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Truckers keep our nation moving and deliver freight across the country. This is a stable industry with year-round work, which means drivers are out on the road throughout the seasons. However, certain types of freight are impacted by seasonal cycles. Different parts of the year also have unique challenges in terms of safe driving. Being aware of how trucking changes through the seasons can help you better prepare for the year.

Late Winter/Early Spring

January through March is typically the slowest season for the trucking industry. The holidays have ended and the new year generally brings a bit of a lull in freight volume, although this is more pronounced in certain industries than others. You may be able to take home time more easily, although you should still expect steady work unless you are in a highly seasonal job.

Roads are still icy from winter, so you need to be sure you are prepared for this. Have emergency supplies in case you need to stop due to bad weather and plan ahead for potential delays. Drive slowly and carefully and pay close attention to weather forecasts.

Late Spring/Early Summer

As spring arrives, freight volume tends to increase. This is especially prevalent in the produce industry, but many different types of carriers will see the effects, especially if produce in the region takes up a lot of available trucks.

This tends to be an easier season in terms of driving, at least as it relates to the weather. However, you may notice more cars on the roads as summer break begins. Plan for traffic, especially near tourist destinations and big cities. Heat can also affect your truck depending on the region you are driving through.

Late Summer/Early Fall

August through October is the peak season for trucking as companies across multiple industries are preparing for the holidays.

This is still an easy season as far as weather goes, although you should still plan for some heat and traffic as summer wraps up.

Late Fall/Early Winter

From November to December, the holiday season is in full swing. You can expect high demand during this time, especially as companies prepare for holiday closures and as some trucks are off the road while drivers enjoy time with their families.

Again, staying prepared is essential during the winter to make sure you can safely drive through snow and ice.

Prioritize Safety Year-Round

No matter what season you are driving in, keep in mind that you should always focus on defensive driving and staying safe. Even if the weather is great and traffic is mild, you still need to be paying close attention on the road.

Become A Trucker

If you’re interested in an essential job with stable demand, HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) can help you become a truck driver. We offer commercial driver’s license (CDL) training and our program can get you on the road in as little as four weeks.

Contact us today to learn more about our truck driver training program.

Have you ever zoned out while behind the wheel, even though you’re fully conscious? Then you likely experienced highway hypnosis. It may sound mystical, but this experience is common among drivers, especially truckers on long-haul routes, and can be extremely dangerous. Keep reading to learn more about highway hypnosis and how to avoid it. 

What is Highway Hypnosis?

Highway hypnosis, sometimes called white line fever, is a term used to describe the trance-like state a driver enters when they are not paying close attention to the road or their surroundings. Instead, they are spaced out and focusing on something other than driving, while still subconsciously performing driving maneuvers, such as changing lanes or using a turn signal.

Highway hypnosis happens most commonly to tired drivers, but monotonous roads also play a significant role in this phenomenon. Driving on a flat road with only one type of visual scenery for a long period of time causes the brain to depend less on retinal feedback (what you actually see) and more on extra-retinal feedback (mental prediction of what you’ll see). You may not always realize that highway hypnosis has taken over until you’ve snapped out of it.

Some warning signs include:

• Sleepiness
• Loss of concentration
• Wandering thoughts
• Feeling dazed
• Slow reaction time
• Heavy eyelids or frequent blinking 

How to Avoid Highway Hypnosis

Avoiding this occurrence is imperative for truckers’ safety and the safety of other motorists around them. You must take steps to prevent highway hypnosis when you head out on a long-haul route.

Follow these five steps to help you avoid highway hypnosis:

1. Get Enough Sleep

As mentioned above, highway hypnosis occurs most commonly among tired drivers, so ensuring you get enough sleep before hitting the road will help lower your chances of zoning out while driving. Adults require around seven hours of sleep each night to function properly. 

1. Take Frequent Breaks

The longer you spend driving, the greater the chances of your brain disengaging from what is happening. Take a break every hour or so when behind the wheel to help prevent fatigue. Getting out of your vehicle, stretching, and walking around will get your blood pumping and re-engage your brain with its surroundings. 

