Author: Administrator

When it comes to getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL), there are two main approaches to training: classroom and hands-on. These approaches have different advantages and each one is better suited to different stages of truck driver training. A combination of both gives you the widest range of experience at CDL school. 

Classroom CDL Training

Classroom CDL training involves the mandatory theory training as well as studying and learning the regulations, laws, and safety practices required to be a safe and successful professional truck driver. This type of training usually takes place in an in-person classroom setting but can also be completed online through a variety of courses. 

 

The main advantage of in-person classroom CDL training is the amount of information you learn in a short time. You can learn about the different types of CDLs, the rules of the road, and the regulations required to be a safe and responsible driver. Additionally, in-person classroom CDL training can prepare you for the written and skills tests you must take to obtain your license.

 

The downside of classroom CDL training is that it doesn’t provide any on-the-road experience. You will learn a lot of valuable information in the classroom setting that you will put into practical application and apply during the hands-on driving. 

Hands-On CDL Training

Hands-on CDL training involves physically getting behind the wheel of a truck or another vehicle and driving. This training type is the best way to gain the necessary skills and experience to become a safe and responsible driver.

 

The main advantage of hands-on CDL training is that it allows you to apply the information you’ve learned in the classroom to actual driving scenarios. Hands-on training is also the best way to get comfortable with the size and feel of a vehicle and gain experience with the different types of roads and driving conditions you may encounter on the job.

 

You’ll typically need to earn your commercial learner’s permit (CLP) before you can start hands-on training. Hands-on driving is best for preparing for the skills test, but, for fairly straightforward reasons, it wouldn’t make sense to use this type of hands-on training to prepare for the multiple-choice CLP exam. 

Interactive CDL Training at HDS Truck Driving Institute

HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS Truck Driving School) will help you become the best professional truck driver you can be. Our interactive learning environment combines classroom and hands-on training and is taught by instructors with real road experience. By combining these two approaches, we ensure that our students receive the highest-quality training possible to set them up for success in the trucking industry.

Contact HDS today to start your exciting new career as a professional truck driver.

 

Road safety is crucial for the trucking industry. Accountability from a higher authority helps the industry ensure better road safety by establishing programs. One program that helps keep the trucking industry safe is the CSA program. In this article, we will define CSA scores, cover the seven categories that determine these scores, and explore the benefits of a good score.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created the Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) program to monitor the safety performance of commercial vehicles and the companies that operate them. The CSA score is a numerical rating ranging from 0 to 100 that reflects the safety performance of a vehicle, driver, or carrier company. This program acts as an accountability check to ensure companies follow the best safety practices.

How is a CSA Score Determined?

The CSA score is based on seven categories, which are known as the “BASICs”:

1. Unsafe Driving: Violations related to speeding, reckless driving, and other dangerous behavior behind the wheel.
2. Hours of Service: Violations related to the time a driver is allowed to operate their vehicle.
3. Vehicle Maintenance: Violations related to the vehicle’s condition, such as worn tires or improper load securement.
4. Driver Fitness: Violations related to a driver’s physical and mental health, including drug and alcohol testing.
5. Hazardous Materials: Violations related to the transport of hazardous materials, such as improper labeling or inadequate safety measures.
6. Crash Indicator: An individual driver’s crash record.
7. Safety Management: Violations related to a company’s safety policies and procedures.

The CSA score is calculated based on the number of violations in each of the seven categories and their severity. The higher the number of violations in a category, the higher the CSA score. A higher CSA score indicates a higher risk for the carrier, and a lower CSA score shows that the company is operating safely.

Benefits of a Good CSA Score

The CSA score is a tool for evaluating a trucking company’s safety performance. It can help customers choose which carrier to work with and assist carriers in improving their safety performance by identifying areas of improvement. Ultimately, the CSA score can help ensure the trucking industry is safe for everyone on the road.

Some benefits of a good CSA score include:

Safe Trucking Operation

First and foremost, a good CSA score is indicative of a safe trucking operation. A low CSA score shows the trucking company adheres to the FMCSA’s safety regulations. This score helps ensure that the trucking company and its drivers are following the rules and regulations, making the roads safer for all drivers. 

Improve Reputation

In addition to safety, a good CSA score can also improve the reputation of the trucking company. A low CSA score indicates to customers, shippers, and other industry players that the trucking company is reliable and responsible. This indication can lead to increased business opportunities, as customers and shippers are more likely to do business with a company known for its safety record. 

