Truck Driving Pay

How much money can I make as a truck driver? 

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

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

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

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

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

I started truck driving school in order to move into a new career field. I had actually wanted to drive for a long time and always talked myself out of it. This time I went through with it and completed the challenge of attending the truck driving school in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The course curriculum is intense and demanding, but very thorough and rewarding. When you finally test out and go to State to take the actual CDL skills exam that will give you a CDL Class A, it all pays off.

I am looking forward to starting my career with my carrier USA Truck.

Name: Mark D Pankratz
City: Cincinnati
State: OH
Approx Class Start Date: January 9, 2012

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

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



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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

FMCSA Rulings

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

Safety

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

Truck Driver Lifestyle

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

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

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

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!

If you’ve made the choice to become a truck driver, you’ll end up driving with a company trainer for a while. There are plenty of articles discussing what you can expect from the viewpoint of a trainee, but what about the trainer? I was a driver trainer for a large refrigerated carrier and would like to tell you what training is like from a trainer’s perspective. I hope this article helps shed some light on what trainers go through so that you can better understand why trainers do the things they do or say the things they say.

It’s Stressful
Chances are, you’ll be nervous about meeting your trainer. For the next 3 to 6 weeks (or longer), you’ll have to share a tiny little space with a total stranger nearly 24hrs per day and 7 days per week. Well, guess what? Trainers feel nervous about it, too!

Sure, trainers sign up for it and do it voluntarily, usually for some additional pay, but there is still a ton of stress involved when first starting out. On top of that, trainers are expected to ride around with a brand new CDL holder. Most trainees have absolutely no truck driving experience other than what their CDL school taught them. The only way trainers can control the situation is to use their voice. It’s a very helpless feeling seeing a curve coming up too quickly or noticing the trailer is about to take out a pole with zero control over the situation. To make matters worse, many trainees are either too nervous to take in everything they are told, or flat out don’t listen to advice. That only increases the anxiety levels.

Lack Of Sleep
A controversial issue within driver training is the fact that most companies operate training trucks as team dispatched trucks. Meaning, after the first week or so, the trainee drives while the trainer sleep and vice-versa. Do you know what it’s like to try and sleep while a brand new driver is cruisin’ along the expressway at 65mph? It’s terrifying! Any jerk of the wheel, curve, strange noise, or application of the brakes will jolt your trainer awake. This only adds to the stress for your trainer. It’s extremely difficult to get quality sleep in that type of environment because trainers usually aren’t ever in a deep sleep. They are one step below sleeping with one eye open!

Pressure Buildup
It’s fairly common for trainees to complain about their trainer “yelling and screaming for no reason.” I don’t condone trainers yelling and screaming unless it’s an immediate emergency. But there is a very good reason this happens. Trainers are in constant stress and fear. Their job is not only to teach you how to become a safe and efficient truck driver, but they are also responsible for keeping you safe, keeping themselves safe, and keeping the motoring public safe. Combine that with the lack of quality sleep and a possible personality clash and it’s a perfect setup for a trainer to temporarily lose his or her cool. That’s what we call a blowout. Imagine a balloon being blown up with more air every time a trainer feels stressed, but suppresses that stress. Eventually that balloon is going to pop. Whether your trainer has a blowout or not entirely depends upon your specific trainer and situations you both go through together. Chances are, he or she will not have a blowout. But if it happens, just move passed it. Don’t take it personal. Trainers build up a ton of stress and anxiety over the course of training and not all of them handle it perfectly all the time.

Inability To Communicate
The most frustrating thing for a trainer is the inability to communicate properly to a trainee. As a trainee, you’ll be forced to absorb a ton of information in a very short period of time. As a trainer, I had a very short period of time to teach things to my trainee. So it’s a double edged sword. While I didn’t expect my trainee to comprehend 100% of everything I said, after 3 or 4 times it would start to get frustrating having to repeat myself.

Taking It Personal
While I can’t speak for all trainers, I know that I took the success of my trainee very personal. I wanted nothing more than to see my trainee become a safe and happy truck driver. If my trainee were to get into an accident, quit, or get fired, I’d take personal responsibility for that. Even through the little arguments or personality conflicts that naturally comes with sharing such a tiny space, I never once wanted to see a student fail. The only thing I wanted was success and I took that very personally. Everything I did and everything I said was meant to further the success of my trainee. So remember, chances are, your trainer will be the same way. Even if you disagree on something, you and your trainer are interested in the same end result. Success.

