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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

According to the Department of Energy, diesel rose 2.7 cents to $2.652 per gallon, making it the most expensive it’s been so far in 2009. Just over the past month, diesel has risen 15.6 cents, a definite change in the trend we’ve been getting used to. But we’re still much better off than we were at this time last year, when diesel and gas prices were pushing the $5.00 mark.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

On July 13, 2009, the Board of P.A.M. Transportation Services, Inc. (P.T.S.I.) appointed a new company President, Daniel H. Cushman. He replaces former President, Bob Weaver, whose contract expired.

Cushman brings with him many successful years of experience in all facets of the transportation industry, working with companies such as Roadway Express, Triple Crown Services, Werner Enterprises, and most recently, CRST.

In the quarter ended June 30, 2009, USA Truck saw a 21.8% decrease in revenue from the previous year – $103.8 million in Q2 2008 to $81.2 million this year. In the first quarter of 2009, the company posted a net loss of $1.88 million and made a slight improvement in Q2 with a net loss of $1.1 million.

Clifton Beckham, President and CEO of USA Truck, said “We have driven profound change within our business model and there are measurable signs of progress within the various initiatives supporting our VEVA (Vision for Economic Value Added) strategic plan”.

Even with the company’s current results and the economy’s current state, USA Truck is still one of the biggest trucking companies in the industry to continue to hire inexperienced truck drivers. Through a partnership with Driver Solutions, you can get top-notch CDL training and a great-paying truck driving job with USA Truck in about 3 weeks! So don’t wait any longer to start your new career as a professional truck driver…check out the Driver Solutions Network today!

There are lots of truck drivers, and drivers in general, that use a cell phone while driving, regardless of the safety issues that arise. According to studies by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), using a cell phone while driving increases the chance of a crash by four times. That’s a lot.

One company that has begun to take this safety issue seriously is Schneider National. Recently, the company banned their truck drivers from using cell phones while behind the wheel of a moving truck. Their reason is simple: safety. So now, for Schneider drivers, if you’re going to drive, you’ve got to hang up first. And just to keep the convenience of a cell phone without the safety issues, they developed a separate mobile communications module. Schneider’s system will display the first 16 characters of a message, and if it’s urgent, the message will instruct the driver to find a safe place to pull over and call.

Is this going to be a new trend for the trucking industry? I’ll keep you posted!

The American economy has seen better days, but there’s one industry that is still seeking more qualified employees…the trucking industry. And with company-sponsored CDL truck driver training, it’s easier than you think. Imagine, traveling the country, seeing all the sites you’ve always wanted to see, and getting paid well to do it!

Today, many Americans are searching for jobs, but they’re just not that abundant anymore. You either aren’t qualified or don’t have enough training. Well, trucking is different than most careers. There are many truck driving positions open, but CDL training is rather expensive. Many people don’t know this, but you can get someone to pay for your truck driver training!

One company, the trucking industry leader in company-paid CDL training – Driver Solutions, is offering paid training and an entry level truck driving job without any upfront tuition costs. Driver Solutions, along with their network of trucking companies, has made it easy for you to start a new career and become a well-paid professional truck driver. All you have to do is check out the Driver Solutions’ website to see if you qualify. A new career in truck driving just might be down the road!

A U.S. Representative & the U.S. Transportation Secretary are at odds when it comes to the federal highway spending fund. Democratic Congressman James Oberstar from Minnesota, also the chairman of the House Transportation Committee, is seeking a 57% boost in federal highway and transit spending, an increase from $286.5 billion to $450 billion.

Representative Oberstar has set a six-year spending plan for this fund and hopes to get it approved before September 30th, when the authority to spend from the fund expires. Opposing Oberstar’s plan is U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who would like an 18-month extension of highway funding. LaHood’s 18-month reauthorization would allow the fund to replenish, which he says could run out in August. As for Oberstar’s 6-year, $450 billion plan, no decisions have been made on how to pay for the proposed increase, as fuel-saving cars and declines in driving have reduced gas tax revenues, which is how the federal trust gains funds.

Personally, I agree with LaHood and like his proposed plan. Let’s make sure the federal highway spending fund is solvent, and then let’s tackle the priorities for transportation. We would all love to double the amount of money that we spend on our federal highways and transit systems, but first, we need to make sure that we’ll have money to spend.

