Author: Administrator

Trucking is a great career option with high earning potential. Drivers can earn more than $72,000 per year.* The process for calculating how much truck drivers earn is different than it is in other industries. While some regional and local driving jobs pay per hour or a salary, most long-haul jobs pay per mile. If you’re interested in a trucking career, it’s important to understand how per-mile pay works.

Benefits of Per-Mile Pay

With per-mile pay, how much you earn is based on your performance. While there are sometimes factors out of your control that affect how far you can travel, over time, the best truckers are able to learn skills like trip planning to help them get more miles. For highly motivated individuals, this can make trucking an attractive career option because you can work harder to earn more. Many companies also have bonuses for drivers that are able to meet certain mileage goals, further increasing your earning potential.

Potential Challenges

In cases of heavy traffic, bad weather, or other delays, it can be harder to hit your mileage goals. It’s important to be aware of this and to plan strategies to manage your stress when this occurs. For some types of delays, like if you are waiting to be unloaded at a receiver, your motor carrier may offer supplemental pay. Be sure you know and understand your company’s pay structure for these circumstances.

Types of Per-Mile Pay

There are a few different ways trucking companies may calculate the miles you get paid for.

Some of the most common include:

Practical Mileage

When you input your starting location and address into your electronic logging device (ELD) or a GPS, it calculates the number of miles between them based on the most efficient path. Motor carriers that pay practical mileage pay based on the number of miles in this calculation. Of course, you may not necessarily drive this exact route. In fact, as you get used to driving, you’ll likely find more efficient ways to avoid areas with heavy traffic or where you may have difficulty parking to rest. However, you’ll still get paid based on the miles in the calculated path.

Household Goods/Zip Code Miles

Household Goods (HHG) miles, also known as zip code miles, calculate the distance between the post office zip code in the city you start in and the post office zip code of the destination.

Hub Mileage/Actual Miles

Hub mileage, also called actual miles, means your motor carrier pays you based on the actual mileage change on your odometer. It means you get paid for all the miles you drive. This can be beneficial since you get paid for any changes in the route due to traffic conditions or any stops you have to make.

Sliding Scales

Some companies with short-haul routes will use a sliding scale to give drivers with shorter routes a chance to earn more competitive pay. In this case, the company will split the routes into different categories and pay a greater cents per mile (CPM) rate for distances under a certain number of miles.

Get Your Trucking Career Started

If you’re interested in a career in trucking, HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) can help you get started. We offer high-quality training and job placement assistance. With our programs, you can get on the road and earning in as little as four weeks.

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

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $48,310 (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm). The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $72,730 per year according to 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For years, semi-trucks with manual transmissions were the standard, but advances in technology have led to a new generation of automatic trucks. Many trucker drivers prefer the simplicity and ease of an automatic rig, while others continue to enjoy the control they get by driving a vehicle with a manual transmission. 

Manual Transmission in Semi-Trucks

A manual transmission in semi-trucks is a gearbox system where the driver uses a clutch and gear shift to change speeds, slow down, and control the vehicle. This transmission system allows truckers to choose different gear ratios to drive the rig. Lower gear ratios provide more torque but less speed, while higher ratios are the opposite. 

Automatic Transmission in Semi-Trucks

An automatic transmission in semi-trucks differs from that of a car. It is a manual transmission system that uses automation through computers, actuators, and sensors to tell the vehicle when to shift. 

What’s the Difference?

Trucking companies are moving to automatic transmissions for various reasons, including ease of driving and fuel economy. However, one of the main draws of manual semi-trucks is vehicle control.

Ease of Driving

Driving a vehicle with an automatic transmission is simpler than using a manual, and semi-trucks are no exception. An automatic model can adapt to slight changes in speed and keep the truck running smoothly, while manuals require the driver to constantly shift gears as their driving speed varies. 