Are you a driver trainer?  If so, share with us some of your thoughts on this post below!

More About the Author
Mike Rogers (also known as TruckerMike) is a former OTR truck driver, CDL Instructor, and driver trainer. During his trucking career, he traveled through all 48 continental states in all weather conditions maintaining a perfect service and safety record.
Read more blog posts from Mike here

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

Does that sound like your 2011?

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

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

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

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


You are not alone...

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

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

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


Matt's Truck Driver Training Story

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

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

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


So, what is the point here?

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

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

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


How Did Company Sponsored CDL Training Help?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Reason #1 - The Lifestyle

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

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

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



Reason #2 - The Learning Curve

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

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

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

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

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

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


Reason #3 - The Grass Is Greener Syndrome

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Should you just rely on your GPS? 

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

 

Regardless of if you're just now starting a trucking career or have been a truck driver for years, managing your money while living a life on the road is no easy task...

So, how much many do you need each week?  What should you spend it on to get the most "bang for your buck?"

Driver Solutions asked some of our Facebook fans to help us out by telling us how much money they recommend and how they spend it. 

Let's check out what they had to say:

• I live on a hundred and that includes my scales - Timothy Seay
  
  
  
• At least two hundred for a comfort zone.  You have scales tolls and eats plus your personal things smokes hygene so remember its better to have to mutch than not enough. - Clyde Buffington
  
  
  
• 50-100 dollars, and always economize. - Ben Lassiter
  
  
  
• At least $100. Never be on the road without CASH. You might have to pay a scale ticket or shower and your stuck in no mans land for the weekend. The road is expensive...stock your fridge. - Stacy Albers
  
  
  
• True at least $100 or little more- some places are way high on things. I am gettin stuff ready for my truck so not to spend too much out there :) try not to that is.. - Elaine Wms
  
  
  
• If it's just food budget what you could do is, don't go home for an entire day eat out and keep track of what was spent, use that as a base for what you should expect multiply that by 1.35 for the cost of a truckstop markup. Now multiply that by the amount of expected days you will be away. Bring a big envelope for all your reciepts now add them all up and divide by the number of days you where gone to get a better picture. Before you leave pretend you can't stop at all and create a plan fill a cooler with presweetened drink mix, some water, canopener, snacks and food that are non perishable, two more meals grab some ramen noodles. And some things you can easily eat without heat. Eating utensils and unbreakable cups. If you use a hotel some provide a continental breakfast take advantage of this and stash some of the fresh fruit. Try and preserve your cash for when you really need it. I use mine as a last result. Being prepared is far more comfortable then being broke, especially when you don't have access to more cash quick. Set an alarm to drink water you won't eat nearly as much and stay hydrated. Be prepared. - Joseph Newhart
  
  
  
• Try and budget everything but always have extra for emergencies -Clyde Buffington
  
  
  
• Invest the cash and get a cooler and one of those bax burton ovens, you can cook or heat pretty much anything and that will save you tons in the long run. Even with that to be comfortable at least $100 a week. - Mary Zuber
  

Driver Solutions is dedicated to helping inexperienced truck drivers get the CDL training they need to find truck driving jobs.  Part of that training is understanding the basics of managing money on the road.  But many "tricks of the trade" are learned from experience. 

If you're a truck driver with some experience and you're reading this - what tips do you have to share for getting the most out of your money on the road?

Truck Driver and Convenience in the same sentence, wow you don't see that often as there is not much convenience when it comes to family and OTR truck driving.

I want to nominate my husband Paul. Paul is 37 and we have two girls -one is 16 a junior at Kennedy Catholic High School in Manchester, MO and the other just turned 3. Yes BIG gap and nothing in between.

Last September 29th, I got that dreaded phone call that all truckers' wives fear. Paul was in Denver and admitted into the hospital with a 99% blockage and an 81% blockage in his heart. On that night, Paul received 3 stents, and to date, just 19 days over a year, he now has a total of 7 stents. Paul has not stopped driving, has taken no time off and just keeps pushing day in and day out to provide for his family. He stays out 5-6 weeks at a time, when he comes "home" it is for a 34 hr break and sometimes just long enough to eat dinner, wash clothes throw the baby up and down a few times, ask the oldest what her name is and pat me on the behind(if I'm lucky) and off back to the road again.

