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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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 Top Tier Driver is an elite professional who is in high demand and makes great money. What makes them the elite? Find out here.
According to recruiters at major trucking companies, the demand for truck drivers is extremely high and recruiting environment is hyper competitive.
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're attending a company-sponsored training program you need to understand the nature of the selection process. Here are some important insights.
Trucking is so much more than a job. It's a career and an adventure that demands so much and yet gives back even more.
The DOT physical has stringent blood pressure requirements. Here are 6 ways to lower your blood pressure for the DOT physical
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.
The DAC report is a background check used by trucking companies to help determine whether or not a driver is a good candidate for hire.
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.
It seems like life on the road throws you one curveball after another sometimes. This winter has been tough, with some parts better off forgotten.
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.
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...
If each truck driver would be a true professional...dress well, work with pride, talk kindly...the American public would respect us once again.
Isolation from loved ones may be the hardest part of trucking. Sadly, returning home may not end that isolation. It may just reveal the worst consequences.
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.
The CB radio is a legendary part of being a trucker. But nothing is funnier than being a rookie and soundling like a nerd amongst the smooth talkers.
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.
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.
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...
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.
Getting started with CDL training meant a ton of bookwork in the beginning, working outside in temps below zero, and busting up some drivetrains.
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.
After earning a college degree, being a stay-at-home dad, and then a substitute teacher, it was time for a career change. Here's how CDL training began.
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.
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.
Becoming a truck driver is a dream for a lot of people. Others find it a necessity when life takes an unexpected turn. Here's the story of how I got started.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
My first few days of my trucking career are off to a great start and I'm out on the road with my trainer. Everything is so new, everything is a first.
After completing orientation with my first trucking company it was time to head out on the road with a trainer for the first time, and away we went!
We've reached the end of orientation with my new trucking company and it's time for testing. If we pass, we head out on the road with our trainer!
I'm in orientation with my new trucking company and right now we're covering a lot - driving, backing, inspections, procedures, and paperwork.
We got our first chance behind the wheel at orientation for my new trucking company, which was interesting, but the classroom is information overload!
Today was judgment day at orientation - the day they usually start sending people home for one reason or another. I was surprised at how it turned out.
Becoming a truck driver was something I wasn't certain about until I started believing it could really happen. That's when things started rolling.
Today was my first day at orientation for my new trucking company and I was a bit nervous because I didn't know what to expect. Here's how it went.
It's the start of my truck driving career and after graduating from school with my CDL I've just arrived for orientation at my first real trucking job.
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.
After attending Optometry school I finally accepted that I was on the wrong path in life. I need a career that suits me, and truck driving may be it.
I finished training and got my first truck. This is the story of my first ever solo run in a big rig, and a tiny rookie mistake that was pretty funny.
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.
One of the students in our CDL training course was sent home today - she just couldn't handle the rig. It certainly isn't easy getting started in trucking.
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
Becoming a truck driver is a dream that almost everyone has tucked away somewhere. For me, it's time to make that dream a reality, and I'm ready for it!
This is my salary as an OTR truck driver finishing up my second year behind the wheel. It's hard to find good information on trucker's salaries, so I hope this helps
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.
Trucking attracts people from all walks of life and has a lot to offer if you're circumstances, personality, and goals make you right for the job.
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 can be one of the most exciting times in your life. Here's a story about my early days in trucking school and out on the road.
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
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.
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.
On the road in training driving flatbed was very rough the first couple weeks. My fingers were numb, I ached all over, and the mountains were intimidating
If driving a truck has ever crossed your mind, or you just like the looks of that big rig going by, enjoy reading a little more about getting your CDL
My first six weeks on the road with an incredibly unique trainer were memorable times. But being home for a 'Trucker's Weekend' was not what I expected
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.
My first day of backing up a big rig in truck driving school and we were all nervous and excited. None of us knew what backing a big rig would be like
The beginning of my truck driving adventures started here with cdl school where I met an incredible variety of people looking to become truck drivers
Becoming a truck driver was something I never considered until my 20 year journalism career became a rut. Here's where my trucking adventures began.
Becoming a truck driver is a big decision, and Steve and Cathy decided to the time was right for Steve to begin his CDL training. Here's how it went.
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.
I compare two hypothetical career paths; a college student versus a truck driving student. We'll looking at job training, salary, debts, and more.
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
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.
After 33 years as a woman in the transportation industry it's been amazing to look back at the journey and how far women truck drivers have come.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Almost finished with the first week of truck driving school. The pace is quick and some people are struggling, while others are doing just fine.
The fast pace of CDL training at truck driving school continues as students continue to drop out of the program due to health and background issues.
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.
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.
There is a saying about how life is what happens while you're making other plans and that has certainly proven to be true with my trucking plans.
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.
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?
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!
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.
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.
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!
My CDL training is complete. Here is a recap of what training was like on the road, and what it was like to return home to my family.
Well here we go! I'm entering the world of truck driving. Lots of emotions; nervous, excited, worried, apprehensive. This is all so new.
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?
At a time when school ends for many, mine begins anew. Back to CDL training - back to the road.
There are some nights when you don't want to be driving a truck. Then there are some nights when you wouldn't want to be anywhere else in the world.
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!
I was in real estate for many years, but at heart, I'm a truck driver. I helped many people into their own homes, but driving is what I truly enjoyed.
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.
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.
Time for me to hit the open road, see the country, and see how many people I know are shocked when they see me hauling ass in an eighteen wheeler.
We had some interesting things today, including pulling doubles, 45 degree sight-side backing, and a new instructor for the road trip.
Day four of my journey towards becoming an Over the Road driver was rather exciting. We had a great mix of backing, and some challenging driving.
Today there were several activities, including speaking to a few recruiters, pre-trip inspections, backing practice, and a short trip on the highway.
After being in the military, a police officer, and a preacher - amongst other things, I've decided to become a truck driver, and here's my plan.
Day two of week two dawned chilly and rainy. That's typical for the Northwest this time of year. Our truck driver training is moving into new areas.
So finally I got into truck driving school and started the classroom phase. Some was fun, some was boring, but then we started the yard phase.
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.
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.
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
Taking tests always made me nervous, but the CDL exam was the worst! When your career is at stake and you have a family counting on you, it's scary!
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.
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.
With an Army career behind me and my job being lost to a tough economy, it was time to find a career that I could enjoy - and here's what I found...
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!
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!
Well, I finished my CDL school and received my diploma! Hot darn! I am somebody! Here I'll tell you about how it went.
Getting through my CDL training is not easy, and getting a job and getting rollin in this economic environment is proving to be tough.
Day two of orientation at my new trucking company went far better than the first day, and it was filled with interesting information.
Day one of orientation at a trucking company is far from being a memorable experience, but there are some things you should know.
The trip to truck driving orientation is always eventful - but not normally this eventful! What a mess - but it turned out interesting.
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!
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.
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?
Well I finally did it! After a whole year of thinking about it, I decided it was time for me to dive head-first into over-the-road truck driving!
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.
Our CDL training at the end of week one has us out on the range backing up tractor trailers and doing pre-trip inspections.
Day two and day three of my truck driving school were filled with tests and more classroom time. This is a very fast paced course!
The first day of truck driving school isn't the most exciting, but it gave me a good idea of what I was in for!
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!
After four weeks of training, one of our site's authors passed his CDL exam! You have to read what he went through to do it!
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!
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!
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?
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.
Truck driving can be an incredibly fun and rewarding career - but it's not easy! Here is one trait you absolutely must have...
Even getting pre-hired by a trucking company before graduating from CDL training is no guarantee in this economy.
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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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