Category: HDS Truck Driving Institute News

In order to operate as a truck driver in the United States, you must have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). If you’re interested in driving 18-wheelers, you should enroll in a truck driving school that prepares you to obtain your Class A CDL. However, there are other types of CDL classifications that you may be interested in depending on the type of driving career you want to pursue. This blog post will help you understand the different CDL classifications so you can enroll in the right CDL program in Tucson.

Class A CDL

The Class A CDL is required to operate a combination vehicle (truck and trailer) that has a combined gross weight of more than 26,000 pounds. Drivers can broaden the scope of their career opportunities with additional Class A CDL endorsements. For example, a Hazardous Materials endorsement will enable you to transport hazardous cargo.  

Class B CDL

The Class B CDL is required to operate any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight of over 26,000 pounds. The difference between the Class A and Class B CDL is that Class B CDL holders are not allowed to tow a trailer in excess of 10,000 pounds. Drivers with a Class B CDL often find careers driving dump trucks, commercial buses, and other similar large commercial vehicles.

Class C CDL

The Class C CDL is required to operate any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight less than 26,000 pounds that is required to transport hazardous materials or 16+ passengers. You must also obtain a Passenger (P) or Hazardous Materials (HME) endorsement in order to obtain a Class C CDL.

HDS Truck Driving Institute provides the training you need to obtain your Class A or Class B CDL. Our truck driving school in Tucson has rolling admissions throughout the year, with CDL classes starting every Monday. For additional information about our CDL school or the driver training programs we offer, please call 1-877-205-2141.

Even if you’ve never driven a big rig before, chances are you’ve pulled into a truck stop at some point in your life. Although truck stops may seem like regular gas stations to normal drivers—albeit very big gas stations with restaurants and showers—they represent a whole lot more to truck drivers. For some drivers, truck stops are as close as they’ll get to home for days or even weeks at a time. Truck stops allow drivers to fuel up, relax, and get ready for another long stretch on the open road. As you prepare to enroll in truck driving school in Tucson, keep these tips in mind to make the most out of your rest stops as a professional driver.  

Bring Toiletries and Laundry Detergent from Home

Although truck stops have all of the toiletries you’ll need to get clean, you can save a lot of money if you bring these items along with you. The same goes for laundry detergent. If you’ll be on the road and away from home for an extended period of time, be sure to shampoo, toothpaste, deodorant, and other toiletries you’ll need to avoid the high prices at truck stops.

Get Out and Look Before Parking

Considering the heavy traffic at most truck stops, it’s important that you choose your parking spot carefully. One of the most important things to look for is a spot that won’t force you to back up in order to get out. You also don’t want to be near any trucks that will have to back up either. Before you set the brakes and turn the engine off, get out and do a quick look around the truck to make sure your rig is in a safe spot for the night.

Although truck stop tips aren’t officially part of the CDL curriculum at HDS Truck Driving Institute, our faculty has decades of combined experience behind the wheel and can share professional tips to help you become a confident and successful truck driver. Contact us online or call us at 1-877-205-2141 to learn about enrolling at our Tucson truck driving school.

Most truck drivers in Arizona never need to worry about using snow chains on their big rigs, but it’s an important skill that every truck driver should know regardless of where they operate. If you’re thinking about attending truck driving school in Tucson and then becoming a long-distance driver, you’ll likely encounter winter road conditions along the way that require the use of heavy chains. Although you’ll learn more about using chains and other safety features during the CDL program, this short blog post will give you an introduction to snow chains and provide helpful tips that most drivers only learn after years of experience.  

What Chains Do

Tire chains are devices that provide maximum tractions when driving through snow or over ice. Although big rig tires provide a lot of grip on their own, they can easily slide out of control on slippery road surfaces. Tire chains give you better control and can also improve your truck’s braking ability in snow or ice.

When to Use Chains

Considering how important it is that truck drivers not lose control of their vehicles while driving on slippery roads, states have mandatory chain laws that require truckers to use chains at different times of the year. The times to use chains can vary from state to state, but you will see signs on the interstate informing you when it’s time to pull over and chain up.

