Truck Driving News - Trucking Jobs & Training

My name is Derek McClain.  I have been working in the Internet and technology arena for over 5 years keeping up with the latest online business tools.  I am experienced in online marketing, and look forward to sharing my knowledge with folks who are considering a truck driving career.

The goal of this blog is to provide you with the information needed to make the best decisions about pursuing a truck driving job.  I will be sharing content about truck driving schools and truck driving training to help you prepare for success on the road.  The content on this blog will be educational and interactive – so plan to check back often for updates.  If you have questions for me about jobs in trucking or truck driver training options, please ask.  I also encourage you to leave comments if you find a blog post particularly interesting.

Thank you for checking out my blog and I look forward to hearing from you!

Focus

Becoming a truck driver takes a lot of focus.  During truck driving school, you must focus on developing the skills you need to successfully get a CDL license.  In order to do this in just 3-4 weeks, all distractions must be removed.  You can do this by getting all other areas of your life in order.  Make sure your family life is in a good state, you've budgeted for training and most importantly that you're truly ready to make the commitment to make a career change.   

And once you've started your truck driving job, it's important you continue to maintain that focus.  Understand that your job starts everyday in traffic.  While being a safe truck driver means being aware of your surroundings, you cannot become obsessed with what others are doing around you.  If another motorist cuts you off, as the professional driver - you must move on.  If a vehicle stops suddenly in front of you, you must do as you were trained to handle the situation. 

The bottom line is things are going to happen. Rather than you getting caught up with your surroundings and becoming part of the problem, you must become a part of the solution.  Stay focused on the safe operation of your vehicle and life will take care of itself.  

Go here for more truck driving tips  

Apply with Driver Solutions
Complete our secure online application if you're focused on a better 2012 and want to get started by finding a truck driving job that offers CDL training.  Completing the application will allow you to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your career options.

Thinking about truck driving school? 

Wondering what it's really like to go from an inexperienced driver to a confident CDL holder in 3-4 weeks? 

How about the instructors, what's it like to work with them?

Check out the video below as real truck driving school students talk about the learning experience that is CDL training.  In this video, students will discuss training in general as well as their experience with the truck driving school instructors.   


On the surface, driving a semi tractor trailer may seem pretty easy, but once you learn all of the information covered in the classroom, on the range and out on the road you'll gain a whole new resepect for what it takes to become a professional truck driver. 

Truck driving school is a fast paced, fun learning experience that will give you the skills needed to find a truck driver job and open doors to a career in the transportation industry.  Remember, the instructors are there for a reason and it's to help you be successful.

Apply with Driver Solutions
If you are looking to find the best truck driving school in your area to learn the skills necessary to find a truck driving job, complete our secure online application.  This will allow you to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your options. 

1. Career Opportunities are Available
Let's face it, there still aren't a lot of jobs available in today's economy.  If you've seen your "field dry up"  and are searching for something new, a truck driving job may be a good choice.  As one student says in the video - it's either truck driving or something in the medical field and a trucking career is much easier to get started.  


Applying with Driver Solutions
If you've thought about becoming a truck driver, get started by completing our secure online application.  This will allow you to schedule a time with a Driver Agent who will being qualifying you for a trucking job opportunity and answer any questions you might have. 

Driver Solutions graduate, Nicole Reeves, is quickly approaching the 1 year anniversary of her first truck driving job.  She started truck driving school in late January of 2011, was able to graduate in mid February and by March of 2011 she was an official over-the-road (OTR) driver with PAM Transport.  Overall, she's really enjoyed her time with the company and loves the freedom that comes with working a trucking job.   

For Nicole, becoming a truck driver was fullfilling a dream she's had ever since she was 16 years.  At the time, she was riding a bus to and from work.  During that trip, she'd gaze out the window at the trucks passing by wishing she could become a truck driver.  Since then she's had many other jobs such as: dog groomer, construction worker, cashier, working at a car wash and even at a carnival hauling rides. 

