Author: Administrator

Truck driving as a service and a career has existed since shortly after the use of vehicles became widespread around the end of World War I. Since this time, trucking has grown to become one of the predominant industries in the United States. Today, truck driving is responsible for the delivery of more than half of the raw materials and consumer goods shipped in the U.S., contributing to both the growing job market and the improving economy.

The Birth of Truck Driving

Prior to WWI, most goods were transported across the U.S. via train or horse-drawn carriage. Starting in the 1930s, the use of trucks to transport goods began to increase as the establishment of paved roads became more widespread. In 1933, the American Highway Freight Association and the Federation Trucking Associations of America merged to form American Trucking Associations, which remains the trucking industry’s largest national trade association.

The Establishment of Trucking Regulations

As the trucking industry continued to grow, the need for trucking regulations arose out of public safety concerns for both truckers and other drivers. In 1965, the first hours of service rule was enacted; since then, the hours of service rule has been updated several times. The deregulation of the trucking industry occurred in 1980 with the passage of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980, allowing carriers the right to establish their own rates and reducing the overall cost of consumer goods. In response to growing safety concerns, the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 established the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to develop and implement strategies for improved safety while on the road.

The trucking industry continues to make history today as a major workforce in the U.S. You can earn your CDL in Arizona to become an important part of this industry by attending HDS Truck Driving Institute of Tucson. Check us out online to find out more about admissions and CDL classes, or feel free to call us at (877) 205-2141 for the answers to your questions about CDL school and truck driving.

Truck drivers rely on the quality of their truck for safety and efficiency while on the road. Whether you are part of a large or small trucking fleet, maintenance is the key to greater performance across every mile. By including truck drivers as part of a fleet maintenance program, employers can improve results, lower operating costs, and take steps toward a healthier environment.

Outline Maintenance Needs

The first step in creating a preventive fleet maintenance plan is to outline every vehicle’s maintenance needs. If a fleet is comprised of similar vehicles, this step may be simple—however, it’s still important to take into account the age and mileage of each truck. Fleets that include many different trucks may require more organization at first, as different vehicles often require different maintenance tasks at varying mileage. Keeping a record of each vehicle, its past maintenance, and the schedule on which it should be maintained will help employers and truck drivers stay on top of regular maintenance for improved performance.

Note Every Change

As a truck driver, you are on the front lines when it comes to noticing changes in your vehicle’s performance. Rather than waiting until a component has completely failed, note any changes in your truck’s performance, large or small, as soon as you notice them. CDL drivers learn how to perform pre- and post-trip inspections on their vehicle; taking the time to follow inspection protocols carefully and thoroughly will help you spot issues that require maintenance or repair. Addressing problems when they are minor will cut costs and reduce the chances of a breakdown that could result in significant lost time, widespread damage to other parts of the vehicle, and even risk your safety while on the road.

HDS Truck Driving Institute is dedicated to teaching you how to become a successful trucker in Arizona. Our CDL school will provide you with the skills and know-how to excel—please call (877) 205-2141 or take a look through our website to find out more.

 

 

Due to their size and length, trucks have numerous blind spots that cannot be seen directly from the cab. These blind spots pose a safety hazard to both truck drivers and the vehicles around them. Your mirrors provide the valuable information you need about traffic and other conditions around your truck to help you remain safe on the road.

Visualize Your Surroundings

The main value of your truck’s mirrors is their ability to help you visualize your surroundings. Your mirrors are mounted in a way to compensate for many of your truck’s blind spots, giving you a clearer picture of the cars, pedestrians, and structures around you as you drive. Checking your mirrors constantly allows you to spot potential hazards, such as vehicles or pedestrians next to your truck, preventing accidental collisions during lane changes and turns. However, it’s important to remember that even with your mirrors, your truck still has large blind spots and you should always handle changes in course with care.

Keep Up with Road Conditions

In addition to providing the location of the cars around you, your truck’s mirrors also provide information about where these cars are going and how fast they are moving. As you drive, you can use your mirrors to ensure you are keeping up with traffic and to note changes in the flow of traffic around you. You can also use your mirrors to visualize the movement of cars and make predictions about how they will move in the future to ensure you are moving at a safe speed and have sufficient time and space to react to sudden changes in road conditions or unexpected moves made by aggressive drivers.

At HDS Truck Driving Institute, you’ll learn how to handle a truck safely during your CDL training in Tucson. You can find out more about our nationally recognized truck driver training and how to enroll in our program by calling (877) 205-2141 or clicking through our website.