Save Money

Finally, a good CSA score can also save money. Companies with lower CSA scores are often eligible for discounts on their insurance premiums, as they are considered less risky to work with. These discounts save trucking companies a significant amount of money in the long run. 

Learn Safe Driving Practices at HDS

We provide high-quality commercial driver’s license (CDL) training at HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school). Our experienced instructors will help you learn the basics of safe trucking, while our job placement assistance team can help you find opportunities to match your goals and desires.

Contact HDS today to learn more about our safe truck driving school.

The trucking industry is an integral part of the global economy, transporting goods and services across the globe. With new developments changing the industry, the future of trucking may look very different from what it is today. 

Four changes to expect in the future of the trucking industry are:

1. Automated Assistance For Drivers

Automation is a hot topic in the trucking industry. While there are some driverless vehicles being tested, it’s still unlikely that the near future will involve a rise of fully automated vehicles. However, automation is still likely to play a role in the future of trucking. Technological advancements can improve safety and assist drivers while still having a person behind the wheel. 

2. More Electric Trucks on the Road

The transportation industry is also striving to reduce its carbon footprint, so drivers can expect to see an increase in energy efficiency and sustainability initiatives in the future. Along with autonomous trucks, the use of electric trucks is also likely to become more common as the technology continues to develop and become more affordable. Electric trucks are more efficient than diesel-powered trucks because they produce fewer emissions, resulting in a cleaner environment. Electric trucks also require less maintenance than their diesel counterparts, saving on costly maintenance costs.

3. Faster Communication

In addition to autonomous and electric trucks, the trucking industry will also be affected by the development of 5G networks. 5G networks will allow faster communication between trucks and other drivers on the road, improving safety and efficiency. 5G networks will also enable self-driving trucking fleets, allowing drivers to control multiple vehicles at one time.

4. Use of Data-Driven Technologies

Finally, the development of data-driven technologies will also influence the trucking industry. Data-driven technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and predictive analytics will help drivers make better decisions about routes and delivery schedules. These technologies will result in increased efficiency and cost savings for drivers and trucking companies.

The Bottom Line

While the future of trucking may look different from what it is today, the bottom line is that the professional driver will continue to play a vital role in the global economy. Electric trucks, 5G networks, and data-driven technologies will all help to make truck driving jobs more efficient and cost-effective.

Join One of the Largest Career Fields in the Country

While the industry may be changing, the fact remains that with over a million truck drivers, trucking is one of the largest career fields in the United States. At HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school), we strive to keep the industry growing by educating the next generation of truck drivers. We offer programs with an interactive learning environment, instructors with real road experience, and endorsement training for hazmat, tankers, and doubles/triples.

Contact us today to speak with an admissions advisor or set up a tour of our facility.

 

In any career, maintaining a good work-life balance is important for your well-being and job satisfaction. Although trucking has unique challenges and a lifestyle that is different from other types of careers, it is still possible to find ways to find time for yourself and stay balanced.

Here are some tips for improving your work-life balance as a trucker:

1. Make The Most Of Home Time

The frequency and duration of time at home varies will vary depending on your company’s policies and the types of routes you drive. Regardless of how much home time you have and how often it occurs, it’s important to make the most of it when possible.

Of course, everyone has responsibilities that take up time at home. Plan these out ahead of time when possible so you can make time for activities that help you relax, recharge, and connect with loved ones at home. Take the time to think about your priorities and focus on those when you’re at home.

2. Stay Connected

The solitary nature of trucking is often a positive aspect for independent individuals who enjoy having more control over their day-to-day life at work. At the same time, it can get lonely on the road. The good news is that it’s easier than ever to stay connected to loved ones back home thanks to modern technology. Schedule time for phone calls and video chats to stay in touch. You can also send pictures of interesting sights along the route; just make sure you don’t drive distracted!

3. Take Hobbies On The Road

The work schedule of a trucker varies from day to day, but you can still make time for your own hobbies and interests when you’re not driving. Finding ways to have fun and relax while you’re out on a haul is one of the best ways to improve your sense of work-life balance. There are many hobbies that you can take with you, from writing to video games and many more. Small items can fit in your semi-truck sleeper and if your company provides an inverter, you can keep small electronics running even when your engine is off.