Snow Chain Pro Tips

Putting on tire chains can be a difficult task for truck drivers, especially the first couple of times. To help, here are a few expert tips to keep in mind the next time you chain up:

• Make sure to lay the chains down with the open ends of the cross links facing the tarmac
• When fitting the bungees, make sure the hooks are facing outwards
• Hook the inside of the chains before tightening them from the outside

HDS Truck Driving Institute is committed to producing the very best truck drivers in the state of Arizona. Whether you choose to drive locally or set out as a long-distance, cross-country driver, with truck driver training from HDS Truck Driving Institute in Tucson you’ll have the skills necessary for a long and successful career in the transportation industry. Call us at 1-877-205-2141 to learn more about our CDL programs.

The trucking industry has remained one of the most successful industries in the U.S. for decades. Thanks to positive changes in the economy, the need for qualified CDL drivers has continued to rise. Today, truck driving is one of the nation’s most common jobs—keep reading to learn more about what makes this career choice such a popular and desirable path to follow.

The Prevalence of Trucking Jobs

According to a recent study performed by NPR, full-time truck, delivery, and tractor drivers who work 35 hours per week or more are the most common workers in many states. This group includes not only traditional OTR truck drivers, but long- and short-range delivery truck drivers and employees as well. The results of this study show that while secretarial and farming jobs were once some of the most commonplace positions in the U.S., there has been a major shift over the past three decades toward the trucking industry.

The Reasons for Increasing Trucking Jobs

There are many reasons for the observed increase in popularity and availability of trucking jobs. The trucking industry has remained largely immune to changes in the way business is conducted—where once many office and factory workers were needed for daily operations, increased automation has caused a decline in such positions. However, such automation has not affected truck drivers. Additionally, increases in general commerce and e-commerce have both led to a corresponding increase in the need for truck drivers to deliver both raw materials and consumer goods. The U.S. Bureau of Statistics and Labor predicts that between 2014 and 2022, the demand for truck drivers will double, increasing from 1.4 million jobs to 2.76 million jobs.

Are you ready to take advantage of the trucking industry’s success by becoming a CDL trucker in Tucson? Visit HDS Truck Driving Institute on the web or stop by one of our open house events to find out more about our Class A and B CDL training and testing programs. You can also reach us by calling (877) 205-2141 to discuss financial aid, admissions, and more.

Throughout your trucking career, one of your most important goals while on the job should be traversing the road safely. Distracted driving is one of the top causes of motor vehicle accidents in the U.S., leading to hundreds of thousands of injuries each year. Learning the dangers of distracted driving and how you can avoid driving distracted will protect not only you, but the drivers you encounter while on the road as well.

The Basics of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving refers to any type of driving while your full attention is not on the road. Distractions may be large or small, ranging from phone conversations and texting behind the wheel to checking a map, changing the radio station, or eating. Any activity that takes your attention away from the road is considered distracted driving and increases your chances of an accident.

The Dangers of Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a danger because distractions reduce your ability to react quickly and properly to changes in road conditions. However, it’s also important to note that even if you are driving without distractions, the vehicles around your truck may be controlled by distracted drivers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that at any given time, 660,000 car and truck drivers are using handheld phones or electronic devices while behind the wheel. Taking your eyes off the road for just five seconds to dial a phone, read a text, or type a word can result in distracted driving over the length of a football field if your truck is moving just 55 mph. The results of distracted driving are just as widespread—more than 3,000 deaths and 400,000 injuries were reported in 2012 as a result of distracted driving.

Taking steps to reduce distractions in the cab can keep you and those around your truck safer while on the road. You can learn more about safe truck driving techniques when you visit HDS Truck Driving Institute on the web to check out our informative blog, or by calling (877) 205-2141 for details about our CDL school in Tucson.

Visit our ongoing series of videos of some of the worst drivers caught on camera! Check out, Who Taught You How to Drive?! by clicking here.

Truck driving as a service and a career has existed since shortly after the use of vehicles became widespread around the end of World War I. Since this time, trucking has grown to become one of the predominant industries in the United States. Today, truck driving is responsible for the delivery of more than half of the raw materials and consumer goods shipped in the U.S., contributing to both the growing job market and the improving economy.

