Author: Administrator

When you enroll in truck driving school to earn your CDL, you will learn the fundamentals that you need to know when you operate a larger vehicle. This guide helps you gain some preliminary knowledge about how to safely maneuver mountain roads in a truck.

Do Some Research

There is plenty of information available about mountain roads. If you know the route that you plan to take, you can look up information about the mountains to learn about the steepness of the trail, how many lanes you can expect throughout the trip, and whether or not there are any escape lanes along the way. Depending on the weight of your load, you can determine if you need to plan for an alternate route.

Get Your Truck Serviced Before You Go

If you know that you will be driving through the mountains, you should make some time to get your truck serviced before you leave. It is important that your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater, and exhaust systems are all in working order. You should also check on the brake and transmission fluids and the tread of the tires. When your vehicle is in top condition, it will be much easier and safer to navigate the mountain roads.

Do Not Hug the Line

Some drivers have the tendency to stay too close to the center line when traveling on mountain roads. These roads tend to be narrower than regular highways, which makes some drivers nervous. Driving along the center line can be more dangerous, however, especially if drivers on the other side of the road are doing the same.

Learn everything you need to know about driving a truck at HDS Truck Driving Institute. Our instructors are here to ensure that you learn the information and the skills you need to obtain your CDL. With our programs, you can take control over your future and start working in an exciting industry. For more information on our programs or how to apply, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Driving a truck gives you the opportunity to see large portions of the country as a part of your job. Spending long hours in a vehicle makes it more difficult to abide by healthy, habits, though. Use these tips to help ensure that you can be healthy on the road.

Fixing A Growing Problem

A 2014 study found that as many as 60 percent of long-haul truck drivers are obese. 17 percent of these obese drivers are morbidly obese. This weight statistics mean that a lot of truck drivers are at a higher risk for serious health issues like heart attack, diabetes, and stroke. With the proper attitude and the right habits, though, you can stay healthy while on the road.

Finding Ways to Exercise on the Road

It is important to find at least 15 minutes for exercise every single day. You do not have to go to a gym to increase your heart rate and to get your blood pumping. If you are only working out for a short amount of time, you should aim for high-energy workouts during which you maintain a maximum heart rate of 75-85 percent. You can do this by working multiple muscle groups simultaneously. You might want to bring some free weights into the truck with you so you can do a short workout at a truck stop.

Make an Effort to Eat Healthy

You should make an effort to eat after you exercise to help your body build muscle so it burns more fat. Eat breakfast every day and try to eat every three hours. Truckers have notoriously slow metabolism and maintaining a regular eating schedule can help you speed it up. Since it is hard to find healthy food at truck stops, you might want to pack snacks such as nuts, fruits, vegetables, and protein shakes. Try to avoid fatty, processed foods.

HDS Truck Driving Institute can teach you the skills you need to start working as a truck driver. Sign up today to start on the path toward a fulfilling career. To learn more, call (877) 205-2141.

Before you even enroll in truck driving school, you can familiarize yourself with some common trucking terms that you will probably encounter regularly on the road. Use this guide to prepare for your new career.

Alligator

One of the most important elements of driving a truck safely is spotting any potential hazards on the road. An “alligator” is a term that refers to a piece of tire lying in the road. If possible, you should avoid these hazards so you do not get “bitten.” Although a truck is much bigger than a piece of a blown tire, it could cause damage to your hoses, belts, or other parts of the tractor. The force from your truck might also send it onto another vehicle and cause damage or an accident.

Backed Out of It

With all the weight of a truck, it might be hard to continue traveling at the same speed when the road inclines. If you can no longer maintain your speed on a hill and have to downshift, you refer to it as “backing out of it.” When this happens, you should move over to the right lane to let the faster drivers behind you pass.

Handles

The Federal Communication Commission encourages people who talk over CB radios to use handles. These nicknames make it easier to identify the speaker without having to announce your actual name over the radio waves. Drivers tend to pick their own CB handles and often choose a name that they feel reflects their personality.

Too Many Eggs in the Basket

You might use the term “too many eggs in the basket” if you are carrying too much weight in your truck. If you feel like your load is overweight, you should definitely mention something before you hit the road.

At HDS Truck Driving Institute, we give you the tools you need to earn your CDL and start working in the trucking industry. If you are ready to take control of your own career, we are here for you. To learn more about our programs or admissions, call (877) 205-2141.

