Author: Administrator

A Truck Driver’s Guide to DAC Reports

Enrolling in truck driving school is the first step towards a lucrative career in the transportation industry. After you learn the basics of operating a commercial motor vehicle and pass your Arizona CDL exam, you’ll be prepared to join the ranks of professional drivers who are making on average between $32,000 and $50,000 per year. There are some things you’ll just have to learn on the job, but there are other aspects of being a truck driver that you can learn about beforehand to help your career take off from the beginning. One important aspect in particular to learn about is the DAC report. Here’s what you should know about DAC reports as you start on your path towards becoming a truck driver.

What are DAC Reports?

In the trucking industry, DAC stands for “Drive-A-Check.” For professional truck drivers, the DAC report is equally as important as one’s consumer credit report. Essentially these reports provide a detailed summary of a driver’s work history and contain such information as the type of truck and trailer operated, driving accidents, legal transgressions, and whether or not the driver is eligible for rehire. With the exception of recent truck driving school graduates, a company places a very high value on the DAC report when hiring a new driver.

Where do DAC Reports Come From?

DAC reports are compiled and provided by HireRight, a private company that specializes in providing background checks for all kinds of industries. As a background check provider, HireRight is bound to operate within the regulations set forth by the Fair Credit Reporting Act.  

What Should You Do with Your DAC Report?

Because DAC reports are so important to a truck driver’s career, it’s important that you monitor your DAC report as you would monitor your credit report. Under the FACT Act, drivers are entitled to receive a free copy of their DAC report once every 12 months. Additional copies can be obtained for $9.50 each. Periodically examining your report for inaccurate, missing, or incomplete information is part of the job of being a professional truck driver.

If you’re reading this that means you want to prepare yourself for a successful career as a truck driver. Fortunately, HDS Truck Driving Institute has the same goal. Our truck driving school in Tucson prepares men and women to have long and successful careers as professional drivers. Call us toll-free at (877) 205-2141 to learn more about our CDL programs.

Christmas Gift Ideas for Truck Drivers

If your loved one is currently enrolled in a truck driving program or thinking about attending truck driving school in Tucson, what better way to show your support this holiday season than with a Christmas gift or two that any truck driver (or aspiring truck driver) will love. HDS Truck Driving Institute wants to help you give the perfect gift this Christmas, which is why we’ve written this post about some of our favorite gifts for truck drivers.

Kindle

Truck drivers might be able to bring a few books along with them on the road, but Amazon’s incredible digital reading device will allow your loved one to bring an entire library with them. The latest Kindle can also play movies and music, making it the perfect entertainment device for over-the-road truckers who are gone from home for days at a time.

Bluetooth Headset

Not only is it illegal to talk on a cellphone without a hands-free device while operating a commercial vehicle, but it’s also incredibly dangerous. To keep in touch with your loved one and make sure he stays safe behind the wheel, give the gift of a Bluetooth hands-free wireless headset this Christmas.

Mobile Hotspot Card

Truck drivers can find internet at almost any truck stop or hotel while on the road, but for everywhere else a mobile hotspot card allows your loved one to surf the web, send emails, stream movies, and stay connected with friends and family back home.

Heated Seat Cushion

Truck seats aren’t the most comfortable, and older rigs don’t usually come with heated seats. You can kill two birds with one stone, so to speak, by giving your truck driver a heated seat cushion this Christmas. This gift will keep your loved one warm and comfortable through all of the cold states this winter.

If your loved one has talked about going to truck driving school, HDS Truck Driving Institute can help his or her dreams come true. Our rolling CDL training programs start every Monday, so your loved one can work towards becoming a truck driver quickly and without delay. Call our truck driving school in Tucson at (877) 205-2141 to learn more about our programs.

How to Choose a CDL Training Program

If you want to become a truck driver, getting the right training is key for your performance behind the wheel and ultimately the success of your career. Truck driving schools throughout the state offer training for future truck drivers, but the quality of training you’ll receive can vary widely from one school to the next. With so many CDL training programs to choose from, how do you know which one is the right one? Here are some factors to consider as you look around at truck driving schools in Tucson.

