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Why the Trucking Industry Needs New Drivers

There is still room for plenty of new drivers in the trucking industry, and if you have your CDL and experience at a trucking school, you could be one of them. New drivers need to take the place of the previous generation and learn to use new technology, so they can sustain an industry that always has a need for drivers.

Retiring Older Generation
The trucking industry needs new drivers, but it’s by no means alone. Every industry needs new workers to keep the field going. Trucking companies experience low turnover rates and the drivers who work for them enjoy great job stability, which means they work at the same job for many years. Everyone must hang up the keys at some point though, and there are always people from earlier generations retiring. The industry needs new drivers to fill those seats and keep business moving.

New Technology to Employ
Technology continues to play an increasingly important role in the trucking industry, and drivers need to be able to keep up with the new systems. Young people, on average, are more tech-savvy than older folks, so it’s easier to pick up on new gadgets and adapt to updates that haven’t come out yet. Younger drivers are also easier to train, making them great assets to the industry.

High Demand
Trucking jobs are still available, and there’s a significant demand for the services trucking companies have to offer. The industry needs to fill these driving jobs faster than the rate at which veteran drivers are retiring.

Are you ready to get started on your path into the trucking industry? Call HDS Truck Driving Institute at (877) 205-2141. Look at our programs and services by checking out our website, and stop by one of our open houses to see what we’re all about.

What Are the Most Famous Highways in America?

One of the most alluring elements of earning your CDL and becoming a truck driver is the opportunity to see all kinds of different sights. The network of roads and highways that take you across the United States will show you some wonderful sights, so read ahead and learn about some of the most famous examples.

Pacific Coast Highway
California is a large state, so there are many kinds of scenery to see. The Pacific Coast Highway takes you all over the state, so you can see everything from the sunny beaches to the lush greenery that this beautiful area has to offer. This highway will also show you historical landmarks, and it will take you through the biggest cities in the state.

Route 66
The famous Route 66 was originally started in 1926, and at this point in time it was a much bigger road than most. Although it wasn’t completed until 1938, it was still the first road to pave the way between Chicago and Los Angeles. Although it’s not the revered “super-highway” that it once was, Route 66 is an important piece of American history and is still lined with attractions and tourist shops.

Turquoise Trail
You might end up on the Turquoise Trail if you’re heading from Santa Fe to Albuquerque or vice versa. You can find the Tinkertown Museum on this highway, as well as towns like Madrid and Los Cerrillos, which were known for mining. As you might expect, they were mining towns for turquoise.

Extraterrestrial Highway
If you’re into the extraterrestrial, then you need to take a drive along the Extraterrestrial Highway. This stretch of road is near the famous Area 51, and some of the local businesses embrace the “alien” culture.

You can get paid to see America’s famous highways if you attend a Tucson CDL school like HDS Truck Driving Institute. Give us a call at (877) 205-2141 and learn about our truck driving school today.

Start Your New Year with New Career Goals

Every new year is an opportunity to think about what you liked and what you didn’t like about the year that just wrapped up. If your reflection shows you that you weren’t happy with your career, then take this chance to determine what kind of changes you need to make. Keep reading and start your new year with new career goals.

Ditch the Desk
You have to go to work, so you can make enough money to survive as well as support yourself and your family, but that doesn’t mean every day has to be a nightmare. If you wake up every morning dreading the commute to the office where you’ll sit behind a desk for eight hours or more, then you might be in the wrong industry. There are countless jobs that are more active, interesting, and engaging, so look into your options.

Find Your Freedom
Some people like their fields and their jobs, but they feel like they’re too constrained or micromanaged. If this sounds familiar, you might want to hold the same position at a different company. If freedom is the most important aspect to you, truck driving could be the right fit. Truck drivers make their own schedules and do much of their work alone, so you won’t feel like you have someone breathing down your neck.

Meet New People
Every new person you meet is an opportunity to make a connection, and who knows where that connection will take you? Try to meet new people in your line of work, or if you’re looking to change paths, find people who work in completely different industries to see if there’s a better fit for you.

Do your new career goals involve earning your commercial driver’s license and joining the trucking industry? Start by calling HDS Truck Driving Institute at (877) 205-2141. Our Arizona truck driving school will help you prepare for your career as a trucker, and you can learn about our programs on our website.

