Trucking involves long days with erratic sleep schedules. Here are some of the realities of life on the road when it comes to getting enough sleep.
Getting through truck driving school and your initial training period can be tough financially. I had huge debts and was in a mess. Here is what I did to get through.
You might think student drivers are the most dangerous on the highway, but they're not. Drivers with some experience are, and here's why.
If I was to give a commencement speech to truck driving school graduates, this would be it. From all I've learned over the years, here is what I'd like you to know.
Everyone is super nervous when it's time to go solo. Here is some great advice and some crazy stories to help you stay calm and be prepared.
Distracted driving can be deadly. Rookie truck drivers have more distractions than most, often because of anxiety. This is how you avoid distraction and stay safe.
I left trucking after a tough go of it. I had a lot of misconceptions. Now I've returned and completed one full year and I want to share my story.
Is it possible for truck drivers to have good long distance relationships? You bet! But it's tough, and there's a lot to think about.
Most people believe they should move on to greener pastures after one year with their first trucking company. That notion is completely false, and here's why...
Many drivers get one year of experience and their self-importance causes their attitude and performance to go South. Here's the trap and how to avoid it.
Going through paid CDL training is stressful and challenging. Here is what it's like and what you can do to help your chances of success.
Most people feel a lot of pressure before the CDL driving exam. We're here to tell you that failing is not a big deal. It happened to me. Here's my story.
Many people want to get into trucking as local drivers, but a rookie driver isn't ready for the demands of local trucking jobs. Here's why you should start OTR.
Many new drivers shy away from a company that makes new drivers run team with their mentor during training. There's no reason for concern. Here is how it works...
Is shifting gears an essential part of being a real trucker? Aren't you a little less of a trucker if you're driving an automatic? Is this important in today's industry?
I went through a lot of difficulties at the start of my trucking career. I hope to show you can still succeed and enjoy this career even after a rough start.
Getting in a hurry can cost you money, cause you to make mistakes, and possibly much worse. Here are some big benefits to slowing down a little bit.
Top level truck drivers handle their job like great business owners. They apply the same principles while making big efforts and sacrifices in order to succeed.
Trucking is radically different than your average lifestyle. Everything is constantly changing and the challenges are huge. Here are some great examples.
Truck driving is one of the best paying blue collar jobs out there, but you have to know what it takes to make great money out there. Let me explain...
I've faced sexual harassment in trucking. I handled it well and made it through unharmed. Here is my story and some advice for women drivers.
Truck drivers must learn to read every sign on the highway. This article will help you understand how many ways signs are critical to truck drivers.
Trucking requires a much higher level of responsibility and self-reliance than most professions out there. You have to make smart decisions and handle things yourself.
Getting through your first year in trucking is a real challenge for everyone. Here are some of the toughest obstacles you'll face as a rookie driver.
Burnout or homesickness can kill a truck driver's motivation. Here are some helpful ways to manage your time and keep yourself motivated out there.
There are four common traps that new drivers fall into, and it often means the end of their career before it really got started. Don't fall for these.
One of the most critical skills a truck driver must have is the ability to evaluate information and make good decisions. Some will even mean life or death.
If you look around the Web you'll find tons of bad information, outright lies, and half truths about the trucking industry. In today's Web, who can you trust?
Demand for drivers is at an all time high, so what can you do to take advantage of this trend and earn the big money? This is what you should do.
Everyone thinks you'll just be a faceless number at the mega trucking carriers. I'm proof this isn't true. Here is why they know me at my mega carrier.
Choosing the right trucking company is not the key to success. Being a great driver is. You'll be happy anywhere. Here's what it takes to make it in trucking.
I am often asked about what it is like to be a woman trucker. It takes a special woman to handle it, but I love it. Here is my experience as a woman truck driver.
Old School wrote an article dispelling the free agency myth in trucking and received an irate response. Here is Old School's reply to the criticism.
Forced dispatch means a driver can not refuse a load assignment. Is this fair? Should a driver have that right?
