Trucking School

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.

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.

For the past few weeks, Driver Solutions has been following news on the recent passing of the hand-held cell phone ban for commercial vehicle drivers. Just like with any legislation, it was easy to anticipate that it would inspire mixed opinions in the trucking industry.

The official ruling, which goes into effect on January 3, 2012, was passed because it’s believed to help reduce the number of distracted-driver related accidents that involve truck drivers. For both commercial drivers, the law is hoped to reduced distractions will equate to reduced both commercial and noncommercial driver injuries and deaths. For trucking and bus companies, fewer accidents could also potentially help them save thousands of dollars in damage fees and insurance costs. Supporters include many individual drivers, trucking companies, and insurance companies.

For those that oppose the ruling, or at least parts of the ruling, three main disagreements seem common.

First, the American Trucking Association and many other trucking companies generally oppose the employer liability provision in the ruling. Under this provision, employers can be fined up to $11,000 if they do not require their drivers to use hands-free devices. The American Trucking Association supported their disagreement to the ruling by saying that drivers often use their own cell phones that aren’t provided by the carrier, plus “drivers are not always under direct supervision, and it would be extremely difficult and, in fact, unrealistic for a carrier to enforce such a requirement.” Trucking companies feel like if they are held accountable for their driver’s actions like this, it can potentially harm the company financially.

A second criticism that trucking companies have with the ruling is that cell-phone use is no more distracting than other types of communications, such as a CB radio which was not banned. Since drivers will still have access to the CB radio and other regularly used electronic equipment, trucking companies are worried that the new ruling will not decrease distracted driving accidents at all.

A third major worry by trucking companies is that this new ruling does not address  removing additional distractions from noncommercial drivers which actually make up the majority of cars on the road.

Dan Smith, the safety and security director for USA Truck, a company that Driver Solutions partners with for company sponsored CDL training, agrees that the cell-phone ban will benefit the industry overall but it needs to go even further. Smith brought up a good point that the new ruling is “only hitting a small population of drivers that are already the most heavily trained and heavily regulated drivers on the road.”

Despite the fact that trucking industry support for the new ruling is split, the most important thing for truck drivers and trucking companies to do is to continue to focus on safety. As the ruling goes into effect in just a few weeks, the next question to be answered is how truck company managers and police officers will be able to enforce the new law. Driver Solutions will continue to keep you posted on this ruling and how these changes impact trucking industry.

Source: Cellphone ban for truckers inspires mixed opinions

For many of the students that went through the Driver Solutions CDL training program this year, this winter will be the first time they will  drive a tractor trailer through wintry weather conditions. And as many of you may already know, a truck driver’s first trip through a snow or ice storm can be an extremely intimidating experience. 

The very worst weather conditions haven’t started yet, but with December finally here, the bad weather will soon be on its way. For the lucky drivers that spend most of their time driving in southern states, winter weather will not cause many problems. But for the truckers that drive routes across the country through the snow laden states, they’ll have to start putting their winter driving techniques to use.

There are so many things to worry about while driving in winter weather, so Driver Solutions has put together a list of things to remember.

Here are 7 winter driving tips for truck drivers:

1. Clear off all windows, mirrors, and exterior lights completely before driving. If snow or ice builds up while you drive, make sure to pull over and take a few minutes to clean everything off again.
2. Keep tires and brakes in good condition. Tires should be properly inflated and brakes should be correctly working.
3. Maintain a sufficient following distance from all vehicles and continue a safe speed that gives you plenty of time to react.
4.  Plan your route. Make sure you know what types of roads you will be facing and that your vehicle is properly equipped to handle these roads.
5. Check cross-traffic prior to reaching and traveling through an intersection to help avoid collisions.
6. Do not drive if you feel fatigued. Your ability to properly react to your environment will weaken with fatigue, diminishing your ability to drive as safely as possible.
7. Don’t push your truck or yourself to do more than you can in unsafe conditions. If snow drifts are so bad you can’t see the road or ice is so thick you cannot stop properly, consider stopping the truck at a safe area until conditions get better.

