Throughout the week, truck stops across the country have been celebrating National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. Many have dinner specials for truck drivers, & the ATA has been traveling around, giving away free food, and just saying ‘Thanks’ to all those truck drivers who make our lives easier every day. ATA’s Share the Road tractor-trailer were at Bressler’s Truck Stop in Pennsylvania on Monday cooking hot dogs. Wednesday, the truck stopped in Virginia at the Fairfield Safety Rest Area for an event with the Virginia Trucking Association. Monday, the ATA Image Trailer was at the Flying J truck stop in Ft. Pierce, FL before heading to the Florida Trucking Association’s event at the I-4 Plant City Scales yesterday.

So many things are going on around the country. Carriers are saying thank you, too – million-mile safety awards, cash bonuses & gifts, extra paid days off…all kinds of stuff. And some carriers are having their office personnel go on the road with a truck driver just to see that side of the business & what a day in the life of a truck driver is really like. I wish I could do that…I think it would be very interesting to see how they conduct their daily lives.

So if you stop to get gas or just happen to cross paths with an off duty truck driver, tell them thank you & that you appreciate what they do every day & the sacrifices they make. And not just this week. Tell them anytime of the year. They’re always out there. Without them, all of our lives would be completely different, and not in a good way.

Remember…if you got it, a truck brought it!

It’s that time of the year again! And even though there is just one week a year dedicated to all the great things truck drivers do for us & our country, we should thank a truck driver every day of our lives because well…without them, our lives wouldn’t be so great.

The American truck driver does more than you could ever imagine. Think about it…if truck drivers weren’t around, delivering goods every day, we wouldn’t have the ‘everyday’ necessities we all take for granted – milk, food, Xbox, lotion, & even toilet paper! So many things that we rely on and use on a daily basis are delivered by trucks.

So when you’re driving down the road & you see a truck drive by, just remember…if you got it, a truck brought it!

This week, November 1st – 7th, is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. In recognition, I would like to reflect on the truck drivers I’ve had the pleasure of meeting & working with since I’ve been here. These are some of the nicest, coolest people I’ve ever met…and they have some of the greatest stories!

When I first started at Driver Solutions, I worked with a couple of different drivers – Walter Bell & Tim Ross. I actually worked with Tim Ross over the period of a couple of months & each time I was scheduled to meet with him, I couldn’t wait to hear the next story he was going to tell me. And he always talked about his family. His wife, daughter, & granddaughter were more than supportive of his truck driving career & it created a better way of life for them, as well. I worked on 4 different videos with Tim, basically outlining how he got into truck driving & how it changed his life for the better.

Before Tim decided to go truck driving school with Driver Solutions, he had quite the resumé – he served his country in the United States Army for eight years, was a supervisor, & a bodyguard for an entertainment security company. After being a boss & getting bossed around, Tim finally decided to look into a career in the trucking industry.

As you probably have figured, a truck driving career can be very hard on someone with a family. Tim’s wife supported him in whatever he wanted to do, his daughter had just graduated high school, & he wasn’t a ‘pawpaw’ just yet so it seemed like the perfect time to make that commitment. Now, he’s a truck driver trainer for P.A.M. Transport, making the best money he’s ever made in his life, & he loves every minute of it.

So check out Tim’s story – all 4 video segments – and if you see a truck driver this week, just say thanks. Remember…if you got it, a truck brought it!

There are some safety procedures truck drivers can follow when they're parked for the night, or even a short rest break.

To remain safe, drivers should keep their windows rolled up to avoid being robbed or getting their truck broken into. Thieves know that truck drivers live on the road and tend to bring many personal belongings with them such as TVs, laptops, cell phones, and other valuable items. Hence, truck drivers are one of their main targets.

Drivers are not allowed to carry any weapons, so to protect themselves from harm, they have to be fully alert wherever they are. Pay attention to people who park at the same rest area and be sure to lock your vehicles while taking showers or doing other activities. Keep your cab locked when getting some rest. If someone knocks, talk to them through a window.

Rest areas are normally safe and generally patrolled, but when they are isolated or empty, they should be avoided, especially at night. Drivers should park at a well-lit or monitored area that has some kind of security installed such as CCTV or surveillance cameras.