4. Don’t Forget Your Physical Health

Health may not seem related to work-life balance, but it can have a big impact on your sense of well-being. Finding time to keep yourself healthy can be difficult regardless of career and although truckers have different roadblocks to conquer, it’s definitely possible to improve your health with small changes over time.

Here are some steps to take:

• Make sure you get enough sleep. Having a routine helps and you can also upgrade your mattress and find ways to block out light and sound.
• Bring food along to prepare on the road and choose healthier options when you eat out.
• Drink lots of water and minimize your intake of sugary beverages like soda or energy drinks.
• Be cautious with caffeine intake. A little bit is fine, but don’t use it to try to bypass your need for sleep.
• Stay active by walking or running around truck stops or finding exercises you can do in your truck, such as lifting small weights.

Becoming A Trucker

If you’re interested in the trucking lifestyle, HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) can help you get started in as little as four weeks.

Contact us today to learn more about our truck driver training program.

 

Taxes can be confusing in any profession. In trucking, one question that often comes up is the difference between being classified as a 1099 contractor or a W2 employee. This distinction is important to understand when filing your taxes and can also help you determine the differences between different trucking jobs that may be available to you.

1099 vs W2 Basics

The differences between 1099 and W2 workers are consistent regardless of the industry. It’s helpful to understand these basics before examining how this affects truckers specifically.

1099 workers are considered independent contractors. They are not considered employees and are not subject to the same withholdings as W2 workers. As an independent contractor, the 1099 employee is responsible for their own taxes and insurance. In order for an employee to be classified as a contractor and receive a 1099 instead of a W2, a worker must meet certain criteria, such as being self-employed or working on a contract basis.

W2 employees are considered regular employees and their taxes are withheld by the employer. The employer is then required to pay the employee’s share of social security and Medicare taxes, as well as any other required deductions. W2 employees are hired to perform specific duties for the company compared to contractors.

1099 Trucking Jobs

In general, owner-operators receive 1099 forms during tax season. These drivers operate their own trucking company. They may contract with one or more different carriers or find loads on their own. Either way, they are not considered employees.

There are many benefits to being an owner-operator, such as having more control over your schedule. Owner-operators are also often able to make more money. However, these individuals are responsible for more costs and there are risks involved in running your own trucking business. It’s important to weigh these factors carefully before deciding to become an owner-operator.

W2 Trucking Jobs

Company drivers are typically W2 employees. This means the trucking company takes on more administrative burdens and costs. Truckers have more control over their day-to-day schedule than most W2 employees, but the motor carrier does still determine which loads are offered and the general requirements for how the job is done.

Being a company driver often offers more stability than becoming an owner-operator, although you can take fewer deductions on your taxes. However, you also aren’t liable for as many costs. Operator-operators must be able to manage all aspects of running a trucking business, whereas W2 truckers can focus on driving and let their employers handle administrative tasks.

Earn Your CDL

Whether your long-term plan is to become an owner-operator or a W2 trucker, you’ll need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to get started. HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) can help you earn your license in as little as four weeks. We give our students a strong foundation and teach skills that will continue to benefit them throughout their trucking careers. 

To learn more about earning your CDL in Tucson, contact us today.

 

Brakes are one of the fundamental components of any motor vehicle. Air brakes are the type of brake most commonly used by commercial motor vehicles (CMV) like tractor-trailers, trucks, and buses. This high-power braking system is a reliable and practical alternative to the hydraulic brakes found in other motor vehicles. To ensure the air brakes on your semi-truck operate safely, you must first understand how they function, so read on to learn how air brakes work in your CMV.

Air Brake System Operations

Air brakes use compressed air instead of the hydraulic fluid used in passenger cars. This system provides an unlimited air supply and eliminates fluid leaks in CMVs, keeping truckers safe while transporting tens of thousands of pounds of freight. 

In an air brake system, an engine-mounted compressor pressurizes the air. The compressor pumps the pressurized air into tanks that store it until needed. When a driver presses the brake pedal, the air travels through a chamber and triggers a mechanism to apply pressure to the brake drum. This mechanism slows the vehicle to a stop.

Air brake systems also use air pressure to actively hold back large springs that enable an emergency brake. These brakes will engage automatically if the system loses pressure due to an air leak.

Air Brake Components in Semi-Trucks

Many parts come together to make an air brake system work. To help you better understand its function, we broke up the system into its components.

