Category: HDS Truck Driving Institute News

If you are feeling stuck in your life and want to find new opportunities that can help you reach new potential, consider getting your CDL. Keep reading to find out how this kind of license can enhance your life:

It Makes You More Marketable

Truck drivers are always in demand. If you obtain your CDL, it gives you a way to market yourself to companies that are looking for responsible drivers to handle their shipments. Sign up for truck-driving school now so you can be on your way toward earning your CDL and finding work. Earning this kind of license gives you a chance to market yourself in an industry with a secure future.

It Gives You Flexibility

One of the best reasons to start working as a truck driver is flexibility. If you want to have more control over your schedule, you might want to consider going to school for your CDL so you can be well on your way to working in a field that offers the flexibility you’re looking for in a career.

It Helps You Earn a Good Living

Truck drivers make competitive salaries that allow you to live comfortably. If you want to start enjoying financial stability, you should look into enrolling in a truck-driving school that makes it easy to earn your CDL and start working in the field. The sooner you enroll in school, the sooner you can get your license and start your trucking career.

Turn to HDS Truck Driving Institute to learn the information that you need to earn your CDL quickly. Our teachers and classes are here to make it easy to cement your future in a fun and reliable career that offers plenty of job security. To learn more about our programs or our financial aid opportunities, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Once you complete your time in CDL school, you must pass your test before you can start working in the field. Use the following tips to study for your exam so you can easily pass it the first time:

Pay Attention in Class

One of the most important elements of studying is paying attention while in class. In order to have good study material that you can reference, good note-taking skills are a must. Make an effort to pay attention in all of your classes and to ask questions when you are unsure about a certain concept.

Write While You Study

Another effective way to retain information is to make notes as you study. Instead of just reading over the material, you can rewrite it all to give yourself a better chance of retaining the information when you sit down to take your test. You should actually sit down with a paper and pen and write out the information instead of typing it up on your computer or laptop.

Work with Classmates

You can also try to work with some of your classmates to discuss the information you learned in class. Hearing someone else’s point of view on a certain topic might help you remember it. It is also useful to explain concepts that your peers do not understand. As you sit down and talk to them about the ideas, it helps you remember them even more.

Take Breaks

Taking breaks can actually help you retain information. You should get up and walk around at least once every few hours to give your brain the rest it needs to get back to studying.

Enroll at HDS Truck Driving Institute to learn the information you need to pass your CDL exam and start working as a truck driver. With thorough instructors and informative classes, we make it easy to take control of your career. To learn more about the program or the admissions process, visit us online or call 877-205-2141.

 

 

Driving long hours and sleeping in new places are regular aspects of working as a truck driver. If you are planning to start working in this industry, use the following tips to ensure that you avoid drowsy driving incidents that could lead to big accidents.

Take Frequent Breaks

You should take a 20-minute break every few hours during your shift. Pull over and get out of your vehicle so you can walk around. This gives you the opportunity to take a bathroom break, to replenish your snacks, and to get some beverages if you need them. Truck drivers are actually required to take at least one 30-minute break after driving for eight hours. You should also pull over any time your eyes start to feel heavy.

Eat a Healthy Diet

The foods you eat have a big impact on how well you feel during the day. You should make an effort to stay hydrated, especially on the days when you drive. Try to eat a diet with plenty of lean protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates so your body has the energy it needs. If possible, you should avoid fatty, processed foods that might actually make you feel more tired as you drive.

Use Caution Between Midnight and 6 A.M.

Most drowsy driving incidents tend to occur between midnight and 6 a.m. You should pay special attention to your body and its needs during these hours to avoid an unnecessary incident. If you feel tired and a 20-minute break does not help, you should pull over for a longer period of time.

If you are interested in getting your CDL in Tucson, sign up with HDS Truck Driving Institute. Our programs offer nationally-recognized truck driver training, refresher courses, road testing, and third-party Commercial Driver License testing to give you the tools you need to succeed in your career. To learn more about our programs or our admission process, visit us online or call (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 enroll in truck driving school, you learn how to safely operate larger vehicles. Knowing about the top causes of trucking accidents can help you avoid them even before you start your program.

Disobeying the Rules of the Road

Driving rules are put into place for a reason. One of the most frequent causes of trucking accidents is when a driver neglects certain rules. It is extremely important to pay close attention to the information you learn in your driving school classes so you know exactly how to follow these rules and drive safely.