Some interstate authorities and travel experts recommend an alternative for drivers who need to stop to get some sleep to park their vehicles at campgrounds, state parks, or paid rest areas. Most paid rest areas cost 1 dollar per hour. For longer parking, the rate can be less. For a short restroom stop, use indoor facilities at a fast food restaurant or convenience store.

Drivers’ safety is crucial. Check out Jason’s Law. It's important that you pay attention wherever you are and be sure to park in a safe area. Though most drivers prefer not to pay to park and get rest, it may be worth the money to spend a few dollars to buy peace of mind, clean up, and get some real sleep.

The state of Virginia is losing money on, and began closing half their interstate rest stops as of July 21, 2009. However, they are considering commercializing rest areas – adding restaurants, gas stations, & other commercial stores – as a way to bring in revenue. Other states such as California, Oregon, & Washington are also working on building a network of commercialized rest stops. In these states, rest stops can be commercialized only if they were originally built before 1960.

Why is commercializing rest stops a good idea? There are many reasons…as well as a few downsides. However, I believe the pros considerably outweigh the cons. Here are the arguments as I understand them:

Pros

• Commercialization will make rest areas more convenient and safer for all drivers and passengers, as more people are coming and going. Also, it's easier for trucks to enter and exit highways. The purpose of their setup is for an easy access and for drivers to make quick stops.
• Many activities take place at the rest areas. Drivers stop to eat and rest. And drivers need to be aware of people who come in and out. Some of them can be thieves who reside in the city. They stop by and pretend to be one of the drivers and then rob other drivers’ personal belongings or loads. If rest stops are commercialized, more people will visit, making it less isolated, thus making it harder for thieves to steal or cause harm.
• Without commercialization, many rest stops will be closed because they cannot produce revenue, let alone pay for maintenance costs. Just one less quick stop to allow drivers to relax, use facilities, etc. Alternative…drive into the nearest town, get off the exit, fight traffic & stop lights, and fight like crazy to get back to the correct entrance ramp to continue on down the road.
• Commercialized rest stops will create employment, whether it's in the form of food workers or maintenance staff workers.
• As long as the state closely oversees budget, they can create a revenue stream by charging rent on companies who want stores at rest areas. Major franchises such as Subway, McDonald’s or KFC will be highly attracted to an idea of having their restaurants in these rest areas. The revenue will help the state, which also brings tax deductions to the citizens. Now who can argue with that?

Cons

• Though the idea of getting a new store open at commercialized rest areas may seem appealing for franchises, they can be against the idea at the same time. These franchisers may be afraid that opening a new franchise in the same area of their other stores in a nearby location (highway community) could potentially hurt their existing businesses.
• If a franchise becomes very popular at the rest stops, opponents believe it will cause traffic slowdowns. However, most people already drive by rest stops and exits that look full, so I don't foresee this actually being a problem.

Commercializing rest areas can be very beneficial to travelers and drivers who travel frequently. Overall, it should not create a major negative impact on highway community restaurants or hotels located in the same vicinity. If anything, it may create safer highways and increase revenues for states. Just my thoughts, though…let me know what you think!

The good news right now is the economy has stopped dropping, and truck loads have stopped shrinking. So what exactly does this mean for truck drivers & trucking companies? Nothing but good things, I think.

Although the economy shipping shrinkage has stopped, it is predicted there will be no major growth for another six months. And the trucking industry is not going to feel any effect for probably another year. Yet, trucking companies are still in need & still hiring truck drivers everyday! It’s such a big industry and the demand, for shipments & drivers, will never go away.

On another note, when the economy really picks back up again, we believe the cost of freight will go up along with fuel prices. This freight increase will be good for trucking companies because they can get their business fully running again and continue to make more money. During 2011, trucking companies can expect to see a major development in the trucking industry as they will be hiring more drivers and eliminating layoffs. When the economy completely rebounds, people will start to ship more products again, and this will eventually generate high demand for truck drivers, just like before. And companies like Driver Solutions will still be around to help fill that demand.

It is known that trucking companies are the ones that go down first in a bad economy, but they're also the first ones to come back up when the economy is good. Hopefully that time is fast approaching!

Recently, there have been so many discussions about the need to ban texting by all drivers. Their reasoning: “Distracted driving is a menace to society”. And it is. I totally agree. Yet the Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently focusing on banning texting only by bus & truck drivers. They’ve already banned texting by all federal workers who drive government vehicles…why not everyone? Why pick & choose?

