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A semi-truck is significantly larger than the typical car or truck and operating one requires care and skill. Safe trucking helps protect you, your freight, and everyone else on the road. Our commercial driver’s license (CDL) program will prepare you to hit the road with a strong foundation. From there, it’s up to you to keep safety in mind at all times.

Here are some tips for safe truck driving:

Perform a Thorough Pre-Trip Inspection

Trucking safety starts before you even hit the road. During your pre-trip inspection, you should thoroughly check your vehicle for issues. If there is anything wrong, make a note and get it fixed to avoid a potential breakdown or another safety issue. You must complete this inspection each day before you start driving in order to stay compliant with federal regulations.

Be a Defensive Driver

Defensive driving involves being constantly aware of changing road conditions so you can respond quickly to any potential hazards. You should be scanning the road to see what is going on 15 seconds ahead of you as well as staying alert to the area immediately in front of your truck. As you drive, you should anticipate possible dangers and make decisions to reduce the risk of an accident. Defensive driving also includes maintaining a safe following distance and checking your blind spots regularly.

Maintain a Safe Speed

Speeding is potentially dangerous in any vehicle, but it can be especially hazardous in a tractor-trailer. Because of its weight, a semi-truck takes longer to come to a stop than a passenger vehicle. Going too fast increases your risk of getting into an accident and can also lead to worse injuries and property damage if an accident occurs. Keep in mind that you may need to go slower than the posted speed limit depending on road conditions, weather, and other factors. When in doubt, it’s better to slow down and take a bit more time than to get inpatient and drive dangerously.

Don’t Drive Distracted

Distractions take your attention off the road and reduce your ability to drive defensively. Never text while driving or do anything else that takes your eyes off the road or your hands off the wheel. You may be tempted to try to eat lunch or do other tasks while driving to save time, but it’s not worth the risk.

Stay Calm and Be Patient

Trying to rush anything or getting frustrated can be dangerous when you’re handling such a large vehicle. If you’re starting to feel stressed, it can be helpful to take a few deep breaths and refocus on the task at hand. Remember that it’s better to take a little longer to get something done in order to stay safe.

Truck Driver Training in Tucson

At HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school), we provide high-quality CDL training. Our skilled instructors will help you learn the basics of safe trucking and our job placement assistance team can help you find openings that match your goals and desires.

To learn more about our truck driving school, contact us today.

Earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is the first step to entering the trucking industry. After graduation, there are many different paths available to you. There are several choices you will make as you start your trucking career and throughout your time as a driver. You have the ability to select a job that matches your desired lifestyle and goals. While you can always change course later, it’s helpful to consider the options before you hit the road so you can get started with the best possible foundation.

Some choices you’ll make as a trucker include:

Local, Regional, or OTR?

Local jobs allow drivers to come home every night, over-the-road (OTR) driving involves being on the road for weeks at a time, and regional trucking is somewhere in between. If you prefer a stable schedule, a local driving career may be a good fit. However, if you love the freedom of the open road and want to see the country, you’ll probably prefer OTR. Regional is a middle ground and offers some elements of OTR, but with more frequent home time.

What Type of Freight to Haul

Most truckers start out driving a dry van, which is a semi-truck with a standard trailer. However, this is not your only option. You could drive a refrigerated truck (reefer), haul hazardous materials (hazmat), or even transport livestock. Some types of freight require additional endorsements and you may end up needing some experience before moving into more specialized varieties of trucking.

Solo or Team?

Team driving keeps the truck moving more efficiently, which often translates into higher earning potential. If you already know someone else with a CDL, you can team up with them and spend time together while earning competitive pay. Husband-and-wife trucking teams are relatively common, for example. Many companies also offer team matching if you don’t already have a driving partner in mind. On the other hand, some drivers prefer to go solo and have more control over their schedule and how to set up their truck.

Which Company to Work For

Once you’ve narrowed down the type of trucking you are interested in, it’s time to look at which motor carriers are hiring for these roles. You should consider pay, benefits, and company culture when making a decision. Try to talk to current and former drivers from the trucking companies you are interested in as well as researching them online. Keep in mind that opinions are going to vary and that at the end of the day, every motor carrier will have some benefits and some drawbacks.