Fuel Economy

One of the greatest expenses in the trucking industry is fuel costs. While seasoned manual truckers have experience driving to save fuel, in general, semi-trucks with an automatic transmission tend to have better fuel efficiency compared to those with manual transmissions. The simplified system allows the engine to operate at a more efficient rate, leading to better use of fuel and improved mileage.

Vehicle Control

One of the advantages of a manual semi-truck is that drivers are more in control of their vehicles. Manually shifting helps your rig gain momentum faster, and this transmission also handles better in winter weather conditions. Being in control of shifting your truck also helps keep truckers awake during long hauls or night driving.

Removing the Automatic Restriction

If you take your commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will have an automatic restriction on your license. This means you can’t drive a commercial vehicle with a manual transmission. Even though many fleets are switching to automatic, it can still limit your career options, so it’s helpful to remove this restriction. 

Ready to Get Started?

If you want to take the first step toward a career in trucking, start by attending HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school). We can prepare you for local, regional, or over-the-road trucking routes, and we have opportunities for solo and team drivers. Along with education, we help our students find resources to finance truck driving school and assist with job placement. We use manual semi-trucks for training, so you won’t have an automatic restriction on your license. 

Contact us today to learn more about our CDL training program.

Truck drivers have many factors to consider when deciding which trucking company to work for. Before you hop in the cab, you should ensure that the company meets your expectations. Although job interviews typically involve answering questions about yourself, it is also a great time to ask your future employer about their institution. Asking your interviewer questions shows your interest in the job while confirming that the company is a good fit for you.

Ask your recruiter these five questions before you commit to a position:

1. What is Your Home Time Policy?

Being away from your family for days or weeks while you’re on a route is one of the most difficult parts of being a trucker, so home time policies are a necessary consideration when choosing an employer. Although asking about when you’re not going to work may not be a good question for other professions, the unique lifestyle of a truck driver makes it a worthy one. Each company has a different way of offering home time and vacation, so you should confirm that you understand the details.

2. How Much Do You Pay?

Salary is another important consideration. Trucking companies have different pay models, typically pay-per-mile for long-haul driving. Some companies also offer layover pay, which occurs when a driver is delayed by a shipper or receiver for one or more days. Asking questions about how the company handles raises, bonuses, and paid time off will help you better understand the compensation they offer.

3. What Are the Benefits?

Benefits are closely linked to pay, so you can’t consider one without the other. Insurance can be expensive when you buy it yourself, especially if you support a family. Luckily, many companies offer a combination of medical, dental, vision, and short-term disability coverage. New hires are not always eligible for those perks immediately, however. You will need to confirm the company you are interviewing for offers a benefits package that fulfills your needs. 

4. What Kind of Freight Do You Haul?

You may also have an interest in the operational details of the company. Knowing what type of equipment you will use and what freight you will haul determines whether or not you’ll be comfortable on the road. The equipment’s quality is also an indication of how a company treats its drivers. Additionally, the type of freight impacts how much manual labor you do every day. For example, you will not have to unload the cargo yourself if you haul no-touch freight.

5. What Are the Safety Standards?

Along with being comfortable on the road, safety is another major factor. As a trucker, feeling safe and taken care of on the road will give you peace of mind and help you enjoy your work. Successful trucking companies with strong driver retention prioritize safety, so be sure your interviewer clearly outlines the safety standards. 

Choose the Right Truck Driving School

Before you line up interviews with potential trucking companies, you must first earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Our team at HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) provides our drivers with a solid foundation for their careers through our exceptional training program. Our school gives you the skills you need to be successful on the open road.

Contact us today to find out how soon you can start earning your CDL.

 

Like anyone training to work in a particular industry, it is beneficial for prospective truck drivers to have hiring opportunities lined up before they graduate and receive their licenses. Along with an apprenticeship, another way to do this is by receiving a pre-hire. While it is not a guarantee of employment, a pre-hire offer is a great step toward working and getting paid sooner.

Pre-Hire in Trucking

A pre-hire in trucking is a letter sent to students from a trucking company acknowledging that they have met the standard minimum hiring requirements. After the student graduates and earns their commercial driver’s license (CDL), they can attend a free orientation with the prospective employer. At the orientation, graduates can network with potential employers and coworkers to see if the company is a good fit for them.

