The biggest question on the minds of our soldiers coming back from the war is “What am I going to do for a job?”. Many ex-military are coming home to find that it’s kind of difficult to land a stable, well-paying job these days. Well, the search won’t be that hard! The trucking industry is one of the best career opportunities available to former soldiers and ex-military personnel. And it’s fairly easy to get started and begin driving in about a month!

Many trucking companies are hiring experienced truck drivers, but very few are willing to help those without experience break into the trucking industry, unless they’ve got about $5,000 & can pay for their own CDL training…

At Driver Solutions, we pride ourselves in helping those who just want a chance to start a new, great-paying career without getting a college degree or spending a lot of money they don’t have. In less than a month, we can help you obtain a Class A CDL license & be on your way to a great career in the trucking industry.

While fighting for our country overseas, soldiers have been exposed to operating all kinds of heavy machinery, which, in a sense, prepared them to do the same back home. And a career as a professional truck driver is one of the most stable, both professionally and financially, in our country today.

Go talk to a truck driver to see if a career in the trucking industry is right for you. Then fill out an application on our website to get on the road to success as a professional truck driver.


So, the holidays are fast approaching & first up is Thanksgiving. While we should all be thankful everyday for what we have, this is the time of the year to recognize how lucky we really are and give thanks any way we can. I have a story that makes me very thankful that I have a roof over my head, I can pay my bills, and I’m in good health. Just last week, the company I work for, Driver Solutions – a truck driver recruiting company, found out that the wife of one of our employees has been diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that has already spread throughout her body. And the fact that they actually found it in the first place was amazing. She thought she just had a cold, but it wouldn’t go away. When they took her to the doctor, she was told she had pneumonia & was admitted to the hospital. It was there that more tests were run and the cancer was found.

Unfortunately, to be able to pay the bills, my coworker had to continue working instead of staying at home with his sick wife. This was unacceptable to the company, so our Human Resources Director, Kari Roesslein, set up a fund to help the family in their time of need and to make sure our employee could stay at home & spend as much time with his wife as he could, while he still had her in his life. Driver Solutions vowed to match every penny that was donated by employees, and that they did. In just 4 days, employees at Driver Solutions, from the truck driver training instructors & the CDL examiners to the truck driver recruiters, raised $3,802.00. Incredible! And with the 100% match by Driver Solutions, the total donation given to the family was $7,604.00. To me, this was unbelievable. To think that just everyday ‘Joes’ could come together like this to help out a ‘family member’ in need, even when we’re all feeling the economic crunch. And I’m not trying to “toot our own horn” but I’m just so proud…proud that these are the type of people I work with everyday and that Driver Solutions is the company that they are.

And that’s not the only way Driver Solutions’ employees are helping others. Throughout the year, our company hosts blood drives & cookouts with proceeds benefitting the Indiana Blood Center & numerous charities around the Indianapolis area. Recently, Driver Solutions held a blood drive & provided a catered lunch for those who donated blood. And for those just wanting a good meal, a full lunch was available for $5, with all proceeds, plus a 100% match by the company, going to the Humane Society of Indianapolis. There are so many things that can be done to help all of those in need in our own communities.

So, now I challenge you to give back & to be thankful for what you have. If you want to help make a difference in someone else’s life, donate to your favorite charity or to the American Cancer Society. And if you have a story that you’d like to share, about someone in need or how you’ve helped others, leave it in the comments section below. I’d love to hear about it!

Remember, every little bit helps…and it helps more than you know. So if you can give, give. And challenge your friends and family to do the same!

 

The US unemployment rate is terrible, but you already know that.  Recently, Congress approved an extension of unemployment benefits.  I understand the reason and necessity, but it does come at a cost for the unemployed worker.  For folks considering new careers as truck drivers, the longer they collect unemployment benefits, the more difficult it could become to land the best trucking driving jobs.  You see, trucking companies that are offering the better trucking jobs can be more selective in their hiring decisions.  There is no shortage of job applicants for the best trucking companies.  These companies are regarded as the best places to work because of their commitment to their drivers.  A trucking company which offers a truck driving school course to train its new truck drivers is in big demand. 