Advancement Opportunities

After you’ve spent some time in the trucking industry, you’ll be able to choose how you want to advance in your career. You may be interested in saving up for a truck and becoming an owner-operator, or maybe you want to teach the next generation of truckers as a CDL school instructor.

Choose a High-Quality Trucking School

Students at HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) learn the skills they need to succeed in the trucking industry. Our accelerated program can get you on the road and earning in as little as four weeks.

If you are interested in starting your trucking career, contact us today to learn more.

Truck driving is an excellent choice for those seeking a high-paying career. Truckers can make more than $66,000 a year*, but the pay structure is often different for over-the-road drivers than it is for other workers. There are several different types of truck driver pay that you may encounter after you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), and it’s important to understand what these are and when you might receive them.

Base Pay

Base pay is going to make up the bulk of what you earn as a driver. How your base pay is calculated will vary depending on the type of trucking you do.

Some possible types of pay for truckers include:

Pay Per Mile

The majority of long-haul truck drivers are paid per mile that they drive to deliver goods and materials. This can be calculated based on practical mileage, which is the number of miles in the most efficient route from your starting point to your destination. Other methods include household goods (HHG) mileage (measured from zip code to zip code) or hub mileage (includes all miles a truck drives). These rates are given in cents per mile (CPM).

Hourly

Hourly pay is less common in the trucking industry, but local drivers or regional drivers with short routes may be paid hourly instead of by mile. This is more practical if the job often involves non-driving tasks such as loading and unloading or interacting with customers.

Salary

Salaried truck driver jobs offer consistent pay on a weekly or biweekly basis. Like hourly jobs, these are more common for local or regional positions.

Pay Per Load

Pay per load is less common, although it is offered under some circumstances. This type of compensation is more likely for specialized jobs such as gas tankers, livestock, et cetera. This may be a flat rate or as a percentage of the profit for the load. The latter is often reserved for owner-operators and is rare, but sought-after.

Additional Truck Driver Pay

Beyond base compensation, there are other types of pay that may be applicable depending on the situation.

These include:

Per Diem

A per diem is a daily allowance that helps cover meals and other daily expenses a trucker might have while on the road. In many cases, this is added onto CPM. Per diem pay is non-taxable, so it’s important to know what portion of your pay is considered per diem, if any.

Detention, Layovers, and Breakdowns

Things don’t always go as planned in trucking, and these additional types of pay allow drivers to be compensated when unexpected delays occur. Detention is when a driver is stuck at the receiver waiting to drop off a load. Layovers are when truckers are waiting to get a new load. Breakdowns refer to any issues with the semi-truck that require the driver to stop and wait for repairs. Companies offer varying compensation for these circumstances since they impact a driver’s ability to get miles and earn the amount they want.

Stop Pay

Over-the-road truckers often deliver a full truckload to one final customer. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes a load will include two or more stops. In these cases, many companies offer additional stop pay for every drop-off beyond the first.

Bonuses and Incentives

In order to encourage the best performance, many companies offer bonuses. These may include incentives for improving fuel efficiency, practicing safe driving, passing Department of Transportation (DOT) inspections, and more. Additionally, the truck driver shortage has created a high demand for long-haul truckers and some motor carriers offer sign-on bonuses.

Start Your Trucking Career

If you are looking for a job where you can see more of the country and earn competitive pay, truck driving may be the right choice for you. We can help you earn your CDL and offer job placement assistance. Many of our students have offers even before they graduate and can hit the road right away.

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

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $44,500 (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm). The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $66,800 per year* according to the 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

When people think of truck driving, they often think of over-the-road (OTR) jobs first. These careers involve transporting freight long distances and drivers are generally out for several weeks at a time. Although these types of truckers are in high demand, this is by no means the only path available to you once you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL). One option that is appealing to those who want to stay closer to home is local trucking. These jobs involve different responsibilities and a different lifestyle than OTR and may be a good fit depending on your desires and goals.