A Pre-Hire Letter is Not A Guarantee of Employment

A pre-hire letter is verification of placement in a company, not a guarantee of employment. Federal law requires professional truck drivers to meet certain criteria before they can get out on the road.

 

A few of these requirements are:

 

• Attending a truck driving school and obtaining a CDL
• Having a clean driving record 
• Passing a drug test and a physical
• Being at least 21 years of age

 

Even if a company gave you a pre-hire offer, if you do not meet these employment requirements, they can’t hire you. 

Why is Pre-Hire Important?

Having pre-hire letters lined up is an important step in securing a job after graduating from CDL training school. It enhances your confidence and gets you a step ahead of the hiring process and on the path to your trucking career. It also gives you a chance to get a solid understanding of a company before you sign an official employment contract. Pre-hire benefits the company as well by allowing them to quickly fill their employment vacancies with trustworthy drivers.

Steps to Help You Get a Pre-Hire Letter

While you’re training for your CDL, there are a few steps you can take to get a pre-hire letter:

1. Do Your Research

The first step in getting a pre-hire letter is to make a list of companies that you’re interested in working for. Research each of them and make sure the company culture matches your preferences and that you can handle their expectations for drivers.

2. Be Prepared

Before you reach out to a company, make sure that you meet all of the qualifications for getting a CDL. You can find both the federal and state requirements here. 

3. Be Honest

Another important step is to tell the company your current training status, whether you are getting ready to begin CDL school, currently training, or about to take one of the required tests. This will give the company an idea of when you may be available and give you a better understanding of your employment probabilities.

4. Apply to Many Companies

If you are so inclined, you can seek multiple pre-hire letters at once. These letters are not binding contacts, so you can obtain as many as you want throughout your time at CDL training school. Having a series of pre-hire letters will give you a choice of several different job opportunities.

5. Follow Up

Trucking companies receive a lot of applications, so it is best not to assume that yours will be seen right away. Don’t be afraid to call and introduce yourself, letting the staff know that you are interested in working for their company. This will help you stand out among other applicants.

Local CDL Training in Tucson

For 30 years, HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) has provided our students with the CDL training needed to become professional truck drivers. Our program combines classroom, yard, and on-the-road training to get you driving in as little as four weeks.

Contact us today to learn more about the process of obtaining your CDL.

Safety is essential in any industry. When it comes to trucking, it’s important for drivers and employers to exercise caution since there are such large vehicles involved. One requirement for staying safe on the road is staying drug-free and alcohol-free behind the wheel. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created its drug and alcohol Clearinghouse to support this goal, and truckers should understand how this works..

What is the FMCSA Clearinghouse?

The FMCSA Clearinghouse went into effect in 2020. This is a database that contains information about drug and alcohol testing for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. FMCSA-regulated employers must report any violations, including failed tests or refusals to test, to the Clearinghouse.

What is the Purpose of the FMCSA Clearinghouse?

The goal of this database is to prevent drivers from moving employers to avoid completing the return to duty process after a drug or alcohol testing violation. Since all regulated employers must use this system for current drivers and query the system for new hires. Violations stay in the system until the driver completes the necessary steps to return to duty or for five years, whichever is longer.

What Truckers Need to Do

As a company driver, your company’s safety team can help you ensure you are compliant with FMCSA regulations, including using the Clearinghouse database properly. If you have any questions, get in touch with them for more information.

The first step is to register for the system as a driver. Then, you’ll need to provide consent for any queries that prospective or current employers need to make.

Beyond this, you will need to make sure you comply with any required testing including pre-employment and random tests. Of course, staying drug-free is also your responsibility, and is essential not only for yourself but for the safety of anyone with whom you share the road.