Not Servicing Vehicles Regularly

Another common cause of accidents is problems with the vehicle. If you drive a truck with under-inflated tires, bad bakes, tires with worn tread, or other maintenance issues, you have a higher risk of getting into an accident. Make sure you get your truck serviced regularly so you can be sure it is safe for the road.

Driving Tired

Drowsy driving is responsible for far too many trucking accidents each year. You should take a 20-minute break every few hours to avoid fatigue while on the road. If you feel like you are getting tired, you should pull over, get out of the vehicle, and spend some time walking around.

Speeding

When you drive a truck, you are carrying heavy loads. If you speed or accelerate in an unsafe manner, it puts you and the drivers around you at a higher risk for an accident.  You should use caution when accelerating and when braking to ensure that you drive safely at all times. Check and double-check your blind spots before you change lanes.

HDS Truck Driving Institute offers some of the best truck driver training in Arizona. If you are interested in getting your CDL in Tucson, we are here to teach you all of the skills you need to know to get ahead in your career. To learn more about our programs, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

When you enroll in truck driving school to earn your CDL, you will learn the fundamentals that you need to know when you operate a larger vehicle. This guide helps you gain some preliminary knowledge about how to safely maneuver mountain roads in a truck.

Do Some Research

There is plenty of information available about mountain roads. If you know the route that you plan to take, you can look up information about the mountains to learn about the steepness of the trail, how many lanes you can expect throughout the trip, and whether or not there are any escape lanes along the way. Depending on the weight of your load, you can determine if you need to plan for an alternate route.

Get Your Truck Serviced Before You Go

If you know that you will be driving through the mountains, you should make some time to get your truck serviced before you leave. It is important that your brakes, windshield wipers, defroster, heater, and exhaust systems are all in working order. You should also check on the brake and transmission fluids and the tread of the tires. When your vehicle is in top condition, it will be much easier and safer to navigate the mountain roads.

Do Not Hug the Line

Some drivers have the tendency to stay too close to the center line when traveling on mountain roads. These roads tend to be narrower than regular highways, which makes some drivers nervous. Driving along the center line can be more dangerous, however, especially if drivers on the other side of the road are doing the same.

Learn everything you need to know about driving a truck at HDS Truck Driving Institute. Our instructors are here to ensure that you learn the information and the skills you need to obtain your CDL. With our programs, you can take control over your future and start working in an exciting industry. For more information on our programs or how to apply, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

Driving a truck gives you the opportunity to see large portions of the country as a part of your job. Spending long hours in a vehicle makes it more difficult to abide by healthy, habits, though. Use these tips to help ensure that you can be healthy on the road.

Fixing A Growing Problem

A 2014 study found that as many as 60 percent of long-haul truck drivers are obese. 17 percent of these obese drivers are morbidly obese. This weight statistics mean that a lot of truck drivers are at a higher risk for serious health issues like heart attack, diabetes, and stroke. With the proper attitude and the right habits, though, you can stay healthy while on the road.

Finding Ways to Exercise on the Road

It is important to find at least 15 minutes for exercise every single day. You do not have to go to a gym to increase your heart rate and to get your blood pumping. If you are only working out for a short amount of time, you should aim for high-energy workouts during which you maintain a maximum heart rate of 75-85 percent. You can do this by working multiple muscle groups simultaneously. You might want to bring some free weights into the truck with you so you can do a short workout at a truck stop.

Make an Effort to Eat Healthy

You should make an effort to eat after you exercise to help your body build muscle so it burns more fat. Eat breakfast every day and try to eat every three hours. Truckers have notoriously slow metabolism and maintaining a regular eating schedule can help you speed it up. Since it is hard to find healthy food at truck stops, you might want to pack snacks such as nuts, fruits, vegetables, and protein shakes. Try to avoid fatty, processed foods.

HDS Truck Driving Institute can teach you the skills you need to start working as a truck driver. Sign up today to start on the path toward a fulfilling career. To learn more, call (877) 205-2141.

Before you even enroll in truck driving school, you can familiarize yourself with some common trucking terms that you will probably encounter regularly on the road. Use this guide to prepare for your new career.