1. Talk to Someone

Talking with someone helps the brain stay focused rather than drift off into daydreams. If you are driving with a partner, strike up a conversation or make a phone call from a hands-free device if you are alone. However, be mindful that talking on the phone, even hands-free, can also be a distraction, so if you notice that you’re losing focus on the road, end the call. If talking to someone else isn’t an option, talking or singing to yourself can also keep your mind engaged.

1. Make an Environmental Change

Altering external stimuli can also help prevent the brain from switching off. If you feel yourself losing focus, make a change to your driving environment by opening the window, turning the heat down, adjusting your seating position, or changing the music or podcast you’re listening to. Avoid cab conditions that increase your chances of feeling sleepy, such as using a seat warmer or leaning your seat back.

1. Skip Big Meals

Eating a large meal causes you to feel drowsy because your body is focusing its resources on breaking down the food. The more food you eat, the more energy goes to your digestive tract, so try to avoid eating a big meal before driving. Instead, have a light meal or snack to keep your energy levels up.

Learn Safe Driving Habits at HDS Truck Driving Institute

Highway hypnosis is just one of the many hazards truck drivers encounter while on the road. At HDS Truck Driving Institute, we teach our students safe driving habits and give them the tools to deal with any complications that may arise along their route. 

Call one of our advisors today to learn how to become a professional truck driver in as little as four weeks.

There are few careers that allow you to keep your pet by your side every day. Trucking is one such career at many pet-friendly motor carriers across the nation. There are many benefits to hitting the road with your furry friend. However, there are also some things you should consider before trucking with pets.

Here are the pros and cons of truck driving with a cat or dog on board:

Pros

A Companion On The Road

The most obvious and typically the most significant benefit of trucking with a pet is that you have a companion on the road. Truck driving is often a solitary career, and it can get lonely at times. Having a furry friend by your side can make this easier.

More Opportunities for Exercise

Truckers spend most of their day behind the wheel, which means they are typically sitting down. This can lead to the potential for weight gain and other health issues due to a lack of exercise. If you have a dog on board, you’ll need to stop regularly to walk them. This encourages you to get moving regularly and can have a positive effect on your health.

Potential Security Benefits

Certain breeds of dogs can bark to alert you if someone is near your truck and can provide security benefits. Of course, this likely won’t work as well with a very small dog, and cats aren’t known for guarding abilities, so this benefit will depend on the type of pet you have.

Cons

May Not Be Best For All Pets

Some pets won’t be a good fit for the trucking lifestyle. They may be too big, prefer space to run around during the day, or have health issues that make it harder for them to be on the road. Be sure to take your companion to the vet before you hit the road to see if they are medically ready to be a trucking pet. In addition, think about your pet’s personality and needs to determine if they’ll enjoy being on the road with you.

Potential Messes And Clutter

If you have a cat on board, you’ll need a litter box for them. Dogs will need to be taken out regularly and could have accidents on the truck. In addition, both dogs and cats can shed and leave hair around your cab. You’ll need to have extra cleaning supplies on board, and should be prepared to accept a bit more mess than you might have trucking on your own.

Need For Extra Preparation

Before you hit the road with your pet, you’ll need to prepare. Trucking with a pet requires more supplies than trucking alone, and you’ll also need to plan for potential emergencies. Trip planning can also become more complicated since you’ll need to not only stop for fuel and your required breaks but also to let your pet out (if you have a dog).

Becoming a Trucker

If you’re looking for a career that lets you bring your furry best friend along every day, consider earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL). At HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school), we can help you get started in as little as four weeks. Our job placement assistance team can help you find positions that meet your needs, including finding motor carriers that allow pets on board.

To learn more about how to start trucking with your pets, contact us today.