Before you can obtain your CDL and start working in the commercial truck driving industry, you must pass a medical and physical examination. Keep reading to learn more about the requirements for these tests so you are prepared to pass when you finish your school program:

Vision Requirements

Since a person with a CDL will be operating a large commercial vehicle, it is essential that he or she has good vision. Before qualifying for a license, a driver must get a vision test that proves he or she has 20/40 correctable vision in each eye. It is okay if the driver requires glasses or contact lenses to reach this prescription.

Diabetes Requirements

A person operating a commercial vehicle cannot have diabetes that is controlled with needle-injected insulin. If a person has diabetes that can be controlled by diet, however, they can still qualify for the CDL. Every driver must have a blood sugar level below 200.

Blood Pressure Requirements

The DOT also has specific blood pressure requirements for drivers before they can get a CDL and start working in the industry. A driver must have blood pressure of 140/90 or less in order to get the 24-month DOT Medical Certificate. If blood pressure ranges from 140-159/90-99, they can qualify for a 12-month certificate. Drivers with blood pressure of 160-179/100-109 can get a 3-month temporary certificate. Anyone with blood pressure over 180/110 cannot get a certificate until the blood pressure is under control.

Other Medical Requirements

There are other medical requirements that can affect your ability to obtain your CDL. If you have sleep apnea, a back injury, or a hernia, it might affect your chances of getting the license.

The teachers at HDS Truck Driving Institute can help you figure out what you need to do to get your CDL and start working. Our truck-driving school gives you the information you need to get your license quickly. To learn more about our programs, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

 

The trucking industry is responsible for transporting practically every kind of good used in the United States. If you are looking for a new career with plenty of job security, you should consider becoming a truck driver. Keep reading to find out why it is one of the most common jobs in the country:

There Are Always Job Opportunities

Since the trucking industry is so integral to business in America, there are always plenty of job opportunities for people who want them. If you make the effort to go to truck-driving school and obtain your CDL, you can start working in an industry that has plenty of work. Cement your future by breaking into the truck driving industry.

You Have a Choice Over Your Schedule

Most truck drivers have a lot of input in their schedules, which helps them fit work around their lives. If you prefer staying on the road for long periods of time and having a few days off in a row, you can work with a company that has long-haul jobs. If you prefer to stay close to home, though, you can work with a company that has plenty of local driving opportunities.

You Have the Freedom of the Road

Not everyone is cut out for sitting in an office all day long. If you would rather spend long stretches of time in a vehicle on the highway, you should think about joining the truck-driving industry. While you are at work you have the opportunity to see the most beautiful parts of the country without ever leaving the truck.

If you think that the world of commercial trucking sounds right for you, sign up for the truck-driving program at HDS Truck Driving Institute. We help our students learn all about the industry so they can get their CDL and start working as a driver. To learn more about our programs, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Before you can officially get your CDL in Tucson and start working as a commercial driver, you must first obtain a CDL instruction permit. Use this guide to figure out how to get this permit so you can be one step closer to your new career as a truck driver.

Getting a Permit Before a License

If you are applying for your CDL for the first time, you must first get the CDL instruction permit, which is valid for six months. Drivers must be 21 years old to get a CDL. If you are at least 18, you can apply for an intrastate CDL that is only valid in Arizona. If a driver is under 21, though, he or she cannot transport hazardous materials.

Applying for the Permit

When you are ready to apply for your permit, you must get a physical examination and a Medical Examiner Certificate or an ADOT card. You also have to have your social security card and your regular driver’s license as well as another form of identification with your picture. You must be able to prove that you have had at least one year of driving experience in a vehicle that is not a motorcycle. If you have a current Arizona driver’s license, this information will be in the database.

Taking the Class and the Test

Once you have applied for your permit, you have to enroll in a class of license before you can sign up for your permit exam. You have to pass a knowledge test before you can obtain your permit.

If you are interested in driving a commercial truck for a living, HDS Truck Driving Institute is here to help you. We offer nationally recognized training programs that help you learn the skills and the knowledge that you need to get your CDL and start working in the industry. To learn more about our program or how to apply, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Once you finish your program in truck-driving school and earn your certification to work in the industry, you have to figure out how to navigate the real world of being a truck driver. Keep reading to find out how to get insurance for a commercial truck if you ever decide to become your own boss:

Meet the State Minimum Liability Policy

Every state has different rules when it comes to the minimum amount of liability insurance that you need to cover your vehicle, your business, and your employees. You must have at least the minimum required by your state. Commercial trucks, agricultural trucks, flatbed trucks, fifth wheel trucks, tank trucks, tow trucks, and front loaders must all be covered by commercial vehicle insurance policies.

Get the Coverage You Need

When you get commercial insurance for your vehicle, it will protect your company and your assets. It also covers all of your permanent employees as well as temporary drivers that you use to transport your vehicles. Commercial vehicle insurance can even provide higher coverage for vehicles that are associated with more risk.