Do you know what it takes to be successful in trucking? Are you willing to compete? Are you capable of performing at a high level? Here is what it takes.
It's not a huge stretch to compare the trucking industry, a completely performance based enterprise, to the business of professional sports.
New drivers think they'll be free agents after graduating from school but there's more to the story they don't understand.
A really good trucker is a Superhero in my estimation. They do things that most people are completely incapable of.
A Top Tier Driver is an elite professional who is in high demand and makes great money. What makes them the elite? Find out here.
Most owner operators famously exaggerate their profitability numbers, but a few gave us the real scoop, and here's what they had to say...
Driving the truck isn't the hardest part about getting your career started in trucking. The bad information out there is the biggest problem for most new drivers.
Prudence is critical when it comes to surviving your first year as a truck driver, but it's something many people seem to be lacking. Here's a good example.
Is becoming an owner operator really a step up in your trucking career or are you walking off a cliff? What is the pinnacle of success in trucking?
Even professional drivers get angry with other drivers sometimes. You have to keep it under control. We'll explain the dangers of road rage and how to prevent it.
I feel paid cdl training, or company-sponsored training, has several advantages over a private truck driving school. I'll cover the differences and my reasons in this article.
Truck driving is far more difficult and complex than people expect. We asked experienced drivers what the biggest surprises and misconceptions are about this career.
If you want to be at the top of the pay list you're going to have to earn it. Here are some strategies for getting more miles and making more money.
If you're attending a company-sponsored training program you need to understand the nature of the selection process. Here are some important insights.
Going on the road with a trainer or going solo is stressful and challenging, but exciting. Here are some important tips.
Some prefer driving at night, others during the day. So what's the most effective strategy for truck drivers? Check this out.
At TruckingTruth we recommend against becoming an owner operator or leasing a truck. The risks are high and the rewards are few, if any. Here's our thinking on the matter.
Getting as many miles as you can handle as a truck driver means learning how to manage your clock and take initiative.
What do you have to do when you fail or refuse a DOT drug test? Here is the return-to-duty process explained simply.
How do jackknives happen, and what should you do? How can truck drivers avoid locking their wheels and jackknifing on slippery roads?
How do truck drivers deal with homesickness? Advice for truck drivers on coping with being away from friends and family on the road.
Being successful in trucking takes a good understanding of how the industry works. Here is one critical piece of that puzzle.
What are the best types of freight for rookies to haul? Which should be avoided? Which pay the best? We'll cover it all right here.
Learning to drive a truck in the snow can be scary, especially if you have no experience in snow. But CDL training in the winter isn't a bad idea. Here's why.
The risk, pressure, and sacrifices involved make trucking a tough job but the perks that come along with it are remarkable. Is trucking worth it anymore?
Here's one trucker's story about living the highest of highs one day and the lowest of lows the next. Life on the road is a roller coaster ride.
Staying awake and alert for long periods of time is critical if you want to be a safe, productive driver. Here are some tips for staying awake longer.
There are many drivers out there today that have issues keeping their blood pressure under control. We'll cover the DOT regulations here.
Watching your mirrors is almost as important as watching out the windshield. If you're watching closely you will almost never be caught off guard.
Trucking companies often make owning or leasing a truck sound like a sure path to riches. But a closer look reveals it isn't nearly that simple.
The trucking industry has an avalanche of rules and regulations, stereotypes and expectations for truck drivers to deal with. Here's the reality we face.
We've all pondered becoming a truck driver at some point in our lives. But what is it really like? Would it suit me? Here's a great introduction to truck driving.
After a month of travelling with my husband who is an OTR trucker we're learning to live and work well together. Life on the road takes some getting used to.
Truckers face a litany of challenges on the road every day and new drivers often learn about them the hard way. Here's a few of the big ones you'll see.
If you're considering the idea of trucking as a husband and wife team there are a lot of things to consider regarding items to pack and everyday living.
