another company. Don’t fall for it, especially in that first year.

Fact of the matter is, in your first year, you won’t get hired into the premium truck driving positions. If you switch carriers in the first year, you’ll simply substitute one thing for another. One company might pay more per mile, but average less miles. Another company might have nicer trucks, but offer less home time. There is always a trade off.

Worst of all, it looks extremely poorly on you if you leave your first company before the 1 year mark. The premium trucking positions are reserved for those with experience, safety, and proven reliability. If you leave your first company in the first year, you don’t appear to be reliable, you haven’t proven that you’re safe yet, and you don’t have much experience. Any position that’s offered to you in that first year will be more of the same.

Chances are, if you leave your first company before the 1 year mark, everyone will diagnose you with “Grass Is Greener Syndrome.” The only thing that can cure that is time. The more changes you make, the more time it’ll take to heal. So do yourself a favor and wait at least one year before changing companies. That’s the real secret behind landing a premium trucking job and advancing your career. So consider that first year an investment.

Then again, after that first year, you’ll be making more money, driving more miles, have a good relationship with your dispatcher, understand how the company works, and will have learned a ton about the industry. You might just find yourself sticking around with your first company like I did. A lot of drivers don’t realize how good they have it until they’ve already left. It’s just another symptom of the disease.

That first year is tough. But if you follow the above advice and stick it out, you can’t help but become a successful, safe, happy, experienced and marketable truck driver.

For many of the students that went through the Driver Solutions CDL training program this year, this winter will be the first time they will  drive a tractor trailer through wintry weather conditions. And as many of you may already know, a truck driver’s first trip through a snow or ice storm can be an extremely intimidating experience. 

The very worst weather conditions haven’t started yet, but with December finally here, the bad weather will soon be on its way. For the lucky drivers that spend most of their time driving in southern states, winter weather will not cause many problems. But for the truckers that drive routes across the country through the snow laden states, they’ll have to start putting their winter driving techniques to use.

There are so many things to worry about while driving in winter weather, so Driver Solutions has put together a list of things to remember.

Here are 7 winter driving tips for truck drivers:

1. Clear off all windows, mirrors, and exterior lights completely before driving. If snow or ice builds up while you drive, make sure to pull over and take a few minutes to clean everything off again.
2. Keep tires and brakes in good condition. Tires should be properly inflated and brakes should be correctly working.
3. Maintain a sufficient following distance from all vehicles and continue a safe speed that gives you plenty of time to react.
4.  Plan your route. Make sure you know what types of roads you will be facing and that your vehicle is properly equipped to handle these roads.
5. Check cross-traffic prior to reaching and traveling through an intersection to help avoid collisions.
6. Do not drive if you feel fatigued. Your ability to properly react to your environment will weaken with fatigue, diminishing your ability to drive as safely as possible.
7. Don’t push your truck or yourself to do more than you can in unsafe conditions. If snow drifts are so bad you can’t see the road or ice is so thick you cannot stop properly, consider stopping the truck at a safe area until conditions get better.

Aside from driving techniques, make sure you have proper attire for the weather as well. Be prepared with the right shoes, socks, and winter-ware like jackets, gloves, and hats. In the case that you do make a winter driving mistake or an emergency does occur, make sure you have an emergency kit handy with special winter tools, like plenty of blankets, non-perishable food, an power source, and a first aid kit.

Out of all of these guidelines, the most important tip we can give any trucker when it comes to driving in the winter is that no load is worth your life or the lives of others. If you are on dangerous roadways, the safest thing for you to do is find a safe place to stop and wait it out.

Whether its rain, sleet, ice, heavy winds, or snow, make sure that you get great CDL training that will prepare you to drive in any condition. Winter weather can limit or reduce visibility, decrease traction, and make driving in general much harder than normal. Truck drivers that attend CDL training with Driver Solutions not only learn how to deal with inclement weather driving, but also other important safety skills, like how to drive safely on unsafe bridges.

To get started with a trucking driving school that focuses on teaching safe driving techniques for all seasons, complete the online application to set up a time to speak with a Driver Agent on your trucking career options.

It isn’t always easy for truck drivers to help others when they live their life on the road, but many are managing to do so anyways.

The trucking industry often doesn’t get the credit it deserves for all the good people that are involved. With semi crashes constantly in the news and unfavorable stereotypes lingering, it’s easy for the public to create negative ideas about truckers. What many people don’t realize is that trucking companies and individual truckers do a lot of great things to help others all year long, especially during the holidays. They often go out of their way to transport food, clothes, toys, and many other items for communities in need.

