Category: HDS Truck Driving Institute News

Once you finish your program in truck-driving school and earn your certification to work in the industry, you have to figure out how to navigate the real world of being a truck driver. Keep reading to find out how to get insurance for a commercial truck if you ever decide to become your own boss:

Meet the State Minimum Liability Policy

Every state has different rules when it comes to the minimum amount of liability insurance that you need to cover your vehicle, your business, and your employees. You must have at least the minimum required by your state. Commercial trucks, agricultural trucks, flatbed trucks, fifth wheel trucks, tank trucks, tow trucks, and front loaders must all be covered by commercial vehicle insurance policies.

Get the Coverage You Need

When you get commercial insurance for your vehicle, it will protect your company and your assets. It also covers all of your permanent employees as well as temporary drivers that you use to transport your vehicles. Commercial vehicle insurance can even provide higher coverage for vehicles that are associated with more risk.

Determine Your Rates

There are a few different factors that an insurance company will use to figure out your rates. They will take into account the age and driving record of anyone who will operate your commercial vehicle. They will also look at the type of license that each driver holds and the make and model of the truck. The insurance company must also know what kind of cargo you carry, the amount of passengers in the vehicle, and the mileage that the vehicle does in a year.

Before you can own a trucking company, you must first complete truck-driving school. Apply to HDS Truck Driving Institute to start on the path toward a successful career in the industry. Our programs are designed to help you become the best driver that you can be. To learn more about our program or our financial aid options, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

When you are driving for long periods of time over all kinds of terrain, it is extremely important that your truck operates at its best. Keep reading to find out how to choose the right kind of oil for your commercial truck to keep it running smoothly:

Use the Right Viscosity

It is extremely important to look for the right weight when choosing oil. The wrong viscosity might lower the fuel economy of your vehicle and zap the power. Look at your oil filler cap to find out what viscosity you need for your vehicle to function properly.

Choose Better Grades

Making an investment in the short run can save you from paying a lot of repair costs in the future. Instead of choosing a kind of oil that barely meets the requirements for your vehicle, you should splurge a little bit on the kind with the highest grade. This ensures that your truck gets the lubrication it needs to drive as efficiently as possible. Oil helps keep all of the parts in the vehicle moving and removes sludge deposits and other buildup that might negatively affect the way the truck drives.

Read the Owner’s Manual

If you are unsure about the kind of oil to use in your vehicle, you should check out the owner’s manual to get a better idea of what you need. Make sure you change the oil every 3,000-5,000 miles so your truck operates at its best. This also helps you avoid any unnecessary maintenance issues that might leave you stuck on the side of the road.

At HDS Truck Driving Institute, we help you learn all of the skills that you need to start working as a professional truck driver in the commercial industry. Our programs are designed to help you on your path toward your CDL. To learn more about our admissions policies or how we can help you find a career, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Before you can start working as a professional truck driver, you have to earn your Arizona CDL. Once you finish your truck driving school program, you will have to apply for your CDL. Keep reading to learn the steps of applying for this license so you can begin the next phase of your career.

Apply for Your License

The first step to attaining your CDL is to complete the application. The application is two pages and asks you about pertinent information that proves you are ready to get your CDL. Make sure you fill out every line so the Department of Transportation can start to process your paperwork.

Prove Your Citizenship

Before you can get your license, you have to prove that you are legally able to work in the United States. You have to submit at least two documents to prove your citizenship, one of which has your photograph. If you do not have any documents with a photo, you can submit three acceptable forms of identification. You must bring in original documents that are written in English and certified by the agency that issued them.

Bring Identification and Proof of Age

You also have to provide a government-issued ID and something that has proof of your age. It is imperative to bring in two forms of identification and at least one has to have your picture. The Arizona Department of Transportation must also verify your social security number.

Proof of Residence

In order to obtain your CDL in the state of Arizona, you have to prove that you reside there. This means that Arizona must be your permanent home and principal residence.

Start your journey toward your CDL by applying for the program at the HDS Trucking Driving Institute. We make it easy to learn the information and the skills you need to earn your license. For more information on our program and financial aid opportunities, visit us online or call 1-877-205-2141.

 

Once you have completed your program in truck driving school, you have to pass your CDL test before you can officially start to work as a driver. Use the following tips to conduct a thorough and successful pre-trip inspection that will help you make a good impression on the day of your test.

