This week, November 1st – 7th, is National Truck Driver Appreciation Week. In recognition, I would like to reflect on the truck drivers I’ve had the pleasure of meeting & working with since I’ve been here. These are some of the nicest, coolest people I’ve ever met…and they have some of the greatest stories!

When I first started at Driver Solutions, I worked with a couple of different drivers – Walter Bell & Tim Ross. I actually worked with Tim Ross over the period of a couple of months & each time I was scheduled to meet with him, I couldn’t wait to hear the next story he was going to tell me. And he always talked about his family. His wife, daughter, & granddaughter were more than supportive of his truck driving career & it created a better way of life for them, as well. I worked on 4 different videos with Tim, basically outlining how he got into truck driving & how it changed his life for the better.

Before Tim decided to go truck driving school with Driver Solutions, he had quite the resumé – he served his country in the United States Army for eight years, was a supervisor, & a bodyguard for an entertainment security company. After being a boss & getting bossed around, Tim finally decided to look into a career in the trucking industry.

As you probably have figured, a truck driving career can be very hard on someone with a family. Tim’s wife supported him in whatever he wanted to do, his daughter had just graduated high school, & he wasn’t a ‘pawpaw’ just yet so it seemed like the perfect time to make that commitment. Now, he’s a truck driver trainer for P.A.M. Transport, making the best money he’s ever made in his life, & he loves every minute of it.

So check out Tim’s story – all 4 video segments – and if you see a truck driver this week, just say thanks. Remember…if you got it, a truck brought it!

I read an article in my hometown newspaper the other day about locals, along with others across the country, being worried about the economy & especially the job market. The article talked to some people who had jobs & felt lucky, some who had jobs but not in the field they have a degree for, and some who didn’t have jobs at all & are having a hard time finding one.

My state isn’t the only state that has seen a decline in available jobs and an increase in unemployed workers. The entire country has felt this crunch, but there’s still one industry with job opportunities throughout the U.S. that is still, and always will be, hiring new employees. Can you guess which one? That’s right…the trucking industry. Truck driving jobs are plentiful & trucking is a great-paying, stable industry that this country will always rely on. Ever heard the saying ‘If you got it, a truck brought it’? It’s so true! There aren’t many products today that only ship via railways or water. Some, yes, but not a lot. So this just means that with a CDL (commercial driver’s license), your job market will always be growing & hiring, which is great for you!

One thing many people don’t know is how to get a new career started in the truck driving industry. Well…let me tell you just how easy it is! Many trucking companies want you to either have truck driving experience or they want you to attend a CDL training course. And good, quality CDL truck driver training can get pretty expensive. Not to mention, you’ve got to find your own job. One company that has taken all this into consideration is Driver Solutions.

Driver Solutions & their network of trucking companies and CDL training schools have created a unique program to help new truck drivers break into the trucking industry. Once you’re qualified with the Driver Solutions Network, they will set you up to attend an approved, top-notch CDL training school and secure you a job offer with a well-respected, stable trucking company. Of course, this is all contingent that you pass the required DOT physical and drug screen.

So if you’re down & out or just lucky but not really happy, check out a career as a professional truck driver. It might just be the opportunity you’re looking for!

The Commercial Driver's License (CDL) program has been in place since 1986 to ensure that drivers of large trucks and buses are qualified to operate those vehicles safely. A CDL is issued by each state, but there are established minimum national standards set by the federal government. Basically, the Department of Transportation is in charge of CDL licenses, but you'll visit your local BMV to actually get it.

Drivers need a CDL if they drive a Class A, Class B, or Class C commercial motor vehicle.

• A Class A vehicle is a combination vehicle, your typical truck and trailer, that weighs more than 26,000 pounds. The kind you see out on the highway.
• A Class B vehicle is a single vehicle that weighs more than 26,000 pounds.
• A Class C vehicle is a single or combination vehicle that doesn’t meet the definitions of a Class A or Class B, but is designed to transport 16 or more passengers or is able to carry hazardous materials.