Over-the-road (OTR) trucking takes drivers across the country. Unlike other types of jobs, you won’t report to the same location every morning. There will likely be times when you wake up in a different state each day. However, the motor carrier you work for will typically have one or more trucking terminals. If you’re looking for a driving job, it’s important to understand the impact of your distance from the nearest terminal on your life as a trucker. This can help you make an informed decision.

What Is a Trucking Terminal?

Before we can discuss how the location of your company’s trucking terminal(s) affects you, we need to define what a terminal is. This is a location where a motor carrier has offices, maintenance shops, and other facilities for their essential business functions. Many terminals also have amenities for the company’s drivers.

How Often Do Truckers Visit A Terminal?

Different motor carriers have different policies for where drivers can leave their trucks during home time. In many cases, truckers are able to park their vehicles at their residence (if there is space to do so safely) or nearby (with permission from a local business or property owner). In these cases, you wouldn’t necessarily need to park at your closest terminal unless it was nearby and convenient. In other circumstances, companies may require that trucks be left at the closest terminal for home time.

If you aren’t required to leave your truck at a terminal during any home time, you’ll likely need to stop at a company terminal for required maintenance or repairs. There may be other options for where to stop depending on the company, especially if there is urgent maintenance.

All in all, how often you stop at a terminal can vary significantly depending on your company’s policies and your own preferences.

Do You Need To Choose a Company With a Terminal Near You?

There are multiple benefits to choosing a motor carrier with a terminal near your hometown, although this is not a requirement.

Some benefits include:

• Indicates Freight In The Area: When you request home time, your motor carrier will try to find a load that brings you back to the area. If the terminal is near your home, this is a good indication that they have regular freight in the area.
• Makes Parking For Home Time Easier: While you don’t have to park your truck at the terminal for home time, this is often easier and safer than trying to find suitable parking on your own. Many residential areas don’t have space for a semi-truck, and even if you have permission to park in a business’s lot, it may not always be the safest or easiest option.
• Allows You To Get Repairs During Home Time: If you need repairs or maintenance and live near a terminal, you can drop your vehicle off and head home while you wait. Otherwise, you may need to stay in an area away from home while you wait.

Why Do Some Truckers Work For Companies Without Nearby Terminals?

Although many truckers prefer working for motor carriers with terminals nearby, others choose to work with companies without terminals in their area. One reason for this may be if a driver lives in a rural area. Another could be if a driver finds a company that matches all their preferences otherwise, but which doesn’t have a terminal nearby. As long as a company is hiring drivers based in your area, you can apply for a job even if there isn’t a terminal near you. Just be sure to weigh the pros and cons first.

Earn Your CDL

If you’re interested in starting your trucking career, HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) can help you get started. You can earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) in as little as four weeks with our program and we offer job placement assistance.

To learn more about our CDL training in Tucson, contact us today.

Trucking has the potential to be a great opportunity for many individuals. After earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and getting some experience, you have multiple options to tailor your career to your preferences. When you are first getting started, it’s worth thinking about what your long-term goals are so you can work toward finding your trucking niche and building a rewarding career.

Here are some tips for finding out what type of trucking is best for you:

1. Realize You’ll Probably Start with OTR

Although there are multiple options in trucking for different route lengths and specialty freight, most drivers start with an over-the-road (OTR) job. This means you’ll spend a few weeks at a time on the road and complete hauls to any combination of regions within the contiguous United States.

Most entry-level trucking jobs will also be dry van hauls, meaning you will transport material in a standard tractor-trailer that doesn’t require refrigeration or transport liquids. Some entry-level jobs are available for refrigerated trucks (reefers), but this often depends on the region and the specific company.

Many truckers prefer to stay within this niche of the trucking industry for the duration of their careers, as it offers excellent pay and benefits. Additionally, this is the type of driving that is most consistent with the idea of the “trucking lifestyle” and the freedom of the open road. However, other truckers may prefer to transition to a different type of driving later on. If you believe this will be the case for you, still try to approach your time OTR with an open mind. Take note of what you like and don’t like, as this can help you refine your career options later. Focus on building your skills and staying accident-free while you build your experience.