Look at the Entire Truck

You should spend some time inspecting the entire truck to ensure that everything is in working order. This overall safety check lets you know the vehicle is ready for use and feel confident that it will not cause any unexpected problems that could lead to hazardous driving situations. Look at the tires, the headlights, the taillights, the mirrors, and the windshields.

Make Sure the Parts Are in Order

You should also look at all of the important hoses to make sure there are no holes or other problems that could cause an operating issue. Look on the ground for signs of any leaks. You should also check out all of the belts to see if they are all still snug and in the best condition.

Check on the Driving Functions

It is also important to spend some time going over the clutch, the gearshift, the brake, and the accelerator to make sure there are no problems that might make it dangerous to drive. You should also look at the oil pressure gauge and the steering functions. Take some time to see if there is any emergency equipment on board. This equipment should include electrical fuses, reflective triangles, and a fire extinguisher.

This pre-trip inspection and the skills you learn at HDS Truck Driving Institute can prepare you for a long and fulfilling career as a truck driver. Our classes and instructors are here to teach you all of the information and the skills that you need to obtain your CDL in minimal time. To learn more about our programs or how to apply, visit us online or call 1-877-205-2141.

While you are learning the ins and outs of the industry in truck driving school, it is important to pick up some operating tips that will help you on the road. Keep reading to find out why you should consider using synthetic oil as you start to work as a professional driver.

Less Wear and Tear

When you use a quality product like synthetic oil, you do not have to spend as much on maintenance costs for your truck. If you make the effort to fill your truck with the best products, it helps you get the most out of your fuel mileage so you do not have to spend as much to fuel the vehicle. Taking care of your vehicle helps you get the most out of every mile.

Increased Resistance to Temperature Changes

Another benefit of opting for synthetic oil is its ability to withstand a wide range of temperatures. Although regular oil tends to perform well in milder weather, the synthetic will get you the best results throughout the year. If you drive across the country, you will probably experience a wide range of temperatures. The best way to handle these different temperatures is to use synthetic oil that performs well in every kind of weather.

The Best Performance

Synthetic oils are specifically designed to give you the best performance in your vehicle. If you want to start improving your fuel mileage and spend less time repairing your truck, you might want to think about flushing your system and changing it out with synthetic oil that will help you get the optimal performance so you can do the best at your job.

Learn more about maintaining your vehicle at HDS Truck Driving Institute. With one of the best truck driving schools in Tucson, we make it easy to learn all the skills you need to pass your CDL. For more information about our programs or how to apply, visit us online or call 1-877-205-2141.

 

 

If you are looking for a career with plenty of job opportunities, you might want to think about becoming a professional truck driver. Keep reading for some tips that can get you started in the industry and on the path toward a job that you love.

Find a Quality CDL School

Before you can start looking for work, you have to apply to a truck driving school that will get you qualified to obtain your CDL. You should only look at schools with full accreditation to ensure that you can use your education for any kind of job. The best programs are those that have the experience and the resources to produce desirable drivers that a lot of companies want to hire.

Give Yourself Time to Get Used to Driving a Truck

You will get some practice driving while you are in school, but it will probably take a while before you feel truly comfortable behind the wheel of a commercial truck. Once you graduate and obtain your CDL, you should start off with smaller jobs that do not require as much driving so you have the time to really adapt to the road.

Remember to Rest

In the beginning of your career when you are trying to impress your new bosses, you might try to drive even when you start to get tired. If you drive a commercial truck, though, it is extremely important to take a break when you are tired. Driving while you are drowsy can lead to dangerous situations that put you and other vehicles at risk. If you are feeling tired, you should take the time to rest.

When you are ready to jump into the professional truck driving field, sign up for the driving school at Arizona’s HDS Truck Driving Institute. Since 1991, we have provided a quality program to help people in Tucson achieve their career goals. To learn more about our program or how to apply, call 1-877-205-2141.

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.

When you spend the time in truck driving school, you are giving yourself the opportunity to find a rewarding job in a field that is always looking for new people. Keep reading to learn about some of the amazing job opportunities that are available for commercial drivers.

Over-the-Road Jobs

These kinds of CDL jobs take you across the highways of the United States. It will be your responsibility to transport products in a commercial truck. Most off-the-road jobs require you to drive through 48 states and keep you on the road for about 3-4 weeks at a time. If you like staying on the road for long stretches, you might want to think about accepting some over-the-road jobs.

Solo Jobs

There are plenty of solo driving opportunities that help you enjoy some quality time on the open road with just yourself. If you do not like working with others, this kind of driving opportunity might be the best option for you.