Local Driving Basics

In general, a local truck driving job involves transporting goods and materials within a range of 200 miles or less. This may be one city, a metro area, or a portion of a state (e.g. Southern Arizona). These jobs may be pick-up and delivery (P&D) for less-than-truckload (LTL) freight companies, delivery truck driving, or transporting a specialized type of shipment. In any case, local drivers are usually home every day and make multiple stops on their routes.

Pros and Cons of Local Trucking

If you are interested in a local route, it’s important to understand the benefits and potential downsides of these types of jobs.

Pros include:

Home Daily

One of the biggest reasons truckers are drawn to local driving is that it will typically allow you to be home every night.

Consistent Days Off

Many local jobs offer weekends off. Even if this is not the case, you will typically have consistent days off each week to spend time with your family.

Routine and Predictability

Local drivers usually have a stable daily routine. Although not everyone prefers this, those who enjoy a more predictable job will generally enjoy local driving over OTR.

Cons include:

Complicated Driving

Whereas long-haul jobs involve a lot of time on the highway, local driving is typically within cities. Additionally, you will usually be making multiple stops a day, which requires pulling into loading docks or parking at businesses or residences. This type of driving can be more stressful for some drivers, especially those who have less experience maneuvering a large truck.

Lower Pay vs OTR

Although this varies based on the trucking company, local jobs usually pay less than OTR, especially for those who are just starting out. This can sometimes even out as you gain more experience and seniority.

Highly Competitive

Getting a local job can often be more difficult. The truck driver shortage affects mostly OTR routes, whereas local companies often have many applicants for open positions. In most cases, it is easier to get one of these jobs after you have some long-haul experience under your belt. Some companies also hire from warehouse positions within the company, increasing the difficulty of landing an open position. 

The First Step to Local Driving

If you are interested in a local trucking job, the first step is earning your CDL. At HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school), we give our students the skills they need to succeed, whether they are interested in OTR, local, or another type of CDL job.

To learn more about earning your commercial license with HDS, contact us today.

Earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) opens the door to many different career paths. Not all of these have to involve truck driving and you may work as a CDL school instructor, dispatcher, highway maintenance technician, et cetera. Even within the realm of trucking, there is a great deal of variety. Different types of trucking have varying home time, pay, and lifestyles associated with them. There are three broad categories based on the length of routes: local, regional, and over-the-road (OTR).

Local Truck Driving

Local drivers haul freight within a relatively small geographic area. Your workday will usually last between 8 and 10 hours and you will typically be home every night. You may have a dedicated route that you drive every day, or it may vary depending on the customers that need deliveries. Driving can sometimes be more difficult and you will often need to back into loading docks and make multiple stops per day. The major benefit of local truck driving jobs is the consistent home time.

Types of Local Trucking:

• Pick-up and delivery (P&D) jobs for less-than-truckload (LTL) freight
• Some delivery trucks
• Specialized hauls

Regional Truck Driving

Regional routes are within the radius of a few states. The lifestyle and day-to-day responsibilities are often fairly similar to OTR jobs. Home time will depend on the company, but many regional jobs get drivers home every weekend. This is a good middle ground between local and OTR, both in terms of home time and pay. Dedicated routes are common for regional jobs, which means you will get used to a specific routine of driving. Some drivers consider this a benefit, whereas others prefer more variety.

Types of Regional Trucking:

• Linehaul LTL drivers
• Full truckload for various types of freight; may include refrigerated (reefer) trucks, tankers, flatbed trucks, etc.

OTR Truck Driving

OTR is what most people think of when they think of trucking. These drivers are on the road for multiple weeks at a time and travel coast-to-coast. There are some dedicated OTR routes, but it is common to have more variety in what loads you are assigned. These types of trucking jobs have high earning potential and the best truck drivers work hard at becoming more efficient to maximize their pay.