What To Do After a Violation

If you ever fail or refuse a test, your employer will be required to report this to the FMCSA Clearinghouse. This means it will be on record for any future employers. At this point, it is your responsibility to complete the return-to-duty process in order to return to safety-sensitive duties.

What About Owner-Operators?

Owner-operators operating under their own authority have additional responsibilities related to drug and alcohol testing. These drivers are required to work with a consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA) to ensure Clearinghouse compliance. This is especially key as it relates to random testing.

Learn About the Trucking Industry

At HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school), we teach our students about the trucking industry, including an overview of drug and alcohol testing. We can help you set yourself up for success and we meet all necessary entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements.

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

Trucking is generally seen as a solitary job, and there’s a lot of truth to this. Drivers generally spend the bulk of their day by themselves in the cab, and even team drivers are typically driving while their co-driver sleeps. This means that trucking is a great career path if you’re interested in an independent lifestyle. That being said, people skills are still important to succeed in this industry. Knowing how to communicate effectively is essential, and you’ll interact with a wide variety of individuals who play different roles within the industry.

Here are some of the types of people you’ll work with:

Driver Trainer

When you first get started in the industry after graduating from truck driving school, most companies will pair you with a driver trainer. You’ll drive with them during your first few hauls while you get used to trucking.

Here are some tips for getting along with your driver trainer:

• Remember that this time is temporary. Whether you get along with your trainer or not, you’ll only have to work with them for a short period of time.
• Keep in mind that you’re sharing their truck. Be courteous of their space.
• The impression your driver trainer has of you can affect how others at your company view you, so make an effort to be polite and a safe driver.

Dispatcher

Dispatchers act as go-betweens for truckers and motor carriers. Your dispatcher will be one of the people you interact with most frequently as a trucker. Although dispatchers may not ultimately determine which loads are you assigned, they do have influence over this process. This means that building a strong relationship with your dispatcher can help you get more favorable hauls and more miles, not to mention making your day-to-day life easier.

Some tips for working with your dispatcher:

• Inform your dispatcher right away if you are experiencing any delays.
• Focus on delivering your loads safely, on time, and undamaged. This makes their job easier and you’ll build a positive reputation.
• Be polite, even if you disagree with something your dispatcher said or if you don’t like a route you were assigned.

Loading Dock Staff

When you drop off freight at the receiver, you’ll likely interact with various types of team members at the loading dock. This is often one of the times where frustration is most likely to occur, since both you and the receiver have deadlines you need to meet. It’s essential that you stay patient and calm, both for the sake of maintaining a good relationship with the customer and to help avoid accidents, which are more common if you are frustrated and not paying attention.

Things to keep in mind when working with loading dock staff:

• The individuals you work with are not likely directly responsible for any delays, and they are on a schedule as well. You can politely advocate for yourself in order to get on the road more quickly, but being courteous while doing so is important.
• Safety is your top priority. Avoid getting caught up in what others will think of you, as long as you are staying safe. For example, you may need to get out of your truck to look several times while backing. This may take longer, but it’s far better than accidentally backing into something and damaging your truck, or worse.
• Do your best to arrive on time, or inform the receiver and your dispatcher if you will be early or late. Respecting their schedule makes it more likely that you’ll be unloaded in a timely manner.

The Bottom Line

These are just a few of the people you’ll interact with most frequently, but there are many others you’ll encounter on the road, from law enforcement officers to other truckers at stops along the way. Across all the interactions you have, making an effort to be kind will go a long way in helping you build strong relationships and a positive reputation.

Earn Your CDL in Tucson

If you’re interested in starting a truck driving career, HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) can help. We have an accelerated program that can get you on the road and earning in as little as four weeks.

To learn more about our truck driver training, contact us today.

 

Truckers play an essential role in the transportation industry. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), 72.5% of our nation’s freight travels via semi-truck. As a trucker, you don’t necessarily need to know all of the ins and outs of logistics beyond your immediate role. However, it’s helpful to have a general idea of how freight transport works.

More information about logistics as it relates to trucking:

Terms to Know

You’ll encounter a variety of terms to describe concepts within the transportation industry.