Alligator

One of the most important elements of driving a truck safely is spotting any potential hazards on the road. An “alligator” is a term that refers to a piece of tire lying in the road. If possible, you should avoid these hazards so you do not get “bitten.” Although a truck is much bigger than a piece of a blown tire, it could cause damage to your hoses, belts, or other parts of the tractor. The force from your truck might also send it onto another vehicle and cause damage or an accident.

Backed Out of It

With all the weight of a truck, it might be hard to continue traveling at the same speed when the road inclines. If you can no longer maintain your speed on a hill and have to downshift, you refer to it as “backing out of it.” When this happens, you should move over to the right lane to let the faster drivers behind you pass.

Handles

The Federal Communication Commission encourages people who talk over CB radios to use handles. These nicknames make it easier to identify the speaker without having to announce your actual name over the radio waves. Drivers tend to pick their own CB handles and often choose a name that they feel reflects their personality.

Too Many Eggs in the Basket

You might use the term “too many eggs in the basket” if you are carrying too much weight in your truck. If you feel like your load is overweight, you should definitely mention something before you hit the road.

At HDS Truck Driving Institute, we give you the tools you need to earn your CDL and start working in the trucking industry. If you are ready to take control of your own career, we are here for you. To learn more about our programs or admissions, call (877) 205-2141.

When you make the decision to attend truck-driving school, you open yourself up to a whole new set of career possibilities. Keep reading to learn more about the different types of trucking jobs for which you can apply when you get your CDL.

Pulling a Dry Van

New drivers tend to start out by pulling a dry van. This type of truck uses a 53-foot trailer to haul dry goods. These jobs are easy and do not require a higher level of skill, which means they usually fall at the bottom of the pay scale.

Pulling or Hauling Refrigerated Freight

It is considered more difficult to haul trailers with perishable items that must be refrigerated. Not only must a trucker haul these goods, but he or she must also ensure that the freight stays at a certain temperature. Jobs that entail hauling refrigerated freight tend to pay more.

Hauling Flat Bed Loads

When freight does not fit easily into a trailer, it is often transported on a flat bed. Drivers handling flat bed loads are often responsible for driving airplanes, scaffolding, and other large loads that must be securely tied to the bed. Drivers who handle flat bed loads often have more work and more pay than they get with other kinds of jobs.

Driving Tankers

Although most people think tankers are primarily used for gasoline, they can hail any kind of liquid. When you drive a tanker, you are responsible for transporting liquids like milk, chemicals, and gases. Because some loads might be dangerous, truckers must receive special training before they can drive tankers.

No matter what kind of truck you want to drive, start your career at HDS Truck Driving Institute. Since 1991, we have served as one of the top truck driving schools in Arizona and give you the training you need to succeed in your future career. To learn more about our programs, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

When you spend large amounts of time on the road, it is easy to turn to fast, unhealthy food like burgers and French fries. If you make an effort to pack some snacks before you get on the road, though, you can avoid these items and maintain a healthy weight. Keep reading for some great snack ideas for truck drivers:

Nuts

Nuts are a great source of protein and healthy fats, which can actually reduce your risk for heart disease. Try to grab some roasted, unsalted nuts that you can munch on while you drive to keep yourself satiated with a delicious and nutritious snack. Trail mix is also a great snack option that keeps you feeling great while you drive.

Fruit

Fruit is always a great choice for a snack and there are plenty of varieties that are easy to eat on the road. You can grab a handful of blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries without any trouble. Dried fruit is a better snack option than something fattening like potato chips, but it is often full of sugar so you should try to limit your intake.

Hummus and Veggies

Snacking on foods that are high on fiber help you feel full longer. If you can reach for some hummus and chopped vegetables instead of a milkshake, you can satiate your hunger while giving your body important vitamins and nutrients like iron, vitamin C, fiber, and protein.

Hard Boiled Eggs

Spend some time hard boiling eggs before your next big job so you have easy access to this healthy snack. Eggs have very few calories and a lot of protein. They are also a great source of lecithin to help your body burn fat.

At HDS Truck Driving Institute, we can teach you the skills you need to obtain your CDL and start working as a qualified truck driver. Our programs can put you on the path toward a rewarding career. To learn more about our program or our financial aid opportunities, call 877-205-2141.