Accreditation

First and foremost, make sure the truck driving school you are thinking about attending is accredited and recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. One of the accrediting bodies for truck driving schools is the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). If you learn that a program is accredited by the ACCSC, you can be confident in the CDL training you will receive.

Professional Associations

The best truck driving schools are those that hold memberships with some of the leading associations in the trucking industry. Common professional associations to look for when researching CDL schools is the American Trucking Association, the Commercial Vehicle Training Association, and the Arizona Motor Transport Association.

Job Placement Assistance

A good CDL school will prepare you to be a professional driver, but a great one will help you get there. When looking for truck driving schools, take into consideration whether or not a specific school offers job placement assistance for its graduates. HDS Truck Driving Institute, for example, offers its graduates lifetime job placement assistance. That’s a level of support you won’t find from many other programs in the state, let alone the country.

If you’re thinking enrolling in truck driving school in Tucson, we invite you to learn more about what HDS Truck Driving Institute has to offer. Call us toll-free at (877) 205-2141 to speak with one of our admissions representatives, or feel free to stop by one of our open house events on the second Saturday of the month in November and December.

A Look at the ATA Grassroots Program

The American Trucking Association is the largest national trade association for the trucking industry and is the voice of the truck drivers, trucking companies, truck driving schools, and anyone else involved in the industry. One of the ways in which the ATA protects the interest of the trucking industry is through its grassroots program. ATA’s network of industry members, including truck driving schools like HDS Truck Driving Institute, work together to influence legislative decisions on the state and federal level to promote a pro-trucking environment. After you earn graduate from CDL school in Tucson and become a driver, your involvement in the ATA grassroots program will ensure a powerful force for the benefit of truckers everywhere.

Grassroots Program Action Center

The ATA’s Grassroots Program Action Center is a robust software platform that allows members to communicate directly with Members of Congress on the issues that are most important to the trucking industry as a whole. Members use the Grassroots Program Action Center to track important bills and quickly connect with state and federal officials overseeing legislation that can impact the industry.

Call on Washington

An integral arm of the Grassroots Network, ATA’s Call on Washington program allows members to meet directly with congress members, key congressional staff, federal regulators, fellow industry leaders, and ATA staff to discuss legislation and regulatory actions affecting the trucking industry. No other program provides such direct interaction with so many significant government and industry contacts, which is part of the reasons why the ATA’s grassroots program has been so successful over the years at protecting the interests of the trucking industry.

HDS Truck Driving Institute is proud to be affiliated with the ATA. We’re happy to do what we can to promote a pro-trucking environment in the United States, especially to the benefit of our graduates. To learn more about our truck driving school in Tucson, call us toll-free at (877) 205-2141 or come to one our open houses to meet with our instructors and find out how our CDL training programs can prepare you for a career in the trucking industry.

Looking Back at the History of the American Trucking Association

The American Trucking Association (ATA) has been the leading advocate for truck drivers and the trucking industry as a whole since 1933. The ATA develops and advocates policies that promote highway safety, security, environmental sustainability, and profitability for all involved in the nation’s motor carrier industry. As you begin researching CDL schools in Tucson and exploring the requirements to become a professional truck driver, take a few minutes to learn about some important moments in the history of one of the trucking organizations.  

1933: A Merging of Common Interests

The ATA is formed in 1933 after a merger agreement between the American Highway Freight Association and the Federation Trucking Associations of America. This merger was in response to the National Recovery Administration’s order that all industries show how they will comply with the Code of Fair Competition.

1937: The First National Truck Roadeo

The first National Truck Roadeo is held and sponsored by the ATA, which will eventually become the National Truck Driving Championships. The NTDC is still the premier trucking event for professional drivers in the United States.