Now Nicole has a stable truck driver job, allowing her to provide for her family.  Her daughters are proud of their mom and show off the post cards she sends from her travels to their classmates at school.  She's visited all but 5 of the lower 48 states and some of her favorites include: Washington, Arizona and Colorado. 

In addition to getting to travel the country, Nicole has more financial freedom than she previously had with her other jobs.  While she's had her ups and downs over her first year, she recognizes that it takes hard work and commitment to be successful.  She's maintaining a positive attitude while staying on track and as a result she's getting good miles and making good money with PAM Transport.  She's also been able to enjoy some of the nice benefits that come along with a truck drivers jobs at PAM Transport such as insurance plans and 401K options.  

Overall, Nicole is loving her job and having fun...and that's how you know you've made a good career choice!

Side Note:
Nicole has also been very active on the Driver Solutions Facebook page in answering questions new students have about CDL training and truck driver jobs.  We'd like to thank her for support and for taking the time to stop by for this follow up interview.  Keep on truckin!!

Apply with Driver Solutions
Are you interested in becoming a truck driver?  Simply complete our secure online application to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your trucking job options.  Get started now by clicking the Apply Now button. 

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.

Nicole Reeves first applied with Driver Solutions about 1 year ago today.  She had always wanted to become a truck driver and when some things finally fell into place in her life she realized it was time to pursue this lifelong dream.  She attended truck driving school in Indianapolis and went to work for PAM Transport. 

Fast forward to a year later and we're happy to report that Nicole Reeves is loving life on the road with PAM Transport!  Just yesterday, she stopped by one of the truck driving schools Driver Solutions works with in Indianapolis, Indiana to visit for awhile.  During that visit she took the time to do a video interview (full video will be posted later this week) to share more about her story as well as tips for new truck drivers. 

Let's Get to Know Nicole :

Living Her Dream
Ever since she first got her driver's license, Nicole has had a CB radio in her car just to listen in on the conversation.  When trucks would pass out on the highway, she'd think about how she'd like to become a truck driver one day.  She's now visited all but 5 of the lower 48 states and is very proud to say, "I love my job!"

Getting Started
While she had not previously held a CDL, Nicole had some experience driving trucks and hauling things from other jobs which made areas of truck driver training such as backing up a bit easier for her.  She really enjoyed her time at trucking school, stays in contact with some classmates and stops by for a visit when her schedule allows.

Positive Attitude & Communication
Nicole has a positive relationship with her dispatcher which helps make communication between the two much easier.  She recommends asking for home time as far in advance as possible and always asking to be home a day earlier than needed to plan for any schedule changes that may come up.  She says that having a positive attitude as a truck driver is key. 

Budgeting for Meals on the Road
Nicole typically visits Wal-Mart to get her groceries and has a budget of roughly $50-$60 per week for food.  She recommends having quick, healthy snacks available and avoiding highly-caffeinated drinks as much as possible. 

What About the Miles and Pay?
She is really enjoying her time with PAM Transport and averages around 2,500 - 2,700 miles per week, though she just wrapped up a 3,900 mile run to California.  She's happy with the money she's making as a truck driver as it's allowed her to provide for her family.  She plans on staying with PAM Transport for several years beyond her 1 year anniversary with the company

Helpful Hint
She also mentions that velcro is a truck driver's best friend.  She uses velcro on her CB radio as well as many other items around the truck.

Be sure to check back later this week for more from Nicole! 

Interested in CDL training and trucking jobs with PAM Transport?  Complete our online application to schedule a time to speak with a driver agent about your career options today!

If you're looking to find a truck driving job with no experience, you need to fully prepare yourself for that first year behind the wheel of a big rig.  You see, getting the first year of experience is the key, but it can also be one of the biggest challenges you'll face.  Why?  Because the first year requires you to make some lifestyle changes that come along with being away from home for a few weeks at a time.

Check out these must-read blog posts from Driver Solutions to help you make the adjustment and get the most out of that first year:

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.

A recent article in the New York Times brought attention to a rising issue in the trucking industry: obesity.