One organization, Operation Roger, is made up of regional and long-haul drivers who transport pets in the cabs of their trucks as they deliver freight all across the country. They focus on helping rescued animals who need permanent homes or need reunited with their owners. The organization has helped hundreds of dogs since its creation in 2005.

Driver Solutions is proud to be partners with USA Truck, a trucking company that frequently helps community members as well.  In July 2011, Driver Solutions graduate, Ken Vosejpka, was featured on the television show “American Trucker” for the community assistance that USA Truck was providing. Vosejpka and a group of other USA Truck drivers provided relief efforts after the May 2011 destructive tornado in Joplin, MO.

Here are few more stories about truck drivers and trucking companies helping others:

• USA Truck Steps Up in Time of Need
• Raising Awareness for the Trucking Industry’s Patriotism
• Truckers Help Feed the Children

As the many examples above show, a trucking career can do a lot more than just put money in your pocket. A career in truck driving can potentially provide you the satisfaction and opportunity to help others in a unique way.

Do you know truckers that go out of their way to help others?

An aspiring truck driver recently mentioned Driver Solutions on the TruckingTruth Forum  by calling us “the Cadillac of truck driver training.”

For decades, the Cadillac has been synonymous with those that want the finer things in life. Cadillac has often been the first at making advancements in the auto industry, including developing the V8 engine, which set the standard for the American auto industry.

When you think of a Cadillac, words that probably come to mind may include “high quality,” “luxury,” “comfort,” “reliability,” “top of the line,” “innovative,” “superior” and “style.” So how is Driver Solutions like a Cadillac? Check out these 3 reasons why we think Driver Solutions can be compared to the Cadillac of truck driver training.

1. High Quality
Driver Solutions takes care of all of the hard work, including helping you afford truck driving school tuition and how to find a trucking job when you finish school. Driver Solutions will set you up to attend a top truck driver school for CDL training, which enables drivers to easily and quickly enter the trucking industry with significant advantages. The salary for truck drivers that start with one of the Driver Solutions network trucking companies are very competitive, so new drivers can earn up to $40,000 in their first year.

2. Reliable
Driver Solutions has been in business for over 23 years and has helped more than 20,000 drivers start a trucking career. Everyone that applies to our program is assigned to a Driver Agent that provides one-on-one support, walks you through the entire process, and gives you all of the details, upfront. The Driver Agents’ goal is to educate you on what trucking school will be like, so you will be properly prepared when you arrive.

3. Innovative
Students that attend trucking school with Driver Solutions get access to interactive pre-trip inspection videos, CDL practice tests, and other learning resources which will help them prepare for the CDL permit test before they even arrive at school. 

Are you ready to hop in the driver’s seat at the “Cadillac of truck driver training”?  Complete our simple online application to get started!

Image Source: Cartype.com

When considering CDL training, attending trucking school during the holidays may seem like a hassle.  But, what many aspiring drivers don’t know is that attending school during the winter holidays can actually be one of the most beneficial times of year for new drivers.

Take a minute to check out these top 5 reasons to start trucking school during the holidays:

1. There are fewer people at school during the holidays, which means more time for you behind the wheel and more personalized time with a CDL instructor.
2. Most winter weather does not get too bad until January. There is always a chance of inclement weather through November and December, but your odds of avoiding the worst weather are better before January 1^st.
3. When bad weather hits, you may experience rain, sleet, and even snow, but at trucking school you’ll be with an experienced trainer that can help walk you through how to overcome these events.
4. The carriers’ freight is usually at peak demand at the end of the year, so job opportunities are usually better after training.
5. The sooner you start your training, the sooner you can start working in your new career as a professional truck driver!

Even though there are a lot of benefits with coming to trucking school during this time of year, we understand that with the holiday season finally here, you may think that being away from loved ones during the holidays is too tough for you to handle.  But keep in mind, after you finish your 3 weeks of CDL training, you’ll get experience under your belt driving in bad weather and covering a lot of miles. If you start trucking school this holiday season, by next summer you’ll have a high level of confidence in yourself and your trucking abilities.

Get a head start on your New Year’s goals by starting truck driving school now!

Ready to apply? Complete our online driver application to speak with a Driver Agent about your trucking career options.