1941: The ATA Recruits for the Government

The ATA is asked by the Office of Defense Transportation to recruit personnel for the U.S. Army Transportation Corps. These men and women were crucial in America’s efforts during WW2.

1985: The ATA Litigation Center is Founded

After decades of successfully championing on behalf of the motor carrier industry, the ATA establishes the ATA Litigation Center to further the industry’s goals through the nation’s legal system.

HDS Truck Driving Institute is proud to be affiliated with the American Trucking Association. We are a fully-accredited educational institutions that has helped thousands of students pass the CDL exam. If you wish to learn more about enrolling in our truck driving school in Tucson, please call us toll free at 1-877-205-2141. Our CDL school has served Southern Arizona since 1991.

Essential Tips for Your Career as a Truck Driver

So you want to be a truck driver? The first step is to enroll in truck driving school and obtain your CDL. After that, you’ll be prepared to drive for a company or start a career as an owner-operator. Although truck driving schools in Arizona will teach you everything you need to know about driving a big rig, there are some things you’ll learn only after you get out on the open road and start driving professionally. To give you a head start and help you get your truck driving career off to the best start, here are some essential tips for new drivers.

 

  • Build a Good Relationship with Your Dispatcher – If you start your career driving for a company, you’ll want to get on good terms with the dispatcher. A good relationship with your dispatcher can result in better loads and even more miles, which ultimately means more money and an easier time on the road.
  • Never Refuse a Load (If You Can Help It) – Truck drivers are allowed to refuse a load that they feel is unsafe or is not reasonably expected to arrive in good condition, but these should be the only reasons you refuse a load. Refusing a load for any other reason can paint a bad image of you as a driver and reduce your future pickup opportunities.
  • Take Care of Your Truck and Your Body – It may seem obvious, but it’s important that you take care of your truck if you want to enjoy a long and successful driving career. A well-maintained truck can save you a lot of headache in the long run. It’s also important that you take care of your body, which means getting plenty of rest, exercising when you can, and having a good diet.

HDS Truck Driving Institute employs only experienced drivers as instructors, which means you’ll receive real-world advice from drivers who know the ins and outs of the trucking industry. You’ll also receive the finest training that will not only help you pass the CDL exam, but also become the kind of professional driver that companies seek. Contact us online or call 1-877-205-2141 to learn more about enrolling in our fully-accredited CDL school in Tucson.

Tips for Staying Alert and Awake While On the Road

You can learn all the skills necessary to become a professional truck driver by attending an Arizona CDL school, but there are some aspects of truck driving that you’ll need to master on your own. For example, while truck driving schools in Tucson will give you tips and pointers on how to stay safe on the road, it’s your responsibility as licensed truck driver to take care of yourself and make sure you are up to the task of driving. Staying awake and alert is critical if you want to be a safe and productive driver, which is why we’ve chosen to highlight some of the top tips to help truck drivers remained sharp and focused on the road.

Get a Good Night’s Sleep

One of the easiest ways to stay alert and feel awake while on the road is to get plenty of rest at night. You should try to get at least six hours of sleep, although you should really try to get a least eight hours for optimal performance.  

Avoid Large Doses of Sugar and Caffeine

Lots of sugar and caffeine can wake you up and get you going, but that rush of energy only lasts for a few hours and is typically followed by a heavy crash. To avoid this sudden energy dump, try to limit your sugar and caffeine intake throughout the day.

Stretch Your Legs

The next time you’re feeling a bit drowsy behind the wheel and still have a few more hundred miles to go until you reach your destination, pull over at get the blood flowing. You can stretch, take a brisk walk, or even do push-ups or jumping jacks to get a quick boost of energy that should help you stay awake and alert until you can pull over and rest.
The professional driver instructors here at HDS Truck Driving Institute have decades of combined experience on the road and can share even more tips to help you become a safe and productive truck driver. Visit our website to learn more about our CDL programs in Tucson, or call us at 1-877-205-2141 to speak with one of our truck driving programs advisors.