Aside from driving techniques, make sure you have proper attire for the weather as well. Be prepared with the right shoes, socks, and winter-ware like jackets, gloves, and hats. In the case that you do make a winter driving mistake or an emergency does occur, make sure you have an emergency kit handy with special winter tools, like plenty of blankets, non-perishable food, an power source, and a first aid kit.

Out of all of these guidelines, the most important tip we can give any trucker when it comes to driving in the winter is that no load is worth your life or the lives of others. If you are on dangerous roadways, the safest thing for you to do is find a safe place to stop and wait it out.

Whether its rain, sleet, ice, heavy winds, or snow, make sure that you get great CDL training that will prepare you to drive in any condition. Winter weather can limit or reduce visibility, decrease traction, and make driving in general much harder than normal. Truck drivers that attend CDL training with Driver Solutions not only learn how to deal with inclement weather driving, but also other important safety skills, like how to drive safely on unsafe bridges.

To get started with a trucking driving school that focuses on teaching safe driving techniques for all seasons, complete the online application to set up a time to speak with a Driver Agent on 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.  

A few weeks ago Driver Solutions reported that the Department of Transportation was planning to ban hand-held cell phone use for truckers and other commercial drivers.

The final ruling, issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), was released on December 2. The ruling officially prohibits commercial vehicle drivers from holding, dialing, or reaching for a hand held telephone while driving. This new rule will be effective as of January 3, 2012, and will affect thousands of truck drivers, bus drivers, and other commercial vehicle drivers.

Here are a just few details from the official ruling:

1. Even though dialing on a device is prohibited, a driver can still use one-touch dialing as long as it does not require the driver to take their eyes off the road.
2. Drivers will be prohibited from reaching for a phone if it takes the driver out of a normal sitting position or if the driver has to remove their seat belt. Any further reaching, such as to the passenger seat or floor, is prohibited.
3. For the purpose of this ruling, the term “driving” means operating a commercial motor vehicle on a highway. If the driver is temporarily stationary because of traffic or other momentary delays, they are still considered to be driving.  

Many safety organizations believe that talking on the phone in general is distracting, and though they tried to get all cell phone use banned, both hand-held and hands-free, the FMCSA only had significant research to support the band of hand-held phones. Hands-free telephone use- such as using a speaker phone function, a wired earphone, or Bluetooth headset- will still be allowed as long as it doesn't require reaching, dialing, or holding a device. Two-way or CB radios are also still allowed when short communication is critical for the driver.

According to the official ruling, the FMCSA stated that “using a hand-held mobile telephone may reduce a driver’s situational awareness, decision making, or performance; and it may result in a crash, near-crash, unintended lane departure by the driver, or other unsafe driving action.” The hope is that the ruling will improve safety on highways by reducing the amount of distracted driving related crashes and injuries.

***For more information on the hand-held cell phone ban for commercial vehicle drivers, check out the complete FMCSA final ruling.

It isn’t always easy for truck drivers to help others when they live their life on the road, but many are managing to do so anyways.

The trucking industry often doesn’t get the credit it deserves for all the good people that are involved. With semi crashes constantly in the news and unfavorable stereotypes lingering, it’s easy for the public to create negative ideas about truckers. What many people don’t realize is that trucking companies and individual truckers do a lot of great things to help others all year long, especially during the holidays. They often go out of their way to transport food, clothes, toys, and many other items for communities in need.

One organization, Operation Roger, is made up of regional and long-haul drivers who transport pets in the cabs of their trucks as they deliver freight all across the country. They focus on helping rescued animals who need permanent homes or need reunited with their owners. The organization has helped hundreds of dogs since its creation in 2005.

Driver Solutions is proud to be partners with USA Truck, a trucking company that frequently helps community members as well.  In July 2011, Driver Solutions graduate, Ken Vosejpka, was featured on the television show “American Trucker” for the community assistance that USA Truck was providing. Vosejpka and a group of other USA Truck drivers provided relief efforts after the May 2011 destructive tornado in Joplin, MO.