• Air Compressor: The air compressor is the main component of an air brake system. It compresses the air to the desired pressure, then transfers it to the storage tank.

• Storage Tank: The storage tank stores compressed air at high pressure.

• Brake Pedal: The brake pedal is the mechanical linkage that initiates the brake application, operated by drivers inside the commercial vehicle.

• Brake Actuator: The brake actuator is a piston-cylinder mechanism connected directly to the brake pedal. When a driver presses the pedal, this mechanism creates pressure.

• • Brake Drum: The brake drum is mounted on the vehicle’s tires and performs the braking action.

• Braking Lines: Braking lines, also known as supply lines, transfer compressed air from the storage tank to the brake drum.

• Triple Valve: The triple valve has three primary applications: charging air into the storage tank, applying pressure to the brakes when the braking line pressure drops, and releasing the pressure from the brakes after the stop is complete.

• Air Filter/Dryer: The air filter removes dust particles from the atmospheric air, while the dryer removes moisture and humidity. 

• Dirt Collector: The dirt collector is a small device used to collect dirt particles that the air filters separate. 
• Safety Value: The safety valve attaches to the storage tank to prevent it from bursting. The valve releases some air when the pressure reaches a certain value.

Ready to Start a Career in Trucking?

The first step toward a rewarding trucking career is earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) from a reputable truck driving school. At HDS Truck Driving Institute, we offer financial assistance, accelerated and expanded programs, and employment assistance. You can complete your CDL training in as little as four weeks at our accredited school.

Connect with one of our advisors today to find out how soon you can get started.

Trucking school is often the first step toward a rewarding career in the transportation industry. These classes help you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and learn the basic skills you need to become a trucker. However, there’s still a lot to learn once you graduate if you want to be the best trucker you can be. It’s important to stay aware of continued opportunities to grow once you hit the road.

Here are some tips for going beyond what you learn in trucking school:

1. Understand The Importance Of Your Attitude

At truck driving school, you’ll learn about potential situations you could encounter on the road. Your instructor will help you understand the regulations you’ll need to follow, basic directions for safe driving, and how the trucking industry works as a whole. However, there’s one big thing your instructor can’t teach you, and that’s how to manage your attitude.

Even if you know the “right” way to respond when something goes wrong, it’s still important to manage your emotional reaction. As an example, imagine you get stuck in traffic. Trucking school will teach you how you may be able to trip plan to avoid this situation, how to stay compliant with hours of service (HOS) regulations for driving time, and how to continue to drive defensively. Despite all of this, traffic is still going to be frustrating. You’ll need to learn the strategies that help you calm down and focus on the big picture. This is something that you’ll need to perfect over time when you’re on the road, and someone else can’t do it for you (although they may have some tips to help).

2. Communicate Clearly

Communication is a big part of being a trucker, even though you’ll spend most of your time behind the wheel by yourself. At truck driving school, you’ll learn some of the basics of who you will be communicating with and what issues may come up, especially related to safety. However, they can’t tell you exactly what to say, and they can’t foresee every circumstance you may run into. Instead, you’ll need to determine how you can communicate best with your team after you’ve gotten to know their expectations. In general, communicating early and being clear about potential issues is the best way to build a strong reputation.

3. Know How To Get Help

After you graduate from trucking school, you’ll likely spend some time on the road with a driver trainer, depending on the company you choose to work for. After this, you’ll be on your own, but this doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from support. However, it’s important to understand where you can go for help.

Everyone was a rookie at some point and many remember how it felt to need help. This means a lot of truckers will be ready to offer you advice and assistance. That being said, this doesn’t mean all advice is good advice. Over time, you’ll develop the intuition and wisdom to understand who you can trust.

Build A Strong Foundation

Although there are many things you can’t learn at trucking school, it’s still important to get a strong start with high-quality CDL training. At HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school), we help our students learn valuable information about the trucking industry. You can earn your CDL in as little as four weeks with our accelerated program.

To learn more about our trucking school in Tucson, contact us today.

Truckers keep our nation moving and deliver freight across the country. This is a stable industry with year-round work, which means drivers are out on the road throughout the seasons. However, certain types of freight are impacted by seasonal cycles. Different parts of the year also have unique challenges in terms of safe driving. Being aware of how trucking changes through the seasons can help you better prepare for the year.