2. Think About The Type of Driving You Like

As you spend more time behind the wheel, you’ll get a feel for what kinds of driving you like, and which you prefer to avoid. For example, you may find that driving at night with fewer cars on the road and less competition for parking is comfortable for you. In this case, a reefer job or a less-than-truckload (LTL) position may be a good fit, since night driving is more common. Otherwise, you may prefer to stay with dry van OTR or a local job that drives during the day, so you can either make your own daily schedule or have a set schedule that minimizes night driving. You can also think about how you handle city driving, which is typically more common in local and regional jobs.

3. Determine Your Home Time Preferences

Home time considerations are usually a major factor in the length of route a driver prefers. For example, if you want to be home every night, a local job can allow you to do this. OTR jobs, on the other hand, involve staying on the road for a few weeks at once. Regional jobs are somewhere in the middle. Specific home time policies vary based on the company, but these general guidelines can help you determine which type of trucking is most aligned with your home time goals. Keep in mind, however, that OTR jobs typically pay more, so you’ll want to consider both pay and home time when making a decision on where to work.

Earn Your CDL

At HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school), we can help you earn your commercial license in as little as four weeks, and offer job placement assistance. Whether you’re interested in a dry van job or transitioning into a more specialized form of trucking down the line, getting your CDL is the first step to a rewarding driving career.

Contact us today to learn more about our CDL training program in Tucson, AZ.

Trucking is a great career option with high earning potential. Drivers can earn more than $72,000 per year.* The process for calculating how much truck drivers earn is different than it is in other industries. While some regional and local driving jobs pay per hour or a salary, most long-haul jobs pay per mile. If you’re interested in a trucking career, it’s important to understand how per-mile pay works.

Benefits of Per-Mile Pay

With per-mile pay, how much you earn is based on your performance. While there are sometimes factors out of your control that affect how far you can travel, over time, the best truckers are able to learn skills like trip planning to help them get more miles. For highly motivated individuals, this can make trucking an attractive career option because you can work harder to earn more. Many companies also have bonuses for drivers that are able to meet certain mileage goals, further increasing your earning potential.

Potential Challenges

In cases of heavy traffic, bad weather, or other delays, it can be harder to hit your mileage goals. It’s important to be aware of this and to plan strategies to manage your stress when this occurs. For some types of delays, like if you are waiting to be unloaded at a receiver, your motor carrier may offer supplemental pay. Be sure you know and understand your company’s pay structure for these circumstances.

Types of Per-Mile Pay

There are a few different ways trucking companies may calculate the miles you get paid for.

Some of the most common include:

Practical Mileage

When you input your starting location and address into your electronic logging device (ELD) or a GPS, it calculates the number of miles between them based on the most efficient path. Motor carriers that pay practical mileage pay based on the number of miles in this calculation. Of course, you may not necessarily drive this exact route. In fact, as you get used to driving, you’ll likely find more efficient ways to avoid areas with heavy traffic or where you may have difficulty parking to rest. However, you’ll still get paid based on the miles in the calculated path.

Household Goods/Zip Code Miles

Household Goods (HHG) miles, also known as zip code miles, calculate the distance between the post office zip code in the city you start in and the post office zip code of the destination.

Hub Mileage/Actual Miles

Hub mileage, also called actual miles, means your motor carrier pays you based on the actual mileage change on your odometer. It means you get paid for all the miles you drive. This can be beneficial since you get paid for any changes in the route due to traffic conditions or any stops you have to make.

Sliding Scales

Some companies with short-haul routes will use a sliding scale to give drivers with shorter routes a chance to earn more competitive pay. In this case, the company will split the routes into different categories and pay a greater cents per mile (CPM) rate for distances under a certain number of miles.

Get Your Trucking Career Started

If you’re interested in a career in trucking, HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) can help you get started. We offer high-quality training and job placement assistance. With our programs, you can get on the road and earning in as little as four weeks.

To learn more about our CDL training, contact us today.

