USA Truck

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 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

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?

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

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

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

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

So how do you get started?

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

For more information, check out these related links:

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

I nominate myself to win the package, I had to borrow money from my family in order to go to truck driver training school in Little Rock, Arkansas. Needless to say, my family had to make 2 car payments for me. I was so cash strapped that I had to quit smoking while in the school. I've successfully kicked the habit.

The rest of my training with USA truck was pretty difficult for me financially, I had to blow my entire first bonus check just on food. I would have been better prepared if I would have been able to go to the grocery store and by some cheap canned goods. Oh well, now I know the deal, I just need a microwave now so I can eat cheaply enough while I pay my uncle back for the 2 car payments and the 800 dollar cash advance he gave me to survive untill my school started all the way until I got my first paycheck. Now I get to go home and take care of some other little things and buy the trucker road atlas. Im just so cash strapped that any little bit would help. I can make it now, even as broke as I am. I've gotten used to going without for some time now. Miss a meal, no big deal, I've missed many and can miss many more.

Anyways, I did the best I could to finish all training as fast as I could so that I can start earning. Money to pay back all my debts. Im proud of myself and everything I've accomplished. I've learned alot and its been fun.

Your Name: Larry Wardlow
Truck Driver: Larry Wardlow

Hi Larry,

Thanks for shairng your story.  We know it can be hard in today's economy to make it work with so many monthly payments.  We're glad we were able to help you get a new career started as part of the Driver Solutions program so you can begin paying back your debts.

We wish you the best! 

- The Driver Solutions Team

Driving trucks is something I always wanted to do. When I was a kid, I used to help my dad out on the farm an be at awe over the big trucks. Its was from then on I have always been fasinated by them.

When I was 12 yrs old, my dad passed away from a job accident and I was devistated. After I had gotten married I was laid off from a furniture retailer after being with that company for ten years. My wonderful wife told me 'You always talk about it, do it baby'. So I made the call to Drivers Solutions an went to trucking school in indianapolis, IN. A year has passed an I still enjoy every bit of my career, I'm with USA Truck and I'm about to enter there Driver Trainer program. Dreams do come true and if my dad was here, he would be so proud of my accomplishment.

Your Name: Timothy Seay
Truck Driver: Timothy Seay

My husband, Steven, deserves the trucker package because he is simply the best! Not only has he sacrificed spending time with me, but with our two children ages 6 and 8 to take care of his family through driving for USA truck. He is careful considerate driver to all on the road, and with his willingness to go anywhere and do anything he is simply the best.

Your Name: Telinda Wilson
Truck Driver: Steven Wilson

Hi Telinda,

Thank you for submitting your entry nominating, Steven.  It sounds like he's doing well at USA Truck and providing for your family.  We appreciate you sharing this story.

- The Driver Solutions Team

I am nominating my trainer who is the best trainer for USA truck. He is helping me figure out the ins and outs of trucking. And he is a down to earth man who is self taught and never looked for any handouts and worked his butt off for what he has

Your Name: William Smith
Truck Driver: Paul Ashman


Hi William,

Thank you for nominating USA Truck trainer, Paul Ashman, in the Truck Driver Appreiciation Contest.  We're glad he's helping you get your trucking career started and we wish you the best of luck.

- The Driver Solutions Team

If you are thinking about starting a trucking career, it’s vital that you have the right tools to help you learn and find success. The first thing you need to do is look for an effective training program that can teach you the skills and information needed to earn your CDL.

The best CDL training schools should have trainers with several years experience in the trucking industry, and should provide opportunities for students to learn rules and regulations in a classroom as well as get hands on driving experience.

Another great way to learn is from other drivers' experiences. We’ve put together a few quick links to some of the most helpful interviews of students that have gone through the Driver Solutions company-paid CDL training program.

Check out these articles and interviews to get some great tips on what to expect from trucking driving school:

•    Making Friends at Truck Driving School
•    Tips on Passing the Pre-trip Inspection
•    3 Part Interview with a USA Truck Driver
•    Getting a CDL License at Truck Driving School
•    Trucking School – It’s What You Make It

Driver Solutions is devoted to providing drivers with the right tools to start a successful career in the trucking industry. Our hassle-free training program offers an environment that fosters learning, allowing you to get your CDL and find great opportunities for your career.