Types of OTR Truck Driving:

• Various types of freight, similar to regional trucking
• Solo driving jobs
• Team driving jobs
• Owner-operator trucking

Find Your Niche in the Trucking Industr

At HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school), our job placement assistance team can help you determine which jobs would be the best fit for you. We give our students the skills they need to succeed regardless of the type of trucking they pursue.

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

When many people picture a trucker, they automatically think of a rugged man. Although the trucking industry has historically been predominantly male, the number of women in trucking continues to grow. The truck driver shortage has created an increased need for new drivers of both genders, and continuing to welcome more women into trucking is a promising way to meet this need.

More information about women in trucking:

Statistics About Women Truck Drivers

In 2008, 4.9% of over-the-road truckers were female. 2019 data from Freightwaves and the Women in Trucking Association (WIT) indicates that this number has increased to 10.2%. The number of women executives at trucking companies also rose to over 25%.

Why Women Enter the Trucking Industry

There are a variety of reasons women decide to become truck drivers. For the most part, the benefits that attract male drivers also attract female drivers.

Some reasons to enter the trucking industry include:

• Long-haul drivers can earn more than $66,000 a year.*
• You can earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) in as little as four weeks, which is a small amount of training time, especially considering the earning potential.
• Trucking gives you the opportunity to enjoy the freedom of the open road and see more of the country.

Barriers to Address for Women in Trucking

While truck driving has become more welcoming for women, there are still some barriers. Overall, companies are working to address these and have made significant improvements over the years.

Some barriers and possible solutions include:

• Traditionally, semi-trucks have been designed for men. Women, who are shorter and smaller on average, may have been less comfortable in these vehicles. Today, more and more companies are considering the needs of women truck drivers and are designing cabs that are more accommodating.
• Safety can be a concern for female truckers who are traveling alone. Luckily, advancements in security technology, along with the support and advice of women who have dealt with issues in the past, have made it easier for women to feel safe on the open road. Companies are more aware of the unique concerns female drivers and trainees have and are working to improve their experiences. Many truck stops have also updated their facilities to provide more safety and comfort for all drivers, male and female.
• Some companies still have corporate cultures that are not welcoming to women. The good news is that more and more carriers realize what a valuable asset female drivers are. Like trucking school graduates of both genders, women can benefit from talking to current drivers about the companies they are interested in driving for. This allows them to make decisions using all of the information available.

Our School Welcomes All CDL Students

HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) strives to provide a welcoming and supportive environment for all students. We can help you get on the road and earning and we offer job placement assistance to make it easier for you to start your career.

If you are interested in entering the exciting trucking industry, contact us today.

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $46,370. The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $66,840 per year according to the 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Earning your class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) allows you to drive vehicles with a gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 pounds or more with trailers of 10,000 pounds or more. This includes semi-trucks, but a standard CDL does not permit you to drive every single type of tractor-trailer. There are two different factors that can change which vehicles you can and cannot drive with your license: endorsements and restrictions. Endorsements are added to your CDL and are “extra” qualifications. Restrictions prevent you from driving specific types of vehicles or under certain conditions. The air brake restriction is one example and may reduce the number of jobs available to you after earning your license.

More information about the CDL air brake restriction:

What Are Air Brakes?

Brakes stop a vehicle from moving by converting the energy from motion into heat. Most smaller passenger vehicles have a hydraulic system, which uses fluid to accomplish this. Conversely, large vehicles such as semi-trucks typically use compressed air instead. This is because, unlike brake fluid, air does not need to be refilled for the system to work. Air brakes are also safer for vehicles of this size and there are typically a few different back-ups in place in case there are any issues.

The Two Air Brake Restrictions

Although many people will refer to one air brake restriction, there are technically two different codes that could be placed on your license. Both of them limit your ability to drive vehicles with air brakes, but they are slightly different and you will need to make sure you take the proper steps to remove both.

L Restriction

If you have the L restriction on your CDL, you will not be able to drive a vehicle with any type of air brake system. This will be added to your license if you fail the air brakes portion of the written exam or CDL skills test. You can also have this restriction if you take the skills test using a vehicle that does not use air brakes. To remove it, you will need to pass all sections of the CDL exam relating to air brakes.