Here are few more stories about truck drivers and trucking companies helping others:

• USA Truck Steps Up in Time of Need
• Raising Awareness for the Trucking Industry’s Patriotism
• Truckers Help Feed the Children

As the many examples above show, a trucking career can do a lot more than just put money in your pocket. A career in truck driving can potentially provide you the satisfaction and opportunity to help others in a unique way.

Do you know truckers that go out of their way to help others?

Most items get to their destination across America by tractor-trailers, so when things need transported it creates a need for trucks, which creates a need for drivers. There are currently estimated to be over 3 million truck drivers employed in the trucking industry, but with over 1 million trucking companies in the U.S., plus a continually growing economy, there will always be a need for professional truck drivers. 

With so many truck drivers moving freight across the country, there are sure to be some strange loads that drivers run into. We recently were so curious about this that we asked our Facebook page fans, “What’s the most unique load you've ever had to haul?”

Here are some of the responses we received:

“Hauled a load of junk TVs, computers, desks, and copy machines for the Verizon complex…” – Michael V.

“Full load of Styrofoam. Floor to ceiling, front to back. Had to get a forklift to push the doors together so I could close them. Total weight was almost 5000 lbs.” – Don D.

“Sail boat fuel.” – Ricky H.

“Precast concrete doors for a loony toons at home bomb shelter.” – Joseph N.

“The big top tent for a circus.” – DenRay

“I think it would have to be the load my Dad had one of these horrible three tiered salmon pink sock tables. Each one was about 45lbs. and most of the stores that were set to get one didn’t want it. Lol” – Cristal S.

“Hot wax that cooled off on me! Lol (what a mess…) now Crude oil!” – Desmond M.

“High altitude chocolate…from Hershey’s…packed in nitrogen containers…” – Ray V.

As you can tell, no matter how big, small, unique, or strange an item may be, it probably gets transported across the country by a truck for businesses and consumers.

Driver Solutions is aware of the dependence and high need for qualified truck drivers, which is why we help hopeful truckers get great CDL training. We understand that paying thousands of dollars for CDL training in hopes of finding an entry-level trucking job with a good company can create a lot of uncertainty and stress. To help reduce these feelings, Driver Solutions specializes in placing students in a paid CDL training program that covers the cost of tuition AND matches drivers with a job at respectable trucking company BEFORE they start school.

If you’re ready to help meet the need for drivers and get your career started, just complete the online application to set up a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your options.

Who knows what unique loads you might transport!

An aspiring truck driver recently mentioned Driver Solutions on the TruckingTruth Forum  by calling us “the Cadillac of truck driver training.”

For decades, the Cadillac has been synonymous with those that want the finer things in life. Cadillac has often been the first at making advancements in the auto industry, including developing the V8 engine, which set the standard for the American auto industry.

When you think of a Cadillac, words that probably come to mind may include “high quality,” “luxury,” “comfort,” “reliability,” “top of the line,” “innovative,” “superior” and “style.” So how is Driver Solutions like a Cadillac? Check out these 3 reasons why we think Driver Solutions can be compared to the Cadillac of truck driver training.

1. High Quality
Driver Solutions takes care of all of the hard work, including helping you afford truck driving school tuition and how to find a trucking job when you finish school. Driver Solutions will set you up to attend a top truck driver school for CDL training, which enables drivers to easily and quickly enter the trucking industry with significant advantages. The salary for truck drivers that start with one of the Driver Solutions network trucking companies are very competitive, so new drivers can earn up to $40,000 in their first year.

2. Reliable
Driver Solutions has been in business for over 23 years and has helped more than 20,000 drivers start a trucking career. Everyone that applies to our program is assigned to a Driver Agent that provides one-on-one support, walks you through the entire process, and gives you all of the details, upfront. The Driver Agents’ goal is to educate you on what trucking school will be like, so you will be properly prepared when you arrive.

3. Innovative
Students that attend trucking school with Driver Solutions get access to interactive pre-trip inspection videos, CDL practice tests, and other learning resources which will help them prepare for the CDL permit test before they even arrive at school. 