Here are a few to know related to freight:

• Shipper: This is who sends the freight to be delivered.
• Receiver: This is who is getting the shipment.
• Carrier: A carrier is a company that arranges the transport of freight between a shipper and receiver. As a trucker, you’ll be working for a motor carrier, but there are other carriers that handle air, sea, and rail shipments.
• 3PL: A third-party logistics (3PL) company acts as an intermediary between the shipper and the carrier(s).
• Intermodal Freight: Freight can be transported in a variety of ways such as by ship, plane, rail, or truck. Intermodal freight is transported using two or more methods and stays in the same container throughout the shipping process. For example, an intermodal shipment may travel from overseas via ship and then be picked up by a semi-truck at the dock to be brought to its final destination.
• FTL: Full truck load (FTL) shipments, as the name implies, take up an entire trailer. The truck moves right from the shipper to the receiver.
• LTL: Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments are smaller, and so one trailer will contain multiple shipments from different shippers. LTL trucks typically stop at terminals to sort freight, then deliver it to each customer on the route.
• Bill of Lading: This is a contract between the shipper and the carrier, and outlines any specific instructions for the freight.

The Timeline of Freight Transportation

The first step in freight transport is when the shipper contacts the carrier of a 3PL to send out a shipment. At this point, the bill of lading is created, outlining the details of how the freight will be transported.

If the shipment is traveling entirely by semi-truck, a trucker will go to the shipper to pick up the load. If it is an LTL haul, this will be brought, along with other shipments, to a terminal to be sorted and sent out using a hub-and-spoke model. For FTL shipments, this step is not necessary. Intermodal shipments are picked up in a similar way but are picked up from a different location than with the shipper.

The truck travels until it reaches the receiver. From this point, the trucker is responsible for making sure the freight arrives on time and undamaged, and the carrier should support them in this goal. At the receiver, the trucker may drop off the entire trailer and pick up a new, empty trailer if it is a drop-and-hook load. If it is a live load, the driver will wait while loading dock staff unload the trailer. For some types of trucking, drivers provide additional support during unloading or are responsible for loading and unloading their own vehicles.

Become a Trucker

If you’re interested in playing a vital role in the transportation industry, consider becoming a trucker. You can earn rewarding pay while also seeing more of the country, and it can take as little as four weeks to get started with HDS Truck Driving Institute’s program. 

To learn more about earning your commercial driver’s license in Tucson, contact us today.

Earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) gives you the opportunity to begin a rewarding career in the trucking industry. After completing the process, you hopefully feel a sense of accomplishment and are excited for this new chapter in your life. At the same time, you may be wondering what the next steps are and what you can expect directly after truck driving school graduation. At HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school), our team can help guide you through the process.

Here is a basic overview of what happens after you finish CDL training:

1. Plan Your Career Path

You’ll have many choices to make over the course of your time as a trucker, and you don’t have to decide exactly what to do for the rest of your career right after school. That being said, you should have an idea of your goals for the next five to ten years so you can plan accordingly.

The vast majority of recent CDL graduates start with over-the-road (OTR) trucking. This is because these companies are more likely to hire drivers with no commercial driving history and because these jobs allow you to get the widest range of experience. However, you can still plan to move to a different type of trucking later on, so it’s helpful to have a big-picture view of your goals while also understanding what starting point is most realistic.

Since beginning with OTR is the most common path for new truckers, this article will focus on that option.

2. Find Companies Hiring New Drivers

Once you know your goals and preferences, you can start looking for companies that are currently hiring new drivers. For students at our truck driving school, this process is simple thanks to our job placement assistance team. In many cases, our students even have offers before graduation.

3. Secure a Trucking Job

The process for getting a trucking job after earning your license varies. Again, our students have the benefit of working with our job placement assistance team, which makes it easier to navigate getting a job after training. Depending on the position, there may be a more conventional interview and/or a driving test. You can use these as opportunities to learn more about the motor carrier and decide if they are the best fit for you.