Z Restriction

Taking the skills test using a vehicle that has only a partial air brake system will result in the Z restriction being placed on your license. You will be unable to drive semi-trucks with a full air brake system. To remove this air brake restriction, you need to take the skills test with a vehicle that is fully equipped with air brakes.

We Can Help You Earn Your CDL

At HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school), we can help you earn your CDL and start on the road to a rewarding trucking career. We work with you to remove restrictions, including those for air brakes, so you have more opportunities available to you after graduation. Our program also includes material for three endorsements: hazardous materials (hazmat), tanker, and doubles/triples.

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

Over-the-road (OTR) truckers transport freight across the country, often traveling coast-to-coast. These jobs are among the highest-paid in the trucking industry and you can earn more than $66,000 a year.* If you are interested in becoming an over-the-road truck driver, HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) can help.

Here are the steps to becoming an OTR truck driver:

1. Determine Whether OTR Trucking is Right for You

As with any career decision, you should take some time to consider whether or not over-the-road truck driving is the right choice for you. If you enjoy the freedom of the open road and like working independently, trucking might be a great option. You will get to see more of the country while earning competitive pay. However, you should also be aware that over-the-road truck drivers typically spend three to four weeks at a time on hauls. It’s a good idea to talk to OTR drivers and discuss this career move with your family to determine whether it will be an ideal match for you. Keep in mind that there are other driving jobs that you can consider such as local deliveries or even highway maintenance.

2. Earn Your CDL

To drive a semi-truck, you need to earn a commercial driver’s license (CDL). This will require you to pass a written exam and a skills test. The written exam covers material from the CDL manual and is in a multiple-choice format. The skills test includes a pre-trip inspection, off-road control exercises, and actual driving. Attending a truck driving school is typically the best way to earn your license and most trucking companies prefer to hire CDL school graduates.

3. Choose a Trucking Company

After you earn your CDL, you can choose a company to work for. There are many factors to consider when deciding on a motor carrier such as pay, benefits, home time, and company culture. Additionally, this is when you will decide what type of freight you would like to haul. Many new over-the-road truck drivers operate dry vans or refrigerated trucks, but you may also be interested in flatbed trucking or another more specialized type of vehicle. Your long-term goals can help you narrow down your options. For example, if you want to become an owner-operator, you may want to consider companies that offer pathways to truck ownership. HDS truck driving school offers job placement assistance and can help you find a company that matches your goals and desires.

High-Quality Truck Driver Training in Tucson, AZ

At HDS truck driving school, you can learn from experienced instructors and start your career with the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. We are accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) and are also a member of the Commercial Vehicle Training Association (CVTA).

Start on the Road to a Trucking Career

To learn more about becoming an over-the-road truck driver, contact us today.

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $46,370. The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $66,840 per year according to the 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Earning your class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) allows you to drive most types of semi-trucks. However, there are some specialized vehicles that require additional certification. Tank trucks are one example of this and require the tanker endorsement, also called the “N” endorsement, to operate.

More information about the tank vehicle endorsement:

Vehicles that Require an “N” Endorsement

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets requirements for drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).  Under their regulations, a CDL holder needs an “N” endorsement to drive a tank vehicle. As outlined in §383.119 of the Code of Federal Regulations, a tank vehicle:  

• Hauls gaseous material or liquid of any kind
• Carries these fluids in one or multiple tanks with individual capacities greater than 119 gallons
• Has a total gas or liquid volume of 1,000 gallons or more

This includes more traditional tanker vehicles (semi-trucks with an attached tank, such as fuel trucks) as well as dry vans that haul fluids and meet the other requirements. However, it does not include intermediate bulk containers (IBCs) or empty tanks.

Do You Need a Hazmat Endorsement?

In many cases, tanker trucks transport hazardous materials (hazmat). If this is the case, you will also need to obtain your hazmat endorsement. This combination is known as an “X” endorsement.