The new regulation would be very beneficial to all drivers and passengers on the road and it can prevent unnecessary accidents. Consequences from truck accidents are probably more severe, but everyone is considered a reckless driver when they have a phone in their hand, and all accidents cause some kind of pain for someone.

Just like many states have been doing, many trucking companies themselves have developed their own rules for truck drivers, such as when they get into an accident while texting, they would be fired immediately. It’s all about safety here, so why would certain transportation workers be the focus of this ban & not all drivers?

One big problem the DOT will have in singling out bus drivers & professional truck drivers is enforcement. Frankly, it is rather difficult for police to spot a truck driver who is texting while they’re operating their vehicle. These drivers manage big vehicles and police will not be able to see what’s going on inside those trucks. Enforcement will be especially difficult for truck drivers unless the police can observe the truck driver’s driving pattern and see if the truck starts to weave, but there are still many possibilities of why the truck would be weaving – wind, messing with the radio, etc. It seems like phone records would have to be monitored to really get the full truth of what is/was going on in that truck.

I strongly support the idea of banning texting while people operate a vehicle, regardless of the size. The law should be applied to all drivers, not just truck drivers & bus drivers. There are more cars than trucks on the road, and statistically speaking, there are more car accidents than truck accidents. Therefore, all drivers on the road should be very careful and more mindful – and put down the phone! – while they are behind the wheel of the vehicles they operate.

I read an article in my hometown newspaper the other day about locals, along with others across the country, being worried about the economy & especially the job market. The article talked to some people who had jobs & felt lucky, some who had jobs but not in the field they have a degree for, and some who didn’t have jobs at all & are having a hard time finding one.

My state isn’t the only state that has seen a decline in available jobs and an increase in unemployed workers. The entire country has felt this crunch, but there’s still one industry with job opportunities throughout the U.S. that is still, and always will be, hiring new employees. Can you guess which one? That’s right…the trucking industry. Truck driving jobs are plentiful & trucking is a great-paying, stable industry that this country will always rely on. Ever heard the saying ‘If you got it, a truck brought it’? It’s so true! There aren’t many products today that only ship via railways or water. Some, yes, but not a lot. So this just means that with a CDL (commercial driver’s license), your job market will always be growing & hiring, which is great for you!

One thing many people don’t know is how to get a new career started in the truck driving industry. Well…let me tell you just how easy it is! Many trucking companies want you to either have truck driving experience or they want you to attend a CDL training course. And good, quality CDL truck driver training can get pretty expensive. Not to mention, you’ve got to find your own job. One company that has taken all this into consideration is Driver Solutions.

Driver Solutions & their network of trucking companies and CDL training schools have created a unique program to help new truck drivers break into the trucking industry. Once you’re qualified with the Driver Solutions Network, they will set you up to attend an approved, top-notch CDL training school and secure you a job offer with a well-respected, stable trucking company. Of course, this is all contingent that you pass the required DOT physical and drug screen.

So if you’re down & out or just lucky but not really happy, check out a career as a professional truck driver. It might just be the opportunity you’re looking for!

One of the biggest advantages when you’re driving over-the-road is seeing the country. You'll be everywhere in your first year of driving, and one driver said he’s seen more of the country in one year than his neighbors have seen in a lifetime. So while you're driving, take some time between runs or at the end of a shift to visit some of the great tourist destinations around the country. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Halls of Fame – From the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, and the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY, if you’re a fan, there’s probably a hall of fame for it! Learn about the greats that impacted your favorite sport or pastime and relive a memorable moment or two.

Museums – Every large city has them and some cities are known for them. When visiting a new city, check out their art museums, natural history museums, or other cultural museums. Many cities are well-known for certain types of museums, like the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. Other cities may be hosting national tours of special exhibits, such as the King Tut exhibit.

Music, Music, Music – Nashville is known for the Grand Ole Opry, Branson is known for its shows, and Memphis is known for the Blues. Some cities are famous for their music and others have great local hot spots. Check out the music scene in the next town you visit & rock on!

Get a History Lesson – From the Battle of Bunker Hill in Massachusetts to America's first city - St. Augustine, Florida to the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, our great country has many memorials paying tribute to important historical events. Visiting these historical sites and memorials gives us a valuable perspective on the past as we dive into the future.