4. On-The-Job Training

Although you have already been exposed to various aspects of the trucking industry during your time in CDL school, most motor carriers also have additional training before you can drive solo. This usually involves spending a few weeks on the road with a driver trainer.

The typical structure for on-the-road company training begins with a period of time where the driver trainer supervises all of your driving time. After this, you’ll transition to a team driving schedule. This means the trainer will not be actively watching you while you are driving but will be available if you need them.

The goal of this type of training is for you to gain experience with the day-to-day aspects of a trucking job with the additional support of a more experienced driver. The best way to get the most out of this time is to have a positive mindset and to remember that even after your training is done, you should still be looking for opportunities to learn and improve.

5. Go Solo (Or Start Team Driving)

After you complete any on-the-job training your company requires and your trainer approves you to move forward, you can go solo. This is often both exciting and a little bit intimidating. It helps to remember how far you have come. It’s also important to remember that safety should be your number one focus from the time you start driving until the end of your trucking career.

Alternatively, if you’re pursuing team driving, you’ll transition from working with your driver trainer to your new trucking partner. Many of the most successful trucking teams consist of spouses or family members who are already comfortable with each other, but other drivers choose to be paired by their company.

Start On The Road to a Trucking Career

If you’re interested in earning competitive pay as a truck driver, the first step is earning your CDL. HDS truck driving school can help you accomplish this in as little as four weeks. With our job placement assistance, we also support you in starting your career.

To learn more about earning your CDL with HDS, contact us today. 

 

A typical passenger vehicle driver may not think twice about low bridges, but for semi-truck drivers, these are serious potential hazards. Low-clearance accidents are collisions where a truck, bus, recreational vehicle (RV), or other large vehicle makes contact with the top of a bridge, power lines, or other structure that does not provide enough vertical space for the vehicle to pass through. These accidents often cause expensive damage to both the vehicle and the infrastructure, and it’s important to be aware of low-clearance obstacles.

Why Are Some Bridges Low-Clearance?

Since 72.5% of the nation’s freight travels by semi-truck, it’s essential for transportation infrastructure to accommodate these vehicles. On major interstate highways, overpasses have to meet minimum requirements for height to allow large vehicles to pass underneath them easily.

However, in less-populated areas or those with older infrastructure that was designed before semi-trucks became widespread, bridges may be too low for trucks or other tall vehicles to go under. These areas must be clearly marked with a sign so truckers can avoid them and find an alternate route.

Damage Caused by Low Bridges

If you’ve ever seen the aftermath of a low-clearance accident, it’s clear how significant the damage can be. Repair costs for the truck are significant, as are the costs of damaged cargo. Additionally, repair costs for the infrastructure that the truck collided with can easily reach six figures.

Beyond damage to property, low-clearance accidents can also result in injuries, especially if there is any flying debris.

How to Avoid Low-Clearance Accidents

Here are some tips for truckers to avoid collisions with low bridges:

1. Pay Attention to Road Signs

All low bridges or other obstacles must be marked with a low-clearance sign. This will list the height of the bridge so you can plan accordingly and find a way around the obstacle.

In general, you should pay attention to each and every sign you pass while you’re operating a semi-truck. Many driver trainers will even test you on this when you’re a rookie so you get in the habit of doing so. These signs have important information that could help you avoid an accident.

2. Use a Trucker-Specific GPS and Atlas

If you use a standard road atlas or GPS, it may not list low bridges, roads that have weight restrictions or otherwise don’t allow commercial vehicles, and other essential information to be aware of. Be sure you are using a GPS and atlas that are written for commercial drivers. That being said, don’t rely exclusively on these tools since road signs may tell you information the GPS or atlas doesn’t, especially if your route changes.

3. Trip Plan

Trip planning is a valuable skill for truckers. It helps you stay in compliance with hours of service (HOS) regulations, find parking more easily, and plan your route to avoid known hazards like low bridges. This doesn’t mean you’ll never encounter an unexpected low-clearance obstacle, but it does help you minimize the risk of being caught by surprise.