At TruckingTruth we're always telling you that you control your own destiny in trucking. Well a big part of that is getting the right people on your side.
Company-sponsored CDL training versus private CDL training is one of the first big career decisions you'll make. Here's a quick rundown of the differences.
Learning to back up a rig is clumsy at best. Nothing about it is easy. Having fun with it helps make learning easier, but prepare to embarrass yourself!
I've watched countless truck driving careers ruined before they ever got off the ground. Here's the story of how it happens and what you can do to avoid it.
Recruiters in the trucking industry are a valuable resource, but drivers make one big mistake when speaking with recruiters. Here's what it is...
For truck drivers, life on the road is a roller coaster ride that can send you off the deep end. Here's a couple of common mistakes I hope you can avoid.
If each truck driver would be a true professional...dress well, work with pride, talk kindly...the American public would respect us once again.
As a rookie truck driver you're going to face enormous challenges and be tested continuously. I learned a great lesson about how tough CDL training can be.
With all of the negativity surrounding the trucking industry, how do you choose the right company to work for and what do companies look for in a driver?
What are the CDL examiners looking for when you're taking your road test? Here are some important factors that will determine whether or not you'll pass.
Lack of communication between truck drivers and office personnel has always been a big issue in trucking and here we talk about some causes and cures.
I recently completed Swift Transportation's company-sponsored training program and here's what the experience was like for me.
Many folks come into truck driving believing they should be treated like gold without having to prove themselves first. That's simply not how it works.
Truckers miss a lot of special events back home and it's tough on everyone. A simple apology or being understanding can help keep the family close.
Life on the road is challenging, and drivers are on tight schedules. But this was one of those days where I made a mistake that made things even worse!
So how does a new driver survive their hectic, stressful, tiring, demanding, and incredibly challenging first 6 months on the job? Here's my advice...
TruckingTruth's free online cdl training course helped make learning a lot easier. Here's an overview of it, and advice for getting the most out of it.
Marriages in the trucking world are very difficult to maintain. The separation is tough on everyone. Here's some helpful advice to get you through.
It takes two special, committed people to make a long distance relationship work. Trucking is tough on relationships, but you can learn to make it work.
Trucking companies have re-defined what churn and turnover mean and how they are calculated. This is creating statistics indicating a driver shortage.
Stereotypes of truckers are hurting your trucking career, even if you don't fit the mold. It's time to step up, take pride, and expect more of ourselves.
When your spouse is on the road and you're home taking care of the family, it's tough on everyone. Communication and understanding is key to making it work
Home time is precious to an over the road driver and their family, and it's painful when it gets cut short by an unexpected call from the company.
Home time for truckers is always special, but it's not always easy to get reacquainted. Everyone has different hopes and needs which can be hard to balance
What rights do truck drivers have? Here’s a brief overview of some of the common issues drivers face with their bosses, and the remedies they can seek.
For a truck driver that CDL is everything. Here is some great advice on protecting that license.
After a major mistake on my part, I found out how far a great attitude and hard work can take you, and how great a 'starter company' can treat you after all
Most people get through truck driving school, but others do not. Here's some great advice that will help you pass truck driving school with flying colors.
Finding a truck driving job after graduating from CDL training is not guaranteed. Here we cover factors affecting your chances of finding work in trucking
CDL training is certainly not easy. Here's four main reasons why people tend to fail their training at truck driving school and how to prevent them.
Pre-hire letters are a very important step when beginning your truck driving career. We'll cover what they are, why they're important, and how to get em.
Sleep apnea is a big topic in the trucking industry, but is it justified? Or is it a money-making scheme for the insurance companies and medical industry?
There are numerous advantages to company-sponsored CDL training over private truck driving schools and in this article we'll talk about them in detail.
Being a CDL instructor is a very unique experience. I was amazed at how much I learned myself. Here are some of the highlights I picked up along the way.