See a site – Who doesn’t want their photo taken in front of Mt. Rushmore? Or what about the St. Louis Gateway Arch? And the World’s Largest Ball of String? Investigate not only our country’s great natural landmarks like the Grand Canyon, but also man-made wonders and even those offbeat sites that few have even seen.

Before going to a tour destination, make sure they have adequate truck parking. If not, find a safe location to park your truck and take a cab on your sight-seeing tour. Have fun out there!

The Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program has been in place since 1986 to ensure that drivers of large trucks and buses are qualified to operate those vehicles safely. A CDL is issued by each state, but there are established minimum national standards set by the federal government. Basically, the Department of Transportation is in charge of CDL licenses, but you'll visit your local BMV to actually get it.

Drivers need a CDL if they drive a Class A, Class B, or Class C commercial motor vehicle.

• A Class A vehicle is a combination vehicle, your typical truck and trailer, that weighs more than 26,000 pounds. The kind you see out on the highway.
• A Class B vehicle is a single vehicle that weighs more than 26,000 pounds.
• A Class C vehicle is a single or combination vehicle that doesn’t meet the definitions of a Class A or Class B, but is designed to transport 16 or more passengers or is able to carry hazardous materials.

To receive a CDL, you have to pass knowledge and skills tests administered by your state. To pass the knowledge test, you must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions. To pass the skills test, you much successfully perform all required skills for the type of vehicle you expect to operate.

The minimum age to hold a CDL is 18 years old. However, federal law says you must be 21 to drive across state lines, transport hazardous materials, or transport interstate freight within the state. That means since most truck driving jobs you can get after driving school are OTR jobs (i.e. across state lines), you'll have a tough time getting one if you're under the age of 21.

When you attend a CDL truck driving school, you'll earn a CDL Permit during your first week. To get one, you'll need to pass the CDL general knowledge exam, as well as any other exams, such as air brakes & combination vehicles, for the vehicle(s) you want to drive. You'll learn how to do that at any truck driver training school.

Driver Solutions & their network of trucking companies have begun using online learning tools to help the students that go through their programs study for and pass the CDL permit exams. eGears, an online interactive learning resource, is used by all Driver Solutions students before they attend the CDL training school, and the results have been amazing! More students are graduating than ever before thanks to the use of the eGears products. eGears is just a simple tool to help students prepare for truck driver training by learning all the basic knowledge that's needed to succeed in a truck driving career. To learn more about eGears & their CDL learning tools, check out their website!

Recently, the big topic being discussed in Washington has been about restricting or prohibiting the use of mobile devices while behind the wheel of a tractor-trailer. This would be a big blow to CDL truck drivers and how they stay in touch with family, friends, and their trucking company while they’re out on the road.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has called distracted driving a “menace to society” and referred to it as an epidemic that is getting worse every year. And while this may be the issue at hand, there are many different factors that will cause any driver to become distracted. Radios, mp3 players, laptops, talking to a passenger, & even just thinking about things while driving can cause someone to not focus on the road ahead.

Driver Solutions & their network of CDL training schools and trucking companies have been ahead of the safe driving curve for quite some time. They’re goal: teaching the importance of safety while behind-the-wheel, no matter what the circumstances. By providing proper CDL training to all student drivers, Driver Solutions has produced some of the safest drivers on the road today.

While the use of cell phones & mobile devices are a distraction to drivers of any type of vehicle, safety is a much bigger issue when it comes to those who drive 80,000 pound vehicles. That’s why the Driver Solutions Network stresses the importance of safely operating a truck – first & foremost – and being smart about when, where, & how to safely use a mobile device if it’s absolutely necessary.

Now I’m not choosing sides here…using a cell phone while driving is a distraction, but there are safe ways to operate a vehicle and still use mobile devices to stay in touch with others while driving. Bluetooth and voice activated devices are just a couple ways to stay safe and still keep in touch. Hopefully you weren’t reading this while driving down the road…stay safe!

Trucking is a very important function in our country, even in a slow economy. The U.S. economy relies on commerce and shipping. We have goods and products, and we have the capacity to ship them.