The Tanker Endorsement Knowledge Test

To earn your tanker endorsement, you will need to pass an additional portion of the CDL test. This covers material from section 8 of the CDL manual. You will take this exam at the same time as the standard written test.

The subsections included on the exam are:

Inspecting Tank Vehicles

All commercial vehicles need to be inspected before each haul to help ensure the safety of the driver, freight, and others on the road. There are special requirements to check for tank trucks. These include examining the tank and surroundings for leaks. Transporting liquid or gaseous material in a leaking tank is a crime and a serious safety issue. You will also need to check any special equipment before beginning your haul.

Driving Tankers

Driving a tank truck is different from driving a standard dry van tractor-trailer. To earn your tanker endorsement, you will need to understand how the high center of gravity of these vehicles and fluid movement can affect driving. You should also understand what baffles and bulkheads are and how they work.

Safe Driving Rules

To safely drive a tanker, you need to be aware of general safety rules as well as those that are specific to transporting fluids. You should know how to control surge and be aware that posted speed limits for curves and ramps may be too fast for a tank.

Earn Your Tanker Endorsement

At HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school), you can earn endorsements for tanker, hazmat, and doubles/triples.

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

Attending a commercial driver’s license (CDL) training school can help you start your trucking career with the knowledge you need to succeed. Drivers can earn more than $66,000 a year* and becoming a trucker can be a rewarding and exciting decision. However, it’s important to have all of the necessary information before you start your journey. This can help you determine whether trucking is a good fit for you. Asking a CDL school representative questions can help you determine which training program will be most beneficial.

Questions About the Trucking Industry

Once you start getting in touch with CDL training schools, you probably already feel that trucking is the right job for you. However, you may not know what type of driving you would like to do or what to expect during the different phases of your career. Before you ask more specific questions about the school you are thinking of attending, it can be helpful to learn more about the trucking industry.

Some questions you could ask include:

• What are the different types of truck driving jobs available and what does the typical day look like for an over-the-road trucker, local driver, hazardous materials (hazmat) hauler, et cetera?
• Are there different qualifications depending on the type of driving?
• Is there a truck driver shortage and how could this affect me?
• How much can I expect to make as a driver? Will this change over time or depending on the type of job I take?
• What is the lifestyle of a truck driver like?
• Are there opportunities besides truck driving for CDL holders?

Questions About the CDL Training School

Talking with a representative can also help you learn more about the trucking school you are thinking about attending.

You should consider asking:

• How much does it cost to attend your school?
• Are there any funding options available and if so, what are these?
• Are GI Bill® benefits available?
• What does your truck driver training program cover?
• Are any endorsements included?
• How long does training take?
• What is the completion rate for truck driving schools in general and for your program specifically?

Questions About Support After Training

Your CDL school should help you transition from training into your new career. Asking questions about how this works can help you make sure your preferred training program will support you.

Some questions to ask:

• How long does it typically take to find a trucking job after graduation?
• Do you offer job placement assistance and if so, how does this work?
• What are some of the trucking companies that your graduates work for?

High-Quality CDL Training in Tucson, AZ

If you are ready to start on the road to a rewarding career, you should consider attending HDS Truck Driving Institute.

Contact one of our CDL training school representatives to learn more.

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $46,370. The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $66,840 per year according to the 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) allows you to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). To earn this license, you will need to pass a written exam and a skills test. In addition to understanding what is necessary to earn a standard license, you should also understand CDL restrictions. These are codes that can be placed on your license that prevent you from driving certain types of CMVs or driving under specific conditions. (An exception to this is the V restriction. This indicates that there is a medical variance on your CDL. However, it does not directly affect what vehicles you can drive.)

Some of the most common CDL restrictions include:

K Restriction

Per federal CDL requirements, you need to be 21 years of age or older to operate a CMV across state lines. However, you can drive within the state if you are 18 or older. In this case, a K restriction will be placed on your license to indicate that your CDL is valid for intrastate travel only.