After four weeks on the road with my student, it was time for him to take his CDL exam. We were both very nervous. Testing day is incredibly stressful.
CDL training will test you in so many ways, and it will go far beyond your ability to drive a truck. It will also test your patience and perseverance.
Learning how to back up a big rig is no easy task, but a few tips and tricks here from a trainer can really make it a lot easier.
Options for funding your tuition to truck driving school include grants, student loans, sponsored training, tuition reimbursement, and many more.
People wonder what life is like on the road for truckers. Well, you certainly have your good and bad days, and here's what a bad day is like...
I've only been on the road a short time running solo and I had my first chance to drive through NYC in a big rig, and what a crazy adventure it was!
Being a safe truck driver is never easy. Predicting what might happen next on the highway takes years to learn and is very hard to teach a new driver.
CDL trainers have a vast array of personalities and techniques for training students. Here are some personality types you'll find and how to deal with each
I got out of the trucking industry back in 2009. Almost two years later I'm ready to get back in but I'm facing a few hurdles along the way.
I recently became a certified CDL instructor and I was given my first students to train on shifting gears. Here's the story, and some advice for newbies
After being a solo truck driver for 2 1/2 years I've decided to become a trainer for an old college friend who is getting into trucking. Here's the scoop
After two weeks with my trainer, I went home for three days to relax and get ready for my company road test. If I pass, I get my own truck and run solo
I've been on the road with my trainer and there's been a lot of ups and downs. We're learning a ton everyday, but it's not easy for me or my family.
We got our first chance behind the wheel at orientation for my new trucking company, which was interesting, but the classroom is information overload!
Choosing a truck driving school is not difficult when you know the right factors to consider. Here is a great article to help you choose your CDL training
After a lot of close calls and important lessons learned, I'm starting to get the feel for driving truck and learning to relax and roll with things.
I'm finishing up CDL training with a trainer who screams in tirades and I've had to try to deal with it. But finally, the showdown between us occurred.
You meet a lot of crazy characters in trucking, and my finishing trainer is off the charts. This guys seems more like someone you'd find in a movie.
I've completed my CDL training and I now have my CDL but there was plenty of stress and some rough teachers to deal with along the way - here's the story
Being a professional driver means far more than simply driving for a living. It means maintaining a certain outlook and certain priorities at all times
For rookie truck drivers, time management skills are critically important to making good money and being safe out there. Here are some important tips.
Going through a company-sponsored CDL training program is no bed of roses. Here are some of my experiences and some challenges you can expect to face.
Company Sponsored CDL training can be a lot like boot camp. Prepare to have your self worth, dignity, brains, abilities, and patience tested.
Becoming a truck driver is a big career choice. When will you know if you belong in trucking, or if you should walk away? Read on - we'll let you know
Truck drivers have tough days, and often times tough weeks - especially that first year. This was yet another tough lesson learned early in my career.
After getting into an accident as a rookie truck driver I made a critical error in judgment that could have cost me dearly, but this time I was lucky.
Truck drivers in Europe now must pay to have additional schooling in order to maintain their status as truck drivers. Will this be coming to the U.S.?
After tarping a load on a rainy day in a muddy mess of a parking lot I began to question whether or not becoming a truck driving was a mistake.
I haul car fuel on the night shift in Amsterdam. Not many women truck drivers work the night shift and a lot of people want to know if it's dangerous.
After saying goodbye to my trainer, it was time to set out on my first solo run as a truck driver, and what a humbling adventure it turned out to be!
We covered the operation of a big rig and took a drive, now I'll cover taking the CDL exam and share thoughts about the process of getting your CDL.
In part I of intro to truck driving we talked about some mechanical aspects of big rigs. Now we'll cover a little more and take one for a drive.
Here are the answers to 17 questions about being a truck driver I'd like to share with anyone who may be interested in becoming a truck driver.
It was time to take the CDL exam and all of us were very nervous. Most of us failed our first attempt and the pressure was on to pass and get our CDL.