Determine Your Rates

There are a few different factors that an insurance company will use to figure out your rates. They will take into account the age and driving record of anyone who will operate your commercial vehicle. They will also look at the type of license that each driver holds and the make and model of the truck. The insurance company must also know what kind of cargo you carry, the amount of passengers in the vehicle, and the mileage that the vehicle does in a year.

Before you can own a trucking company, you must first complete truck-driving school. Apply to HDS Truck Driving Institute to start on the path toward a successful career in the industry. Our programs are designed to help you become the best driver that you can be. To learn more about our program or our financial aid options, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

When you are driving for long periods of time over all kinds of terrain, it is extremely important that your truck operates at its best. Keep reading to find out how to choose the right kind of oil for your commercial truck to keep it running smoothly:

Use the Right Viscosity

It is extremely important to look for the right weight when choosing oil. The wrong viscosity might lower the fuel economy of your vehicle and zap the power. Look at your oil filler cap to find out what viscosity you need for your vehicle to function properly.

Choose Better Grades

Making an investment in the short run can save you from paying a lot of repair costs in the future. Instead of choosing a kind of oil that barely meets the requirements for your vehicle, you should splurge a little bit on the kind with the highest grade. This ensures that your truck gets the lubrication it needs to drive as efficiently as possible. Oil helps keep all of the parts in the vehicle moving and removes sludge deposits and other buildup that might negatively affect the way the truck drives.

Read the Owner’s Manual

If you are unsure about the kind of oil to use in your vehicle, you should check out the owner’s manual to get a better idea of what you need. Make sure you change the oil every 3,000-5,000 miles so your truck operates at its best. This also helps you avoid any unnecessary maintenance issues that might leave you stuck on the side of the road.

At HDS Truck Driving Institute, we help you learn all of the skills that you need to start working as a professional truck driver in the commercial industry. Our programs are designed to help you on your path toward your CDL. To learn more about our admissions policies or how we can help you find a career, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Before you can start working as a professional truck driver, you have to earn your Arizona CDL. Once you finish your truck driving school program, you will have to apply for your CDL. Keep reading to learn the steps of applying for this license so you can begin the next phase of your career.

Apply for Your License

The first step to attaining your CDL is to complete the application. The application is two pages and asks you about pertinent information that proves you are ready to get your CDL. Make sure you fill out every line so the Department of Transportation can start to process your paperwork.

Prove Your Citizenship

Before you can get your license, you have to prove that you are legally able to work in the United States. You have to submit at least two documents to prove your citizenship, one of which has your photograph. If you do not have any documents with a photo, you can submit three acceptable forms of identification. You must bring in original documents that are written in English and certified by the agency that issued them.

Bring Identification and Proof of Age

You also have to provide a government-issued ID and something that has proof of your age. It is imperative to bring in two forms of identification and at least one has to have your picture. The Arizona Department of Transportation must also verify your social security number.

Proof of Residence

In order to obtain your CDL in the state of Arizona, you have to prove that you reside there. This means that Arizona must be your permanent home and principal residence.

Start your journey toward your CDL by applying for the program at the HDS Trucking Driving Institute. We make it easy to learn the information and the skills you need to earn your license. For more information on our program and financial aid opportunities, visit us online or call 1-877-205-2141.

 

Once you have completed your program in truck driving school, you have to pass your CDL test before you can officially start to work as a driver. Use the following tips to conduct a thorough and successful pre-trip inspection that will help you make a good impression on the day of your test.

Look at the Entire Truck

You should spend some time inspecting the entire truck to ensure that everything is in working order. This overall safety check lets you know the vehicle is ready for use and feel confident that it will not cause any unexpected problems that could lead to hazardous driving situations. Look at the tires, the headlights, the taillights, the mirrors, and the windshields.

Make Sure the Parts Are in Order

You should also look at all of the important hoses to make sure there are no holes or other problems that could cause an operating issue. Look on the ground for signs of any leaks. You should also check out all of the belts to see if they are all still snug and in the best condition.

Check on the Driving Functions

It is also important to spend some time going over the clutch, the gearshift, the brake, and the accelerator to make sure there are no problems that might make it dangerous to drive. You should also look at the oil pressure gauge and the steering functions. Take some time to see if there is any emergency equipment on board. This equipment should include electrical fuses, reflective triangles, and a fire extinguisher.

This pre-trip inspection and the skills you learn at HDS Truck Driving Institute can prepare you for a long and fulfilling career as a truck driver. Our classes and instructors are here to teach you all of the information and the skills that you need to obtain your CDL in minimal time. To learn more about our programs or how to apply, visit us online or call 1-877-205-2141.