Even after each and everytime he was admitted into the hospital they would keep him 24-48 hrs and he was back in the truck. Paul has guilt because of having had to have these things done, always on emergency basis but he feels that because of that we are so far behind in our bills and daughters tuition, so he just won't stop.

Paul will never get anything for himself and when he has to have something like shoes because you can see his toes, he feels that he is taking away from the girls. We are owner operators, therefore as you all know, we pay for EVERYTHING!!!!! Having to carry our own insurance what we did was put all the bells and whisltes on the girls and just basic of the basic on us. At the time I never thought in a million years that at 36 something like 7 stents in a year would ever happen. Needless to say we are stuck because no one will even consider covering him now. So with all of this Paul goes to work every single day, will not buy a thing for himself, puts aside his daily pain just to be able to provide for his family and for this reason, Paul is my Ultimate Driver, my Ultimate Package.

Your Name: Angela Matthews
Truck Driver: Paul Matthews

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

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

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

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

What do I do next?

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

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

1.       Review our trucking career opportunities

2.       Complete the online application

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

4.       Driver Solutions qualifies your application

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

6.       Begin driving for your new trucking company

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

Truck drivers have diverse backgrounds. Some people have always wanted to become a truck driver and just needed the right time and motivation to pursue it. Others decided to change their career path and enter trucking for some other reason.

We recently asked truck drivers that are fans of the Driver Solutions Facebook page what job they had before deciding to get into the trucking industry and why they decided on trucking. Job stability, good pay, and a love to travel are normally three of the most attractive things that pull people to a truck driving job, but there are many other reasons people want a career in truck driving.

Here are some of the comments our Facebook fans left us about jobs they had before they were truck drivers:

 
A few others gave their input, and here are some other jobs they had in the past:

• A factory worker doing 12 hour swing shifts
• An assistant manager at Walmart
• A night club manager
• A cashier at a gas station, while doing tattoos and grooming dogs on the side

As you can tell, these truck drivers come from different backgrounds, but they all had one thing in common- they were ready to be in the driver’s seat and take control of their career.

The great thing about the unique Driver Solutions program is that no previous truck driving experience is required. The Driver Solutions CDL training program helps ordinary drivers become professional truck drivers by using CDL school and hands-on, real-world training.

Are you trying to find a truck driving job but have no experience? If you’ve been thinking about becoming a truck driver, just complete our online driver application today. This will allow you to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your trucking career options.

My husband Terry is starting over at age 52 as a trucker. This is something he has always wanted to do and life being what it is we could never afford for him to forgo a steady income to take his CDL training and go for it. But sometimes life throws us a curve that turns out to be for the best. In Oct. 2010 Terry was laid off like many others in this country. And after realizing it wasn't going to be a short term thing we decided it was time to do what he always wanted and that was go to truck driving school.

Terry has always worked away from home so our being apart is nothing new to us, most of the 15 + yrs we've been married he has traveled for work. But the difference this time is I can join him and we can finally spend time together, something we have never been able to do throughout our marriage.

Terry has worked through family vacations, births of our grandkids, birthdays what ever through all these years in order to make a living for us, now finally he is doing what he's always wanted and I'm grateful for the trucking schools and Driver Solutions who give people like my husband a chance to live their dream. Without the programs the school offered to pay for the schooling we could never have done this. Terry has given so much of himself for us over the years I'd love to see him get something to make his life a little easier while he's out there on the road.

Your Name: Mary A Zuber
Truck Driver: Terry L Zuber


Hi Mary,

Thank you for submitting your second nomination for Terry to win the Truck Driver Appreciation Grand Prize.  We're glad we were able to help Terry get his trucking career started and we're sure that with your great support he's going to be successful.  We wish you both the best.

- The Driver Solutions Team

Applying for truck driving school is not only the first step toward a big career change, it's also the first step toward a big lifestyle change.  And like all big decisions in life, it's a good idea to do some research. 

Driver Solutions recently had a Facebook conversation discussing just that - researching truck driving schools.

Here's what he had to say:













Chaz makes a great point here - the trucking industry is plagued with "horrible stories" and complaints.  Like many things in life, people are always quick to complain but rarely take the time to praise when they receive a service or product better than expected. 