Even with the economic downturn, people need goods and manufacturers need inputs. In order to keep us functioning properly, we need the trucking industry to get what we need to the place we need it.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, trucks moved 9 billion tons of manufactured goods and raw materials worth $8.4 trillion in 2007. This is more than two-thirds of the value and weight of freight shipped in the United States. While bulk goods, such as grains, coal, and ores, still comprise a large share of the tonnage moved across the country, lighter and more valuable goods such as computers and office equipment now make up an increasing proportion of what is moved.

Transporting goods increases their value by moving them to locations where they are worth more. Transportation also encourages competition, stimulates demand for good and services, and employs millions of people.

Many small towns would die off if it was not for trucking. Trucking supplies small towns with food and supplies from across the country. Think about how we used to move supplies and equipment over 100 years ago…everything was done on the river or by railroad. And while we're still moving supplies these ways, there are too many small towns that aren't accessible via water or rail; they’re only accessible by the highway.

Transportation and trucking is big business. There are more than 500,000 interstate trucking companies operating in the United States with more than 3 million truck drivers on the road. Reliability and predictability are a shipper’s most important criteria for freight transportation in an era of tightly integrated operations, limited inventory, and just-in-time manufacturing and retailing. Late arrivals can have significant economic costs for factories waiting for parts to assemble and for carriers who are missing guaranteed delivery times.

So when someone complains about those “jerks in those semis”, just remind them what their life would be like without them. They wouldn’t have anything they want or need, and it definitely wouldn’t be in a timely manner.

Like most industries, trucking will slow down right alongside the economy. Why? People buy less, companies manufacture less, and as a result, they ship less. Fewer shipments mean fewer drivers. It's a pretty simple formula.

However, trucking is also one of those industries that will always continue to exist, even in a slow economy. Goods will always need to be shipped, food will always need to be delivered, and truck drivers will always be needed. As we continue to ship to and from Mexico, or import goods from China, there will always be a need to get the products to the different stores around the country, including the small towns.

So, how recession-proof is the trucking industry? About as recession-proof as any other essential industry. It'll ebb and flow with the economy, but it's not going to die.

And the thing is, right now, when the recession is coming to an end and the economy is just starting to inch its way back up, this is the perfect time to consider truck driving school. Why? Because by the time you're done with your truck driving education, hiring will be on the rise again, companies will be looking, and you'll be in demand.

If you're interested in talking to us not just about training, but also potential job opportunities once you graduate, check out our website! We're happy to help and answer any and all questions about the trucking industry.

When you're on the road a lot, it’s nice to have a way to communicate with friends and family, or to keep up with your fellow drivers and trends in the trucking industry. If I had to guess, I'd say about 95% of OTR truck drivers travel with a laptop and they're logging on to social media sites in droves. Here are some of the most popular social networking sites amongst our truck driving alumni and CDL students.

TheTruckersReport.com
The Trucker's Report is one of the most popular social media and forum sites out there for truck drivers. The highlight of the site are the forums where anyone can go & post a question, get information on routes or industry news, or even just talk to other truck drivers from around the world.

If you're looking for first-hand information on particular truck driving schools, companies, or routes, this is a great resource.

LifeOnTheRoad.com
While it’s not technically a social media site, LifeOnTheRoad.com is a collaborative blog that welcomes articles and posts from all aspiring truck driver writers. They share thoughts, stories, and opinions on everything from the day-to-day life of a professional truck driver to full-on analysis of the latest transportation legislation.

TruckersForum.net
Though it’s not as busy as TheTruckersReport.com, TruckersForum.net does get enough action to make it worthwhile. It's particularly useful for staying on top of industry news, jobs, and legislation changes in the transportation industry.

Facebook and MySpace
Most truck drivers use popular social media sites like Facebook and MySpace to not only stay in touch with family and friends back home, but also one another. There are a number of truck driver discussion groups and communities on these sites, you just have to do a simple search.

Driver Solutions hosts a profile on both Facebook & MySpace. You can become a fan, a friend, meet other truck drivers & DS alumni, and stay on top of our regular posts.

Twitter
Twitter is quickly becoming the hot new social media outlet for truckers. It's like a digital feed of CB radio chatter, but it’s archived, searchable, and available to the world.

Some truck drivers use Twitter as a way of keeping family members in the loop of their day-to-day activities. Others use it to follow news feeds and other truckers while a select few even post TwitPics of their journeys around the country. Some of our favorite truck driver tweeters are @truckwriter, @truckertrainer, and of course, @D_S_Network (that's us!).