Backing up a truck and learning to shift are two key elements at truck driving school, but some patient instructors are helping our class immensely.
What comes after the first year of truck driving? You have a lot of new options open, including leasing a truck or becoming an owner operator.
I've completed my first year as a truck driver and here's a rundown of some surprises about the job and the lifestyle of an over the road trucker.
The Qualcomm has directions to customers for truck drivers, but often times the directions are wrong and nobody seems to care. Here's what happens.
Truck driving is not just a job, it's a lifestyle, with a lot of responsibility that comes with it. Do you have what it takes? Is it in your blood?
Getting your CDL involves deciding which CDL endorsements to get. Here's a guide to what CDL endorsements are available and which ones you'll need.
Truck drivers were once known as 'Knights of the Road' and had people's respect. We've lost that reputation, here's why, and here's how we get it back
A recent story by NPR shows that truck driving will be one of the fastest growing, best paying careers requiring little training for the coming decade
An inside look at life on the road from a trucker's perspective.
Before I became a truck driver, there was nothing better than a good snow storm, sliding around in my 4-wheeler. But that was then, and this is now!
Controlling costs in trucking is critical to the success of trucking companies, and drivers should be doing their part to help - for their own sake.
CDL training has been more pressure and more difficult than we expected. Getting your CDL is no picnic. In fact, it can be grueling at times.
Over the road trucking will really test your relationship and the time away will magnify any problems your relationship has by a thousand times.
Life on the road has been difficult for Randy, and having a husband that's an over the road truck driver is horrible. He's due for home time soon.
CDL training has been very tough and now Randy is about half way through. The stories are amazing and learning to drive truck is stressful as can be.
Randy and his road trainer returned to the CDL school and took advantage of some down time. There was a crazy DUI incident at the school this week.
Phase one CDL training is about half way over with and it's a roller coaster of emotions. Some days he loves his new trucking career, but not others.
Randy has been on the road in CDL training for a short time and life on the road is challenging. The time apart is tough for us. Trucking is not easy.
It's my husband's second day of CDL training on the road running team with a trainer. Life on the road is a lot of stress but still very exciting.
Randy just started phase I CDL training out on the road with his trainer. It's a lot of pressure but very exciting at the same time to be on the road
Becoming a truck driver is a stressful, difficult process - especially for couples. Here's some advice for couples considering getting into trucking.
This is what I've learned from the perspective I've gained as my husband went through the classroom training in truck driving school.
Being out on the road during CDL training can be incredibly stressful at times, but also has the feel of a vacation at the same time.
I love being a truck driver. I've found as my experience grows, my enjoyment also grows. I'm still a rookie, but the experience I have is paying off.
Almost three weeks into truck driving school and this CDL training is high pressure and intense. It's difficult, and there's a lot to deal with.
Truck driver appreciation week has come and gone and we've created some reasons why truck driving is so difficult and should be appreciated.
Truck driver training is always filled with a lot of pressure and uncertainty. That is what has made his accomplishments so special.
Truck driving school is filled with anxiety and tension. Passing his road test has Randy feeling quite relieved and anxious to begin road training.
Randy took his driving test at CDL school today and called me with the results. I was up all night emailing unemployment records for his company.
The pre-trip inspection test is today, and the road test is tomorrow. It's day 11 of CDL training and things are getting more stressful for everyone.
Ten days into CDL training and the fast pace continues. They are driving more, but the quizzes and the pressure of their CDL training continues.
As hard as you think becoming a truck driver will be, it's even harder. I've lost ten pounds from the stress of CDL training in the past few weeks.
Your axle weights have to be legal before entering the highway, but what can a truck driver do if you're not sure and there's no scale at the shipper?
We're into the second week of trucking school and things are still moving along very quickly! They are getting ready for their driving test very soon.
Well, it's been one week since Randy left for CDL training, and what a week it's been. It went by fast for him, it felt more like a month to me.