To receive a CDL, you have to pass knowledge and skills tests administered by your state. To pass the knowledge test, you must correctly answer at least 80 percent of the questions. To pass the skills test, you much successfully perform all required skills for the type of vehicle you expect to operate.

The minimum age to hold a CDL is 18 years old. However, federal law says you must be 21 to drive across state lines, transport hazardous materials, or transport interstate freight within the state. That means since most truck driving jobs you can get after driving school are OTR jobs (i.e. across state lines), you'll have a tough time getting one if you're under the age of 21.

When you attend a CDL truck driving school, you'll earn a CDL Permit during your first week. To get one, you'll need to pass the CDL general knowledge exam, as well as any other exams, such as air brakes & combination vehicles, for the vehicle(s) you want to drive. You'll learn how to do that at any truck driver training school.

Driver Solutions & their network of trucking companies have begun using online learning tools to help the students that go through their programs study for and pass the CDL permit exams. eGears, an online interactive learning resource, is used by all Driver Solutions students before they attend the CDL training school, and the results have been amazing! More students are graduating than ever before thanks to the use of the eGears products. eGears is just a simple tool to help students prepare for truck driver training by learning all the basic knowledge that's needed to succeed in a truck driving career. To learn more about eGears & their CDL learning tools, check out their website!

Like most industries, trucking will slow down right alongside the economy. Why? People buy less, companies manufacture less, and as a result, they ship less. Fewer shipments mean fewer drivers. It's a pretty simple formula.

However, trucking is also one of those industries that will always continue to exist, even in a slow economy. Goods will always need to be shipped, food will always need to be delivered, and truck drivers will always be needed. As we continue to ship to and from Mexico, or import goods from China, there will always be a need to get the products to the different stores around the country, including the small towns.

So, how recession-proof is the trucking industry? About as recession-proof as any other essential industry. It'll ebb and flow with the economy, but it's not going to die.

And the thing is, right now, when the recession is coming to an end and the economy is just starting to inch its way back up, this is the perfect time to consider truck driving school. Why? Because by the time you're done with your truck driving education, hiring will be on the rise again, companies will be looking, and you'll be in demand.

If you're interested in talking to us not just about training, but also potential job opportunities once you graduate, check out our website! We're happy to help and answer any and all questions about the trucking industry.

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

TheTruckersReport.com
The Trucker's Report is one of the most popular social media and forum sites out there for truck drivers. The highlight of the site are the forums where anyone can go & post a question, get information on routes or industry news, or even just talk to other truck drivers from around the world.

If you're looking for first-hand information on particular truck driving schools, companies, or routes, this is a great resource.

LifeOnTheRoad.com
While it’s not technically a social media site, LifeOnTheRoad.com is a collaborative blog that welcomes articles and posts from all aspiring truck driver writers. They share thoughts, stories, and opinions on everything from the day-to-day life of a professional truck driver to full-on analysis of the latest transportation legislation.

TruckersForum.net
Though it’s not as busy as TheTruckersReport.com, TruckersForum.net does get enough action to make it worthwhile. It's particularly useful for staying on top of industry news, jobs, and legislation changes in the transportation industry.

Facebook and MySpace
Most truck drivers use popular social media sites like Facebook and MySpace to not only stay in touch with family and friends back home, but also one another. There are a number of truck driver discussion groups and communities on these sites, you just have to do a simple search.

Driver Solutions hosts a profile on both Facebook & MySpace. You can become a fan, a friend, meet other truck drivers & DS alumni, and stay on top of our regular posts.

Twitter
Twitter is quickly becoming the hot new social media outlet for truckers. It's like a digital feed of CB radio chatter, but it’s archived, searchable, and available to the world.

Some truck drivers use Twitter as a way of keeping family members in the loop of their day-to-day activities. Others use it to follow news feeds and other truckers while a select few even post TwitPics of their journeys around the country. Some of our favorite truck driver tweeters are @truckwriter, @truckertrainer, and of course, @D_S_Network (that's us!).

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 drivers and their actions to keep your driving record clean. Keep yourself entertained while driving with things like satellite radio and books on CD.
 