Become a Trucker with HDS

At HDS Truck Driving Institute, we teach our students how to become safe truckers. You can earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) in as little as four weeks with our accelerated program.

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

After you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), there is a wide range of potential careers that you can choose to pursue. You’ll likely start out driving a standard semi-truck, but as you gain experience, you can consider more specialized types of trucking. One example is wide load trucking, also known as oversize trucking. Truckers are in high demand within this niche and it can be a rewarding career path, but there are also some unique safety considerations to keep in mind.

What is Wide Load Trucking?

Each state sets limits for the length, width, height, and weight of freight shipped by semi-truck. There are also nationwide regulations to be aware of. If a load is over the limit in any state it travels through or based on federal requirements, it is considered an oversize or wide load.

As a general rule, anything over 13.6 feet tall, 8.6 feet wide, 53 feet long, and/or 80,000 pounds will fall under this category.

Regulations for Oversize Hauls

The additional regulations for oversize loads vary depending on the state and on the specific dimensions of the freight. Oversize hauls will typically require additional permits to transport, and you will need to have these available in your truck if you are stopped for an inspection or pass through a weigh station.

Most wide loads will need to be clearly labeled.

In some states, if the load is large enough, it may require a pilot/guide vehicle. This is a truck or car that travels behind and/or in front of a tractor-trailer with an oversize load. In some cases, multiple pilot vehicles are required. Guide cars alert others on the road that a wide load truck is nearby. The drivers of these vehicles often are in contact with the semi-truck driver as well and inform them of any approaching road hazards.

Do You Need an Endorsement for Wide Load Trucking?

Not every oversize haul will require a CDL endorsement. However, any freight that is being transported with a double or triple trailer will require the long combination vehicle (LCV) endorsement. Even if this isn’t necessary for every haul or if you don’t think you’d be interested in this type of driving, having a doubles/triples endorsement on your license can open up more opportunities for your trucking career.

Safety Considerations for Heavy-Haul Truckers

Driving any semi-truck comes with a great deal of responsibility due to the large size of these vehicles. You’ll need to think not only about your own safety but also that of everyone else on the road. When the truck involved is oversized, there are even more factors to consider to make sure you are operating it safely. For example, the freight may block visibility, and the stopping distance for an overweight load increases even further compared to a standard tractor-trailer.

Because of these considerations, wide load trucking is generally not a good fit for new CDL drivers. You’ll likely need to have several years of safe driving experience with other types of freight before transitioning into oversize hauls, if this is what you wish to do.

Start on the Road to a Trucking Career

Whether you’re interested in specialized freight or a more standard dry van job, the first step is to earn your CDL. At HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school), we can help you do this in as little as four weeks and teach you valuable skills so you can start your career with a strong foundation of knowledge.

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

A good trucker is dedicated to their profession, but dedicated trucking doesn’t actually have anything to do with this type of dedication. Instead, it is a specific type of job within the trucking industry. Also known as contract or primary freight, dedicated trucking involves hauling goods or materials for a specific client as opposed to driving for a large customer network. This allows drivers to become familiar with the routes, schedules, and designated locations of the job. It is a good option for those looking for consistency and relationship building in the trucking industry.

Benefits of Dedicated Trucking

Becoming a dedicated truck driver has many benefits, including consistency, familiarity, relationship building, and more time at home. It can be a great fit for drivers looking for those attributes. 

 

Some of the top benefits include:

Consistency 

One benefit of dedicated trucking is that it is consistent. Drivers know in advance what route they will take and what freight they will haul. In addition, most contracts are annual, which allows drivers to plan, forecast, and budget their trips accordingly. Being able to count on consistent loads also means consistent cash flow.

Familiarity 

Dedicated drivers stick with the roads they are most familiar with. They have time to get accustomed to the routes they will be taking, as well as the traffic patterns, truck stops, and potential challenges along the way. They do not have to prepare for the weather or roads of a different region, which makes deliveries easier. 

