Category: Blog

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.  

When you are considering a big career change, it is essential to make sure that your family is on board for the transition. By attending a Tucson CDL school, you will receive the training and qualifications that you need to become a professional truck driver. If you want to make sure that your family is involved in your new job, there are many ways to include your loved ones in your truck driving career. Let’s take a look at some family-friendly ideas for your truck driving job.

Take the Time to Explore New Routes

With a spacious sleeper cab, you can bring your family members along for your long haul journeys. As a family, you will be able to take advantage of your time on the road to explore various routes and see the countryside. Your family members may start to feel like your truck driving job is equal parts career and extended family vacation.

Study Course Materials Together

Many married couples make the decision to become truck drivers at the same time. As a married couple, you will be able to embark on your long haul journeys as a duo. When you are preparing for your truck driving career, you can rely on one another for help with studying CDL course materials and getting ready for your big exam.

Switch Off Shifts Behind the Wheel

You and your spouse can provide one another with valuable support on the road. Rather than having to tackle long stretches of driving on your own, you can rely on your spouse to take over while you are on your rest break. As a result, it will be possible to complete your deliveries on a fast-paced schedule and earn more money!

To learn more about the family friendly benefits of becoming a truck driver, contact HDS Truck Driving Institute. Our Tucson CDL school offers all of the training that you and your spouse will need to become qualified truck drivers. For additional information about our top rated programs, give us a call at (877) 205-2141.  

After you graduate from truck driving school, you will have the opportunity to see the world from behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle. While many truck drivers take jobs with domestic companies, other drivers choose to embark on careers in other countries. To help you plan for your first truck driving job, here is a look at some signs that overseas trucking is right for you.

You are curious about other cultures.

One of the top signs that an overseas truck driving career is right for you is a curiosity about other cultures and languages. When you work overseas, you will become fully immersed in another country’s customs, regulations, and lifestyle. From retail trucking jobs in Europe to delivery jobs in the Middle East, overseas trucking provides opportunities to experience many other cultures.

You are not afraid of additional requirements.

In order to be eligible for a truck driving job in another country, you may need to be willing to pass additional tests and licensing exams. Depending on your country of choice, it may also be necessary to obtain a work visa for the time that you will be working abroad. If additional requirements do not bother you, an overseas job may be a great next move in your truck driving career.

You speak another language.

Working as a commercial truck driver in another country will provide you with a terrific opportunity to practice your foreign language skills. Whether you grew up speaking two languages, or you have just started studying, you will have ample opportunities to practice your new skills when you start a new job in the country of your choice.

At HDS Truck Driving Institute, we can prepare you for the foreign or domestic truck driving job of your choice. Our top rated Tucson trucking school provides training and test preparation for truck drivers of all abilities. For more information about the benefits of enrolling in our CDL program, give us a call at (877) 205-2141.

If you are seeking a fulfilling career that will make a difference for our country, consider a career in truck driving. With CDL training from a truck driving school in your area, you will be fully prepared to embark on an exciting and satisfying career as a truck driver. When you start driving a commercial truck, you can feel great knowing that your job plays a vital role in the lives of millions of people and business owners. Let’s take a look at why truckers are so vital to the American economy.

Truckers deliver products and materials.

One of the top reasons why truckers are so important to our country’s economy is that the truck driving industry allows products and materials to be shipped all over the United States. Without truck drivers, business owners would not be able to deliver and order the materials that are needed to run their companies. Each day, truckers bring fresh food, construction materials, and other essential items to locations across the U.S.

Truckers connect businesses.

In today’s global economy, businesses are connected across long distances. Part of what drives the success of our national economy is the truck driving industry. Commercial truck drivers deliver much needed supplies, equipment, and other materials to business that are located in far off locations across the entire country.

Truckers make up a large work force.

A thriving economy is reliant on fully employed workers with steady salaries. The truck driving industry is continually growing, and trucking employment has provided a stable income to many workers of different ages. As the trucking industry continues to grow, more and more eligible drivers will find steady employment in the field.

To become a part of the booming truck driving industry, consider getting your Tucson CDL. After you take classes at HDS Truck Driving Institute, you will be ready to pass your CDL exam and get your very first job. To learn more about the classes at our truck driving school, call us at (877) 205-2141.

If you want to become a truck driver, you’ll first need to earn your CDL. The best place to prepare yourself is at a truck driving school. There you will also make connections that can lead to a job in the industry. Read ahead to see if you need to go to school to become a truck driver.

Preparing to Earn Your CDL

Earning your commercial driver’s license isn’t just like earning your license to operate a personal vehicle. There is more knowledge to have as well as more specialized skills to master. Since you’ll need to study harder to earn your CDL, it’s always a good idea to do your studying at a truck driving school. If you want to make sure you have a bright and successful future in the industry, it’s wise to start off at a CDL school.

Making Connections

In addition to helping you prepare to take your tests and earn your commercial driver’s license, attending a truck driving school will give you the opportunity to meet people who are already established in the industry. You will have resources to use and mentors to turn to, so you can prepare to obtain your first truck driving job with confidence.

Entering the Industry

A CDL will prepare you with not only the knowledge, but also the practical skills it takes to become a truck driver. You can use the resources and connections you have made to steer you in the right direction, and you can rest assured that you’ll always have a network whenever you need support throughout your career.

Are you interested in earning your CDL and becoming a truck driver? Contact HDS Truck Driving Institute or visit our website. We are a Tucson CDL school, and we can equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to make it in the industry. You can learn a lot more about our services by calling us at (877) 205-2141 today.

You have to start somewhere when you break into the truck driving industry, so why not start locally? Enroll in a Tucson CDL school so you can earn your license, and then get started driving close to home. Once you’re familiar with the industry, you might decide to branch out into other areas. Here’s how local trucking can help you get started in the industry.

Attend CDL School

The trucking industry is lucrative and fulfilling, but it’s not for everyone. If you want to get started on the right foot, start your journey at a CDL school. Starting at an Arizona truck driving school means you’ll be able to stay close to home while you prepare to earn your CDL and decide if truck driving is the career path you would like to pursue.

Start Close to Home

You might think of truck drivers exclusively as people who spend their time driving halfway across the country, but there are different types of jobs. Local truck drivers work within a smaller radius and are able to make it back home on a more regular basis. This gives you time to adjust to your career choice in a familiar environment.

Become Familiar with the Industry

Once you’ve spent some time driving locally, you can begin to get a feel for the job and start to learn about the other avenues that the trucking industry offers. From there you might decide you’re comfortable on the road and would like to take longer trips. Starting local gives you the chance to do some thinking about what type of trucking career you’d like without having to jump right into it.

If you’re looking for a local Tucson CDL school so you can get started in the industry, feel free to call HDS Truck Driving Institute at (877) 205-2141. It’s our job to make sure you are prepared to earn your commercial driver’s license. Give us a call or visit our website for more information.