Trucking is the backbone of our economy. Regardless of the state it’s in, consumers still need to purchase goods at their local stores, and businesses still need stuff shipped to them. Over-the-road truck drivers deliver goods to big cities and small towns, in every state across our country. While on the road, there are five things every truck driver should remember:

• Safety first. Safety is your number one priority on the road. Be conscious of other vehicles while driving. Be mindful of other drivers and their actions to keep your driving record clean. Keep yourself entertained while driving with things like satellite radio and books on CD.
 
• Maintain your truck. You and your company must keep up with proper truck maintenance. Truck drivers don’t make money if they are broken down on the side of the road. Wheels that don’t move don’t make money, and even more importantly, a properly maintained truck is a safe truck on the road.
 
• Get enough rest. Don’t continue to drive if you are too tired. Never ignore regulations for proper sleep and time off the road. Keep yourself healthy on your downtime by getting enough sleep, eating properly, and just relaxing off the road.
 
• Stay for at least a year. Stick with your first job for at least one full year. While it may be tempting to jump to another company for another 1 cent per mile, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence. Job hopping makes you look unreliable to potential employers and it will not lead to better jobs. The experience and credibility you will earn by staying with your first job for at least one year will pay off in better jobs in the future.
 
• See the country. Over the road trucking is one of the best ways to see the country. Explore the great sites this country has to offer. On your down time, relax by checking out popular landmarks and tourist destinations. As one truck driver I know commented, he saw more of the United States in one year than his neighbors had in a lifetime!

One of the biggest challenges for truck drivers is maintaining a healthy lifestyle in a career that's known for poor roadside eating habits.

Unfortunately, healthy living isn't really a topic that's discussed in truck driving school, but it's important nonetheless. If you've been feeling sluggish, wrestling with weight issues, or dealing with health problems, try a few of these lifestyle changes in order to stay healthy while you’re on the road:

Pack Your Own Healthy Food
Instead of grabbing a $2 candy bar at the next truck stop, stock your fridge with healthy snacks like baby carrots, fruit, raisins, almonds, trail mix, peanut butter, hummus (yeah, hummus), and other quick but healthy finger foods. Healthy eating will not only save you money, it'll make you feel good, too.

Use Truck Stops with Workout Facilities
A number of full-service truck stops now feature workout facilities, so take advantage of them! 20 minutes on the treadmill can do wonders for your energy levels, joints, and overall health. A few weight reps can also help strengthen muscles and prevent atrophy after days on the road.

Go for a Walk
You spend your days sitting. You're sedentary and let's face it, humans aren't meant to sit around all day. So, try to get 20 minutes of walking in every day, even if it's just a couple of laps around the truck stop parking lot every time you stop. It may seem silly, but it can help prevent atrophy, weak joints, mobility issues, heart problems and improve digestion.

Drink Water
Stop drinking fizzy pop, stop drinking sugary "juices", and stop drinking energy drinks that will send you crashing! Instead, start drinking water…as much of it as you can. A hydrated body is a healthy body and water is the cornerstone of healthy living. If you want to feel good, have better digestion, and lose weight, the fastest and easiest way to do it is to swap out sugary drinks for water. Store a case of bottled water in the truck and you'll always be hydrated.

Keep Workout Equipment in the Truck
When it comes down to it, you don't need any equipment at all - there's nothing wrong with push-ups and sit-ups. But a dumbbell and some resistance bands can add a whole range of exercises to your repertoire while motivating you to try something new.

As a new truck driver, you're looking at 2-3 weeks out on the road at a time your first year, so what are you going to do? How will you keep busy? Here's how most truck drivers I know stay entertained…

Laptops
Laptops are hands down the most popular entertainment choice for over-the-road truck drivers. You can log on to the Internet to connect with family, watch movies, play games, and basically do anything you'd do at home. Speaking of home, the ability to get online from almost anywhere at any time has really changed the over-the-road (OTR) experience for truck drivers. Instead of feeling isolated and separated, they can now talk to and see their family members and friends every day. It makes a huge difference.

We've also seen laptops replacing TVs and DVD players for many truck drivers. Instead of making space for all that gear, they can have it all in one simple, portable laptop. You can watch DVDs on your laptop, or log on to Hulu.com to watch re-runs of some of your favorite shows from NBC, Fox, and even old syndicated shows like Highlander (I know one guy who was excited to find old Highlander re-runs on there).