Adjusting to the Trucker Way of Life

Life as a truck driver can be intense, but if you’re up for the challenge, it can also be incredibly rewarding. After you’ve gotten your CDL and lined up a job, you’ll quickly learn how important it is to manage your time. Staying in shape on the road can be tricky, but there’s plenty to enjoy about the ride. If you’re wondering how to adjust to the trucker way of life, read ahead.

Making Your Schedule
Truck drivers need to be excellent at managing their time. You’ll spend many hours on the road as a truck driver, sometimes as much as 70 hours over the course of eight days. When this is the case, you can’t drive again for 34 hours after this period. You also can’t drive for more than 11 hours in the same day. It’s up to you to create your own schedule while following these time constraints, and it might take a few tries to figure out what works best for you.

Staying in Shape
Nobody drives standing up, so truck drivers spend a long time sitting down behind the wheel. In order to stay healthy, you need a balanced diet and proper exercise. Don’t load up on a big meal early in the day or you’ll get tired while you’re driving. If you’re going to snack between meals, make sure you’re eating something healthy. Do pushups, run laps, or at least stretch when you get out at each rest stop to boost your health and energy.

Enjoying the Ride
You’ll see amazing sights and meet wonderful people when you’re out on the road. Once you find your groove, it’s a lot easier to sit back and enjoy the ride.

The first part of adjusting to the trucking life is to get your Tucson CDL. If you need help getting started, consider enrolling in a truck driving school like HDS Truck Driving Institute. See what we have to offer by visiting our website, or call us at (877) 205-2141 for more details.

Learn the Relationship Advantages of Team Driving with Your Spouse

Not every job lets you team up with your life partner, but professional driving is unlike most other jobs in many ways. Driving with your spouse is nice, because you can build a routine, and you can do it together. You’ll also get to share some amazing experiences on the road, so read ahead and learn more about the advantages.

Knowing Your Routine

Driving a commercial vehicle for a living is much different from working at an office in many different ways, but the two career paths are similar in that you will create some sort of routine. Before you take to the road each day you’ll have to inspect your truck, configure your route, and get something to eat to keep you energized throughout the day. When you and your spouse develop a routine together, you can split the duties in half and get back on the road quickly.

Time Together

One of the main drawbacks of professional truck driving is that you might not see your family as much as you’d like. If you’re on a team with your spouse, you’ll get to see each other every day. This eliminates one of the biggest reasons someone might stay out of the trucking industry. When your kids grow up and move out of the house, you and your spouse can spend your time on the road.

Bonding Experiences

Not only will you spend time with your spouse when you drive as a team, you’ll get to share experiences that most other people don’t. You might see beautiful landmarks, roadside attractions, and scenery together, and the two of you can look back at those memories forever.

You both have to get your commercial driver’s licenses before you can take to the road as a duo, so call HDS Truck Driving Institute at (877) 205-2141. We are a truck driving school in Tucson that can teach you all you need to know to prepare for your career.

Benefits You Can Enjoy at Truck Stops

When you spend much of your time on the road, you start to get to know different truck stops and what to expect from them. A truck stop is a place where you can fuel up your body in addition to your truck, take a shower and brush your teeth, and have some fun when you’re on a break. Here’s a look at the benefits you can enjoy.

Food
The way you eat makes a huge difference in how you feel. By extension, it affects your ability to drive your commercial vehicle safely and effectively. You don’t want to fill up on big meals that will make you tired when you have a day of driving ahead of you, and you shouldn’t turn to sugary snacks to give you the energy to keep going. Truck stops have much more to offer than the typical gas station or convenience store. They offer multiple food options, so you can enjoy a balanced diet no matter where you are.

Bathrooms
A trucking job might have you on the road for days at a time, and even if you’re in the truck alone, personal hygiene is still important. There are plenty of places you can stop to use the bathroom, but truck stops are the preferred choice if you want to brush your teeth, wash your face, or even take a shower.

Entertainment
Some truck stops are surprisingly equipped to offer various forms of entertainment. Even if the truck stop you come across doesn’t include a movie theater, it should at least have a convenience shop where you can buy a new pair of headphones or a charger for your phone or laptop.

The HDS Truck Driving Institute can get you started on your path to becoming a truck driver by helping you earn your Tucson CDL. Look through our website or give our Arizona truck driving school a call at (877) 205-2141.

What Benefits Come from Earning Multiple Endorsements?

