Great CDL Training

How much money can I make as a truck driver? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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



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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FMCSA Rulings

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

Safety

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

Truck Driver Lifestyle

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

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

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

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

Does that sound like your 2011?

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

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

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

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


You are not alone...

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

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

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


Matt's Truck Driver Training Story

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

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

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


So, what is the point here?

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

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

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


How Did Company Sponsored CDL Training Help?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reason #1 - The Lifestyle

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

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

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



Reason #2 - The Learning Curve

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

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

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

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

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

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


Reason #3 - The Grass Is Greener Syndrome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Here are 7 winter driving tips for truck drivers:

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

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

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

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

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

Driver Solutions takes CDL training very seriously.  But, we also know how to have fun!

Recently, we asked our Facebook fans to helps us write a new truck driver song for Christmas - The 12 Days of Training.  Our fans responded and we created a new verse for each day based upon The 12 Days of Christmas theme.  Each day and each verse features items often seen around a truck driving school such as log books, CDL tests and road atlases. 

For example...

"On the 1st day of training my instructor gave to me...an atlas so the roads I can see!"

Once we had our song created with the help of the Driver Solutions Facebook fans, we needed to find people to sing each verse.  Well, none of us at Driver Solutions are very talented when it comes to the singining department and we wanted this video to be something truly unique... so what were we going to do?

Well, we decided to head to a truck driving school in Indiana to see if we could get some students to do the honors by singing each verse.  After all, it's a song about training, so why not have those currently at school help us out. 

We weren't sure what kind of a response we'd get when we asked these truck driver training students to sing on camera, but much to our surprise most were very excited to have the chance to help us out by being a part of this fun video. 

So we gathered up the props needed for the video and went to work.  Everyone had a lot of fun and several stars in the video were anxious to share with their family. 

Please join Driver Solutions in applauding these students for showcasing their singing skills and being such great sports while making this one of a kind video. 

We encourage you to share this among the trucking community and with your friends and family!

The Driver Solutions blog is focused on providing inexperienced drivers with the best free CDL training information available online.  Simply put, our goal is to help you make the a good decision about where to get CDL training, how to go about getting it, and how to find trucking jobs that offer the best potential long term potential.  

Each month, we share several new posts with our blog readers, Facebook fans, Twitter followers, etc.  Here is a look at some of our most popular posts from November:


Was this information helpful to you?  Are you considering truck driver training, but aren't sure where to start? 

Go ahead and complete our secure online driver application to schedule a time to speak with a representative about your training options.  Driver Solutions is here to help walk you through the process of finding a solid trucking job.  

Most items get to their destination across America by tractor-trailers, so when things need transported it creates a need for trucks, which creates a need for drivers. There are currently estimated to be over 3 million truck drivers employed in the trucking industry, but with over 1 million trucking companies in the U.S., plus a continually growing economy, there will always be a need for professional truck drivers. 

With so many truck drivers moving freight across the country, there are sure to be some strange loads that drivers run into. We recently were so curious about this that we asked our Facebook page fans, “What’s the most unique load you've ever had to haul?”

Here are some of the responses we received:

“Hauled a load of junk TVs, computers, desks, and copy machines for the Verizon complex…” – Michael V.

“Full load of Styrofoam. Floor to ceiling, front to back. Had to get a forklift to push the doors together so I could close them. Total weight was almost 5000 lbs.” – Don D.

“Sail boat fuel.” – Ricky H.

“Precast concrete doors for a loony toons at home bomb shelter.” – Joseph N.

“The big top tent for a circus.” – DenRay

“I think it would have to be the load my Dad had one of these horrible three tiered salmon pink sock tables. Each one was about 45lbs. and most of the stores that were set to get one didn’t want it. Lol” – Cristal S.

“Hot wax that cooled off on me! Lol (what a mess…) now Crude oil!” – Desmond M.

“High altitude chocolate…from Hershey’s…packed in nitrogen containers…” – Ray V.