Some people are more equipped to handle certain lifestyles than others. If you can relate to any of the following, it might be time to consider enrolling in truck-driving school so you can get your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and start out in a new career.

You Love a Challenge

From long hours on the road to unpredictable weather patterns, no two days are the same when you drive a truck. If you love to experience new things and get bored doing the same thing every day, you might really love the life of a trucker.

You Want to See More

There is no better way to see the beauty of the country than by driving a truck. From the green forests of the Northeast to the stunning mountain views of Colorado, America has so many hidden treasures that you might never experience in other venues. Start driving a truck to get a front-row view of these majestic sights and to gain a new appreciation for the place in which you live.

You Enjoy Alone Time

If you hate the idea of being surrounded by coworkers in an office, a career as a truck driver can give you the lifestyle you want. Whether you drive across the country or stay local, you can enjoy plenty of alone time while you are behind the wheel. It is just you, your truck, and the open road.

You Want Job Security

Between 2004 and 2014, there were more than 320,000 trucking jobs and that number is expected to continue to grow. If you want more job security in your career, you should think about enrolling in truck-driving school so you can learn the skills you need to break into a long-lasting career.

Turn to HDS Truck Driving Institute to enroll in one of the best CDL schools in Tucson. We offer nationally recognized truck driver training to enable you to start working in a job you love. To learn more, visit us on the Web or call 877-205-2141.

The American economy depends on the trucking industry. If you are looking to start a career that provides job security, you might want to consider going to truck-driving school to get your CDL so you can be a part of an industry that provides these essential services:

It Transports Domestic Shipments

Companies depend on domestic shipments to run their businesses. Trucks transport about 70 percent of all domestic shipments. This enables businesses to move their products to other areas of the country and it also allows them to get the products and the supplies they need to continue running their companies. Without the trucking industry, domestic shipping would take a huge hit.

It Moves Items between Other Types of Transportation

Even if goods and products are sent by train, boat, or air, they will still likely travel on a truck at some point. The trucking industry allows companies to send their materials from one location directly to another. Without trucks, it would be much more difficult to get these items to the desired destination.

It Provides Thousands of Jobs

The trucking industry employees about 800,000 truck drivers in the U.S. alone. This is an essential addition to the economy and provides plenty of work opportunities for people who are looking for a steady career. With such a valuable working resource, the trucking industry helps thousands of families earn a reputable living.

It Boosts the Economy

On top of providing a lot of jobs, the trucking industry adds a lot to the American economy. It brings in about $650 billion of revenue each year, which is a huge contribution to the country’s gross income. In fact, trucks are responsible for about 84 percent of the entire revenue of the whole transportation industry.

If you want to be a part of an industry that is such a pillar of this nation, sign up for truck-driving school at HDS Truck Driving Institute. Our programs are designed to get you behind the wheel of a truck or other kind of commercial vehicle as quickly as possible. To learn more, visit us online or call (877) 205-2141.

After you complete your truck-driving school program and earn your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), it is important to start utilizing resources that can help you in your career. Keep reading for some ideas on resources that can help you excel in your new job.

Landline Magazine

This business publication is designed for professional truckers to help you learn the ins and outs of the industry. With links to articles about government regulations, news stories, and trucking headlines, this magazine can help you become the best truck driver you can be.

Blog4Truckers

If you want to hear news and updates from other truck drivers around the country, you should definitely add Blog4Truckers to the bookmarks on your web browser. This blog gives you tips on freight factoring, fuel cards, and even equipment financing to help you do your job as efficiently as possible.

Department of Energy and Department of Transportation

Government resources can also help you simplify your time behind the wheel. The Department of Energy posts weekly gasoline and diesel fuel updates to help you better gauge how much you will spend while you are on the road. You can also turn to the Department of Transportation for more information on safely operating a truck.

National Traffic and Road Closure Information and National Weather Hazards

Knowing what to expect while on the road makes it easier and safer to operate your vehicle. Check out the National Traffic and Road Closure Information website before you start driving to see if there are any potential hazards or delays on your route. You should also look at National Weather Hazards to make sure you can complete your trip safely.

With an education from HDS Truck Driving Institute, you can quickly earn your CDL and start a career as a truck driver. With the help of our truck-driver training and resources like these, you can be sure to make the most of every experience on the road. To learn more, visit us online or call 877-205-2141.