Earning your commercial driver’s license is one of the first steps in getting yourself your first trucking job. Your CDL can include different kinds of endorsements, and they can make it easier for you to get into a career that you love. Having more endorsements means you’re a more versatile driver, so you might have more options in the job market. Read on and see what benefits can come from earning multiple endorsements.

Comfort

You never know where your trucking career might take you, but you should be able to put your best foot forward no matter what. Each endorsement has its own requirements. If you know you want to work with tank vehicles, hazardous materials, or double trailers, you should be comfortable when you do. You need to go through testing to earn each of these endorsements, which means you’ll need to keep your skills and your knowledge sharp. This should keep you comfortable and confident when you put these skills to work.

Employability

Although there is plenty of room for new drivers in the trucking industry, it never hurts to make yourself as appealing as possible. If you have more than one endorsement, then you’re probably a versatile driver. Bigger employers that need multiple positions filled will notice this. Having the qualifications to drive a school bus as well as handle hazardous materials might not help within the context of the same job, but it will give you more options as an applicant. Think about what sectors of the trucking industry you’re interested in when determining which endorsements you should strive for.

If you’re interested in earning your Tucson CDL, don’t wait to call HDS Truck Driving Institute at (877) 205-2141. Our truck driving school will help you prepare for a long career in the trucking industry. Learn about what our school can do for you by checking out our website.

Once-in-a-Lifetime Experiences You Can Have While Truck Driving

Truck driving is a unique career path, so a typical day at work can be completely different from day to day. There are many experiences that you might only get to take part in after you earn your CDL and become a truck driver, like waking up to the sunrise in a different location each day. If you enjoy your time on the road and decide you want to invest in the industry, you might even become an owner operator one day. Keep reading for a look at some once-in-a-lifetime experiences you can have while truck driving.

Watch a Different Sunrise Every Day

If you’re getting tired of living the same day over and over again, you’re not alone. It’s common for people to get tired of repetition. Waking up at the same time, taking the same highway, and going into the same office year after year just isn’t right for some people. If you’re the kind of person who lives for change, then truck driving might be the right career path for you. Truck driving is one of the few jobs that can have you in a different city every day of the week. Some people love the idea of getting an early start and watching the sunrise from a different place every day. If this sounds like you, you might be interested in the once-in-a-lifetime experiences truck driving can bring you.

Become an Owner Operator

Some people enter the trucking industry and decide that it’s not for them, while others stick around for the rest of their lives. If you find that the lifestyle works for you and you love the perks of the job, you might one day become an owner operator. This means you’ll own your vehicle and be your own boss, but it takes a lot of work to get there.

You need your commercial driver’s license to enjoy these experiences, so contact HDS Truck Driving Institute or see our website for a look at our services. You can also call our truck driving school in Tucson at (877) 205-2141.

Dos and Don’t for Obtaining Your CDL

To qualify for a commercial truck driving job, you will need to be a CDL holder. The CDL, or commercial drivers license, is required for truck drivers who are working in any state. By attending courses at a Tucson CDL school, you will have no trouble passing your exam and becoming a licensed truck driver. Here is an overview of the dos and don’ts for obtaining your CDL.

Do: Make sure that you meet all eligibility requirements.

Before you enroll in CDL school and start studying for the exam, you will need to make certain that you are eligible to receive your trucking license. Depending on your state, you may need to be at least 18 or 21 years old in order to qualify. You may also be required to pass a physical exam, and prove that you already hold a valid non-commercial drivers license.

Do: Study the CDL manual thoroughly.

In order to obtain your CDL, you will need to pass both written and practical exams. The CDL manual from your state’s DMV office will provide you with all of the information that you need to pass the written exam and receive your CDL. During your time at CDL school, take the time to thoroughly study this manual and memorize its key information.

Don’t: Neglect to enroll in truck driving school.

While it may be tempting to study for the CDL on your own, you will receive many benefits when you attend a program at a local CDL school. Your instructors will provide you with practical experience behind the wheel, and your school can also help you find your first job after you have passed the licensing test.

If you are seeking a great truck driving education in Tucson, be sure to explore the programs that are available at HDS Truck Driving Institute. For more than 25 years, we have provided quality truck driving training to aspiring drivers in the local area. Call us at (877) 205-2141 to receive additional information about the key benefits of our program.  