When you make the decision to attend truck-driving school, you open yourself up to a whole new set of career possibilities. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of trucking jobs for which you can apply when you get your CDL.

Pulling a Dry Van

New drivers tend to start out by pulling a dry van. This type of truck uses a 53-foot trailer to haul dry goods. These jobs are easy and do not require a higher level of skill, which means they usually fall at the bottom of the pay scale.

Pulling or Hauling Refrigerated Freight

It is considered more difficult to haul trailers with perishable items that must be refrigerated. Not only must a trucker haul these goods, but he or she must also ensure that the freight stays at a certain temperature. Jobs that entail hauling refrigerated freight tend to pay more.

Hauling Flat Bed Loads

When freight does not fit easily into a trailer, it is often transported on a flat bed. Drivers handling flat bed loads are often responsible for driving airplanes, scaffolding, and other large loads that must be securely tied to the bed. Drivers who handle flat bed loads often have more work and more pay than they get with other kinds of jobs.

Driving Tankers

Although most people think tankers are primarily used for gasoline, they can hail any kind of liquid. When you drive a tanker, you are responsible for transporting liquids like milk, chemicals, and gases. Because some loads might be dangerous, truckers must receive special training before they can drive tankers.

No matter what kind of truck you want to drive, start your career at HDS Truck Driving Institute. Since 1991, we have served as one of the top truck driving schools in Arizona and give you the training you need to succeed in your future career. To learn more about our programs, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

When you spend large amounts of time on the road, it is easy to turn to fast, unhealthy food like burgers and French fries. If you make an effort to pack some snacks before you get on the road, though, you can avoid these items and maintain a healthy weight. Keep reading for some great snack ideas for truck drivers:

Nuts

Nuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats, which can actually reduce your risk for heart disease. Try to grab some roasted, unsalted nuts that you can munch on while you drive to keep yourself satiated with a delicious and nutritious snack. Trail mix is also a great snack option that keeps you feeling great while you drive.

Fruit

Fruit is always a great choice for a snack and there are plenty of varieties that are easy to eat on the road. You can grab a handful of blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries without any trouble. Dried fruit is a better snack option than something fattening like potato chips, but it is often full of sugar so you should try to limit your intake.

Hummus and Veggies

Snacking on foods that are high on fiber help you feel full longer. If you can reach for some hummus and chopped vegetables instead of a milkshake, you can satiate your hunger while giving your body important vitamins and nutrients like iron, vitamin C, fiber, and protein.

Hard Boiled Eggs

Spend some time hard boiling eggs before your next big job so you have easy access to this healthy snack. Eggs have very few calories and a lot of protein. They are also a great source of lecithin to help your body burn fat.

At HDS Truck Driving Institute, we can teach you the skills you need to obtain your CDL and start working as a qualified truck driver. Our programs can put you on the path toward a rewarding career. To learn more about our program or our financial aid opportunities, call 877-205-2141.

Some people are more equipped to handle certain lifestyles than others. If you can relate to any of the following, it might be time to consider enrolling in truck-driving school so you can get your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and start out in a new career.

You Love a Challenge

From long hours on the road to unpredictable weather patterns, no two days are the same when you drive a truck. If you love to experience new things and get bored doing the same thing every day, you might really love the life of a trucker.

You Want to See More

There is no better way to see the beauty of the country than by driving a truck. From the green forests of the Northeast to the stunning mountain views of Colorado, America has so many hidden treasures that you might never experience in other venues. Start driving a truck to get a front-row view of these majestic sights and to gain a new appreciation for the place in which you live.

You Enjoy Alone Time

If you hate the idea of being surrounded by coworkers in an office, a career as a truck driver can give you the lifestyle you want. Whether you drive across the country or stay local, you can enjoy plenty of alone time while you are behind the wheel. It is just you, your truck, and the open road.

You Want Job Security

Between 2004 and 2014, there were more than 320,000 trucking jobs and that number is expected to continue to grow. If you want more job security in your career, you should think about enrolling in truck-driving school so you can learn the skills you need to break into a long-lasting career.

Turn to HDS Truck Driving Institute to enroll in one of the best CDL schools in Tucson. We offer nationally recognized truck driver training to enable you to start working in a job you love. To learn more, visit us on the Web or call 877-205-2141.