If you’re ready to jump into the driver’s seat, take a few minutes to complete our online driver application and learn more about your trucking career options.

Are you trying to find companies that are offering truck driver jobs with no experience required?


Even if you've found a company with entry level trucking jobs available, you may be wondering how you go about getting started if you have no previous experience behind the wheel of a big rig... 

Surely you have to go through some type of training before they let you take the wheel of a semi tractor trailer, right?

Let's break everything down into 3 super simple steps to explaining how the Driver Solutions company paid CDL training program can help you get a trucking career started:

1. Complete Secure Online Driver Application - You are going to need truck driver training so you can get a CDL license to qualify for a job as a professional driver.  By completing the online application, Driver Solutions can work to find a trucking school in your area.  In addition to this, we will answer any questions you have about the trucking industry.
   
   
2. Consider Company Paid CDL Training - One of the biggest hurdles in starting a career in trucking is the cost associated with training.  It's for this reason that Driver Solutions offers the company paid CDL training option.  This means that a trucking company such as PAM Transport or USA Truck will sponsor your training and cover the upfront tuition costs.
   
   
3. Successfully Complete CDL Training & Start Your Career - We will work to qualify your application for a trucking job opportunity and schedule you to attend trucking school - that's right - we do the work for you as long as your application meets the requirements of the training progam.  Upon obtaining your CDL license at the end of training, you'll have the opportunity to start a new trucking career with a company you've agreed to work with for a period of 1 year.

While these 3 steps may seem simple enough, you still need to start from step 1.  So, go ahead and complete our secure online application so you can schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent today.

Truck driving is a career that offers great benefits and high earnings potential, that is if you know where to look for the right kind of jobs and if you have the right qualifications. To start your trucking career, you first have to attend a truck training program, pass your driver's exam and obtain your Commercial Driver's License (CDL). Upon completing these initial steps, you're considered qualified to pursue an entry level trucking job.

Here are some articles about the different career opportunities you can get as a qualified truck driver.

Is a PAM Transport Trucking Career For You?- PAM is one of the leading trucking companies in the country today. Are you qualified to be one of their drivers?

Wanted: 140,000 Truck Drivers For 2011- There are literally thousands of opportunities for you in the trucking industry. There is no better time to start a career in truck driving than right now.

Learn More About USA Truck- Start your career with USA Truck. If you are worried about tuition costs, you can apply for a company-sponsored program and we can help you start your training immediately.

Driver Solutions can help you start a successful career in the trucking industry. Take a few minutes to complete our online driver application and you'll be able to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your trucking career options. 

Are you looking for a trucking company that has a good compensation package and offers training that will help you improve your skills as a truck driver? There are thousands of driving jobs in the country today. When choosing a company to work for, it's important to get into a company that not only offers high pay and great benefits but also offer career growth opportunities.

USA Trucking is one of the leading trucking companies in the country that is continuously striving for quality service through on-time cargo arrival and efficient business processes. Just recently, they were given the 2010 Dedicated Carrier of the Year Award. This goes to show how serious the company is in assuring their customers that they only get quality service from them. Part of their quality service is proper training for drivers.

Drivers from this company are in demand in the industry because of the valuable training and experience they received. Be one of these drivers by getting into a truck driver training school that is affiliated with this trucking company. You can qualify for the company's driving positions if you graduate from a respectable school recognized by leading companies.

Let Driver Solutions help you get driving jobs from leading companies in the industry. Enroll in our training program today. You can visit us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more information on our program and company affiliations.

Yesterday, Driver Solutions received the above picture from USA Truck Driver, Jeremy Paige.  Jeremy took the picture with his phone while in Lansing, Michigan after dropping off a load.  He's been with USA Truck for about 3 1/2 months now after graduating from the Driver Solutions program.   

We thought the picture turned out great and wanted to share with others on our blog.  Thank you, Jeremy, for sharing this picture on our Facebook page!