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $48,310 (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm). The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $72,730 per year according to 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

For years, semi-trucks with manual transmissions were the standard, but advances in technology have led to a new generation of automatic trucks. Many trucker drivers prefer the simplicity and ease of an automatic rig, while others continue to enjoy the control they get by driving a vehicle with a manual transmission. 

Manual Transmission in Semi-Trucks

A manual transmission in semi-trucks is a gearbox system where the driver uses a clutch and gear shift to change speeds, slow down, and control the vehicle. This transmission system allows truckers to choose different gear ratios to drive the rig. Lower gear ratios provide more torque but less speed, while higher ratios are the opposite. 

Automatic Transmission in Semi-Trucks

An automatic transmission in semi-trucks differs from that of a car. It is a manual transmission system that uses automation through computers, actuators, and sensors to tell the vehicle when to shift. 

What’s the Difference?

Trucking companies are moving to automatic transmissions for various reasons, including ease of driving and fuel economy. However, one of the main draws of manual semi-trucks is vehicle control.

Ease of Driving

Driving a vehicle with an automatic transmission is simpler than using a manual, and semi-trucks are no exception. An automatic model can adapt to slight changes in speed and keep the truck running smoothly, while manuals require the driver to constantly shift gears as their driving speed varies. 

Fuel Economy

One of the greatest expenses in the trucking industry is fuel costs. While seasoned manual truckers have experience driving to save fuel, in general, semi-trucks with an automatic transmission tend to have better fuel efficiency compared to those with manual transmissions. The simplified system allows the engine to operate at a more efficient rate, leading to better use of fuel and improved mileage.

Vehicle Control

One of the advantages of a manual semi-truck is that drivers are more in control of their vehicles. Manually shifting helps your rig gain momentum faster, and this transmission also handles better in winter weather conditions. Being in control of shifting your truck also helps keep truckers awake during long hauls or night driving.

Removing the Automatic Restriction

If you take your commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test in a vehicle with an automatic transmission, you will have an automatic restriction on your license. This means you can’t drive a commercial vehicle with a manual transmission. Even though many fleets are switching to automatic, it can still limit your career options, so it’s helpful to remove this restriction. 

Ready to Get Started?

If you want to take the first step toward a career in trucking, start by attending HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school). We can prepare you for local, regional, or over-the-road trucking routes, and we have opportunities for solo and team drivers. Along with education, we help our students find resources to finance truck driving school and assist with job placement. We use manual semi-trucks for training, so you won’t have an automatic restriction on your license. 

Contact us today to learn more about our CDL training program.

Truck drivers have many factors to consider when deciding which trucking company to work for. Before you hop in the cab, you should ensure that the company meets your expectations. Although job interviews typically involve answering questions about yourself, it is also a great time to ask your future employer about their institution. Asking your interviewer questions shows your interest in the job while confirming that the company is a good fit for you.

Ask your recruiter these five questions before you commit to a position:

1. What is Your Home Time Policy?

Being away from your family for days or weeks while you’re on a route is one of the most difficult parts of being a trucker, so home time policies are a necessary consideration when choosing an employer. Although asking about when you’re not going to work may not be a good question for other professions, the unique lifestyle of a truck driver makes it a worthy one. Each company has a different way of offering home time and vacation, so you should confirm that you understand the details.

2. How Much Do You Pay?

Salary is another important consideration. Trucking companies have different pay models, typically pay-per-mile for long-haul driving. Some companies also offer layover pay, which occurs when a driver is delayed by a shipper or receiver for one or more days. Asking questions about how the company handles raises, bonuses, and paid time off will help you better understand the compensation they offer.

3. What Are the Benefits?

Benefits are closely linked to pay, so you can’t consider one without the other. Insurance can be expensive when you buy it yourself, especially if you support a family. Luckily, many companies offer a combination of medical, dental, vision, and short-term disability coverage. New hires are not always eligible for those perks immediately, however. You will need to confirm the company you are interviewing for offers a benefits package that fulfills your needs. 