Last summer, gas and diesel prices hit their highest levels in history - $4.11 for gasoline & $4.84 for diesel. This summer, things have changed a little. Regular gasoline is currently averaging $2.69 a gallon while diesel fuel averages $2.62 per gallon.

Unfortunately for the trucking industry, diesel prices have continued to rise over the past several weeks, climbing an average of $.10 per week for the last three weeks. But, prices are still much better than a year ago. Trucking companies were hit hard last year by rising diesel prices and increased competition for shipping bids. Retailers, affected by the downturn in the economy, were trying to get the shipping costs as low as possible so they could stay in the game with their competition. Because of the fierce price wars, many smaller trucking companies were forced out of business.

Even though all of this sounds pretty bad, it’s getting better. The cost of diesel fuel is still rising, but the economy itself is starting to mend. Consumer confidence is higher and they’re starting to spend more money. Many analysts say we’ve seen the worst, and I hope they are right. Only time will tell…the outlook is good.

On June 2nd – 4th, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), along with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration, the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators, Transport Canada, and the Secretariat of Communications and Transportation in Mexico, conducted the annual Roadcheck event across the US, Canada, & Mexico. This year was another successful Roadcheck!

Roadcheck, which began in 1988, is the largest targeted enforcement program on commercial vehicles in the world, with an average of 14 trucks being inspected every minute during 3 day event.

The Indiana State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division from the Redkey District and officials from the Indiana State Department of Health conducted food safety inspections on commercial motor vehicles transporting perishable foods. These inspections were conducted June 2nd on I-69 at the northbound rest park in Delaware County. The following are the results of those inspections (www.trooper.org):

• Truck inspections: 18
• Truck drivers placed out of service: 0
• Trucks placed out of service: 2
• Trucks measured: 3
• Trucks weighed:1
• Trucks overweight: 0
• Truck violation(s) arrests: 2
• Truck violation(s) warnings: 12

Just because the Roadcheck event is over, it doesn’t mean that the authorities aren’t watching and looking out for unsafe vehicles on the road…so stay safe!

There are so many ‘forecasts’ and ‘expert projections’ that the US economic recession is coming to an end, but the trucking industry is still feeling the pinch. In April, truck tonnage hit its lowest level since November 2001, right after the 9/11 terrorist attacks, according to the American Trucking Associations. And carriers and shippers say freight rates continue to drop as a result of weak demand and overcapacity in the trucking industry. Unfortunately, there’s no immediate end in sight.

The entire transportation industry will remain competitive until the recession declines and our economy gets back to the norm. Until then, trucking companies are doing their best to stay in the game with better cost management and smart business practices.

Confidence among US consumers jumped in May to the highest level in six years, sparking speculation that the economy is on its way to recovery. But at the same time, US retailers are reporting that sales took a dip last month. The increase in consumer confidence just isn’t showing up at the cash register yet.

With the economy the way it is, people are still holding onto their money. Even though things seem to be getting better and that the worst is now behind us, everyone is still unsure and doesn’t want to ‘jump the gun’ just yet. This increase in consumer confidence could end up being a false hope that our economy is recovering. It is speculated that freight demand will pick up due to the jump in confidence, but since people aren’t spending any money, this demand will be short lived. It will, however, bring a little life back to the currently rough trucking industry.

On Friday, June 5, 2009, Driver Solutions, along with staff and students, held a food drive and BBQ to collect donations for Gleaners Food Bank in Indianapolis. Employees were urged to bring in non-perishable food items to help feed Indiana’s hungry in exchange for a BBQ lunch. And, the employee who donated the most food items was rewarded with 4 tickets to the Indianapolis Air Show that was held the weekend of June 6th & 7th – Congrats and thanks to Erin Redden who brought in 84 items!

Here’s the way it worked: 4 items or $4 got you one lunch & 6 items or $6 earned you an unlimited go at the food. The food provided for the BBQ lunch included hamburgers, hot dogs, bratwursts, chili-cheese fixins, chips, potato salad, cookies, and a drink. This event was open to the public and by the end of the day, Driver Solutions had collected over 668 lbs. of food and $167 to donate to Gleaners Food Bank. And to not waste any food, the company donated the remainder of the BBQ food, like the uncooked meat and extra sides, to the Wheeler Mission. Overall, this has been one of the most successful community events that Driver Solutions has ever held!