Late Winter/Early Spring

January through March is typically the slowest season for the trucking industry. The holidays have ended and the new year generally brings a bit of a lull in freight volume, although this is more pronounced in certain industries than others. You may be able to take home time more easily, although you should still expect steady work unless you are in a highly seasonal job.

Roads are still icy from winter, so you need to be sure you are prepared for this. Have emergency supplies in case you need to stop due to bad weather and plan ahead for potential delays. Drive slowly and carefully and pay close attention to weather forecasts.

Late Spring/Early Summer

As spring arrives, freight volume tends to increase. This is especially prevalent in the produce industry, but many different types of carriers will see the effects, especially if produce in the region takes up a lot of available trucks.

This tends to be an easier season in terms of driving, at least as it relates to the weather. However, you may notice more cars on the roads as summer break begins. Plan for traffic, especially near tourist destinations and big cities. Heat can also affect your truck depending on the region you are driving through.

Late Summer/Early Fall

August through October is the peak season for trucking as companies across multiple industries are preparing for the holidays.

This is still an easy season as far as weather goes, although you should still plan for some heat and traffic as summer wraps up.

Late Fall/Early Winter

From November to December, the holiday season is in full swing. You can expect high demand during this time, especially as companies prepare for holiday closures and as some trucks are off the road while drivers enjoy time with their families.

Again, staying prepared is essential during the winter to make sure you can safely drive through snow and ice.

Prioritize Safety Year-Round

No matter what season you are driving in, keep in mind that you should always focus on defensive driving and staying safe. Even if the weather is great and traffic is mild, you still need to be paying close attention on the road.

Become A Trucker

If you’re interested in an essential job with stable demand, HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) can help you become a truck driver. We offer commercial driver’s license (CDL) training and our program can get you on the road in as little as four weeks.

Contact us today to learn more about our truck driver training program.

Have you ever zoned out while behind the wheel, even though you’re fully conscious? Then you likely experienced highway hypnosis. It may sound mystical, but this experience is common among drivers, especially truckers on long-haul routes, and can be extremely dangerous. Keep reading to learn more about highway hypnosis and how to avoid it. 

What is Highway Hypnosis?

Highway hypnosis, sometimes called white line fever, is a term used to describe the trance-like state a driver enters when they are not paying close attention to the road or their surroundings. Instead, they are spaced out and focusing on something other than driving, while still subconsciously performing driving maneuvers, such as changing lanes or using a turn signal.

Highway hypnosis happens most commonly to tired drivers, but monotonous roads also play a significant role in this phenomenon. Driving on a flat road with only one type of visual scenery for a long period of time causes the brain to depend less on retinal feedback (what you actually see) and more on extra-retinal feedback (mental prediction of what you’ll see). You may not always realize that highway hypnosis has taken over until you’ve snapped out of it.

Some warning signs include:

• Sleepiness
• Loss of concentration
• Wandering thoughts
• Feeling dazed
• Slow reaction time
• Heavy eyelids or frequent blinking 

How to Avoid Highway Hypnosis

Avoiding this occurrence is imperative for truckers’ safety and the safety of other motorists around them. You must take steps to prevent highway hypnosis when you head out on a long-haul route.

Follow these five steps to help you avoid highway hypnosis:

1. Get Enough Sleep

As mentioned above, highway hypnosis occurs most commonly among tired drivers, so ensuring you get enough sleep before hitting the road will help lower your chances of zoning out while driving. Adults require around seven hours of sleep each night to function properly. 

1. Take Frequent Breaks

The longer you spend driving, the greater the chances of your brain disengaging from what is happening. Take a break every hour or so when behind the wheel to help prevent fatigue. Getting out of your vehicle, stretching, and walking around will get your blood pumping and re-engage your brain with its surroundings. 

1. Talk to Someone

Talking with someone helps the brain stay focused rather than drift off into daydreams. If you are driving with a partner, strike up a conversation or make a phone call from a hands-free device if you are alone. However, be mindful that talking on the phone, even hands-free, can also be a distraction, so if you notice that you’re losing focus on the road, end the call. If talking to someone else isn’t an option, talking or singing to yourself can also keep your mind engaged.