4. What Kind of Freight Do You Haul?

You may also have an interest in the operational details of the company. Knowing what type of equipment you will use and what freight you will haul determines whether or not you’ll be comfortable on the road. The equipment’s quality is also an indication of how a company treats its drivers. Additionally, the type of freight impacts how much manual labor you do every day. For example, you will not have to unload the cargo yourself if you haul no-touch freight.

5. What Are the Safety Standards?

Along with being comfortable on the road, safety is another major factor. As a trucker, feeling safe and taken care of on the road will give you peace of mind and help you enjoy your work. Successful trucking companies with strong driver retention prioritize safety, so be sure your interviewer clearly outlines the safety standards. 

Choose the Right Truck Driving School

Before you line up interviews with potential trucking companies, you must first earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Our team at HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) provides our drivers with a solid foundation for their careers through our exceptional training program. Our school gives you the skills you need to be successful on the open road.

Contact us today to find out how soon you can start earning your CDL.

 

Like anyone training to work in a particular industry, it is beneficial for prospective truck drivers to have hiring opportunities lined up before they graduate and receive their licenses. Along with an apprenticeship, another way to do this is by receiving a pre-hire. While it is not a guarantee of employment, a pre-hire offer is a great step toward working and getting paid sooner.

Pre-Hire in Trucking

A pre-hire in trucking is a letter sent to students from a trucking company acknowledging that they have met the standard minimum hiring requirements. After the student graduates and earns their commercial driver’s license (CDL), they can attend a free orientation with the prospective employer. At the orientation, graduates can network with potential employers and coworkers to see if the company is a good fit for them.

A Pre-Hire Letter is Not A Guarantee of Employment

A pre-hire letter is verification of placement in a company, not a guarantee of employment. Federal law requires professional truck drivers to meet certain criteria before they can get out on the road.

 

A few of these requirements are:

 

• Attending a truck driving school and obtaining a CDL
• Having a clean driving record 
• Passing a drug test and a physical
• Being at least 21 years of age

 

Even if a company gave you a pre-hire offer, if you do not meet these employment requirements, they can’t hire you. 

Why is Pre-Hire Important?

Having pre-hire letters lined up is an important step in securing a job after graduating from CDL training school. It enhances your confidence and gets you a step ahead of the hiring process and on the path to your trucking career. It also gives you a chance to get a solid understanding of a company before you sign an official employment contract. Pre-hire benefits the company as well by allowing them to quickly fill their employment vacancies with trustworthy drivers.

Steps to Help You Get a Pre-Hire Letter

While you’re training for your CDL, there are a few steps you can take to get a pre-hire letter:

1. Do Your Research

The first step in getting a pre-hire letter is to make a list of companies that you’re interested in working for. Research each of them and make sure the company culture matches your preferences and that you can handle their expectations for drivers.

2. Be Prepared

Before you reach out to a company, make sure that you meet all of the qualifications for getting a CDL. You can find both the federal and state requirements here. 

3. Be Honest

Another important step is to tell the company your current training status, whether you are getting ready to begin CDL school, currently training, or about to take one of the required tests. This will give the company an idea of when you may be available and give you a better understanding of your employment probabilities.

4. Apply to Many Companies

If you are so inclined, you can seek multiple pre-hire letters at once. These letters are not binding contacts, so you can obtain as many as you want throughout your time at CDL training school. Having a series of pre-hire letters will give you a choice of several different job opportunities.

5. Follow Up

Trucking companies receive a lot of applications, so it is best not to assume that yours will be seen right away. Don’t be afraid to call and introduce yourself, letting the staff know that you are interested in working for their company. This will help you stand out among other applicants.

Local CDL Training in Tucson

For 30 years, HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) has provided our students with the CDL training needed to become professional truck drivers. Our program combines classroom, yard, and on-the-road training to get you driving in as little as four weeks.

Contact us today to learn more about the process of obtaining your CDL.