Understanding Different CDL Classifications

In order to operate as a truck driver in the United States, you must have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). If you’re interested in driving 18-wheelers, you should enroll in a truck driving school that prepares you to obtain your Class A CDL. However, there are other types of CDL classifications that you may be interested in depending on the type of driving career you want to pursue. This blog post will help you understand the different CDL classifications so you can enroll in the right CDL program in Tucson.

Class A CDL

The Class A CDL is required to operate a combination vehicle (truck and trailer) that has a combined gross weight of more than 26,000 pounds. Drivers can broaden the scope of their career opportunities with additional Class A CDL endorsements. For example, a Hazardous Materials endorsement will enable you to transport hazardous cargo.  

Class B CDL

The Class B CDL is required to operate any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of over 26,000 pounds. The difference between the Class A and Class B CDL is that Class B CDL holders are not allowed to tow a trailer in excess of 10,000 pounds. Drivers with a Class B CDL often find careers driving dump trucks, commercial buses, and other similar large commercial vehicles.

Class C CDL

The Class C CDL is required to operate any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight less than 26,000 pounds that is required to transport hazardous materials or 16+ passengers. You must also obtain a Passenger (P) or Hazardous Materials (HME) endorsement in order to obtain a Class C CDL.

HDS Truck Driving Institute provides the training you need to obtain your Class A or Class B CDL. Our truck driving school in Tucson has rolling admissions throughout the year, with CDL classes starting every Monday. For additional information about our CDL school or the driver training programs we offer, please call 1-877-205-2141.

Advice for Getting the Most Out of Your Pit Stops

Even if you’ve never driven a big rig before, chances are you’ve pulled into a truck stop at some point in your life. Although truck stops may seem like regular gas stations to normal drivers—albeit very big gas stations with restaurants and showers—they represent a whole lot more to truck drivers. For some drivers, truck stops are as close as they’ll get to home for days or even weeks at a time. Truck stops allow drivers to fuel up, relax, and get ready for another long stretch on the open road. As you prepare to enroll in truck driving school in Tucson, keep these tips in mind to make the most out of your rest stops as a professional driver.  

Bring Toiletries and Laundry Detergent from Home

Although truck stops have all of the toiletries you’ll need to get clean, you can save a lot of money if you bring these items along with you. The same goes for laundry detergent. If you’ll be on the road and away from home for an extended period of time, be sure to shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and other toiletries you’ll need to avoid the high prices at truck stops.

Get Out and Look Before Parking

Considering the heavy traffic at most truck stops, it’s important that you choose your parking spot carefully. One of the most important things to look for is a spot that won’t force you to back up in order to get out. You also don’t want to be near any trucks that will have to back up either. Before you set the brakes and turn the engine off, get out and do a quick look around the truck to make sure your rig is in a safe spot for the night.

Although truck stop tips aren’t officially part of the CDL curriculum at HDS Truck Driving Institute, our faculty has decades of combined experience behind the wheel and can share professional tips to help you become a confident and successful truck driver. Contact us online or call us at 1-877-205-2141 to learn about enrolling at our Tucson truck driving school.

Using Chains on Your Truck During the Winter Months

Most truck drivers in Arizona never need to worry about using snow chains on their big rigs, but it’s an important skill that every truck driver should know regardless of where they operate. If you’re thinking about attending truck driving school in Tucson and then becoming a long-distance driver, you’ll likely encounter winter road conditions along the way that require the use of heavy chains. Although you’ll learn more about using chains and other safety features during the CDL program, this short blog post will give you an introduction to snow chains and provide helpful tips that most drivers only learn after years of experience.  

What Chains Do

Tire chains are devices that provide maximum tractions when driving through snow or over ice. Although big rig tires provide a lot of grip on their own, they can easily slide out of control on slippery road surfaces. Tire chains give you better control and can also improve your truck’s braking ability in snow or ice.