Are you ready to hop in the driver’s seat at the “Cadillac of truck driver training”?  Complete our simple online application to get started!

Image Source: Cartype.com

We recently asked our Driver Solutions Facebook fans to help us come up with a list of the best gift ideas for truck drivers, and we were overwhelmed with responses.

While some traditional Christmas gifts are great, we put together a list of truck driver gift ideas that come straight from the truck drivers themselves. This year make sure you give a truck driver something they really want and need that will help make life on the road easier and more comfortable.

Now, we all know that gift buying is easier said than done. In today's busy world, we are overwhelmed with options - so how do you go about deciding what's best for someone working a trucking job?

Well, the good news is that shopping for a truck driver doesn’t have to be difficult. With the advice of actual truck drivers, their friends and family members, Driver Solutions has put together a long list of both essential needs and nice luxuries that the truck driver in your life may want!

Here’s our list of what we think are the 9 best gift ideas for truck drivers:

1. Canned goods- A great stocking stuffer!  The professional driver has to be prepared at all times for bad weather, long holdovers, and just general emergencies. Having a nice stock of canned goods will help them be prepared.
   
2. Roadpro Skillet- A cooking tool like the Roadpro frying pan is good for cooking eggs and warming up different items. As a compact item designed to be used by travellers, its perfect for truck drivers.
3. SiriusXM Satellite radio- Satellite radio subscriptions are great for truck drivers that are on the road for hours on end. They can program their favorite channels and always have something to keep them entertained.
   
4. Laptop or iPad- Laptops, and now the iPad, are consistently one of the most wanted gifts by truck drivers. These tools provide the opportunity to log onto the internet, watch movies, listen to music, play games, and endless other things. Though laptops and the iPad can cost several hundred dollars, look for holiday deals to get a better price.
   
5. Power inverter- Power inverters provide household-like power while on the go. Drivers can hook up their cell phone charger, camera, DVD players, or whatever they like to get constant energy. Make sure that when you are choosing a power inverter that you select one that is compatible with the a truck.
   
6. Bluetooth- With the new U.S. Department of Transportion ruling that commercial drivers cannot use hand-help cell phones, investing in a good bluetooth device would be a great idea for a driver that likes to communicate with friends and family members.
7. Cobra GPS- While there are plenty of great GPS devices available, the fans on our Facebook page frequently recommend a Cobra GPS. A GPS can be a great navigational tool to help truckers get to their destination in the least amount of time possible, which we all know is important!  This GPS even has truck specific routes to help with things such as overhead clearence.
8. Flip camera- Flip cameras are compact, easy-to-use camcorders that allow even a novice to create fun videos. With all of the different places truck drivers visit, a video camera would be a great gift to help them record their travels or send videos to loved ones.
9. Warm winter jacket, coveralls, hats, gloves, and other warm winter-wear- Even if you live in a generally warm area, first year truck drivers are normally over-the-road and will travel through many bitterly cold regions. Having a warm winter jacket, a hat, comfortable driving gloves, and even coveralls will help make time on the cold road more bearable.
   

Other great gift ideas include a heated blanket, griddle, crock pot, George Forman grill, mini fridge, microwave, a VHF radio, tools, a flashlight, or even something as simple as Pepto Bismol to help aid truck stop heartburn.

Still not sure what to get a truck driver? When in doubt, most people enjoy handmade gifts like a home-cooked meal or a knitted blanket. If your trucker already has everything they want or need, consider getting them a gift card, which could be used on clothes, food, or whatever they like.

The most important thing to remember is that gifts for truck drivers do not need to be pricey or expensive, but rather should be thoughtful and from the heart.

 

Disclaimer: This article is an independent opinion and is not endorsed, nor was compensation provided, by the manufacturer of any of the listed products.

Image Sources: Campbell's Soup and Flip Camera

When considering CDL training, attending trucking school during the holidays may seem like a hassle.  But, what many aspiring drivers don’t know is that attending school during the winter holidays can actually be one of the most beneficial times of year for new drivers.