E Restriction

If your CDL has an E restriction, you will not be able to drive a CMV with a manual transmission. This can make finding a trucking job more difficult, as many semi-trucks use manual transmissions. You will have an E restriction on your license if you take the skills test using a vehicle that has an automatic or semi-automatic transmission.

O Restriction

An O restriction means you cannot operate a tractor-trailer. You will have this restriction on your license if you take your skills test with a vehicle that has a non-fifth wheel connection or pintle hook.

Air Brake CDL Restrictions

Air brakes use compressed air to stop a vehicle, as opposed to traditional hydraulic braking systems that use brake fluid. Because air brakes are often more effective at stopping larger vehicles, they are common for CMVs. There are two different types of air brake restrictions that can be placed on your CDL and either one can limit the truck driving jobs that are available to you.

L Restriction

If your license has an L restriction, you will not be able to operate a motor vehicle that has air brakes. This restriction will be placed on your CDL if you fail the air brakes portion of the written test and/or the air brake inspection during your skills test. Your license will also have an L restriction if you do not use a vehicle with air brakes for your skills test.

Z Restriction

A Z CDL restriction prevents you from operating a CMV with a full air brake system. This restriction applies if you took your skills test with a vehicle that only had a partial air brake system.

CDL School in Tucson, AZ

If you are interested in earning your CDL, HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) can help. Our programs cover material from the CDL test and we will work with you to help you avoid restrictions on your license. Our students are also able to earn endorsements for hazardous materials (hazmat), tanker vehicles, and doubles/triples.

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

A career in the trucking industry is rewarding in more ways than one. Truckers are essential to our nation’s economy and a growing shortage of drivers means motor carriers often compete to offer the best pay and benefits. Data from various organizations demonstrates the growth potential in this industry as well as just how important it is to our country.

Here are some interesting facts and statistics about the trucking industry:

Bureau of Labor Statistics

The information below comes from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This government department collects information about employment and the labor market in the United States.

• There were 1,958,800 individuals employed as heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers in 2018.
• A 5% growth is expected between 2018 and 2028 (97,940 additional jobs).
• Based on 2018 data, 45% of heavy and tractor-trailer drivers are employed in the truck transportation industry. Other industries include wholesale trade (11%), manufacturing (7%), and construction (6%). 6% of these drivers are self-employed.
• The top 10% of drivers earned more than $66,840 in 2019. The median annual wage was $45,260.

American Community Survey

Each year, the United States Census Bureau conducts the American Community Survey. This is a source of comprehensive data about population and housing in the country. The statistics below come from the 2017 survey, which has the most recent data for the trucking industry.

• Truckers are less likely to be unemployed compared to other industries.
• Approximately 10% of drivers are veterans, which is double the rate for all workers.
• The median age of a truck driver is 46.

American Trucking Associations

The American Trucking Associations (ATA) is the largest trade association for the trucking industry. Each year, they collect data about the impact commercial drivers have on the economy. The facts below come from their 2019 report.

• Trucking generated $796.7 billion in gross freight revenues in 2018, 80.3% of the total in the country.
• Semi-trucks hauled 11.49 billion tons of freight, 71.8% of the domestic total.
• 13.4% of all registered vehicles are commercial trucks.
• There are 36 million trucks in the United States that are used for business purposes.
• Registered trucks traveled 297.6 billion miles in 2017. Combination trucks, including tractor-trailers, drove 181.5 billion miles.

Bureau of Transportation Statistics

The Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) provides information for the government, industry, and the public about transportation and freight. Their most recent report, Freight Facts & Figures, includes data collected in 2018.

• Trucking contributed the largest amount to the gross domestic product (GDP) of all modes of freight transportation.
• 16.8% of goods (measured by value) moved 1,000 miles or more to get to their destination.
• Semi-trucks were involved in the transport of all of the top 10 types of commodities and moved more high-value, time-sensitive goods than any other methods.

Becoming a Truck Driver

If you want to become a trucker, the first step is earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL). At HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school), we offer high-quality training to help you get on the road and start earning.

Get Started at HDS Truck Driving School

To learn more about how we can help you start a career in the trucking industry, contact us today.