A recent announcement by the FMCSA shows that there will be even greater scrutiny for truck drivers and trucking companies coming very soon.
Some days are tougher than others for truck drivers, especially with the amount of traffic on the roads today. Today was a tough day in trucking.
Nearly a week into CDL training and more students are dropping out of the class. It's a fast-paced truck driving school and not everyone will make it.
I can't believe my husband's been at truck driving school less than a week, it feels like a month. His CDL training has been fast-paced and tough.
The pace of CDL training at trucking school has started out very fast and it's been a tough adjustment in lifestyle for both my husband and myself.
Well, I spoke to Randy for nearly an hour last night about his first full day at truck driving school, and it was a 12-hour marathon starting at 7 am.
I've just completed my first week of truck driving school and what a week it has been! We covered backing, pre-trips, got our CDL permit, and more!
Truck driving school and changing truck driving jobs often requires a trip by greyhound bus. This is one experience you have to be ready for.
Recently a student truck driver discovered that the trainer was smoking pot in the truck while the student was driving. How should you handle this?
Before leaving for truck driving school we made a list of items to pack for the road. Here's a great list of items to take with you on the road.
When our business began to really struggle due to the economy and our children were raised and on their own, we decided it was time for a change.
Finances on the road can be tough when first becoming a truck driver, but this will provide you with a little insight into saving money on the road.
Truck driving is not an easy career, and I got into it because I needed to make a better living. Now it's gotten old, and I'm looking for a way out.
Sometimes trucking trips go very smoothly, and others are incredibly challenging. This is the reality of truck driving. Are you up for the challenge?
Trucking driving safety is the most important aspect of life on the road, and safety can be boiled down to one golden rule - lets' see what it is.
I thought I'd share a few of my initial impressions of my early truck driving career, having experienced it for 6 months now. It's been incredible!
Leaving home is often the hardest part of being a truck driver, especially after the holidays. This time was worse. I had to leave on the holiday.
I recently wrote 'Truck Driving: An Office With A View' about the beauty this country holds. But out here on the road it isn't always so beautiful.
One thing I wasn't prepared for as a new truck driver is the sleeping patterns. I knew fatigue was a big issue in trucking, and now I understand why.
Trucking is a great career, but that rookie year is a tough one. There's so much to learn and adjust to that many people don't make it to year two.
People work hard at jobs they hate in order to buy the things they think will bring them happiness. I was that way. Truckin showed me a better way.
Truck drivers spend an enormous amount of time alone away from friends and family which can really take its toll, and spells the end for many drivers.
Truck driving is such a unique job - one that offers so much that you won't find anywhere else. The lifestyle is amazing, and the view is spectacular
Previously I spoke about what truck drivers do on the road that irritates 4-wheelers. This post will help people understand what irritates truckers.
This post is mainly for all of you out there who have never driven a truck before. People always have questions, so this will serve as a trucker's FAQ
My first solo run as a truck driver has been completed, and boy do I have a story to tell. It was eventful and embarrassing, but successful in the end
Everyone has their own version of what a truck driver looks and acts like. I was even guilty of that. But once I became a driver, that all changed.
After months of research, a month of CDL truck driving school, and 4 months of company training, I'm going on the road as a solo company driver. Wow!
I heard a new CDL student attending truck driving school suggest something to a driver trainer about truckers, and the instructor was not too pleased!
Truck drivers often have a tough time dealing with dispatch because of misunderstandings. But for new truck drivers it can be even tougher to handle.
Is now a good time to become a truck driver? The economy is still slow, but truck driving jobs are readily available. But how long will this last?
In the past few months that I've been truck driving, I've learned one major thing - trucking can destroy you if you let it. So don't.
What separates the best drivers from the rest is handling the toughest situations with ease and staying relaxed. Learning from others is key also.
After many long weeks my CDL schooling is coming to an end and it appears I've landed my first truck driving job. Oh happy days!
Truck drivers, to me, deserve more because I’m watching them make it all happen every day. Better pay and better treatment from trucking companies.