The Birth of Truck Driving

Prior to WWI, most goods were transported across the U.S. via train or horse-drawn carriage. Starting in the 1930s, the use of trucks to transport goods began to increase as the establishment of paved roads became more widespread. In 1933, the American Highway Freight Association and the Federation Trucking Associations of America merged to form American Trucking Associations, which remains the trucking industry’s largest national trade association.

The Establishment of Trucking Regulations

As the trucking industry continued to grow, the need for trucking regulations arose out of public safety concerns for both truckers and other drivers. In 1965, the first hours of service rule was enacted; since then, the hours of service rule has been updated several times. The deregulation of the trucking industry occurred in 1980 with the passage of the Motor Carrier Act of 1980, allowing carriers the right to establish their own rates and reducing the overall cost of consumer goods. In response to growing safety concerns, the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 established the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration to develop and implement strategies for improved safety while on the road.

The trucking industry continues to make history today as a major workforce in the U.S. You can earn your CDL in Arizona to become an important part of this industry by attending HDS Truck Driving Institute of Tucson. Check us out online to find out more about admissions and CDL classes, or feel free to call us at (877) 205-2141 for the answers to your questions about CDL school and truck driving.

Truck drivers rely on the quality of their truck for safety and efficiency while on the road. Whether you are part of a large or small trucking fleet, maintenance is the key to greater performance across every mile. By including truck drivers as part of a fleet maintenance program, employers can improve results, lower operating costs, and take steps toward a healthier environment.

Outline Maintenance Needs

The first step in creating a preventive fleet maintenance plan is to outline every vehicle’s maintenance needs. If a fleet is comprised of similar vehicles, this step may be simple—however, it’s still important to take into account the age and mileage of each truck. Fleets that include many different trucks may require more organization at first, as different vehicles often require different maintenance tasks at varying mileage. Keeping a record of each vehicle, its past maintenance, and the schedule on which it should be maintained will help employers and truck drivers stay on top of regular maintenance for improved performance.

Note Every Change

As a truck driver, you are on the front lines when it comes to noticing changes in your vehicle’s performance. Rather than waiting until a component has completely failed, note any changes in your truck’s performance, large or small, as soon as you notice them. CDL drivers learn how to perform pre- and post-trip inspections on their vehicle; taking the time to follow inspection protocols carefully and thoroughly will help you spot issues that require maintenance or repair. Addressing problems when they are minor will cut costs and reduce the chances of a breakdown that could result in significant lost time, widespread damage to other parts of the vehicle, and even risk your safety while on the road.

HDS Truck Driving Institute is dedicated to teaching you how to become a successful trucker in Arizona. Our CDL school will provide you with the skills and know-how to excel—please call (877) 205-2141 or take a look through our website to find out more.

 

 

Due to their size and length, trucks have numerous blind spots that cannot be seen directly from the cab. These blind spots pose a safety hazard to both truck drivers and the vehicles around them. Your mirrors provide the valuable information you need about traffic and other conditions around your truck to help you remain safe on the road.

Visualize Your Surroundings

The main value of your truck’s mirrors is their ability to help you visualize your surroundings. Your mirrors are mounted in a way to compensate for many of your truck’s blind spots, giving you a clearer picture of the cars, pedestrians, and structures around you as you drive. Checking your mirrors constantly allows you to spot potential hazards, such as vehicles or pedestrians next to your truck, preventing accidental collisions during lane changes and turns. However, it’s important to remember that even with your mirrors, your truck still has large blind spots and you should always handle changes in course with care.

Keep Up with Road Conditions

In addition to providing the location of the cars around you, your truck’s mirrors also provide information about where these cars are going and how fast they are moving. As you drive, you can use your mirrors to ensure you are keeping up with traffic and to note changes in the flow of traffic around you. You can also use your mirrors to visualize the movement of cars and make predictions about how they will move in the future to ensure you are moving at a safe speed and have sufficient time and space to react to sudden changes in road conditions or unexpected moves made by aggressive drivers.

At HDS Truck Driving Institute, you’ll learn how to handle a truck safely during your CDL training in Tucson. You can find out more about our nationally recognized truck driver training and how to enroll in our program by calling (877) 205-2141 or clicking through our website.

