Category: Blog

In their roles traveling across the country, truck drivers are on the front lines of things many Americans never encounter. Law enforcement relies on them heavily to spot signs of drug trafficking, human trafficking, and prostitution, and they are the eyes and ears on the road during Amber Alerts. Truckers showed their importance to society once again when a group of drivers came together to prevent a man from committing suicide. Here is a look at the incident and how the drivers worked together to save a life.

I-696 Overpass in Detroit

In April 2018, a man contemplating suicide climbed onto an overpass on I-696 in Detroit, Michigan, near the Coolidge exit. He intended to jump onto the highway. People noticed the man on the overpass and called the police, who closed the highway in order to try to talk the man down. While they negotiated with the suicidal man, they called on truckers in the area for a hand.

Wall of Trucks

Police asked the truck drivers to line up their vehicles under the overpass. With the trucks in place, if the man jumped, the vehicles would break his fall, and he would likely survive. Thirteen truck drivers who were in the area heeded the call and parked their vehicles underneath the man. They waited there for two hours while the police talked to the man. Eventually, the police were able to convince the man not to jump and to seek help instead.

All in a Day’s Work

Photos of the trucks parked under the overpass went viral when trucker Chris Harrison, and the drivers were lauded as heroes. However, the public was surprised to learn that the police officers in the Detroit area had been relying on truckers in this capacity for over 20 years. They simply had never received any attention before.

With a career as a truck driver, you earn a good living while seeing the country and making a difference. Let HDS Truck Driving School help you earn your CDL in Tucson and start your new career. For more information, call (877) 205-2141.

After you complete your truck driver training in CDL school, the next step in starting your career is landing an interview for a job. Many new drivers are unsure what to expect during a trucking job interview, since so much of the work is done independently. Here is a look at some common questions asked during these interviews, so you can be prepared to impress the company and close the deal on your first job.

Why did you decide to become a truck driver?
This question is an important one for many companies, because they want to be sure that you’re ready for life on the road. If you decided to become a driver simply for a paycheck, then you may burn out quickly when you’re faced with being away from your family or driving for long stretches. Talking about your love of driving, enthusiasm for the industry, and excitement about seeing the country will show the company that you chose truck driver training carefully.

How would you handle a breakdown or other unexpected difficulty?
Even with the most careful planning, life out on the road can be unpredictable. The company wants to know if you have strategies and coping skills for adapting when things don’t go as expected. It could be helpful to talk about the way you’ve dealt with issues that have arisen on past jobs or talk about some of the training or planning you’ve done to handle unexpected problems on the road.

What are your career goals?
With this question, the company is trying to gauge the kind of role you want to have in the trucking industry. Your answer will tell them what motivates you and how ambitious you are about building your career and moving beyond entry-level positions.

HDS Truck Driving Institute is here to help you achieve your goals in your trucking career. Contact our CDL truck driving school in Tucson today for more information about our programs by calling (877) 205-2141.

If the idea of long stretches of time alone out on the road doesn’t sound great to you, then team driving could be a good fit. Team truck drivers work together, splitting the driving duties so that they can carry more loads without constantly working alone. Although some people go to truck driving school with the intention of being part of a driving team, others hate the idea of being a team driver. Which is the right fit for you? Team trucking could be the best choice for you in these circumstances.

You don’t want to work alone.
Truck driving can be a solitary pursuit, and the alone time is trying for some people. If you are someone who craves company and can’t imagine working independently for days at a time, being part of a trucking teams means that you’ll never be alone on the road. Your fellow driver will always be in the cab with you to share stories, help you navigate, and simply be present when you’re out on long hauls.

You want to work with your spouse.
Many trucking teams consist of spouses who decide they want to travel and work together. Working with your spouse alleviates the part of the trucking that requires drivers to be away from their significant others for extended periods, and gives couples the chance to explore the country together. Since spouses can pool income and expenses, they can also potentially make more than other drivers.

You want to make faster deliveries.
Being able to deliver products faster can sometimes help you get jobs over other drivers. When you drive as a team, you double the number of hours you can drive per day by having one driver sleep while the other drives. This lets you cover ground much faster and get deliveries to where they need to be quickly.

Whether you envision a career as a solo driver or part of a team, HDS Truck Driving Institute will get your ready for life on the road. Our truck driving school in Tucson is accredited and gives drivers an insight on the real-world experience of trucking for a living. Find out more about our program by calling (877) 205-2141.