Are you a truck driver too?  Do you have any pictures to share?  Join us on Facebook and post a picture from your travels on our wall.   

I arrived at truck driving school in Fort Wayne, Indiana on July 4, 2011 unsure of what to expect. I began classes the following morning and was hit with tons of paperwork to sign, a DOT physical to take, cups to pee in (lol) all after being talked to by John Triplett, the school director, (who was awesome!). Then Ivan (classroom instructor) came in after lunch and began our classroom training. He made the days fun with his uncanny charm and demeanor!

Week 2 began with all of us "newbies" on the range huddled in our own little group not sure of what to expect.  Then the roll call began and we were told which range we would be on during training. The range/road instructors were the bomb! I had direct contact with Ryan, Andre, and Kevin on the Range and Brian and Sam on the road.  I learned so much from those guys! They have a great amount of knowledge between them, but you have the have the right attitude and listen to what they have to share with you!

I am honored to have had the opportunity to attend trucking school in Fort Wayne, In through the Driver Solutions Program and look forward to beginning my new career with USA Truck.

Name: Melissa Johnson
City: Plain City
State: Ohio
Approx Class Start Date: 07/05/2011

Hi Melissa,

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review.  We're glad you enjoyed your time at training and wish you the best of luck in your new trucking career with USA Truck.  Please keep us posted on your progress.

Best Wishes,
The Driver Solutions Team

If you're looking to obtain your CDL and find a trucking job with no experience, you may be wondering:

• How do I get started?
• What does the process look like?

Here are 3 posts to help answers these questions:

• Are You Trying to Find Trucking Jobs with No Experience?
• How to Pay for Truck Driving School
• Getting a CDL License at Trucking School

The key to starting a trucking career is to secure an entry level trucking job and build your experience over the first year behind the wheel.  Once you've proven yourself in the industry, you'll improve your chances to advance or move on to something new within trucking. 

It's not uncommon for us to talk with a CDL training grad that's advanced to a Driver Trainer position with a company like USA Truck or PAM Transport in a year or less.  It's also not uncommon to talk with a graduate that has put in a year of over-the-road driving and moved on to a local trucking job with more home time. 

If you would like to start the process of finding a trucking job with no experience, complete our online application today.  This will allow you to schedule a time to speak with a Driver Agent about your trucking career options. 

USA Truck, a trucking company within the Driver Solutions Network was featured in a recent episode of "American Trucker" airing on the SPEED channel on Thursdays at 9:00 PM. 

In this episode, American Trucker host Robb Mariani follows Driver Solutions graduate Ken Vosejpka as he heads to First Baptist Church in Van Buren, Arkansas to load his truck with relief items for victims of a May 22 tornado that destroyed large parts of the Joplin, MO and killed 159.

Ken Vosejpka (a Driver Solutions program grad from 2007) is “a retired United States Marine of 25 years, he and his USA Truck colleagues were among the first outside supply teams on the scene in the aftermath of the devastation. For the past decade, responding to natural disasters has become a part of the company’s charitable culture,” according to the promo story on the SPEED channel website. 

Driver Solutions proud to have USA Truck as a partner and people like Ken Vosejpka coming through our CDL training program!

Check out the preview of the episode below:

Today, we have a guest blog post from Marsh Carroll.  Driver Solutions intitially connected with Marsh via a tweet about texting while driving.  Marsh was kind enough to send us a link to his new hit music video - Won't Start Texting. 

We checked out the video and decided we had to share this on our blog.  Marsh was able to connect with us via the Driver Solutions Facebook page to make this is a possibility.

Texting while driving is a serious issue that's definitely been a hot topic lately.  While not something to joke around about, Marsh does a great job of putting together a "fun" approach to a very serious topic.  Enjoy!

Below is the guest blog post from Marsh about his new texting while driving video (featured above).

Won’t Start Texting – A New Music Video About Distracted Driving.