Safety is essential in any industry. When it comes to trucking, it’s important for drivers and employers to exercise caution since there are such large vehicles involved. One requirement for staying safe on the road is staying drug-free and alcohol-free behind the wheel. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created its drug and alcohol Clearinghouse to support this goal, and truckers should understand how this works..

What is the FMCSA Clearinghouse?

The FMCSA Clearinghouse went into effect in 2020. This is a database that contains information about drug and alcohol testing for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. FMCSA-regulated employers must report any violations, including failed tests or refusals to test, to the Clearinghouse.

What is the Purpose of the FMCSA Clearinghouse?

The goal of this database is to prevent drivers from moving employers to avoid completing the return to duty process after a drug or alcohol testing violation. Since all regulated employers must use this system for current drivers and query the system for new hires. Violations stay in the system until the driver completes the necessary steps to return to duty or for five years, whichever is longer.

What Truckers Need to Do

As a company driver, your company’s safety team can help you ensure you are compliant with FMCSA regulations, including using the Clearinghouse database properly. If you have any questions, get in touch with them for more information.

The first step is to register for the system as a driver. Then, you’ll need to provide consent for any queries that prospective or current employers need to make.

Beyond this, you will need to make sure you comply with any required testing including pre-employment and random tests. Of course, staying drug-free is also your responsibility, and is essential not only for yourself but for the safety of anyone with whom you share the road.

What To Do After a Violation

If you ever fail or refuse a test, your employer will be required to report this to the FMCSA Clearinghouse. This means it will be on record for any future employers. At this point, it is your responsibility to complete the return-to-duty process in order to return to safety-sensitive duties.

What About Owner-Operators?

Owner-operators operating under their own authority have additional responsibilities related to drug and alcohol testing. These drivers are required to work with a consortium/third-party administrator (C/TPA) to ensure Clearinghouse compliance. This is especially key as it relates to random testing.

Learn About the Trucking Industry

At HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school), we teach our students about the trucking industry, including an overview of drug and alcohol testing. We can help you set yourself up for success and we meet all necessary entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements.

To learn more about our CDL training program in Tucson, contact us today.

Trucking is generally seen as a solitary job, and there’s a lot of truth to this. Drivers generally spend the bulk of their day by themselves in the cab, and even team drivers are typically driving while their co-driver sleeps. This means that trucking is a great career path if you’re interested in an independent lifestyle. That being said, people skills are still important to succeed in this industry. Knowing how to communicate effectively is essential, and you’ll interact with a wide variety of individuals who play different roles within the industry.

Here are some of the types of people you’ll work with:

Driver Trainer

When you first get started in the industry after graduating from truck driving school, most companies will pair you with a driver trainer. You’ll drive with them during your first few hauls while you get used to trucking.

Here are some tips for getting along with your driver trainer:

• Remember that this time is temporary. Whether you get along with your trainer or not, you’ll only have to work with them for a short period of time.
• Keep in mind that you’re sharing their truck. Be courteous of their space.
• The impression your driver trainer has of you can affect how others at your company view you, so make an effort to be polite and a safe driver.

Dispatcher

Dispatchers act as go-betweens for truckers and motor carriers. Your dispatcher will be one of the people you interact with most frequently as a trucker. Although dispatchers may not ultimately determine which loads are you assigned, they do have influence over this process. This means that building a strong relationship with your dispatcher can help you get more favorable hauls and more miles, not to mention making your day-to-day life easier.

Some tips for working with your dispatcher:

• Inform your dispatcher right away if you are experiencing any delays.
• Focus on delivering your loads safely, on time, and undamaged. This makes their job easier and you’ll build a positive reputation.
• Be polite, even if you disagree with something your dispatcher said or if you don’t like a route you were assigned.

Loading Dock Staff

When you drop off freight at the receiver, you’ll likely interact with various types of team members at the loading dock. This is often one of the times where frustration is most likely to occur, since both you and the receiver have deadlines you need to meet. It’s essential that you stay patient and calm, both for the sake of maintaining a good relationship with the customer and to help avoid accidents, which are more common if you are frustrated and not paying attention.