If you want to become a commercial truck driver, you’ll have to earn your commercial driver’s license first. The best way to do this is to start off by going to a CDL school, but CDL training isn’t free. Fortunately, you can finance your CDL training and find yourself a job in the industry that pays well. If you’re thinking about pursuing a career as a truck driver, read ahead and learn about your options for financing your CDL training.

CDL Grants
Getting your commercial driver’s license and a job as a commercial truck driver can set you on the path to financial success, but as they say, you have to spend money to make money. Going to a CDL school gives you the best chance of passing your CDL tests on the first try, which puts you one step closer to earning your license and getting the job you’re looking for. The Pima County ONESTOP Center, which is now called ARIZONA@WORK, is one agency that can help you with grants through HDS Truck Driving Institute. You can also look to the Department of Economic Security or the Department of Vocational Rehabilitation Services to see what kind of options you have when paying for your CDL training.

Tuition Reimbursement
If you can’t get the money for your CDL training in advance and you don’t have a way to front it, you can look into tuition reimbursement. Certain CDL schools will help you find a job after you graduate, and certain jobs will reimburse you for your tuition costs once you’re hired.

Being a commercial truck driver can be fulfilling, and you shouldn’t be closed out of a life changing opportunity because you’re not currently able to pay up front. Call the HDS Truck Driving Institute at (877) 205-2141 to discuss your CDL training financing options, or look at our website for more information.

Before you can become a commercial truck driver, there’s a lot you need to learn. Passing your CDL test is one thing but preparing to live your life on the road is another. One of the most important elements that new drivers might not think about is sleep. Here are a few tips for managing sleep for new truck drivers.

Get Your Energy Out
Being on the road can be an exciting experience, especially if you’re a new truck driver. If you have too much energy in your system from the excitement, you might not be able to get the rest you need to keep yourself going. Try to exercise during your downtime when you’re on the road. This keeps you healthy and helps you sleep better, which makes you better at your job and more comfortable and confident behind the wheel during the day.

Limit Caffeine
Every truck driver has his or her own routine when going on a long haul. Those who use caffeine to get their energy boosts need to know when to cut themselves off, so they can get to sleep at night. Try not to drink any coffee, soda, or energy drinks when you’re done driving for the day, or you might have trouble falling asleep.

Set Up a Mobile Bed
It’s dangerous to drive when you’re too tired, as your reaction time will slow down and your alertness will fade as well as you get more and more fatigued. Some drivers set up a mobile bed in their trucks, so they can catch some sleep whenever they need to. This is helpful for new drivers who don’t have their routines down to a science quite yet.

You might need some help transitioning into the commercial driving industry, but HDS Truck Driving Institute has your back. We are an Arizona truck driving school, and we’ll help you get started on the right foot. Give us a call at (877) 205-2141 or visit our website.

CDL training helps you prepare to take your tests and earn your full license, but time is a factor. Your permit will expire eventually, so be sure to get your license before it does. Then you need to work on maintaining your license and renewing it when necessary. Read ahead if you’re wondering how far your training can take you.

Permit
The best way to start your path towards a truck driving career is at a truck driving school. You’ll learn everything you need to know and get hands on experience that can propel you through a fulfilling career that could last your entire life. Earning your CDL permit gives you the opportunity to practice your craft and spend time behind the wheel before you graduate to a full license. Keep in mind that a CDL permit is only valid for six months, and after that, you’ll have to retake the exam and pay the fee again to renew it.

License
A commercial driver’s license is valid for five years before you have to renew it, but you also need to maintain it, so you can keep your job. Getting regular physicals is key, as they prove that you’re in good enough health to drive.

Renewal
The way to go about renewing your commercial driver’s license varies by state, so you need to know how to renew your license in yours. In Arizona, you must renew your CDL every five years, which is common across all states. When you show up to renew your license, bring your current license, a completed Medical Examiner Certificate, and documents that prove you live and work in the United States.

Choose the right truck driving school in Tucson so you can get your foot in the door and start your career as a commercial driver. Call HDS Truck Driving Institute at (877) 205-2141 or look at our website to learn about our programs.

Can you imagine a world without interstate highways? The Interstate Highway System was only in the planning stages about a hundred years ago, and it took decades for it to resemble the roadway system we use today. Keep reading and explore the history of America’s interstates.