Unfortunately, this causes many truck driving schools (Driver Solutions and others) to have to deal with people finding search results on Google such as "Driver Solutions Scam" or "Driver Solutions Complaints."  The fact is - these are few and far between.  Last year alone, Driver Solutions was able to help over 2,400 students successfully start a trucking career. 

So, what can we do to make sure those people new to the trucking industry get an accurate picture?  The answer is just what Chaz suggests in this post.  We MUST share the good stories as well.

There are so many great drivers out there that help keep us running day-to-day, it's a shame to see their hard work go unrecognized as they're hidden behind these "horror stories."  And behind most of these talented drivers is a great trucking school that helped them get their start in the industry. 

It's for these reasons that Driver Solutions has spent a lot of time reaching out to these individuals so they can share their stories as well - because they deserve it.  Please take a moment to check out some of the resources listed below if you are researching truck driving schools

#1 Resources To Check Out
Driver Solutions followed 2 students through truck driver training.  Each week, we posted a video up with their progress and how they were feeling at each point.  This is a MUST see series and you can check it out using these links:

• Week 1 - Getting Started - 3 Weeks.  2 Guys.  1 Goal.
• Week 2 - Driving a Semi Tractor Trailer for the First Time
• Week 3 - Preparing for the CDL Skills Test
• Week 3 - Taking the CDL Skills Test

#2 Resource To Check Out
Driver Solutions also held a Truck Driver Appreciation contest last year (we'll be doing the same this year) and received many great stories from the families of truck drivers recoginizing hard work and dedication.  Below are links to just some of the MANY stories we received: 

• My Wonderful Experience at Truck Driver Training School
• Because We Love Him (Winning Entry with Pictures)
• Providing For His Family - A Truck Driver Appreciation Story

If you've done your research and you'd like to find out your trucking school options, go ahead and complete our online driver application.  By doing so, you won't be commited to anything and you'll be able to schedule a time to speak with a driver agent about your particular situation.  Just click the Apply Now button in this post to get started. 

One of the biggest challenges for inexperienced drivers working their first truck driving job is saving money.  Let's face it, everyone wants to save money and truck drivers are no different. 

So, how do you make it happen while working a trucking job that has you out on the road for weeks at a time?

Luckily, Driver Solutions was able to connect with Mike and Vicki Simons via Twitter and they agreed to do a blog post to help out inexperienced drivers.  Check it out below!

Money Saving Tips for Inexperienced Truck Drivers

By: Vicki Simons

Truck-Drivers-Money-Saving-Tips.com

My husband Mike and I graduated from truck driver training school and started work in the trucking industry in the early 1990's. Those were in the days before Internet access, cell phones and many of the technological wonders that many truckers now rely upon were readily available. I will share with you in this article some money saving tips for new trucking school graduates and inexperienced truck drivers, especially those who will be driving a commercial motor vehicle regionally or long haul.

There were two items that we took with us from our very first trip as a husband and wife professional truck driving team:

• a portable toilet and
• a device in which to keep food cold.

If we were starting out today, not only would we have these items with us, but we would also add an inverter and at least one appliance in which to cook food.

Let's look at these choices in greater detail.

A Portable Toilet

We consider having an in-truck portable toilet to be indispensable for health reasons. Put quite simply, not every place where a truck driver can park has a publicly accessible restroom.

We have used our units over the years to hold not only bodily waste but also waste water from brushing our teeth and cleaning dishes after meals. Unfortunately, not all trucking companies allow portable toilets in their trucks. So before you invest in one, check to make sure that your company of choice allows them.

Food is Expensive on the Road

One of the biggest expenses that new-out-of-school company drivers will have is food. Sure, you can eat out a lot, but it is expensive. Some truck stops not only have their own restaurants but also fast food offerings, either from onsite fast food restaurants or refrigerated cases of premade foods. It is much healthier for your body and your wallet if you prepare your own food and recipes from healthy, nutritious ingredients.

In order to have a well-rounded diet and save money, we chose to take perishable foods with us. Among them are a variety of meats, dairy products, fruits, vegetables and breads. Some of these foodstuffs require being kept cold. The three main types of food cooling devices used by truckers are:

• compact refrigerators (with compressors),
• thermoelectric coolers, and
• ice chests.

We have tried them all. Each has its pros and cons.

