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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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

TheTruckersReport.com
The Trucker's Report is one of the most popular social media...

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

• Safety first.Safety is your number one priority on the road. Be conscious of other vehicles while driving. Be mindful of other...

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

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

Pack Your Own Healthy Food
Instead of grabbing a $2...

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

Laptops
Laptops are hands down the most popular entertainment choice for over-the-road truck drivers. You can log on to the Internet to connect with family, watch movies, play games, and basically do anything you'd do at home. Speaking of home, the ability to get online from almost anywhere at any...

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...