1. Make an Environmental Change

Altering external stimuli can also help prevent the brain from switching off. If you feel yourself losing focus, make a change to your driving environment by opening the window, turning the heat down, adjusting your seating position, or changing the music or podcast you’re listening to. Avoid cab conditions that increase your chances of feeling sleepy, such as using a seat warmer or leaning your seat back.

1. Skip Big Meals

Eating a large meal causes you to feel drowsy because your body is focusing its resources on breaking down the food. The more food you eat, the more energy goes to your digestive tract, so try to avoid eating a big meal before driving. Instead, have a light meal or snack to keep your energy levels up.

Learn Safe Driving Habits at HDS Truck Driving Institute

Highway hypnosis is just one of the many hazards truck drivers encounter while on the road. At HDS Truck Driving Institute, we teach our students safe driving habits and give them the tools to deal with any complications that may arise along their route. 

Call one of our advisors today to learn how to become a professional truck driver in as little as four weeks.

There are few careers that allow you to keep your pet by your side every day. Trucking is one such career at many pet-friendly motor carriers across the nation. There are many benefits to hitting the road with your furry friend. However, there are also some things you should consider before trucking with pets.

Here are the pros and cons of truck driving with a cat or dog on board:

Pros

A Companion On The Road

The most obvious and typically the most significant benefit of trucking with a pet is that you have a companion on the road. Truck driving is often a solitary career, and it can get lonely at times. Having a furry friend by your side can make this easier.

More Opportunities for Exercise

Truckers spend most of their day behind the wheel, which means they are typically sitting down. This can lead to the potential for weight gain and other health issues due to a lack of exercise. If you have a dog on board, you’ll need to stop regularly to walk them. This encourages you to get moving regularly and can have a positive effect on your health.

Potential Security Benefits

Certain breeds of dogs can bark to alert you if someone is near your truck and can provide security benefits. Of course, this likely won’t work as well with a very small dog, and cats aren’t known for guarding abilities, so this benefit will depend on the type of pet you have.

Cons

May Not Be Best For All Pets

Some pets won’t be a good fit for the trucking lifestyle. They may be too big, prefer space to run around during the day, or have health issues that make it harder for them to be on the road. Be sure to take your companion to the vet before you hit the road to see if they are medically ready to be a trucking pet. In addition, think about your pet’s personality and needs to determine if they’ll enjoy being on the road with you.

Potential Messes And Clutter

If you have a cat on board, you’ll need a litter box for them. Dogs will need to be taken out regularly and could have accidents on the truck. In addition, both dogs and cats can shed and leave hair around your cab. You’ll need to have extra cleaning supplies on board, and should be prepared to accept a bit more mess than you might have trucking on your own.

Need For Extra Preparation

Before you hit the road with your pet, you’ll need to prepare. Trucking with a pet requires more supplies than trucking alone, and you’ll also need to plan for potential emergencies. Trip planning can also become more complicated since you’ll need to not only stop for fuel and your required breaks but also to let your pet out (if you have a dog).

Becoming a Trucker

If you’re looking for a career that lets you bring your furry best friend along every day, consider earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL). At HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school), we can help you get started in as little as four weeks. Our job placement assistance team can help you find positions that meet your needs, including finding motor carriers that allow pets on board.

To learn more about how to start trucking with your pets, contact us today.

Over-the-road (OTR) trucking takes drivers across the country. Unlike other types of jobs, you won’t report to the same location every morning. There will likely be times when you wake up in a different state each day. However, the motor carrier you work for will typically have one or more trucking terminals. If you’re looking for a driving job, it’s important to understand the impact of your distance from the nearest terminal on your life as a trucker. This can help you make an informed decision.

What Is a Trucking Terminal?

Before we can discuss how the location of your company’s trucking terminal(s) affects you, we need to define what a terminal is. This is a location where a motor carrier has offices, maintenance shops, and other facilities for their essential business functions. Many terminals also have amenities for the company’s drivers.

How Often Do Truckers Visit A Terminal?

Different motor carriers have different policies for where drivers can leave their trucks during home time. In many cases, truckers are able to park their vehicles at their residence (if there is space to do so safely) or nearby (with permission from a local business or property owner). In these cases, you wouldn’t necessarily need to park at your closest terminal unless it was nearby and convenient. In other circumstances, companies may require that trucks be left at the closest terminal for home time.

If you aren’t required to leave your truck at a terminal during any home time, you’ll likely need to stop at a company terminal for required maintenance or repairs. There may be other options for where to stop depending on the company, especially if there is urgent maintenance.