According to a 2007 study from The Journal of the American Dietetic Association, a shocking 86% of the over 3 million truck drivers in the United States are overweight or obese. Weight issues, especially those brought on by poor eating habits and lack of exercise, can lead to serious health problems. These health problems can lead to a shortened life span and low quality of life.

Though the Department of Transportation requires drivers to pass medical examinations every two years, the growth of obesity in the trucking industry continues. Medical examinations check heart conditions, blood pressure, blood sugar, respiratory conditions, sleep disorders, and other health conditions that affect the ability of a trucker to drive safely. But while many health issues are discovered early by these examinations, the potentially strenuous lifestyle choices that some truckers make do so much harm to their bodies that health problems develop quickly.

Unfortunately for truck drivers, when it comes to healthy food and exercise, convenience normally triumphs over healthy. After being on the road for hours and miles on end, most truckers find it hard to make time for exercising or cooking healthy meals. Truck stop convenience food doesn’t help either. With an abundance of fried foods, potato chips, candy bars, and sugary drinks like soda and energy drinks, it’s easy to see why there is a growing problem. The combination of unhealthy food choices with the fact that drivers spend up to 11 hours a day in a sedentary position while driving is bound to create health issues.

We understand that getting fit for the road can be difficult and seem like an overwhelming obstacle. Even people that have constant access to nutrient-rich foods still have trouble making healthy life choices. The first step on your road to success involves being educated, making informed decisions, and planning ahead.

Here are some tips on living healthy as a truck driver to help you get started:

• Healthy Eating Habits for Truck Drivers
• Tips for New Truck Drivers - Eating on a Budget
• Trucking Tips: Cooking & Eating On The Road
• Choosing Your Diet As A Truck Driver
• How OTR Truck Drivers Can Stay Healthy

Make sure that one of your 2012 New Year resolutions is to start living a healthy lifestyle!

Source:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/22/health/a-hard-turn-truck-drivers-try-steering-from-bad-diets.html?_r=2&pagewanted=all

Today, we have a blog post to share from the Director at C1 Truck Driver Training in Springfield, Missouri - Rich Campbell.  C1 Training is one of Driver Solutions' affiliate trucking schools and Rich is a great resource for information on becoming a truck driver.

Rich grew up in a trucking family, and started out driving at a very early age.  After 5 years on the road, he decided that he wanted to travel the world so he joined the U.S. Navy. 

Rich spent 20 years in the Navy, specializing in Naval Surface Operations, and Training.  Rich retired from the Navy, went to truck driving school, spent time back out on the road and eventually moved into a Director role at C1 Truck Driver Training.

With the 2011 coming to an end and 2012 quickly approaching, Driver Solutions asked Rich to share with us his recommended goals for inexperienced, first year drivers (these can apply to experienced drivers as well!).  Let's check out what Rich had to say...

As we’re ending 2011 and heading into 2012, we look back on the past year, think about the goods and others, and start planning the New Year.  The first year of trucking is definitely the toughest, so the best approach is to set your goals for a successful first year.  For goals to actually work for you, you have to be specific, make sure they are achievable, and they need to be measurable. 

To say that in the first year my goal is “To become a good truck driver” is not a specific goal.  You can’t measure it, and you have no real way of knowing if you’ve achieved it.  That said, you have to break down what it means to become a good truck driver and here are 3 measurable goals that will help you do just that:

1.    Earn Your Safety Bonus Each Quarter
Every carrier out there offers a safety bonus to those drivers that make it through that period with no safety violations of any sort.  The bonus varies different at each carrier, but bottom line is that you will get more money in your pocket.  We stress the Smith System of defensive driving at C1, and if you always implement this approach to your driving on the road, you’ll do very well.

2.    Finish the Year with Zero Points on Your CSA Score 
Every commercial motor vehicle driver is graded in 6 different areas by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration in a program called Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA).  This is a record of your performance out on the road, and is used to determine the likelihood of a crash occurring.  Any violation you receive will put points on your CSA score, so a perfect score is zero.  Here at C1, we teach a class on CSA, and talk about the best ways to maintain that perfect score.

