Driver Solutions

This holiday season at Driver Solutions, we’re all thankful for many different things…some of us have children, some of us are recently married, and some of us just bought our first homes. Regardless of what else is going on in our lives, we’re all thankful that we have a job & that that job is with a great company.

Here’s what some of our employees had to say about what they’re thankful for:

• “I’m thankful for having family and friends to spend the holidays with.”
• “I am thankful for my children being healthy.”
• “I am thankful for my house, truck, and my job.”
• “I’m thankful that my children are healthy, and that I have a job to provide them with the things they need. I am thankful for having a wonderful family.”
• “I am thankful for my health, my wife, and my loveable kids.”
• “I am thankful that I have a job with a great company!”
• “I am thankful that my children always want me to play with them, whether it be a board game, something on the Wii, or the computer, because that means they love spending time with me.”
• “I’m thankful for the leaves we’ve had to rake multiple times this season because it means that in the spring, the trees will looks really beautiful.”
• “I am thankful that my husband loves me enough to not flip out when I insist that the curtain rod is crooked and ask him to fix it.”
• “I am thankful that I get up at 5:30 every morning to have enough time to get the kids ready, listen to why they don’t want cereal and why marshmallows are a good choice, rush to take a shower and get everybody ready so that I am at work at 8am (okay maybe 8:05) because it means that I have a job to go to even in these tough economic times.”

As for me, mine differs a bit from the rest because I don’t have any children…but I’m still thankful for my brother’s children! They’re the best, cutest niece & nephew anyone could ask for! And it works out because when they start crying, I can just hand them back. But I, just like others here at Driver Solutions that don’t have children, am thankful for my animals. They’re the best companions anyone could ever ask for. I put a pic of my little man at the top of this post. Isn’t he adorable???

So what are all of you thankful for? Anyway, I hope everyone out there has a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday! And to the truck drivers out there that are working on this holiday, thank you. For everything you do & the sacrifices you make, thank you. If it weren’t for all of you, we wouldn’t be able to enjoy the holidays the way we do. So stay safe out there & have a good one!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

I’m hearing a lot about the hours of service (HOS) rules for truck driving. The current HOS rules state that truck drivers can drive for up to 11 hours, but then must rest or be off the road for at least 10 consecutive hours. The old HOS allowed drivers to be on the road for 10 hours and off for eight, which is what is being proposed again.

The way I see it, any rule that encourages truck drivers to get more sleep is going to have an impact on both road safety and profitability. Mandating truck drivers to stay off the road for ten hours not only encourages them to rest completely before heading back on the road, but also allows them ample time to fit in a little exercise, which might benefit them when the CSA 2010 goes into effect next July (We'll talk about that in another post).

Figures from the Department of Transportation (DOT) demonstrate that the trucking industry is now the safest it has been since they started keeping track of driving statistics in 1975. The number of truck-involved fatalities on our highways has decreased by 19% since the current HOS rules took effect. The number of injuries has decreased by 13% since 2004. This is noteworthy considering that the number of registered truck drivers has grown by tens of thousands and the miles driven by large trucking companies has increased by more than 2 million. In short, the current HOS rules are working, so why try to fix something that isn’t broken? Why go back to old ways when the new ways are better?

Even though drivers have increased their on the road time by one hour, they are also increasing their off the road time by two hours. Truck drivers can get a full eight hours of sleep and still have time to eat a balanced meal, read the paper, check their email, and talk to loved ones before having to rush back into the cab and start driving.

There is a reason that the trucking industry was callously referred to as sweatshops on wheels…the truck drivers were not encouraged to get ample sleep. “Drive, drive, drive! Make money!” is what they were told. With the current HOS rules, they are not only encouraged, but are forced to rest for a longer period of time. Not only does this new rule protect the safety of the truck drivers, it protects the safety of all the other drivers on the road with them.

So, this is just my opinion. From the research I’ve done, I think it would be crazy to go back to the ‘on 10, off 8’ hours of service. But I’m not a truck driver that has to deal with this. Here’s where you come in…what are your thoughts? Do you like the way things are, or are you hoping they pass the bill to go back to the way things were before? Let me know!

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.

On the commute to the office this morning, I heard an XM Radio commercial for Rand McNally. Rand McNally is the leading producer of maps and road atlases. With a world of information just a click away, the idea of a paper driver's atlas seems as old-fashioned as a rotary dial phone. Well, it looks like Rand McNally has embraced today's latest technology with a new truck driver-focused GPS. The intelliroute TND 500 GPS unit brings a wealth of essential trucker information right to your fingertips. Some of the features that set this GPS apart from standard consumer models are the propiretary truck routing suggestions and maps trucker tools like truck stop locations and a cross-reference to the information contained in the Rand McNally Motor Carriers' Road Atlas. You can check it out at Rand McNally's website.

Think about what a useful tool this could be for any new truck driver freshly out of truck driver training program. I've seen the map reading and trip planning courses taught at trucking schools. There's a ton of information in Motor Carriers' Road Atlas if you can remember how to use it. With this GPS unit, a new truck driver doesn't have to flip pages back and forth just interpret the information and figure out his route options. It's all conveniently displayed on screen in a simple, easy to understand format. I can't think of a better gift this season for someone just finishing truck driving school. Mark Kinsel, president of Driver Solutions, a company providing truck driver training and driver job placement, commented that he thinks "it's great that Rand McNally has developed a GPS specifically targeted for use by truck drivers."

So, this is one idea for a Christmas gift for a truck driver, especially one straight out of truck driving school.  Please feel free to comment with other trucker Christmas gift suggestions.

Disclaimer: This is article is an independent opinion and is not endorsed, nor was compensation provided, by the manufacturer of the intelliroute TND 500 GPS unit or Rand McNally.

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!

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.

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.