The American public sees more and more women behind the wheel of a big rig and they must surely think this is a new thing for women. Not even close!
Wow, it's been two months since I hit the road with my trainer. I'll share a few of my thoughts on how to survive your trucking company trainer.
After getting my CDL and going on the road with a trainer, my training time is up and there are no job openings right now. I'm going home.
The trailer behind the truck is something that you may never think about in great detail, and it looks simple enough, but there's a lot to it.
Basically, when going to a trucking company orientation, be prepared to be bombarded with videos, tested on your skills, and grilled about your past.
Truck driving jobs are available, but many trucking companies have been able to be more selective in this slower economy than they have in the past.
What should I pack? This has to be the number one question amongst newbies. First of all, pack as little as possible. Only the necessities...
There’s a comfort in knowing that all is ok while being in the same room with the one you love in total silence. Never forget how lucky you are.
With the change of seasons comes another area of concern for all travelers of the highways - storms with hail, high winds and tornadoes.
Today there were several activities, including speaking to a few recruiters, pre-trip inspections, backing practice, and a short trip on the highway.
New to the trucking industry and fresh out of a career in the computer industry, I've found a trucking school and I'm beginning my CDL classes.
Comradery amongst truck drivers used to be a sacred thing. Understood and appreciated, lived by and upheld. But now, it just doesn't seem the same.
This last trip was rather brutal. It was adventurous, frustrating, difficult, and dangerous at times, and we even saw a few things we wish we hadn't.
It takes a lot of trucks to keep America going and the shelves filled. Most of us never consider the shipping and manufacturing that goes into it.
Truck driving is a special profession, it’s not for everyone. If you enjoy the destination, but live for the journey, then you should consider it.
Being in a big rig is just as spiritual as being on the back of a Harley. But the thing that mystifies me the most is the “magic” of just being.
Even though I enjoy what I'm doing there is a down side to trucking. Keeping a relationship going while driving truck is very hard, and often lonely
Truck stops are a trucker's haven, and it's nice to finally kick back and relax when you have the time. But not all are created equal, that's for sure
Just when I thought it was spring time and there would be no more truckin in the snow, man was I wrong! Tire chains, tow trucks, and more adventures!
I live in the desert. Blowing sand is common, and we have days when roads are closed due to blowing sand, but not snow! Oh man, here comes a blizzard!
It takes a very unique individual to succeed out here and hopefully this will shed a little light on the traits needed to make it in this business.
When shopping for a truck driving school in Illinois, smart students do their research. Choosing a Secretary of State Certified School is important.
I am amazed at how different the life of a truck driver is compared to 'other' people. The lifestyle is amazing, but it's an incredible change.
Since my last trip in the big rig went so well, Karma had to balance itself out. And it didn't waste any time either! This last trip was crazy!
This story is based on my life, my emotions and my experience. I know there are “other halves” out there that will be able to relate.
After several pre-hires, well, it wasn't an easy decision, but I finally made my choice. I'm headed off to truck driving school. Here's the scoop.
Its funny how much getting started in trucking is so similar to getting started in the military. It takes much thought and soul searching for both.
Life on the road is totally different than anything I've ever done, and there's a few things that take some getting used to.
Being in training as a trucker on the road isn't easy - but when you add mountains and wrong turns into the equation, it can be terrifying!
Personal hygiene for truckers on the road is much different than for those of us living at home, and here's what I've found to be true so far.
Wow, I can't believe it's been a week since I got on the road with my trainer. This has probably been the quickest week of my life!
The learning curve is steep your first few weeks on the road. Here I cover a bunch of things you will need, and some things you will need to know.
After traveling with my husband in his big rig I noticed that there are a lot of things I'm concerned about, and this is a big one.
This story is dedicated to every long-haul truck driver out there. I am the wife of a long-haul driver and there is so much I'd like to say.