For those with an employment history that has numerous gaps or a long duration of unemployment, it can be tough to land a job with a good trucking company. Truckload carriers willing to pay for the upfront cost of CDL training look for stable, committed employees.  Those applicants with a lot of unemployment are deemed as riskier hires.  Job seekers generally don't realize the expense a company incurs to recruit an employee.  So naturally, companies want to minimize the risk of employee turnover. 

My best advice to someone interested in a trucking career is to be active and not wait until the unemployment benefits run out before taking action.  


Have you ever wondered what it’s really like to roam the open road? Thanks to Tex from YouTubeTrucking.com, you can see for yourself. Tex has been in the in the trucking industry since 1992 and driving since 1995. As much as he might say otherwise, he really enjoys truck driving. And after picking up a digital camera in 2006, he is now sharing his, and other truck drivers', experiences with the rest of the world.

The videos have been created using digital cameras, camcorders, and even cell phones. Don’t get all worried that there are hundreds of truck drivers out there shooting videos while driving…Tex believes in safety first and stresses that whenever he talks about making his videos. He uses a tripod to mount his camera so that he doesn’t have to fiddle with any controls while driving. He just sets it and forgets it so that we can see what life is all about on the open road.

These are not the shaky amateur movies you might think they would be. Some of them are extremely well made and beautiful to watch. Often they are edited with music and voice-overs that one might expect to find in a professionally produced documentary. Check out ‘The Life of a Trucker – Episode 9’ by deathfromatruck to see for yourself. It is hauntingly breathtaking to see the solitude of a truck driver in a truck stop at 5:30am.

Tex has gone to great lengths to find over a hundred videos shot by truck drivers and he is always adding new ones to his website. He also features the best of the best on his ‘Video of the Week’ link, which is where I found ‘The Life of a Trucker – Episode 9’.

His website isn’t just for entertainment purposes. In addition to the videos being informative, truck drivers have been able to connect through his site, making friends and networking with other drivers they might never had met had it not been for Tex and YouTubeTrucking.com.

Not only are these videos fun to watch, but many of them offer solid advice about driving a truck in certain parts of the country. ifonlypeopleknew has a YouTube channel & has made a very informative video about driving in LA, something that all new truck drivers in California should watch before heading out into the mean streets of Los Angeles.

Another truck driving YouTube channel with interesting & helpful truck driving information is cdltraining…that’s ours! Driver Solutions has created several great videos dealing with frequently asked questions about the trucking industry, as well as videos from a former truck driving school student & CDL instructors. Are there any other truck driving video websites or YouTube channels that you think are interesting or entertaining? If so, leave a comment below & let me know!

So if you've ever wondered what it’s like to live carefree out on the open road, stop in and take a gander at a few of Tex’s videos or the YouTube channels to see for yourself. You might come away with a greater appreciation for those guys and gals out there who live life on the road.


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!


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!

 

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!


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!).

 

There's a new service on the market for folks looking to get their CDL license.  eGears is an online service that provides web-based trainnig for the CDL Pre-Trip Inspection, CDL permit, Haz Mat, and a whole lot more. The folks at eGears posted a video on YouTube. There's nothing else like this on the web for cdl training. If you are considering attending a truck driving school or getting your cdl license, you should check out the benefits of the eGears training.  The CDL pre-trip inspection training alone is well worth your time.  The video is all professional looking with a great quality, narration and editing.  This isn't some guy with a camcorder walking around a truck.  Trust me, if you are about to take a CDL skills exam, you need to check out eGears.  Visit the eGears website.

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!


All across the country, CDL training schools have experienced a major increase in truck driving school applicants. With the country’s economy in its current state, many unemployed or underemployed Americans are turning to one of the most stable & best paying careers out there – Truck Driving!

A career as a truck driver has been one of the most sought after professions ever since the recession became a clear reality. The biggest mistake people make is not securing a truck driving job before they attend the CDL training school. They just don’t understand that it’s still difficult to get a job in the trucking industry, unless you go through a company program. Many trucking companies want you to attend one of their approved training facilities before you go to work for them. So just going out, getting your CDL, & then trying to find a driving job is not the way to go. If you find a company that you would like to work for, see if they have certain requirements for hiring inexperienced drivers.

Driver Solutions, a truck driver recruiting company, works with P.A.M. Transport & USA Truck to train and hire inexperienced truck drivers. And they have a network of CDL training schools approved by both trucking companies, so you won’t have to worry about them accepting your education. 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 they’ll sponsor the upfront costs for your tuition. It’s a win-win situation for everyone!