Team Jobs

The commercial trucking industry also has plenty of team driving opportunities. This enables you to switch off driving responsibilities so you can go farther with fewer stops. It also gives you some company on the long patches of highway.

Regional Jobs

If you do not want to go far from your home base, you can look into some regional jobs. These positions usually only take you within a few hundred miles of a specific area. You can expect to be traveling these smaller routes for about 2-3 weeks at a time.

Trainer Jobs

Once you get some experience working as a truck driver, you can start to work as a trainer. If you want to show other people the ropes of working in the industry, you should think about becoming a trainer.

No matter what kind of commercial trucking job you want, HDS Truck Driving Institute can help you get it. Our classes are designed to teach you everything you need to know to obtain your CDL in Tucson. To learn more, visit us online or call 1-877-205-2141.

Attending truck-driving school opens up a wide range of career possibilities that can help you secure a long-term future for yourself in the industry. After you get your CDL, you might want to consider becoming an owner-operator. Keep reading to find out why:

You Have the Potential to Earn a Lot

If you are a self-motivated individual that is willing to work hard, being an owner-operator gives you the opportunity to make a lot of money in the industry. There are always plenty of work opportunities for someone who owns and operates their own vehicle, but you have to be the one to go after them. If you consider yourself an entrepreneur, this could be a really lucrative career move for you.

You Can Work for Yourself

A lot of people choose to own and operate their own vehicles because they do not like working for someone else. If you want the opportunity to serve as your own boss, you should consider investing in your own truck so you can decide your hours, the distance you drive, and the kinds of jobs you take.

You Are Creating a Good Investment

Purchasing your own truck is a great way to make an investment for your future. Not only does it give you the opportunity to earn money in the trucking industry, but it also gives you more collateral that can be helpful in other facets of your life. If you want to secure your financial future, you might want to consider purchasing and operating your own vehicle.

Whether you want to work for yourself or take a job with a company, HDS Truck Driving Institute is here to teach you everything you need to know about the trucking industry. Our teachers and informative classes can help you achieve your career goals and move on to the next phase of your life. To learn more about our truck driving school, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Driving a truck safely requires a certain set of skills and a lot of attention to detail. Once you complete your time in truck-driving school, use the following tips to ensure that you can operate a commercial vehicle safely.

Drive with Safety in Mind

When you are operating a large vehicle like a truck, it is more important than ever to abide by the rules of the road. You should never tailgate vehicles in front of you because it significantly reduces your ability to stop in a hurry. Use your turn signals any time you turn or change lanes and turn it on well before you start to move to alert other drivers of your plans. Follow speed limits and stay in your lane at all times.

Do Not Drive Tired

Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of accidents involving trucks. You should never get behind the wheel if you are feeling drowsy or tired. Try to get plenty of sleep the night before you drive and pull over if you need a rest. Listening to your body can help you figure out when you need to take some time away from the road.

Use Caution in Bad Weather

Driving a truck in rain and snow is much more difficult than driving a car. Use caution when you are driving through bad weather conditions. Keep your speed low and pay attention to the road in front of you. If the weather gets so bad that you do not feel safe driving, you should pull over and turn on your flashers. Use reflective triangles and road flares to let other drivers know you are there.

When you attend truck-driving school at HDS Truck Driving Institute, you learn all of the skills you need to know to operate a commercial vehicle safely. To learn more about our programs or how to apply, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

 

 

Working as a truck driver gives you access to a field with job security and the potential to make good money. Here are steps you can take to secure a job as a truck driver so you can begin a new and rewarding career:

Apply to Truck-Driving School

The first step toward finding work as a driver is to apply to a program. Truck-driving school gives you the information you need to earn your CDL and start working in the field. Choose a reputable school that has the kinds of classes and instructors you need to help you achieve this career goal.

Take Advantage of Job Placement Services

Once you finish your program, you can look into job placement services that your school offers. With their help, you can narrow down your choices and have a better chance of finding a job right away. These job placement services help you find the kind of job that you want so you can start to work in the field.

Gather Your Information

When you start applying for jobs, you have to provide certain documents that prove you are qualified for the position. You will need to show your current CDL, a copy of your driving record, and evidence that you are legally able to work in the United States. If you have worked for other companies, you should provide the names and numbers of previous employers. Some companies might also ask you to complete a background check before they officially hire you.

Start on the journey toward your new career with the help of HDS Truck Driving Institute. Our informative programs help you learn the information and the skills you need to start working in the industry. We can ensure that you are ready to obtain your CDL and get started with a new career. To learn more about our programs, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.