As you can tell, no matter how big, small, unique, or strange an item may be, it probably gets transported across the country by a truck for businesses and consumers.

Driver Solutions is aware of the dependence and high need for qualified truck drivers, which is why we help hopeful truckers get great CDL training. We understand that paying thousands of dollars for CDL training in hopes of finding an entry-level trucking job with a good company can create a lot of uncertainty and stress. To help reduce these feelings, Driver Solutions specializes in placing students in a paid CDL training program that covers the cost of tuition AND matches drivers with a job at respectable trucking company BEFORE they start school.

If you’re ready to help meet the need for drivers and get your career started, just complete the online application to set up a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your options.

Who knows what unique loads you might transport!

Before you sign up for CDL training, you’ll probably want to read some Driver Solutions reviews. Applying for truck driving school can lead to a big lifestyle change, so it’s important to understand exactly what to expect.

Driver Solutions is dedicated to helping inexperienced truck drivers get the CDL training they need to find truck driving jobs. We currently work with a network of reliable, reputable trucking companies that are looking for high quality truck drivers. Our company paid CDL training program not only trains and prepares aspiring truck drivers to properly driver a tractor-trailer, but also helps students find a great trucking job to begin a new career.

Unfortunately, the Driver Solutions training program is not for everyone. Company paid CDL training requires that students are willing to commit to training for a few weeks and are looking for a career and not just a job.

One of the best ways to learn about a company like Driver Solutions is from the first hand experience of truck drivers that have gone through our program. Here are some of the most recent Driver Solutions reviews that Facebook fans have left on our Facebook recommendations page:

•    “Great school.” – Debra S.
•    “Driver Solutions is a good career opportunity in Asheboro N.C.” - Mark G.
•    “They helped me out so much with getting into school and getting a job” – Vernon H.
•    “This is a great place if you want to get your CDL training…” – Bret K.
•    “If anybody is looking for a job in trucking, contact Driver Solutions. They will help get you started.” – Stacy A.
•    “If you are interested in becoming a truck driver, this is a good place to start putting that idea in motion” – Gregory M.
•    “Driver Solutions is certified a+” – Darell S.
•    “Best school for truck driver training.” – Troy S.
•    “This is a great place 2 go if u want 2 learn 2 drive big rig” – John R.

Want to read more reviews? Tale a few minutes to check these out:
•    A recent in-depth Driver Solutions review from a student that went through truck driver training just a few months ago.
•    5 unique truck driver training graduation stories
•    General Driver Solutions reviews taken from our Facebook page

Still have more questions?

Complete our online application to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent who can answer your questions.

The holidays are just around the corner and Driver Solutions wants to make them even merrier with a trucker style Christmas.

For some truckers, home is across the country with family members, but for many others, home is in the driver’s seat. During this time of year companies heavily rely on truck drivers to help keep the toys, clothes, great foods and many other holiday gifts moving across the country. While they may be out on the road, in many ways truck drivers are like a modern day Santa Claus delivering the things we want and need during the holidays.

Driver Solutions wants to help ignite the holiday spirit this year by having fun and getting to know our Facebook fans, blog readers, and aspiring truck drivers better. To start off the season, we need your help to create a trucker style “12 Days of Christmas.”

We’ll start the verse every day, then turn to you to help us finish each verse until the song is complete. Have fun, be creative, and reflect on your truck driving and CDL training experience. After everyone has time to submit their ideas, we need you to vote on which verse you like the most (by liking it on Facebook), and we’ll choose the submission with the most votes to complete our song.

Once, we’ve completed the “12 Days of Christmas” we’ll take your verses and make a video of the complete song.  So, be creative and your verse just might be featured in our new holiday video for 2011!

It’s all pretty simple- just share your ideas, vote for your favorites, then enjoy!

Are you ready to do Christmas this year, trucker style? If you’ve been thinking of starting a career in truck driving, contact us today and apply for company paid CDL training.