The American economy depends on the trucking industry. If you are looking to start a career that provides job security, you might want to consider going to truck-driving school to get your CDL so you can be a part of an industry that provides these essential services:

It Transports Domestic Shipments

Companies depend on domestic shipments to run their businesses. Trucks transport about 70 percent of all domestic shipments. This enables businesses to move their products to other areas of the country and it also allows them to get the products and the supplies they need to continue running their companies. Without the trucking industry, domestic shipping would take a huge hit.

It Moves Items between Other Types of Transportation

Even if goods and products are sent by train, boat, or air, they will still likely travel on a truck at some point. The trucking industry allows companies to send their materials from one location directly to another. Without trucks, it would be much more difficult to get these items to the desired destination.

It Provides Thousands of Jobs

The trucking industry employees about 800,000 truck drivers in the U.S. alone. This is an essential addition to the economy and provides plenty of work opportunities for people who are looking for a steady career. With such a valuable working resource, the trucking industry helps thousands of families earn a reputable living.

It Boosts the Economy

On top of providing a lot of jobs, the trucking industry adds a lot to the American economy. It brings in about $650 billion of revenue each year, which is a huge contribution to the country’s gross income. In fact, trucks are responsible for about 84 percent of the entire revenue of the whole transportation industry.

If you want to be a part of an industry that is such a pillar of this nation, sign up for truck-driving school at HDS Truck Driving Institute. Our programs are designed to get you behind the wheel of a truck or other kind of commercial vehicle as quickly as possible. To learn more, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

After you complete your truck-driving school program and earn your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), it is important to start utilizing resources that can help you in your career. Keep reading for some ideas on resources that can help you excel in your new job.

Landline Magazine

This business publication is designed for professional truckers to help you learn the ins and outs of the industry. With links to articles about government regulations, news stories, and trucking headlines, this magazine can help you become the best truck driver you can be.

Blog4Truckers

If you want to hear news and updates from other truck drivers around the country, you should definitely add Blog4Truckers to the bookmarks on your web browser. This blog gives you tips on freight factoring, fuel cards, and even equipment financing to help you do your job as efficiently as possible.

Department of Energy and Department of Transportation

Government resources can also help you simplify your time behind the wheel. The Department of Energy posts weekly gasoline and diesel fuel updates to help you better gauge how much you will spend while you are on the road. You can also turn to the Department of Transportation for more information on safely operating a truck.

National Traffic and Road Closure Information and National Weather Hazards

Knowing what to expect while on the road makes it easier and safer to operate your vehicle. Check out the National Traffic and Road Closure Information website before you start driving to see if there are any potential hazards or delays on your route. You should also look at National Weather Hazards to make sure you can complete your trip safely.

With an education from HDS Truck Driving Institute, you can quickly earn your CDL and start a career as a truck driver. With the help of our truck-driver training and resources like these, you can be sure to make the most of every experience on the road. To learn more, visit us online or call 877-205-2141.

Completing truck-driving school puts you on the path toward an exciting and successful career. Before you finish your schooling, you should start compiling playlists that can accompany you on your long drives once you get your commercial truck driver license. Here are some selections to get you started:

“Life Is a Highway”

Try to fill your playlist with a lot of high-energy songs that keep you awake and help you focus on the road. “Life Is a Highway” is the perfect example of a road-friendly song that will make the long hours on the highway much more enjoyable. Whether you want to go old school with the original Tom Cochrane version or make it a little bit country with Rascal Flatt’s rendition, this song is sure to keep you feeling energized while you drive.

“On the Road Again”

Willie Nelson’s classic “On the Road Again” should definitely find a spot on your playlist. If you have a passion for your career as a truck driver, this song will speak to your soul. With lyrics like “just can’t wait to get on the road again,” you will be excited to get behind the wheel and start on another long journey.

“Truck Driver’s Prayer”

This ode to the truck driver is another country classic that can help you get through a long shift of driving across the country. Red Sovine’s song pays homage to truck drivers by saying things like “If everyone would drive like you guys do/ there would be a lot less accidents and deaths on the highway.”

“Truck Driver’s Blues”

Merle Haggard sings it well in his song “Truck Driver’s Blues.” With lyrics like “keep them wheels a rollin’/I ain’t got no time to lose,” he perfectly embodies the feeling of driving a truck when you are ready to find a rest stop for the night.