3.    Get Through the Year with a Clean DAC Report
DAC stands for Drive A Check, and is comparative to a personal credit report, but it grades your performance as a professional driver with respect to on time pick-ups, on time deliveries, hitting stationary objects in a parking lot, damaging equipment, and the real big one is abandoning a vehicle.  We stress the importance of paying attention to detail, which directly translates into a clean DAC report. 

Setting the goals I have mentioned above will all add up to ultimately achieving that large goal, “To become a good truck driver”, but by breaking it down to things that are specific, achievable, and measurable you can truly see that you are accomplishing those things.  Only you can decide which goals are important to you, but it is important to set goals. 

In order to arrive at a specific destination at a specific time, every ship at sea must set a course to sail, and must maintain course to arrive at said destination.  When pushed off course, you then determine what’s called “Set and Drift” which puts you back on course.  This applies to all of us as individuals.  Set your personal course, always check that you’re on course, and compute for “Set and Drift” when pushed off course.  This will always ensure that you arrive at your personal destination, and that’s the ultimate goal.

We would love to hear some of the goals you've set for 2012, so please share in the comments section below!

The U.S. Department of Transportation finally released the much awaited final Hours-of-Service (HOS) ruling for commercial vehicle drivers this week.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), “the goal of this rulemaking is to reduce excessively long work hours that increase both the risk of fatigue-related crashes and long-term health problems for drivers.”

Here are some of the essential changes of the new ruling:

Mandatory Rest Break- Drivers will not be permitted to drive if 8 hours have passed since their last break of 30 minutes or more.

Maximum Driving Hours- There is still an 11 hour driving time limit, but there is now also a consecutive driving hours limit that says no driving may occur if more than 8 consecutive hours have passed since the last break of 30 minutes or more.

14 Hour Consecutive Hour Day- There is still a 14 consecutive hour driving window, but with the new required 30 minute rest break, maximum on-duty time within the 14 hour window can actually only be a maximum of 13.5 hours. No driving may occur after 14 consecutive hours since coming on duty, but non-driving work is allowed past the 14 hour driving window.

Restart- Any restart period must be at least 34 consecutive hours long and must include two consecutive nighttime periods between 1:00-5:00am. Drivers are permitted to use the restart provision only once a week (168 hour period).

Other changes in the new ruling include oilfield provisions, definitions of on-duty time, and new penalties. For the complete ruling and more details, visit the FMCSA website.

Though the new ruling goes into effect for all commercial truck drivers, it is most likely to affect over-the-road, long-haul truckload drivers. Under the current rule, drivers could work up to 82 hours a week, but with the new provisions, the new HOS ruling will limit a driver’s work week to only 70 hours.

While the FMCSA is making these changes to support driver health and safety, other trucking organizations aren’t so sure. The American Trucking Association expressed frustration and disappointment saying that the rule will do nothing to improve highway safety, but instead will likely increase the risk of truck-involved crashes. According to ATA, the new rule will put more truck drivers on the road, causing more trucker traffic and increasing the likelihood of crashes.

The new HOS ruling won’t be effective until February 2012 and the actual compliance date will not be until July 1, 2013. Since the ruling does not go into effect for another year and a half, this will give trucking companies time to reconsider their current systems, the ATA time to consider what their legal options are, and the FMCSA time to collect further safety data.

Much like the recent hand-held cell phone ban that was passed, trucking industry support for the hours-of-service ruling seems split. Driver Solutions will continue to stay up-to-date on the new HOS ruling so we can keep you posted on how these changes may impact the trucking industry.

Sources: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the >American Trucking Association


What are your thoughts on this new rule?  Do you feel it will help improve the safety on the highways?

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!

Are you considering truck driver school?  It's officially the holiday season and we want to make sure you have all of the free CDL training information you need to be successful.

Driver Solutions has put together a quick list of some popular posts with advice and tips to help you with the process of becoming a truck driver. 