Before you can obtain your CDL and start working in the commercial truck driving industry, you must pass a medical and physical examination. Keep reading to learn more about the requirements for these tests so you are prepared to pass when you finish your school program:

Vision Requirements

Since a person with a CDL will be operating a large commercial vehicle, it is essential that he or she has good vision. Before qualifying for a license, a driver must get a vision test that proves he or she has 20/40 correctable vision in each eye. It is okay if the driver requires glasses or contact lenses to reach this prescription.

Diabetes Requirements

A person operating a commercial vehicle cannot have diabetes that is controlled with needle-injected insulin. If a person has diabetes that can be controlled by diet, however, they can still qualify for the CDL. Every driver must have a blood sugar level below 200.

Blood Pressure Requirements

The DOT also has specific blood pressure requirements for drivers before they can get a CDL and start working in the industry. A driver must have blood pressure of 140/90 or less in order to get the 24-month DOT Medical Certificate. If blood pressure ranges from 140-159/90-99, they can qualify for a 12-month certificate. Drivers with blood pressure of 160-179/100-109 can get a 3-month temporary certificate. Anyone with blood pressure over 180/110 cannot get a certificate until the blood pressure is under control.

Other Medical Requirements

There are other medical requirements that can affect your ability to obtain your CDL. If you have sleep apnea, a back injury, or a hernia, it might affect your chances of getting the license.

The teachers at HDS Truck Driving Institute can help you figure out what you need to do to get your CDL and start working. Our truck-driving school gives you the information you need to get your license quickly. To learn more about our programs, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

 

The trucking industry is responsible for transporting practically every kind of good used in the United States. If you are looking for a new career with plenty of job security, you should consider becoming a truck driver. Keep reading to find out why it is one of the most common jobs in the country:

There Are Always Job Opportunities

Since the trucking industry is so integral to business in America, there are always plenty of job opportunities for people who want them. If you make the effort to go to truck-driving school and obtain your CDL, you can start working in an industry that has plenty of work. Cement your future by breaking into the truck driving industry.

You Have a Choice Over Your Schedule

Most truck drivers have a lot of input in their schedules, which helps them fit work around their lives. If you prefer staying on the road for long periods of time and having a few days off in a row, you can work with a company that has long-haul jobs. If you prefer to stay close to home, though, you can work with a company that has plenty of local driving opportunities.

You Have the Freedom of the Road

Not everyone is cut out for sitting in an office all day long. If you would rather spend long stretches of time in a vehicle on the highway, you should think about joining the truck-driving industry. While you are at work you have the opportunity to see the most beautiful parts of the country without ever leaving the truck.

If you think that the world of commercial trucking sounds right for you, sign up for the truck-driving program at HDS Truck Driving Institute. We help our students learn all about the industry so they can get their CDL and start working as a driver. To learn more about our programs, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Before you can officially get your CDL in Tucson and start working as a commercial driver, you must first obtain a CDL instruction permit. Use this guide to figure out how to get this permit so you can be one step closer to your new career as a truck driver.

Getting a Permit Before a License

If you are applying for your CDL for the first time, you must first get the CDL instruction permit, which is valid for six months. Drivers must be 21 years old to get a CDL. If you are at least 18, you can apply for an intrastate CDL that is only valid in Arizona. If a driver is under 21, though, he or she cannot transport hazardous materials.

Applying for the Permit

When you are ready to apply for your permit, you must get a physical examination and a Medical Examiner Certificate or an ADOT card. You also have to have your social security card and your regular driver’s license as well as another form of identification with your picture. You must be able to prove that you have had at least one year of driving experience in a vehicle that is not a motorcycle. If you have a current Arizona driver’s license, this information will be in the database.

Taking the Class and the Test

Once you have applied for your permit, you have to enroll in a class of license before you can sign up for your permit exam. You have to pass a knowledge test before you can obtain your permit.

If you are interested in driving a commercial truck for a living, HDS Truck Driving Institute is here to help you. We offer nationally recognized training programs that help you learn the skills and the knowledge that you need to get your CDL and start working in the industry. To learn more about our program or how to apply, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.