Including Your Family in Your Decision to Drive Trucks

When you are considering a big career change, it is essential to make sure that your family is on board for the transition. By attending a Tucson CDL school, you will receive the training and qualifications that you need to become a professional truck driver. If you want to make sure that your family is involved in your new job, there are many ways to include your loved ones in your truck driving career. Let’s take a look at some family-friendly ideas for your truck driving job.

Take the Time to Explore New Routes

With a spacious sleeper cab, you can bring your family members along for your long haul journeys. As a family, you will be able to take advantage of your time on the road to explore various routes and see the countryside. Your family members may start to feel like your truck driving job is equal parts career and extended family vacation.

Study Course Materials Together

Many married couples make the decision to become truck drivers at the same time. As a married couple, you will be able to embark on your long haul journeys as a duo. When you are preparing for your truck driving career, you can rely on one another for help with studying CDL course materials and getting ready for your big exam.

Switch Off Shifts Behind the Wheel

You and your spouse can provide one another with valuable support on the road. Rather than having to tackle long stretches of driving on your own, you can rely on your spouse to take over while you are on your rest break. As a result, it will be possible to complete your deliveries on a fast-paced schedule and earn more money!

To learn more about the family friendly benefits of becoming a truck driver, contact HDS Truck Driving Institute. Our Tucson CDL school offers all of the training that you and your spouse will need to become qualified truck drivers. For additional information about our top rated programs, give us a call at (877) 205-2141.  

Is Overseas Trucking Right for You?

After you graduate from truck driving school, you will have the opportunity to see the world from behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle. While many truck drivers take jobs with domestic companies, other drivers choose to embark on careers in other countries. To help you plan for your first truck driving job, here is a look at some signs that overseas trucking is right for you.

You are curious about other cultures.

One of the top signs that an overseas truck driving career is right for you is a curiosity about other cultures and languages. When you work overseas, you will become fully immersed in another country’s customs, regulations, and lifestyle. From retail trucking jobs in Europe to delivery jobs in the Middle East, overseas trucking provides opportunities to experience many other cultures.

You are not afraid of additional requirements.

In order to be eligible for a truck driving job in another country, you may need to be willing to pass additional tests and licensing exams. Depending on your country of choice, it may also be necessary to obtain a work visa for the time that you will be working abroad. If additional requirements do not bother you, an overseas job may be a great next move in your truck driving career.

You speak another language.

Working as a commercial truck driver in another country will provide you with a terrific opportunity to practice your foreign language skills. Whether you grew up speaking two languages, or you have just started studying, you will have ample opportunities to practice your new skills when you start a new job in the country of your choice.

At HDS Truck Driving Institute, we can prepare you for the foreign or domestic truck driving job of your choice. Our top rated Tucson trucking school provides training and test preparation for truck drivers of all abilities. For more information about the benefits of enrolling in our CDL program, give us a call at (877) 205-2141.

Why Are Truckers So Vital to the American Economy?

If you are seeking a fulfilling career that will make a difference for our country, consider a career in truck driving. With CDL training from a truck driving school in your area, you will be fully prepared to embark on an exciting and satisfying career as a truck driver. When you start driving a commercial truck, you can feel great knowing that your job plays a vital role in the lives of millions of people and business owners. Let’s take a look at why truckers are so vital to the American economy.

Truckers deliver products and materials.

One of the top reasons why truckers are so important to our country’s economy is that the truck driving industry allows products and materials to be shipped all over the United States. Without truck drivers, business owners would not be able to deliver and order the materials that are needed to run their companies. Each day, truckers bring fresh food, construction materials, and other essential items to locations across the U.S.

Truckers connect businesses.

In today’s global economy, businesses are connected across long distances. Part of what drives the success of our national economy is the truck driving industry. Commercial truck drivers deliver much needed supplies, equipment, and other materials to business that are located in far off locations across the entire country.

Truckers make up a large work force.

A thriving economy is reliant on fully employed workers with steady salaries. The truck driving industry is continually growing, and trucking employment has provided a stable income to many workers of different ages. As the trucking industry continues to grow, more and more eligible drivers will find steady employment in the field.

To become a part of the booming truck driving industry, consider getting your Tucson CDL. After you take classes at HDS Truck Driving Institute, you will be ready to pass your CDL exam and get your very first job. To learn more about the classes at our truck driving school, call us at (877) 205-2141.