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.
New drivers think they'll be free agents after graduating from school but there's more to the story they don't understand.
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.
Going on the road with a trainer or going solo is stressful and challenging, but exciting. Here are some important tips.
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.
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!
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.
I recently completed Swift Transportation's company-sponsored training program and here's what the experience was like for me.
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.
Nothing could be more exciting than climbing behind the wheel of a rig for your first run ever as a professional driver! Here's how it went for me.
Getting started with CDL training meant a ton of bookwork in the beginning, working outside in temps below zero, and busting up some drivetrains.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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 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.
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.
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!
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?
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.
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.
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!
Home time in trucking is cherished. You don't get home very often, so when you do, you love the opportunity to see everyone again. Here's what I did.
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.
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.
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.
Well, it finally happened. My trainer and I are having truck problems. What a mess. It's getting fixed, finally, but here's what we had to deal with.
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.
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!
Life on the road leads you to so many people and experiences that it's nice to be able to sit down and write to the ones that have left an impression.
Last week we had a trip from Illinois to California and I got my first taste of mother nature's fury - a light load and high winds. It was nasty!
So the other night, we get a phone call to pick up a 'High Value Load' from a pharmaceutical company. Wow, what an experience a high value load is!
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!
After 14 days on the road with my trianer, things have been going really well. Here is some insight into my training so far.
Being a brand new driver brings lots of new experiences, and today was my first full day and night in a truckstop in Southern California!
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.
Finished up orientation on Friday and by Saturday morning, I already had a trainer waiting for me at the terminal. Finally ready to roll!
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It's the start of week two for our student who is giving us his day-by-day experiences live! Today is his first day driving a rig!
Me, being an ol' time trucker, decided I would go take a look at some of the CDL Schools in my area. Here's a rundown of what I found.
Day three in CDL school brought air brakes, a trip out to the truck to learn hands on, and anticipation of Friday's permit exam!
This is day to of our CDL training. We're documenting every day of truck driving school so you can follow along!
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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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