• Maintain your truck. You and your company must keep up with proper truck maintenance. Truck drivers don’t make money if they are broken down on the side of the road. Wheels that don’t move don’t make money, and even more importantly, a properly maintained truck is a safe truck on the road.
 
• Get enough rest. Don’t continue to drive if you are too tired. Never ignore regulations for proper sleep and time off the road. Keep yourself healthy on your downtime by getting enough sleep, eating properly, and just relaxing off the road.
 
• Stay for at least a year. Stick with your first job for at least one full year. While it may be tempting to jump to another company for another 1 cent per mile, the grass isn’t always greener on the other side of the fence. Job hopping makes you look unreliable to potential employers and it will not lead to better jobs. The experience and credibility you will earn by staying with your first job for at least one year will pay off in better jobs in the future.
 
• See the country. Over the road trucking is one of the best ways to see the country. Explore the great sites this country has to offer. On your down time, relax by checking out popular landmarks and tourist destinations. As one truck driver I know commented, he saw more of the United States in one year than his neighbors had in a lifetime!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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!

1. Do you pre-screen applicants?

At the very least, a truck driving school should make sure you meet the minimum qualifications to be a truck driver. There's no point in paying for and enrolling in school if you're either a) ineligible to obtain a CDL license or b) unemployable because you fail to meet certain qualifications in regards to your driving record, health, or criminal background.

2. What type of job placement assistance do you offer?

In today's economy, you want a truck driving school that's going to help place you in a job. Remember, a CDL license is no good if you can't use it to make money. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of schools out there more than willing to take your money without ever helping you find employment.

With Driver Solutions, we actually recruit truck drivers and link them up with an employer before they even begin truck driving school. That's the main reason our job placement rate is so high — nearly 100%.

3. How long have you been a school? What is your history?

You're asking because you want to make sure this isn't a fly-by-night operation. You want a school that's established, has a good history and isn't going anywhere anytime soon.

4. What sort of equipment do you use to train truck drivers?

If they're training you on outdated rigs, using paper log systems and old technology, keep moving. You want a school that's got good trucks, good equipment and excellent training schools. Why? Because that's what most truck driving companies will expect from new graduates. It's what they're already using on the road.

5. May I see your practice area?

Before you sign on the dotted line, actually go and look at a school. Do they have a paved driving range with clearly marked skills practice areas or is it little more than a gravel lot? Are they operating out of real offices or a trailer in a field? Going out to look at a truck driving school can give you a lot of insight into its overall quality.

A recent article in Transport Topics noted that the average age of a tractor (the power unit of a semi truck) is 10 years old. But that estimate includes all types of fleets - owner operators, private fleets, and less-than-truckload carriers, along with truckload carriers. The report found that the larger truckload carriers have the youngest fleets.

New drivers completing the Driver Solutions CDL training program go to work for the larger truckload carriers and can expect to drive a truck that is less than 4 years old. That means newly trained truck drivers are getting behind the wheel of trucks that have some of the latest safety and convenience features that are available today. If you are considering attending truck driving school and starting a new career, be sure to check out the fleet of a possible employer. Providing late model equipment means a trucking company is focused on reducing truck breakdowns and delays and expensive repair costs.

Starting your new truck driving career with a respected, responsible trucking company can help make your new trucking job very successful. For the best new driver job opportunities, check out the company-sponsored CDL training program from Driver Solutions.

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!

There seems to be quite the controversy over this subject these days. Some feel we should allow trucks from Mexico to cross our borders with goods. Others, not so much. Those in favor of allowing the trucks to cross feel that this is an opportunity our economy can’t afford to pass up. Those not, on the other hand, believe that opening US roads to Mexico has the potential to further harm our nation. But who’s right?

I, myself, see the pros and cons of both. If we let them in, it could help boost our economy. But it could also pave an easier way for drugs and illegal aliens to enter our country. If we don’t let Mexican trucks cross the US border, we could be faced with lawsuits and allegations that our government is violating the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), but drugs and illegal aliens would have one less avenue to enter the US.

And here’s one thing to ponder…If our government decides to allow Mexican trucks to enter our country, would truck driving jobs be taken away from our own citizens? I’d like to hear what you think.

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!