As I said previously, you have to have patience. A sense of humor helps too! There's a lot to know, and a lot of lessons learned already.
Well, I finished my CDL school and received my diploma! Hot darn! I am somebody! Here I'll tell you about how it went.
Finally the last day of orientation has arrived and I'm getting to head out on the road. A lot of good information today for sure.
Getting through my CDL training is not easy, and getting a job and getting rollin in this economic environment is proving to be tough.
DAC reports and your MVR are two sources that trucking companies use to determine if you are eligible. But how do this process work? Here's how...
Finding a truck driving job during a recession like this is much tougher than it usually is, but the jobs are out there and things look better!
Somtimes four wheelers don't know how to handle situations with trucks. They do the funniest, and sometimes the scariest things!
Ah, week two. The magical week that separates the truck drivers from the…well…not truck drivers? This is where the rubber meets the road.
Life on the road is far more difficult than most people realize, and this letter goes out to all of those who have never been in their shoes.
Truck driving is looked upon as the last great hope for many Americans who have lost work. Where would I look for work in trucking today?
Truck drivers have a ton of responsibilities when it comes to safety, and patience is key. Here's an example of how quickly things can go wrong.
Don't wait until CDL school is over to begin applying to trucking companies. Here is some advice to help you land that first trucking job.
CDL schools will not be your only training when becoming a truck driver, and they won't make you a truck driver. Their purpose is more specific.
When you're considering becoming a truck driver, there is a lot of research that goes into it, starting with the CDL school you choose.
There are a number of different types of trailers you can pull and each one has its pros and cons. This will help you understand some differences.
What on earth is unemployement tax insurance, and where does it go during times of low unemployement? Nobody knows what the gov't does with our money.
Whether a trucking company or bus company does proper maintenance is a great way to determine if it's a good company to work for or not.
Driving a bus full of children is never an easy task, but add a terrible Iowa snow storm to the mix and you've really got your hands full!
After recently graduating from truck driving school and getting my CDL, here is my best advice for those considering becoming a truck driver.
Many people become truck drivers will false ideas about the truck driving industry and lifestyle. Here, we're going to set you straight!
We prepared for our CDL test by training in a certain truck but it broke down! Panic! Truck driving school can be stressful for sure!
For women truck drivers, you have to know the right things to bring on the road with you. Here's a great list of things I had with me!
Passing the written CDL test can be challenging, but taking our free online CDL practice tests and getting a bit of advice here will surely help!
Women truck drivers are common nowadays but the list of things you need to bring on the road is hard to come by so I've made one for ya.
Truck driving jobs pay well and getting your CDL is an option. But in this economy, will you find work? Is trucking school the right choice?
You would think that getting served a simple meal would be no big deal. Well, for women truck drivers, it's not always that simple.
Truck driving school teaches a lot - but not as much as you may think. The time with your trainer is critical to your trucking career.
Why is it that people want to place the blame elsewhere for their own mistakes. This is one tragic example in trucking.
Of all the years I spent on the road, a handful of places really stood out as a few of my favorite places to eat of all time!
With tough times ahead, change has been promised to Americans. But is it the right type of change, or is prosperity being undermined?
A really funny story about how one truck driver decided to purposely screw up to get a better score on the CDL exam!
I've seen a lot in my 10 years on the road. Some of my favorite memories are of the little things.
A great story about how quickly things can change when you're cruisin the highways. When the worst happens, your training kicks in.
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TruckingTruth was founded by Brett Aquila (that's me!), a 15 year truck driving veteran, in January 2007. After 15 years on the road I wanted to help people understand the trucking industry and everything that came with the career and lifestyle of an over the road trucker. We'll help you make the right choices and prepare for a great start to your trucking career.
Becoming A Truck Driver is a dream we've all pondered at some point in our lives. We've all wondered if the adventure and challenges of life on the open road would suit us better than the ordinary day to day lives we've always known. At TruckingTruth we'll help you decide if trucking is right for you and help you get your career off to a great start.
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