 

 

Driver Solutions values all of the drivers that go through our program, but on Veterans Day we especially want to say thank you to all of the veterans that are now truckers. Military members have long helped keep the country safe with their service, and now many of them are helping to keep the economy moving by driving a truck.

According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans Day is set aside to thank and honor all those who served honorably in the military, both living and those that died from battle. The day is largely intended to thank living veterans for the sacrifice and duty they have given to the country.

While some military members may not have any large vehicle driving experience, a lot of veterans get a taste for truck driving when they learn how to drive big military vehicles. Unfortunately though, military driving licenses do not smoothly transfer to civilian CDL jobs. Both experienced and novice veterans need to go through a truck driver training program to receive a CDL and qualify for the top trucking jobs.

The great news is that many trucking companies like to hire veterans because of their extraordinary work ethic, discipline, and dedication. Companies know that military veterans are committed to service and are consistently able to follow through with orders. Plus, many veterans have already received basic training on map reading, how to keep accurate records and how to think quickly to respond to emergencies. All of these skills transfer almost seamlessly to a trucking career.

Are you a veteran that wants to learn more about trucking? Check out some of our past articles that highlight why truck driving is a great option for veterans:

• Truck Driving is a Veteran-Friendly Job Option
• Truck Driving Is A Rewarding Post-Military Career
• Retired Military Personnel and People Looking to Change Careers Enter the Trucking Industry
• Veterans On The Road

Truck driver jobs are some of the most stable, solid paying jobs in the country today. Complete our online application and let Driver Solutions help you start a rewarding truck driving career.
 

A Global Positioning System, better known as a GPS, is supposed to help drivers determine the best route to get to a desired destination. With detailed, street-level maps, voice prompted turn-by-turn directions, traffic delay alerts, and many other features, a GPS may seem like a great idea for a trucker driver.

Is a GPS the best tool to help truckers get where they need?

GPS technology has many benefits, such as helping dispatchers and trucking companies track loads. If a truck has a GPS device and the truck gets stolen or a trucker is in an accident, the truck can easily be tracked with the GPS signal. This can save vital time for police officers and first responders.

Should you just rely on your GPS? 

According to many experienced truck drivers and CDL trainers, you must quickly learn that you cannot just rely on your GPS. Using a GPS does not always go smoothly, and unfortunately, there are times that you may be forced to rely on other options to find your way around.  A GPS may lose its signal, or it may give you bad directions to a route that takes you under a low bridge or down other paths that are not meant for truck drivers. Plus, GPS devices may have older maps in their systems that do not show important road or construction changes. 

No driver wants to receive incorrect directions and take the chance of delivering a load late. The Driver Solutions CDL training program will teach you how to refine your map reading and trip planning skills so you will not have to rely solely on a GPS. With the skills that you learn in CDL training, you not only learn how to properly read all aspects of a map and trucker atlas, but you will be prepared for a well-paying, professional truck driving career.

Are you ready to get CDL training to become a safe, prepared driver? Complete our online application to arrange a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your trucking career options.

The most important skill that Driver Solutions network of CDL training schools want to teach drivers is that safe driving on the open road is absolutely critical to being successful. Driver Solutions is determined to provide proper, up-to-date CDL training for safe driving.

Take a minute to ask yourself, “Are you a safe driver?” This short, simple quiz will help you find out what you know about basic safe truck driving. Just answer “true” or “false” for each of the following statements, then check your answers below:

1. I can drive safely even when I am sleepy.
2. I am good at texting in my car and paying attention to the road, so it’s safe for me to text and drive a semi truck.
3. I don’t need to wear my seatbelt when I am going low speeds or going on a short trip. 
4. Driving at night and getting a full rest during the day does not affect my chances of being involved in a sleep-related crash. 
5. Rolling down the window or listening to really loud music will help keep me awake. 
6. Drinking a lot of caffeine will cure fatigue. 
7.  If I just did a pre-trip inspection at my last drop this morning, I don’t need to do another inspection before my next trip. 
8. I’ve never been in an accident before, so I probably won’t get in one in the future.