No matter what you choose to put on your own playlist, HDS Truck Driving Institute is here to help you get qualified to begin a career as a truck driver. Since 1991, we have trained countless drivers in Tucson. To learn more about our programs, visit us online or call 877-205-2141.

There are many benefits to starting a career as a truck driver. Just like any other job, though, there are some potential drawbacks. Use this guide to learn about some of the dangers of trucking so you can avoid them and enjoy a smooth and simple career:

Sleep Deprivation

Driving when you are tired can decrease your response time and make it more dangerous to operate a large vehicle like a truck. It can also affect your memory, prevent you from maintaining a healthy weight, and increase your blood pressure. Missing out on sleep also impacts your immune system, which could increase your chances of getting sick. Make sure you get plenty of rest so you are at your best when you are behind the wheel.

Weight Gain

Sitting down for long stretches of time and eating fast food on the highway puts you at risk for gaining a lot of weight. About 73 percent of truck drivers are overweight and 50 percent are obese. Pay attention to the foods you eat and try to get some exercise so you can maintain a healthy weight even when you are on the road. Make an effort to walk as much as you can throughout the course of a day or carry some dumbbells with you so you can do some light strength training. Instead of ordering the supersized meal at the fast food restaurant, you should try to set your sights on healthier options.

Heart Attack and Stroke

Unhealthy habits like gaining weight and eating bad food can drastically increase your risk for serious health issues, including heart attack and stroke. Be diligent about eating healthy food and getting plenty of exercise to reduce these risks and maintain your health.

Come to HDS Truck Driving Institute to learn how to drive a truck and earn your CDL license. As one of the top truck-driving schools in the Tucson area, we make it easy to start a rewarding career. Call 877-205-2141 to learn more.

Many people have a preconceived notion about what it means to be a professional truck driver. If you are interested in breaking into the industry, though, you should learn more about the job and what it entails. Keep reading to expand your knowledge of the world of truck driving and find out why drivers do the things they do:

They Abide by Company Speed Limits

You may have noticed that trucks tend to match speed with each other while driving on the highway. Although this might be frustrating for people driving in cars, the drivers are following company protocol. Most truck companies have a maximum speed limit of 65 MPH, which they regulate with a computerized system. If the drivers went any faster, they would be breaking their company’s rules.

They Have to Make Wide Turns

When someone is driving a large truck, they have no visibility in their mirrors when they start to make a right turn. Because of this, most drivers choose to take wider turns so they can avoid hitting curbs and poles.

They Try to Signal Other Drivers

Truck drivers can see a lot of the road in front of them and they sometimes try to inform other drivers of upcoming hazards or obstructions. A truck driver will often turn on his or her turn signal when they are next to another car to give the car the signal to either speed up or slow down. If you pay more attention to what truck drivers are doing, it can help you be prepared for potential hazards on the road.

If you are interested in becoming a truck driver, turn to HDS Truck Driving Institute to get the education you need. Our Tucson CDL school prepares you for your upcoming career so you are more than ready to spend time on the road. To learn more about our program, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Even the best drivers are susceptible to certain road hazards that could lead to a dangerous situation. If you are interested in attending truck-driving school, it is important to understand the different types of hazards you might encounter while on the road so you are always prepared for anything you might encounter:

Debris

Whether you are driving after a bad storm or a bad accident, road debris can create a huge hazard for truck drivers and the vehicles around them. Garbage, the remnants of a blown-out tire, or even road kill could create a potentially dangerous situation on the road. When driving a truck, it is important to pay attention to what is in front of your vehicle so you have a chance to spot debris early and find a way to avoid it.

Bad Road Conditions

Potholes and other bad road conditions like uneven lanes are major driving hazards. Unfortunately, it is often hard to see these hazards until you are right on top of them. Try to abide by the speed limit and pay attention to other drivers to do what you can to avoid hazards like these.

Pedestrians

Trucks are wide, heavy vehicles that are difficult to maneuver quickly. Pedestrians, children, and even animals are huge potential hazards for truck drivers. If you are driving near any pedestrians or children, you should slow down so you have time to react if they suddenly move in front of your vehicle. Although it might be your instinct to swerve to avoid animals, that action might lead to a serious accident.

HDS Truck Driving Institute offers CDL training that prepares you for life as a professional truck driver. We are proud to educate future drivers in Southern Arizona with the skills and knowledge they need to successfully start working in the industry. To learn more about our program or our financial aid options, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.