You can cook many, many meals in just one or two appliances. When it comes to meal preparation, we describe on our site the different types of appliances we have used to cook food in our trucks over the years. We prefer to use a hot pot for cooking and rewarming many foods. A crock pot comes in handy for cooking food while you travel down the road. You just need to make sure that you brace the appliance so that it won't tip over when you go around curves or brake suddenly.

For a while when he was by himself in the truck, Mike used a microwave oven for warming small items. Larger meal preparations of saucy type foods can sometimes be done in an electric skillet. With the right equipment, you can cook just about anything -- including Thanksgiving dinner -- in your truck.

But to run most household cooking appliances, you need power…

Powering Your Equipment with an Inverter

Unless one is fortunate enough to hire on with a company whose trucks are equipped with auxiliary power units (APUs), many company-issued commercial motor vehicles have only DC-powered 12-volt cigarette lighter outlets as a means by which drivers can get power. As you may know, most household appliances run off AC (alternating current) not DC (direct current) electricity. The solution for inverting power from DC to AC is an inverter.

The two types of inverters most often used by truckers are:

• the cigarette lighter plug in type (which, depending on the model, can deliver up to about 175 watts of power) and
• the battery-connected kind (which, depending on the truck's configuration and model of unit, can deliver between 200 and 3000 watts of power).

Your trucking company may place a cap on the maximum amount of power that a battery-connected inverter can draw from its trucks' batteries. One of the trucking companies Mike drove for allowed nothing more than a cigarette lighter style inverter while a different company placed a 1500-watt cap on a battery-connected unit.

You can run many household appliances with 1500 watts of power or less. Some drivers require an inverter to power laptop computers, recharge cell phones and run their CPAP machines while they sleep.

Bear in mind that you can run simultaneously only those appliances that will not draw more power than the inverter can deliver. In our case, sometimes we had to run just one cooking appliance at a time so as not to overload the inverter. It was a small price to pay in time to save big money.

Consider the math: if you had to pay an average of $8 plus tax and tip for lunch and an average of $10 plus tax and tip for dinner at a truck stop -- five days a week -- you would be shelling out some serious cash. How much less expensive it could be to eat in your truck with options greatly expanded when you can cook your meals by inverter power.

The charge in your truck's batteries will determine the length of time that you can draw power through a battery-connected inverter. If you use your inverter while the engine is not running, the power will draw down faster than if it is running. Given the price of diesel these days, your company may require you to limit your idling time. Again, check with your prospective company before buying an inverter.

Watch Out for Traps

One of the reasons why we started our website, Truck-Drivers-Money-Saving-Tips.com, was to warn other drivers about traps, particularly certain inferior products that are marketed and sold to truck drivers. Many of these are what we call "cheaply made but expensive to buy." One red flag that we have learned to watch out for is a very short warranty period (like a 90-day limited warranty). If a product is worth its salt, it will have a one-year warranty of some kind.

When you buy items from a truck stop, be aware of its return policy. Some chains may allow returns for up to 30 days or may only allow an exchange for other merchandise (as in "no returns for cash"). This can be a trap. Assume that you bought a product from a truck stop that had a 30-day return policy and it broke on the 31st day. You're flat out of luck. So be on your guard.

What to Pack in Your Truck

When you train with a trainer, you may be asked to take a minimum of things with you. You may be given a list of what to bring and what not to bring. When you get out on your own, your options may expand greatly. We provide some guidance about what we have taken out with us on the road in the form of three different packing lists -- job-related, food and equipment, and personal -- all of which are available as free downloads from our site.

That's Just the Beginning

There is so much more that we'd like to be able to tell you. Drop by our site and get lots of money saving tips for professional truck drivers. After a while, we hope you'll share some of your own. We're especially looking for product reviews, service reviews and reviews on truck stops and truck parts.

We wish you great success in your new career, safe travels and lots of money saving opportunities on the road.

-----

Through Truck-Drivers-Money-Saving-Tips.com, Vicki Simons and her husband Mike provide real world tips that help professional truck drivers save hard-earned money and personal reporting about products and services for use on the road. They have developed their unique website as a place to share the tips they have learned through the years and where other professional drivers can do the same. For more information, visit http://www.truck-drivers-money-saving-tips.com/.

Copyright © 2011. All Rights Reserved. NKBJ InfoNet, LLC. Printed on Driver Solutions' website with permission.