 

1. FALSE. The only safe driver is an alert driver. Even the safest drivers may become confused and use poor judgment when they are tired.
2. FALSE. Not only is it very unsafe to text and drive, it’s now illegal for truck drivers. Texting while driving a commercial vehicle like a semi truck can cause you to incur high fines and other penalties. Distracted driving causes thousands of accidents each year, so sending a quick message is not worth hurting yourself or others.
3. FALSE. In accordance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, if you are driving a commercial vehicle you MUST wear your seatbelt at all times while driving, no matter how slow you are going or how short a distance you go.
4. FALSE. It is very hard for our bodies to adjust to working at night and sleeping during the day. Just because you sleep during the day it doesn’t mean that you may not get drowsy while night driving.
5. FALSE. Opening a window for air or listening to really loud music will not prevent your body from nodding off if it truly needs the sleep. They may help postpone the effects of being tired, but will not prevent them.
6. FALSE. Caffeine may help give you energy, but the only thing that can cure fatigue is proper sleep.
7. FALSE. You must do a pre-trip inspection before absolutely every trip, even if you just did an inspection a few hours ago. Not only is it safe for you as a driver, but helps prevent accidents that may harm others.
8. FALSE. Having a great driving track record is commendable, but it doesn’t mean that accidents cannot happen in the future.

While many of these scenarios seem like common sense, or even humorous at times, safety is a serious issue. Many people honestly believe they can drive better even with dangerous distractions like being tired or texting.

With Driver Solutions CDL training, you will learn all of the information needed to start your career as a safe, knowledgeable truck driver. 

If you'd like to get started with the Driver Solutions Program, just complete our online application.

 

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week was September 11^th-17^th, but Driver Solutions believes truck drivers deserve thanks and recognition year round. We understand that many truckers are passionate about their jobs, but still make many sacrifices being away from their family and friends, such as missing birthdays, anniversaries, and sometimes holidays.

In order to thank all of the great truckers out there and reward their sacrifices, Driver Solutions is giving truckers a chance to win the Ultimate Truck Driver Convenience Package.  We are happy to give away a grand prize award of a $250 gift card from Wal-Mart for the purchase of truck tools, a mini-fridge, XMSatellite Radio, a Garmin GPS system, comfortable clothes or whatever else makes the trucker's life better.

We have already received many great entries, but in order to give even more great truck drivers a chance to win, we are extending the contest to November 14! And even better, if we get 75 total contest entries, we will award not just one, but THREE great drivers with a $250 grand prize.  That's $750 in prizes!

If you know a truck driver that deserves some appreciation, now is the time to show them you care. Do you have a relative, friend or family member that is in a truck driving job?  Whether they just finished CDL training or they’ve been driving for 20 years, we want to hear their spectacular story.

Entering the contest is easy. Submit your entry by telling us why you or your favorite trucker deserves to win. Feel free to use testimonials, pictures, poems, or whatever helps you get your story across.  We'll even publish your story on our blog so you can share it with others. Driver Solutions will announce the winner on November 14^th via Facebook, Twitter, and the blog.

There are just 2 weeks left to nominate someone for the contest, so don’t miss out on a great chance to thank your special truck driver!

Nominate your favorite truck driver today!

Several big reasons that many people decide to pursue entry level truck driving jobs include the ability to travel, great job stability, and the possibilty to earn between $35,000 and $40,000 in the first year. But actually finding a job can be frustrating if you don't know where to start. The key to finding an entry level truck driving job and starting your career on the right foot is to choose the best truck driver training program.

Before you jump into any commitments, you need to decide if you are ready for an entry level trucking job, and should ask yourself several questions:

• Do you meet the Department of Transportation’s minimum qualifications and medical requirements?
• Will you be able to control one of the most powerful machines on the road?
• Are you willing to travel for several weeks at a time as an over-the-road driver?
• Can you adjust to the truck driver lifestyle?
• Are you willing to spend 3 weeks at CDL school to get the specialized training you need?