So, just do some research and find out if the trucking industry & a new career as a professional truck driver is right for you!


Even though the American economy is still sagging, there is one industry that has never been so profitable – the truck driver training industry. Every day, each week, more and more students sign up for CDL training hoping to become a professional truck driver. And I can see why it’s booming! It’s a very desirable entry level pay rate and one of the most stable industries in the country.

But you’ve got to be careful out there…many CDL training schools will have no problem training you and taking your money. And you won’t know this at the time, but when the CDL training course is complete, you won’t have a job and you’ll find that it’s extremely difficult to get hired on by a trucking company after you’re done with your CDL training. This is where one company, in particular, stands out from the rest of the crowd – Driver Solutions makes sure you’ve got a job offer before you head out to the CDL training school.

Driver Solutions, a truck driver recruiting & placement company, pre-hires and trains inexperienced truck drivers, preparing them for an OTR driving job with a well-respected trucking company. And, to help you get started in this new career, the Driver Solutions Network trucking companies pay the upfront costs of your tuition!


Driver Solutions is not a truck driving school, we're more of a network of trucking companies and truck driving schools that helps to place new truck drivers in a CDL training program and an entry-level truck driving job.

Our role in your path to a CDL license and careers as a professional truck driver is to identify the best job opportunities available to you, conduct the pre-employment screening and approval process, and arrange for your CDL training at a Driver Solutions-approved truck driving school program.  We're also very hands-on in terms of the curriculum taught at our partner CDL training schools.

For example, we take a special interest in how the classroom time is taught, how much behind-the-wheel time is taught and whether or not these training programs are meeting the specific needs of the trucking companies that we also represent. So, if a trucking company has specific skills or needs that it wants emphasized, we can make sure its truck drivers get that focused training.

Simply put, if you are considering a career as a professional truck driver, Driver Solutions should be your stop.  Many have tried to copy us, but no one has more experience and knowledge in helping folks begin a new truck driving career.


In the quarter ended June 30, 2009, P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. (P.T.S.I.) reported a net loss of $2.36 million; a loss of $0.25 per share in Q2. For the six month period ended June 30, 2009, the company saw a 37.1% increase in net loss compared to the same period the previous year.

Daniel Cushman, the newly appointed President of P.T.S.I, had this to say: “The P.T.S.I. team wants to thank Bob Weaver for his excellent contribution for many years of committed and valued service. While P.T.S.I. is clearly disappointed in our results for 2009, I begin my tenure as President and I feel confident, from a cost stand point, we are in good shape. I am tremendously excited about this opportunity and ask for your continued support.”

Even with the company’s current quarterly results and the economy’s current state, P.A.M. Transport is still one of the biggest trucking companies in the industry to continue to hire inexperienced truck drivers. Through a partnership with Driver Solutions, you can get top-notch CDL training and a great-paying truck driving job with P.A.M. Transport in less than a month! So don’t wait any longer to start your new career as a professional truck driver…check out the Driver Solutions Network today!


The career of a truck driver is unlike any job out there. When you first get started in truck driving, every day is different, every route is new and every load brings its own set of challenges.

Your Routes

When a driver is fresh out of truck driving school, they're typically hired as entry level Over the Road (OTR) drivers. These OTR or irregular routes can keep a driver on the road and away from home for 2-3 weeks at a time. The routes change too. There's no routine in the life of an OTR driver.

You may not know what's going to happen next Monday or even tomorrow and every week is different from the one before it. Some new truck drivers thrive on this kind of variety. Others can't wait to slip into a dedicated, regular route.

Your Hours

As for the day-to-day, most new drivers are on the road anywhere from 10-14 hours in a 24-hour period. This is by no means set in stone. Because a driver is regulated by how many hours he can drive in a 7-day week, the number of hours per day is going to change based on the circumstances and the hours logged that week.

Your "Home" Away From Home

And when truck drivers out on the road aren't driving, most of their down time is spent in the truck. It becomes their home. Sure, they'll stop at truck stops or restaurants for a shower, an Internet hookup or a meal, but for those few weeks, home is the truck.

The life of the OTR driver isn't for everyone, it can be lonely, but it can also be an incredibly rewarding experience for those who want to experience the country along with a job that allows for a substantial amount of independence.

 

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