When to Use Chains

Considering how important it is that truck drivers not lose control of their vehicles while driving on slippery roads, states have mandatory chain laws that require truckers to use chains at different times of the year. The times to use chains can vary from state to state, but you will see signs on the interstate informing you when it’s time to pull over and chain up.

Snow Chain Pro Tips

Putting on tire chains can be a difficult task for truck drivers, especially the first couple of times. To help, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind the next time you chain up:

  • Make sure to lay the chains down with the open ends of the cross links facing the tarmac
  • When fitting the bungees, make sure the hooks are facing outwards
  • Hook the inside of the chains before tightening them from the outside

HDS Truck Driving Institute is committed to producing the very best truck drivers in the state of Arizona. Whether you choose to drive locally or set out as a long-distance, cross-country driver, with truck driver training from HDS Truck Driving Institute in Tucson you’ll have the skills necessary for a long and successful career in the transportation industry. Call us at 1-877-205-2141 to learn more about our CDL programs.

Staying Safe on the Road During the Holiday Travel Season

Safety should always be a primary concern, and things always tend to get a little more hectic around the holidays. As long as you have your Tucson CDL and your wits about you, however, you can make it through the trip unscathed. Read on for a few tips on staying safe on the road during the holiday travel season.

Pay Attention

Whether you are driving to the grocery store around the corner or practicing to earn your Tucson CDL, it is important to remember that anything can happen on the road. This is why you must pay attention to the task at hand in order to stay safe. Avoid distractions like texting, making phone calls, or eating while driving. Pull over if you need to adjust your GPS or look at your map so that you do not endanger yourself or other drivers.

Plan for Anything

Preparation is key when it comes to staying safe in any situation. It is wise to pack an emergency kit to bring with you while you are on the road. Whether it is the middle of summer or the dead of winter, it is always a good idea to bring bottles of water and non-perishable foods in case you find yourself broken down on the side of the road. Make sure you have your vehicle inspected before going on a long drive.

Follow the Rules

In many cases, your safety on the road depends on your judgment. Drive at an appropriate speed, follow the local traffic rules, and be courteous to other drivers. Be sure to wear your seatbelt whenever your vehicle is in motion, and take note of any work zones that you may pass through during your route.

For more tips on staying safe on the road during the holiday travel season, contact HDS Truck Driving Institute or visit our website. Our Tucson CDL school will provide you with the necessary skills and experience to pass your CDL test and secure a job in the commercial driving industry. Feel free to give us a call at (877) 205-2141 for more information today.

The Role of Women in the Truck Driving Industry

As long as you are of age and legally allowed to drive in the United States, you can get a Tucson CDL regardless of your gender. While the truck driving industry is primarily made up of males, there are plenty of female drivers as well. Here is a brief overview of the role of women in the truck driving industry.

Variability

Everyone has different experiences at work, and this goes for both genders. The region in which you work, your specific job, and the company you work for all play their own roles in your overall experience on the job. Women may be just as qualified as men to obtain CDLs and drive commercial vehicles for a living. They may be drivers, dispatchers, or supervisors.

What to Enjoy

Society tends to treat men and women slightly differently. When it comes to the truck driving industry, your treatment depends on your individual circumstances. Some female truck drivers have considered it an advantage to be a female in the industry. Those who enjoy special attention might get what they desire, and it could come in the form of a free truck stop meal or radio directions. Receiving assistance quickly and efficiently can help to keep you on track and prevent you from experiencing setbacks, so this may be a significant advantage. However, some female drivers do not like any extra attention.

What to Look Out For

In a field that is largely made up of males, the presence of a female tends to stand out. Although some men point this presence out at any chance they get, this is by no means the norm. Always report any inappropriate behavior to your superior if someone makes you uncomfortable at work.

Would you like to learn more about the role of women in the truck driving industry? Call HDS Truck Driving Institute at (877) 205-2141. We are an Arizona truck driving school that seeks to help both men and women earn a Tucson CDL and enter the trucking industry. You can find out much more about our truck driving school by visiting our website.