If you answered yes to all of these questions, you may be ready to start your truck driving career. But now you may be wondering, where can you find the CDL training you need AND job opportunities?

At Driver Solutions, we work with a network of the top trucking schools and trucking companies to offer great CDL training and help students start their careers succesfully.  Through our company paid CDL training program, we will work with you to get the best CDL training possible. Best of all, Driver Solutions qualifies you for a job opportunity BEFORE you begin CDL training. Driver Solutions reviews your information, qualifies your application, and makes sure that you’re qualified for an entry level trucking job all BEFORE you begin truck driving school.

When you complete your truck driver training in as little as 3 weeks, you will be qualified to earn your CDL license. You'll be on the road in no time!

Let Driver Solutions take the stress out of finding an entry level driving job. Complete our online application to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your options for getting started. 

If you are thinking about starting a trucking career, it’s vital that you have the right tools to help you learn and find success. The first thing you need to do is look for an effective training program that can teach you the skills and information needed to earn your CDL.

The best CDL training schools should have trainers with several years experience in the trucking industry, and should provide opportunities for students to learn rules and regulations in a classroom as well as get hands on driving experience.

Another great way to learn is from other drivers' experiences. We’ve put together a few quick links to some of the most helpful interviews of students that have gone through the Driver Solutions company-paid CDL training program.

Check out these articles and interviews to get some great tips on what to expect from trucking driving school:

•    Making Friends at Truck Driving School
•    Tips on Passing the Pre-trip Inspection
•    3 Part Interview with a USA Truck Driver
•    Getting a CDL License at Truck Driving School
•    Trucking School – It’s What You Make It

Driver Solutions is devoted to providing drivers with the right tools to start a successful career in the trucking industry. Our hassle-free training program offers an environment that fosters learning, allowing you to get your CDL and find great opportunities for your career.

If you’re ready to jump into the driver’s seat, take a few minutes to complete our online driver application and learn more about your trucking career options.

Deciding to become a professional truck driver is one of the best career choices you can make today.  A career as a professional truck driver can open the door to many opportunities that can positively impact your life - including great pay and a stable environment.

You have probably found yourself asking, what exactly do you have to do to become a professional truck driver?

First, you must meet the basic requirements of the US Department of Transportation and hold a Class A CDL license. The DOT requires you to pass a physical exam to make sure you are fit enough to handle the responsibilities of truck driving. The CDL ensures that truck drivers meet the minimum requirements for the safe operation of a tractor trailer. In addition to a standard general knowledge test, truck drivers must also obtain endorsements by passing the combination vehicle and air brake knowledge tests.  Potential truck drivers need to learn not only how to operate a truck, but they must also learn the rules and regulations that truck drivers must follow.

To get started, you should contact the best truck driver training school in the country and ask for career options based on your skills, background, and goals. Finding a program that can accommodate your needs is vital. A truck driving school should not only help you learn all of the information needed to get your CDL, but should also help you find truck driving jobs after graduation.

What do I do next?

Just like any career path, a trucking career is going to have its challenges. Driver Solutions provides the tools to potential truck drivers to help them overcome some of the challenges they may face. Driver Solutions uses a proven method of training that brings out the best driver in students, then works to match students up with a company in the Driver Solutions Network.

Starting your CDL training and a trucking career with Driver Solutions can happen in just 6 simple steps:

1.       Review our trucking career opportunities

2.       Complete the online application

3.       Speak with a Driver Agent to discuss the Driver Solutions program

4.       Driver Solutions qualifies your application

5.       Attend CDL training at a Driver Solutions-approved truck driving school

6.       Begin driving for your new trucking company

Once you qualify and complete these six steps, you'll be on the road to success! Complete our online driver application today to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your career options.