Preparation
The Federal Aid Road Act of 1916 attempted to dedicate money to the road system, but World War I got in the way. After this law expired, the Phipps Act, or the Federal Aid Highway Act of 1921 was put into place, which also aimed to put funds towards highways. There was a greater need for a highway system as more and more people started driving motor vehicles, so many parkways and highways were developed throughout the 1920s and 1930s. President Dwight D. Eisenhower was a big proponent of roadway construction, especially because of the positive effect it would have on the military.

Construction
It wasn’t until 1956 that the Interstate Highway System as we know it began to take form. Interestingly enough, three states—Missouri, Kansas, and Pennsylvania—all claim to be the originators of the first interstate highway. In late 1992 the Interstate Highway System was “complete” thanks to I-70 in Colorado, which featured numerous bridges and tunnels, but there were still other parts of the system that weren’t contiguous.

Expansion
Certain parts of the Interstate Highway System ended up being abandoned, but there have also been plenty of expansions. Some individual highways were added onto, and some brand new roads have been built into the system. The Interstate Highway System is ever evolving, and there are always plans for further expansion.

When you earn your CDL in Tucson, you’ll get to know America’s Interstates firsthand. HDS Truck Driving Institute helps students find jobs in the trucking industry by preparing them for their CDL tests. Give our office a call at (877) 205-2141 today.

One of the most alluring elements of earning your CDL and becoming a truck driver is the opportunity to see all kinds of different sights. The network of roads and highways that take you across the United States will show you some wonderful sights, so read ahead and learn about some of the most famous examples.

Pacific Coast Highway
California is a large state, so there are many kinds of scenery to see. The Pacific Coast Highway takes you all over the state, so you can see everything from the sunny beaches to the lush greenery that this beautiful area has to offer. This highway will also show you historical landmarks, and it will take you through the biggest cities in the state.

Route 66
The famous Route 66 was originally started in 1926, and at this point in time it was a much bigger road than most. Although it wasn’t completed until 1938, it was still the first road to pave the way between Chicago and Los Angeles. Although it’s not the revered “super-highway” that it once was, Route 66 is an important piece of American history and is still lined with attractions and tourist shops.

Turquoise Trail
You might end up on the Turquoise Trail if you’re heading from Santa Fe to Albuquerque or vice versa. You can find the Tinkertown Museum on this highway, as well as towns like Madrid and Los Cerrillos, which were known for mining. As you might expect, they were mining towns for turquoise.

Extraterrestrial Highway
If you’re into the extraterrestrial, then you need to take a drive along the Extraterrestrial Highway. This stretch of road is near the famous Area 51, and some of the local businesses embrace the “alien” culture.

You can get paid to see America’s famous highways if you attend a Tucson CDL school like HDS Truck Driving Institute. Give us a call at (877) 205-2141 and learn about our truck driving school today.

To qualify for a commercial truck driving job, you will need to be a CDL holder. The CDL, or commercial drivers license, is required for truck drivers who are working in any state. By attending courses at a Tucson CDL school, you will have no trouble passing your exam and becoming a licensed truck driver. Here is an overview of the dos and don’ts for obtaining your CDL.

Do: Make sure that you meet all eligibility requirements.

Before you enroll in CDL school and start studying for the exam, you will need to make certain that you are eligible to receive your trucking license. Depending on your state, you may need to be at least 18 or 21 years old in order to qualify. You may also be required to pass a physical exam, and prove that you already hold a valid non-commercial drivers license.

Do: Study the CDL manual thoroughly.

In order to obtain your CDL, you will need to pass both written and practical exams. The CDL manual from your state’s DMV office will provide you with all of the information that you need to pass the written exam and receive your CDL. During your time at CDL school, take the time to thoroughly study this manual and memorize its key information.

Don’t: Neglect to enroll in truck driving school.

While it may be tempting to study for the CDL on your own, you will receive many benefits when you attend a program at a local CDL school. Your instructors will provide you with practical experience behind the wheel, and your school can also help you find your first job after you have passed the licensing test.

If you are seeking a great truck driving education in Tucson, be sure to explore the programs that are available at HDS Truck Driving Institute. For more than 25 years, we have provided quality truck driving training to aspiring drivers in the local area. Call us at (877) 205-2141 to receive additional information about the key benefits of our program.