Take a minute to check out these top 5 reasons to start trucking school during the holidays:

1. There are fewer people at school during the holidays, which means more time for you behind the wheel and more personalized time with a CDL instructor.
2. Most winter weather does not get too bad until January. There is always a chance of inclement weather through November and December, but your odds of avoiding the worst weather are better before January 1^st.
3. When bad weather hits, you may experience rain, sleet, and even snow, but at trucking school you’ll be with an experienced trainer that can help walk you through how to overcome these events.
4. The carriers’ freight is usually at peak demand at the end of the year, so job opportunities are usually better after training.
5. The sooner you start your training, the sooner you can start working in your new career as a professional truck driver!

Even though there are a lot of benefits with coming to trucking school during this time of year, we understand that with the holiday season finally here, you may think that being away from loved ones during the holidays is too tough for you to handle.  But keep in mind, after you finish your 3 weeks of CDL training, you’ll get experience under your belt driving in bad weather and covering a lot of miles. If you start trucking school this holiday season, by next summer you’ll have a high level of confidence in yourself and your trucking abilities.

Get a head start on your New Year’s goals by starting truck driving school now!

Ready to apply? Complete our online driver application to speak with a Driver Agent about your trucking career options.

The U.S. Department of Transportation announced on November 23, 2011 a final ruling that makes hand-held cell phone usage banned for truckers and other commercial drivers. We believe this is a giant step for safety.

For years organizations have been studying how cell phone usage behind-the-wheel affects driver safety. Over two years ago several trucking companies already starting banning cell phone use for their drivers while behind-the-wheel of a moving truck, and many other companies have jumped on board since then.

To help further end driver distraction, in 2010 the U.S. Department of Transportation announced an immediate ban on texting for commercial drivers.  Many states since realized that in order to further help end distracted driving, texting should be banned not just for commercial drivers, but for all drivers, and many states now have penalties and fees for texting while driving.

The new official ruling from the U.S. Transportation Department will affect approximately 400 million commercial drivers. Drivers that violate the cell phone ban may face federal penalties such as a fine up to $2750 for each offense. Drivers need to take the ban seriously because multiple offenses may lead to disqualification from operating a commercial vehicle!

Texting while driving, or using any distractions like eating, talking on a hand-held cell phone, or trying to read a map can be deadly for not only the driver, but for other drivers on the road as well. In order to follow this new hand-held cell phone usage ban, consider using a hands-free device like a Bluetooth headset, or schedule your phone calls until you are not behind the wheel. Before you hit the road again, make sure you take just a few minutes to ask yourself, “Am I a safe driver?”

Luckily, Driver Solutions has been ahead of the safe driving curve for some time now. When students come to our CDL training program, our #1 goal is to teach the importance of safety, no matter what the circumstances. By focusing on proper CDL training, Driver Solutions shows its commitment to stopping distracted driving and producing safe, aware truck drivers.

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

 

Full article source: U.S. Department of Transportation/ Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

In the light of the country's economic status, more and more people find jobs in trucking suitable to earn a steady income with added benefits not found with other jobs. If you're stuck behind a desk the whole day and want a change of scenery, why not enroll with Driver Solutions?

Here are 5 reasons why you should:

1. With over 11, 200 positions added last February, employment opportunities continue to grow in the trucking industry. After your training, you can be sure that you'll have work and get hired.

2. In your first year, you can earn from $37,000 to $40,000.

3. If you want to be your own boss, here's where you can do just that. Your time is yours and you can even plan your route to arrive at your destination on time.

4. You get to travel to different places, go where you would never have thought of going and have opportunities to find new friends.

5. Companies also offer a comprehensive benefit package. This often includes paid vacation leaves, a retirement plan and medical and dental insurance.

Fill out our online driver application to find truck driving jobs today and sign up for our free updates (see upper right of this blog).

When you are considering truck driver training school, it is easy to get excited about the freedom in your future career, the flexibility, and possibly a benefits package that you desperately need. However, while many new in student truck driving jobs realize that it is about the miles you log, not many consider that time management is a critical skill in this field. The more miles you log, the more you will make, but every mile costs time as well. 