Relationship Building

Relationship building is a top priority for dedicated truckers. Interacting with the same customers can help build customer service skills as well as relationships. This is crucial because exceptional service can be the difference between a one-time customer and a repeating one. 

More Time at Home

Perhaps the biggest benefit of dedicated trucking is that drivers can enjoy more home time with their families. Dedicated drivers often have shorter and more predictable routes, even if they are still driving over-the-road (OTR). They also typically know ahead of time just how long they will be on the road and can plan for home time accordingly. 

Is Dedicated Trucking a Good Fit for You?

While dedicated trucking has a lot of benefits, it is not for everyone. Some drivers enjoy the freedom and flexibility of being on the road, so driving the same route every day can cause them to feel burnt out. Dedicated driving is also a greater responsibility because a poor experience with a customer can cost the company a client. For that reason, long-haul driving might be a better choice for some truckers.

 

Dedicated truck driving is a popular choice for drivers with families because it allows them to support their loved ones both financially and with time at home. Consider the benefits of dedicated trucking to help you decide if it is a good fit for you.

Becoming a Dedicated Truck Driver

The first step in becoming a dedicated truck driver is earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL). HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) has been helping students in Tucson earn their CDL for over 30 years. Our program can be completed in as little as four weeks. 

For more information about our CDL training program, contact us today.

One of the theory instruction topics that trucking school programs must cover under the latest entry-level driver training (ELDT) guidelines is space management, as well as the related concept of speed management. Both of these are essential for staying safe on the road, so it’s important that you fully understand them.

Simply put, space management is the act of ensuring you have proper space around your vehicle if you need to react to a change in conditions, especially as it relates to following distance. Speed management, similarly, is the act of ensuring your speed will allow you to react in time.

What is the Proper Following Distance for a Semi-Truck?

In normal conditions, there should be at least seven to eight seconds between your semi-truck and the vehicle in front of you. This means that when the back of that vehicle passes a given spot, it should take the front of your vehicle seven to eight seconds to reach that same spot.

If there is inclement weather or other unfavorable conditions, the space between your vehicle and the one in front of you should increase to 14 to 16 seconds.

What About the Space Behind You?

In addition to considering the space in front of the vehicle, you should be aware of the space behind you. Unfortunately, you have limited control over what other vehicles do, and it’s not uncommon for passenger vehicles to closely follow (tailgate) semi-trucks. This can happen for a variety of reasons, and many passenger vehicles do not realize how unsafe this behavior is. If another vehicle is tailgating you, maintain a safe speed, increase the distance in front of you if possible to make room for them to pass, and don’t brake or move suddenly.

Why is Maintaining a Safe Following Distance Important?

All drivers have a responsibility to themselves and to one another to drive safely. For commercial drivers, this is even more essential because of the increased time on the road and the increased size of commercial vehicles. A semi-truck is significantly larger than the standard passenger vehicle and has the capacity to do more damage. Accidents involving semi-trucks are more likely to be severe, and failing to drive safely has serious consequences.

At highway speeds (approximately 65 miles per hour), it takes a semi-truck 200 yards, or the length of two football fields, to come to a stop safely. This is far longer than the average passenger vehicle, and this is another reason why understanding space management is so essential. You need to be confident in your ability to stop your vehicle if conditions change, and you can’t do this if you are following another vehicle too closely.

How Does Speed Management Relate to Space Management?

The faster your vehicle is going, the greater the distance your vehicle will need to travel before it can safely stop. As a result, it’s important to maintain a safe speed. When in doubt, it’s better to go slower and take more time than to drive too fast. This is especially true if the conditions are unfavorable for any reason, such as during inclement weather.

Earn Your CDL in Tucson

If you are interested in a career in trucking, HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) can help you get on the road and earning in as little as four weeks. We meet the new ELDT requirements and cover all required topics, including speed and space management.

To learn more about our commercial driver’s license (CDL) training, contact us today.