All in all, how often you stop at a terminal can vary significantly depending on your company’s policies and your own preferences.

Do You Need To Choose a Company With a Terminal Near You?

There are multiple benefits to choosing a motor carrier with a terminal near your hometown, although this is not a requirement.

Some benefits include:

• Indicates Freight In The Area: When you request home time, your motor carrier will try to find a load that brings you back to the area. If the terminal is near your home, this is a good indication that they have regular freight in the area.
• Makes Parking For Home Time Easier: While you don’t have to park your truck at the terminal for home time, this is often easier and safer than trying to find suitable parking on your own. Many residential areas don’t have space for a semi-truck, and even if you have permission to park in a business’s lot, it may not always be the safest or easiest option.
• Allows You To Get Repairs During Home Time: If you need repairs or maintenance and live near a terminal, you can drop your vehicle off and head home while you wait. Otherwise, you may need to stay in an area away from home while you wait.

Why Do Some Truckers Work For Companies Without Nearby Terminals?

Although many truckers prefer working for motor carriers with terminals nearby, others choose to work with companies without terminals in their area. One reason for this may be if a driver lives in a rural area. Another could be if a driver finds a company that matches all their preferences otherwise, but which doesn’t have a terminal nearby. As long as a company is hiring drivers based in your area, you can apply for a job even if there isn’t a terminal near you. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons first.

Earn Your CDL

If you’re interested in starting your trucking career, HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) can help you get started. You can earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) in as little as four weeks with our program and we offer job placement assistance.

To learn more about our CDL training in Tucson, contact us today.

Trucking has the potential to be a great opportunity for many individuals. After earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and getting some experience, you have multiple options to tailor your career to your preferences. When you are first getting started, it’s worth thinking about what your long-term goals are so you can work toward finding your trucking niche and building a rewarding career.

Here are some tips for finding out what type of trucking is best for you:

1. Realize You’ll Probably Start with OTR

Although there are multiple options in trucking for different route lengths and specialty freight, most drivers start with an over-the-road (OTR) job. This means you’ll spend a few weeks at a time on the road and complete hauls to any combination of regions within the contiguous United States.

Most entry-level trucking jobs will also be dry van hauls, meaning you will transport material in a standard tractor-trailer that doesn’t require refrigeration or transport liquids. Some entry-level jobs are available for refrigerated trucks (reefers), but this often depends on the region and the specific company.

Many truckers prefer to stay within this niche of the trucking industry for the duration of their careers, as it offers excellent pay and benefits. Additionally, this is the type of driving that is most consistent with the idea of the “trucking lifestyle” and the freedom of the open road. However, other truckers may prefer to transition to a different type of driving later on. If you believe this will be the case for you, still try to approach your time OTR with an open mind. Take note of what you like and don’t like, as this can help you refine your career options later. Focus on building your skills and staying accident-free while you build your experience.

2. Think About The Type of Driving You Like

As you spend more time behind the wheel, you’ll get a feel for what kinds of driving you like, and which you prefer to avoid. For example, you may find that driving at night with fewer cars on the road and less competition for parking is comfortable for you. In this case, a reefer job or a less-than-truckload (LTL) position may be a good fit, since night driving is more common. Otherwise, you may prefer to stay with dry van OTR or a local job that drives during the day, so you can either make your own daily schedule or have a set schedule that minimizes night driving. You can also think about how you handle city driving, which is typically more common in local and regional jobs.

3. Determine Your Home Time Preferences

Home time considerations are usually a major factor in the length of route a driver prefers. For example, if you want to be home every night, a local job can allow you to do this. OTR jobs, on the other hand, involve staying on the road for a few weeks at once. Regional jobs are somewhere in the middle. Specific home time policies vary based on the company, but these general guidelines can help you determine which type of trucking is most aligned with your home time goals. Keep in mind, however, that OTR jobs typically pay more, so you’ll want to consider both pay and home time when making a decision on where to work.

Earn Your CDL

At HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school), we can help you earn your commercial license in as little as four weeks, and offer job placement assistance. Whether you’re interested in a dry van job or transitioning into a more specialized form of trucking down the line, getting your CDL is the first step to a rewarding driving career.

Contact us today to learn more about our CDL training program in Tucson, AZ.