Things to keep in mind when working with loading dock staff:

• The individuals you work with are not likely directly responsible for any delays, and they are on a schedule as well. You can politely advocate for yourself in order to get on the road more quickly, but being courteous while doing so is important.
• Safety is your top priority. Avoid getting caught up in what others will think of you, as long as you are staying safe. For example, you may need to get out of your truck to look several times while backing. This may take longer, but it’s far better than accidentally backing into something and damaging your truck, or worse.
• Do your best to arrive on time, or inform the receiver and your dispatcher if you will be early or late. Respecting their schedule makes it more likely that you’ll be unloaded in a timely manner.

The Bottom Line

These are just a few of the people you’ll interact with most frequently, but there are many others you’ll encounter on the road, from law enforcement officers to other truckers at stops along the way. Across all the interactions you have, making an effort to be kind will go a long way in helping you build strong relationships and a positive reputation.

Earn Your CDL in Tucson

If you’re interested in starting a truck driving career, HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) can help. We have an accelerated program that can get you on the road and earning in as little as four weeks.

To learn more about our truck driver training, contact us today.

 

Truckers play an essential role in the transportation industry. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), 72.5% of our nation’s freight travels via semi-truck. As a trucker, you don’t necessarily need to know all of the ins and outs of logistics beyond your immediate role. However, it’s helpful to have a general idea of how freight transport works.

More information about logistics as it relates to trucking:

Terms to Know

You’ll encounter a variety of terms to describe concepts within the transportation industry.

Here are a few to know related to freight:

• Shipper: This is who sends the freight to be delivered.
• Receiver: This is who is getting the shipment.
• Carrier: A carrier is a company that arranges the transport of freight between a shipper and receiver. As a trucker, you’ll be working for a motor carrier, but there are other carriers that handle air, sea, and rail shipments.
• 3PL: A third-party logistics (3PL) company acts as an intermediary between the shipper and the carrier(s).
• Intermodal Freight: Freight can be transported in a variety of ways such as by ship, plane, rail, or truck. Intermodal freight is transported using two or more methods and stays in the same container throughout the shipping process. For example, an intermodal shipment may travel from overseas via ship and then be picked up by a semi-truck at the dock to be brought to its final destination.
• FTL: Full truck load (FTL) shipments, as the name implies, take up an entire trailer. The truck moves right from the shipper to the receiver.
• LTL: Less-than-truckload (LTL) shipments are smaller, and so one trailer will contain multiple shipments from different shippers. LTL trucks typically stop at terminals to sort freight, then deliver it to each customer on the route.
• Bill of Lading: This is a contract between the shipper and the carrier, and outlines any specific instructions for the freight.

The Timeline of Freight Transportation

The first step in freight transport is when the shipper contacts the carrier of a 3PL to send out a shipment. At this point, the bill of lading is created, outlining the details of how the freight will be transported.

If the shipment is traveling entirely by semi-truck, a trucker will go to the shipper to pick up the load. If it is an LTL haul, this will be brought, along with other shipments, to a terminal to be sorted and sent out using a hub-and-spoke model. For FTL shipments, this step is not necessary. Intermodal shipments are picked up in a similar way but are picked up from a different location than with the shipper.

The truck travels until it reaches the receiver. From this point, the trucker is responsible for making sure the freight arrives on time and undamaged, and the carrier should support them in this goal. At the receiver, the trucker may drop off the entire trailer and pick up a new, empty trailer if it is a drop-and-hook load. If it is a live load, the driver will wait while loading dock staff unload the trailer. For some types of trucking, drivers provide additional support during unloading or are responsible for loading and unloading their own vehicles.

Become a Trucker

If you’re interested in playing a vital role in the transportation industry, consider becoming a trucker. You can earn rewarding pay while also seeing more of the country, and it can take as little as four weeks to get started with HDS Truck Driving Institute’s program. 

To learn more about earning your commercial driver’s license in Tucson, contact us today.