The company runs the "Driven to Care" community program to give back to the community and promote active participation and volunteering. Driven to Care is an ongoing commitment to the community we work and live in. Driver Solutions' employees are dedicated to helping out any way they can. We've participated in blood drives, volunteering at the Wheeler Mission, and numerous individual volunteer opportunities. To learn more about the Driven to Care community involvement program, watch our video.

I’m sure there are many things that you’d like to take with you during your over-the-road training. The truth is, there’s not much room in those trucks when you try to stuff two people in there. But you can make it work. I’ve listed the things you should bring with you for OTR training…just the necessities. And remember, once you become a solo driver, you can put anything you want in your own truck!

• Clothes – I would pack jeans, shirts (long & short sleeves), socks, underwear, and a sturdy pair of tennis shoes. Make sure to bring enough clothes to last you 7 to 10 days. And if you’re out longer than that, remember, you can always hit up a Laundromat. Plus, you’ll probably wear a pair of jeans more than just one day while you’re out there. Also, you’ll want to bring a jacket with a hood. It’s always nice to have one for when it’s raining or suddenly gets cold. Oh yeah, and sunglasses are a good idea…never know when you’ll be drivin’ into the sunset.
• Toiletries – All of them! Toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, comb, towel, make-up for women, etc. When you get a chance to shower, you’ll want to make it count…you’re never sure when you’ll shower next. That’s just the way of the road! Also, it’s a good idea to take along some baby wipes. They’re always nice to have around, just in case.
• Sleeping Materials – Here’s the easy way to do it…if you don’t have one already, get yourself an indoor sleeping bag. Don’t mess with trying to get the right size sheets to fit those beds in the truck. This way, which ever bunk you’re sleeping on that day/night, you can just move your sleeping bag and hit the hay! Oh, and don’t forget to bring your pillow!
• Shower & Laundry Bags – If you just have a couple of small bags to keep these things separate, you’ll be good. Just put all your toiletries in one, and make sure there’s enough room to still fit in a clean change of clothes. And the other’s where you’ll keep you’re dirty clothes. See, so organized.
• Electronics – Cell phone with a charger & headset – better safe than sorry!, a laptop with an air card, if you have one – it’s an easy way to stay in touch with friends and family while you’re away, and any other electronic device you’d like, as long as it’s compact, doesn’t take up too much space, and is easy to store.

So, now you know what you’ll need for your OTR training. But try to pack as light as you can. Once you get in your own truck, you’ll be able to bring along anything you can fit!

Were you always fascinated with the size and power of a big rig? Did you ever dream of becoming a professional truck driver and traveling around the country? Well, now is a great time to turn that dream into a reality and provide yourself with a better way of life.

Recently, the trucking industry has become more competitive, providing the best truck driving job opportunities to those who have completed a CDL training course and obtained their CDL license. And even during these rough economic times, a few trucking companies are still hiring inexperienced truck drivers and providing them with the CDL training they need to start a new career in the trucking industry.

Driver Solutions works with a network of trucking companies that will sponsor the upfront tuition costs that come with CDL training. Not only that, but they’ll offer you a driving job before you ever attend the training school. Very few CDL schools can say they do that. So if you want to make your dreams come true, check out the Driver Solutions Network to see what truck driving opportunities lie ahead for you!

Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, YouTube…these are just a few ways today’s professional truck drivers stay in touch with family and friends while out on the road. And, they’re all great ways to meet and get to know new people, too!

Today, professional truck drivers are able to take pictures of the places they travel and post them on the internet for everyone to see. It’s a fun, easy way to stay close to those who are far away. And, truck drivers can keep up with what all of their loved ones are doing in real time! Be there when the kids are going to bed with Skype! It’s all so amazing, and it makes life on the road a little easier to handle.

Now, with all these social networking websites at their beckon call, the life of a truck driver is rarely lonely.

There are a few industries in this country that thrive during an economic downturn, and the tire retreading business is one of them. It seems that when the economy is in turmoil, more over-the-road truck drivers turn to retreads versus brand new tires. And I know there are many people out there that believe new tires are safer. Well, with the technology that’s available today, statistics show that most retreaded tires are stronger and more dependable than new tires. And believe it or not, but tire retreading is one of the most environmentally friendly industries in history!

A driver can save up to 50% or more when they purchase a tire that has been retreaded, and when you consider that a tractor trailer has 18 wheels, that’s really a lot of money! This is just one more way truckers are staying profitable in a professional truck driving career.