Sightseeing
If you've got time on a run or in-between runs, then why not check out the Grand Canyon or Mt. Rushmore? Many truck drivers make a point of seeking out landmarks. If you're going to be criss-crossing the country, you may as well make the most of it, right?

Working Out
Whether it's at the gym, inside a truck stop, or at a national chain like 24-Hour Fitness or the YMCA, more and more truck drivers are adding regular workouts into their downtime routines. It passes the time and keeps you healthy!

Satellite Radio
Satellite radio, like XM & Sirius, is really popular nowadays. When you're driving across the country, you don't want to have to keep flipping between stations as you move from city to city. Instead, truck drivers can program in a few of their favorite stations and listen to them whether they're in Maine or Oregon.

There are many things new truck drivers can do to make the transition into the trucking industry a smooth one, so I’ve listed a few things here to help you out. When you go through a CDL training school and begin your new truck driving career, there are basically three stages of the process: CDL training, OTR training, & becoming a solo, 1st seat driver.

CDL Training School Tips
During CDL training, you’ll be required to pass permit exams to receive your Class A CDL permit. Since you have to pass these tests before you even get in a truck, you’ll usually do the testing during the first week of classes, so PREPARE yourself. Get online and download the state CDL Manual, or check out companies like eGears who provide online interactive study tools. Also, make sure you PAY ATTENTION to the classroom instructor. This is where you’ll learn all kinds of stuff like trip planning, map reading, logging routines, etc.

You’ll also learn the basics of actually driving a truck on the range and street, learning skills like backing, turning, parking, and just how to handle that 40 ton piece of machinery. And remember, those instructors know what they’re talking about, so don’t take what they have to say for granted.

OTR Training Tips
Once you’ve completed the CDL training school and received your Class A CDL license, you’ll be ready to jump in a truck with a company truck driver trainer. Now this is where you’ll learn everything else you need to know about living on the road. Your OTR driver trainer will help you hone your truck driving skills, give you a heads up on the best truck stops to rest at, & basically prepare you to start driving on your own. And…two people, one truck. It’s going to be crowded, so pack lightly and be prepared to wear the same jeans for a couple of days. It’s tough for those first few weeks, but just LISTEN to everything your trainer tells you and you should be good.

Tips for 1st Seat Drivers
BE SAFE! By this point, you should be comfortable driving a tractor trailer and you should know how to complete all the necessary paperwork. The main thing you need to focus on now is being a safe & cautious truck driver, and just enjoying life on the open road.

Since the U.S. started showing signs of a recession, many companies have tried to stay afloat, mainly by letting some or most of their employees go. Unfortunately, this has left many Americans without a job and nowhere to turn. Even people with great educations have been left in the dark, finding no work in their chosen professional fields.

So what’s a person to do?
Well…one industry that is, as I like to say, “recession proof”, is truck driving. Like nursing and law enforcement, the trucking industry will always be needed in the American economy. Many people looking for a job these days are beginning to realize a career as a truck driver just might be the answer. More and more unemployed workers are signing up for CDL training every week! And what’s so attractive about being a truck driver, you ask? Well, probably the potential to make great money. Your average new, inexperienced truck driver can make around $40,000 during their first year of driving. Not many other entry level positions have that kind of earning potential when just staring out.

How do you get started in trucking?
Starting a new career in the trucking industry isn’t as easy as you’d think, unless you’ve got a little help. Just going to a CDL training school or having your friend teach you how to drive a truck isn’t enough. Most trucking companies who hire truck drivers with little to no experience want them to go through a company approved truck driving school. If you just go out and pay for it yourself, you’re probably going to spend a lot of money and still not have a job. One thing you can do it contact all kinds of trucking companies to see if they’d be willing to hire you. Or…you can make it easy on yourself and contact the Driver Solutions Network.

Driver Solutions, a truck driver recruiting company, works with P.A.M. Transport & USA Truck to train and hire inexperienced truck drivers. Driver Solutions will make sure you’ve got a job offer with one of their companies before you even attend the truck driver training school. Not only that, but the company that hires you will sponsor the upfront costs for your tuition. And Driver Solutions works with a network of CDL training schools approved by both trucking companies, so you won’t have to worry about them accepting your education.

So, quit waiting around and get started in a new truck driving career today!