Howdy!  My name is Marsh Carroll and I am a high school science teacher in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. I am also the safety officer so I train my co-workers annually about the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS).  This past year, to spice up the training, I composed a folk song called “The WHMIS Warble”. It became a YouTube sensation. A USA Today reporter saw it and asked me to make an American version – The OSHA “HAZCOM Song” was born. The HAZCOM Song became a huge YouTube hit. (As the trucking industry knows, HAZCOM is an important component in the transportation of dangerous goods.)

ZoomSafer, a company dedicated to reducing the level of distracted driving,  enjoyed that song so much that it asked me to make a music video about the dangers of distracted driving, specifically texting while driving . “Won’t Start Texting” was the result.

Won’t Start Texting tells the story of a trucker who has to transport 400 chickens and a pig from East to West.  There are distractions along the way but he makes sure to live by the chorus:

“Won’t Start Texting / Resisting That Temptation / Eyes on the Road / To My Destination”

I hope you enjoy the video and remember, texting and driving do not mix in any country.
Thank you.

For links to all my songs and more about me, visit www.marshcarroll.com.

Many people who are looking for better income opportunities have considered getting into the trucking industry. As a truck driver, you can earn as much as $40,000 in the first year.  And it gets even better as you gain more experience and continue to advance within the company to positions such as a driver trainer.  The setback, however, in planning to start a career in truck driving is the training cost.

A couple of weeks to a month's worth of training can cost you several thousands of dollars.  For many people, coming up with $4,000.00 - $7,000.00 isn't an option.  So, what do you do if you don't have the resources to pay for your training fee?  Do you just pass up on this great career opportunity?

If you are serious about becoming a truck driver, you can look for trucking companies that offer CDL training. Because of the demand for qualified drivers, trucking companies like USA Trucking are now able to sponsor drivers who have what it takes to be part of their growing team of drivers. With a company-sponsored program, you are able to train with no upfront tuition costs.  You are even pre-qualified for a trucking job opportunity prior to training. 

Get your training from Driver Solutions and we'll help you qualify for a company-sponsored program.  Take the first step right now by using the Apply Now button to complete your online application. 

I had a great experience with Driver Solutions.  Derek was my driver agent and he was very helpful through the whole process.  My CDL training was at C1 Truck Driver Training in Fort Wayne, IN. The classroom instructor was Ivan, and he was very good. There is a lot of information to learn in only a week, but he made sure everyone was ready to take all the written CDL tests.  Also, he would take the time to help anyone that was having problems, even if that meant staying late. My range instructor was Andre, and road instructor was Randy. They are both great at what they do.

I will recommend Driver Solutions to anyone I know interested in starting a career in trucking. I had a great time during training, and look forward to starting my career with USA Truck. 

Name: Darin Smith
City: Osterburg
State: Pennsylvania
Approx Class Start Date: 06/13/2011

Hi Darin,

Thank you for taking the time to write this review of the Driver Solutions program.  We're glad you had a great experience and wish you the best of luck throughout your trucking career.

Best Wishes,
- The Driver Solutions Team

I had a great experience with Driver Solutions. I attended CDL training in Indianapolis, IN.  I made many friends and made lasting memories. Of course being the only female in my class, made it memorable. I was lucky to experience training with a couple different instructors.

Donna was my main instructor, a totally awesome lady and full of information!  By the second week in trucks, we were better drivers and donna was impressed with our progress, as were we.

Another instructor, Amin, was my instructor for a few days.  He offered a different perspective, and a bit more detail. He is still a driver when he isn't teaching, which is kinda cool.

I will and have recommended it to friends and family who are considering a change in career. In fact, the day I came home, a friend asked for the phone number so he could attend as well.

Overall, this was a fantastic experience! I had a blast, and the friendships I made will last for years. I can't wait to start driving with my new company(USA Truck), and I am looking forward to orientation in a couple weeks in Arkansas.

Name: Kathy Schoenfeld
City: Cincinnati
State: Ohio
Approx Class Start Date: 05/23/2011


Kathy,

Thank you for your review!  We appreciate the feedback and wish you the best of luck with your new career.  Please keep us updated from time to time on the Driver Solutions Facebook page. 

The Driver Solutions Team