Check out these 3 resources below:

• Top 5 Reasons to Start Trucking School During the Holidays
• 7 Winter Driving Tips for Truck Drivers
• The 9 Best Gift Ideas for Truck Drivers

Finding a truck driver school doesn't have to be hard with the help of Driver Solutions.  Getting the education and training you need to successfully start a new career is the first step toward finding some job stability.

As we all know,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.

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.  

If you’re looking for trucking jobs with no experience, you may be wondering what it is actually like to drive a truck. Many aspiring drivers have considered a trucking career, but are concerned because they don’t have any experience. You have to go through proper CDL trucking training to learn the ins and outs before you are able to take the wheel of a big rig. Luckily, Driver Solutions can help you prepare for life on the road.

It is now well known that earning a CDL and finding trucking jobs requires special skills and knowledge. By going through a company sponsored CDL training program like Driver Solutions, companies know they are getting a driver that has been trained properly and students get assistance in finding trucking jobs with no experience. It’s not uncommon for us to hear from inexperienced drivers that they are intimidated or anxious about stepping into the driver’s seats of a large semi.

We recently asked the Driver Solutions Facebook fans that have driving experience, “What did it feel like the very FIRST time you drove a semi-truck?”

Here is a quick look at some of the responses we received via our Facebook page:
















































As you can tell, feeling scared and overwhelmed are normal feelings for all drivers. Driver Solutions CDL training program will help you refine your driving skills, master the knowledge you need to succeed, overcome the scared feelings, and become a confident truck driver.

If you want more information, or are ready to find trucking jobs with no experience, just complete our online driver application. This will allow you to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your trucking career options.

It is not uncommon for someone to search out company paid CDL training in order to begin a first, second, or even third career path. Luckily, many companies are willing to train drivers at almost any age because the trucking industry is always looking for dedicated, qualified individuals.

At Driver Solutions, we see people come through our company paid CDL training program that are well into their 50s in age (and even older). Company paid CDL training can help lead to job security, as you're entering a stable and steady industry. Even though the Driver Solutions network of trucking companies do not have an upper age limit, in order to qualify for a class A CDL, you do have to meet some basic criteria.

Just a few of the requirements include:

• being at least 22 years of age
• having the ability to be away from home for at least 1 week at a time
• passing a DOT drug screen and physical.

If you’re looking to pursue something new or finally follow through on your dream, a trucking career might be right for you.

We recently set up a poll on our Facebook page to find out what age many of our fans got their CDL, and 29 of our fans responded. Though the majority of the Facebook fans started in their 20’s, many drivers did not start their trucking careers until well into their 30s, 40s, and 50s. If you are worried about going through company paid CDL training with Driver Solutions, just remember there is truly no age limit to become a truck driver.

Here are the results from the Facebook poll mentioned above:


 


















No matter what age you are, if you meet the minimum requirements and are interested in company paid CDL training, just complete our online driver application. Upon receiving your application, you can contact us to speak with a personal driver agent about your trucking career possibilities.

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.

Finding a truck driving job isn't easy if you lack the experience necessary for trucking companies to consider you a safe driver. 

So, now we're back to the age old question - if you don't have any experience, how do you meet the qualifications to find the job?

Luckily, there are trucking companies that train inexperienced drivers...and Driver Solutions has partnered with two of these companies that offer some of the best entry level trucking jobs available in today's market.

PAM Transport and USA Truck both offer over the road trucking job opportunities for students that complete the Driver Solutions CDL training program.  This basically means that these companies are willing to cover the upfront tuition costs for you to get the training and basic experience needed to prove to them that you are a qualified CDL driver.  
Once you've completed the training, you'll be qualified for a trucking job opportunity with one of these companies.  For many students we talk with each and every day, this is the best option available for them to get the experience needed to enter the trucking industry. 

So how do you get started?

It's super easy.  Just complete our secure online application.  This does not commit you to anything and will allow you to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent who will answer any questions you have about entering the trucking industry. 

For more information, check out these related links:

• Where to Find Trucking Companies with CDL Training
• Find Companies Offering Trucking Jobs with No Experience Needed
• Looking for CDL Trucking Jobs with No Experience?