Here is a two part series on how to learn effective time management on the road, so that you can manage your miles effectively:

1. Accept that you will be slow at first.  Do not expect to make a ton in the beginning, because your body and mind need to condition to the experiences on your daily job.  Give yourself that time to adjust or you will burn out quickly. 
2. Learn the parking accommodations on the routes you will be taking.  Parking in the evenings can be very frustrating to those signing on to entry level trucking jobs.  Finding parking for the night after 6:00 P.M. can be difficult in some regions, know your areas well and how soon you need to park. 
3. Research your traffic.  Know your routes before you get on them, and you can avoid construction, delays, or rush hours. This may involve getting up earlier or adjusting your schedule, but this is an important time management tip that will save you grief down the road.

Are you ready to start truck driving jobs? Complete our online driver application now.

Today, Driver Solutions announced its membership in the American Trucking Association (ATA).  And you might be thinking, “Big deal. You’ve joined a trade association.” To some degree, you are right; all that we did was join a trade association in the trucking industry.  Now, take a minute and look at the members of the ATA.  How many truck driving schools do you see?  There are very few because ATA membership is not cheap.

So why did Driver Solutions choose to join?  In a word, credibility.  You see, Driver Solutions is a company founded on doing things the right way and accepting criticism when someone questions that.  The most ethical business person I’ve met in my career is the co-founder of Driver Solutions, Chris Welch.  Mr. Welch worked for Cummins, Inc., the well-known diesel engine manufacturer.  His role was to identify diversified business opportunities related to the trucking industry.  So, in 1987, Cummins Professional Training Center was Mr. Welch’s brainchild to help the trucking industry attain more qualified, well-trained truck drivers.  When business conditions caused Cummins to divest of non-engine business interests in 1991, Chris believed so much in the truck driving school he founded that he found a partner and bought the school.  And thus, the foundation for Driver Solutions had been laid.

For almost 30 years, Mr. Welch has guided Driver Solutions through high growth and recessions.  And for those of us lucky enough to be along for the ride, his leadership has set the gold standard for how to treat customers. The membership into ATA is a natural progression for a company that cares about its customers.  In joining the ATA, Driver Solutions demonstrates a commitment to the trucking industry and the industry’s most vital natural resource, the truck driver.  ATA works hard to protect and improve the trucking industry.  Through the ATA’s efforts, trucking drivers have gained more respect and improved their standard of living.

If you are considering a career as a professional truck driver or checking out CDL training, choose a truck driver training program that’s affiliated with the ATA. A truck driver training program that’s a member of ATA means that your school has a higher commitment to the success of the trucking industry. And as a truck driver, you’ll be reaping the benefits of a strong and successful trucking industry.

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.

The holidays are just around the corner and Driver Solutions wants to make them even merrier with a trucker style Christmas.

For some truckers, home is across the country with family members, but for many others, home is in the driver’s seat. During this time of year companies heavily rely on truck drivers to help keep the toys, clothes, great foods and many other holiday gifts moving across the country. While they may be out on the road, in many ways truck drivers are like a modern day Santa Claus delivering the things we want and need during the holidays.

Driver Solutions wants to help ignite the holiday spirit this year by having fun and getting to know our Facebook fans, blog readers, and aspiring truck drivers better. To start off the season, we need your help to create a trucker style “12 Days of Christmas.”

We’ll start the verse every day, then turn to you to help us finish each verse until the song is complete. Have fun, be creative, and reflect on your truck driving and CDL training experience. After everyone has time to submit their ideas, we need you to vote on which verse you like the most (by liking it on Facebook), and we’ll choose the submission with the most votes to complete our song.

Once, we’ve completed the “12 Days of Christmas” we’ll take your verses and make a video of the complete song.  So, be creative and your verse just might be featured in our new holiday video for 2011!

It’s all pretty simple- just share your ideas, vote for your favorites, then enjoy!

Are you ready to do Christmas this year, trucker style? If you’ve been thinking of starting a career in truck driving, contact us today and apply for company paid CDL training.