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From good wages to flexible hours and the opportunity to travel, trucking is a popular and rewarding career choice for many. Here’s an overview of the top 10 benefits of a career in the trucking industry.

1. Job Flexibility

One of the main benefits of a trucking career is the flexibility it provides. As a truck driver, you’ll have the freedom to choose the type of routes you want to drive. This can include long trips to maximize your earning potential and see more of the country, or you can stay close to home and work a local route. You can also choose to work for a variety of different trucking companies so that you can experience a broader range of tasks and loads.

2. Job Security

As the industry is always in need of qualified individuals, another benefit of being a truck driver is the profession offers job security. The demand for experienced and safety-focused drivers continues to rise, making it an ideal choice for people looking for a reliable job.

3. Job Variety

Truck drivers can take on various tasks and loads, offering more job opportunities to keep things interesting. From hauling freight to transporting livestock, there’s always something new to experience with a truck-driving job.

4. Paid Vacation Time

Trucking jobs often provide vacation time and paid holidays. When you spend so much time on the road, paid time off allows drivers to take a break, recharge, and spend time with their families.

5. Great Pay

Another benefit of a career in trucking is that truck drivers can earn a competitive income. Tractor-trailer drivers are, on average, among the highest-paid employees in any sector, earning an average of $58,000 a year, with some positions earning over $70,000 a year. Pay typically increases with years of experience, and bonuses are common for drivers with an excellent safety rating.

6. Professional Growth

Trucking jobs provide opportunities for professional growth, as plenty of additional certifications and training are available such as hazmat, tanker, and doubles/triples endorsements. You can gain experience in various trucking specializations and learn about new technologies that make your job easier and more efficient.

7. Travel Opportunities

Trucking jobs offer many travel opportunities while earning an income. It’s an opportunity to see the breathtaking views of America’s cities, from deserts to mountains and everything in between. As a driver, you’ll be able to experience many different places and meet new people while on the road.

8. Hands-On Learning Opportunities

Working as a semi-truck driver provides valuable hands-on experience that most other job types can’t match. Truck driving is not like a desk job; drivers learn about the truck’s inner workings and how to care for it. They also gain experience navigating the highways and understanding how to handle varying conditions.

9. Community Support

Lastly, the trucking community is incredibly supportive. Drivers often band together and help each other, making it a great place to network. These social interactions can be a great way to make friends and build relationships while still enjoying the independence and freedom of the job.

Enjoy The Benefits of a Trucking Career Today

Above are just a few of the many benefits of being a truck driver. If you are interested in enjoying these advantages and more, you can take the first step toward joining the trucking industry by earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL). At Phoenix Truck Driving Institute, we offer accelerated CDL training and test programs that can get you on the road and earning a paycheck in as little as four weeks. 

To take advantage of the benefits of a trucking career, contact us today.

Professional drivers are a key element of the U.S. economy, and without them, stores would be without groceries, fueling stations would have no fuel, and medical centers would run out of crucial provisions. There has been a rise in the need for drivers, but the number of qualified people to fill these positions has not been adequate. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) issues an annual report on the truck driver shortage, which has been growing significantly since its first recording in 2005.

More information about this shortage and how it could affect you as a consumer and a driver: 

Truck Driver Shortage Basics

The ATA’s most recent update on the truck driver shortage was released in 2021. This report uses industry data to make estimates and document trends related to the shortage of professional drivers. 

Here are some facts from the ATA’s report: 

• The truck driver shortage hit a historic high of 80,000 in 2021. 
• Over-the-road (OTR) jobs are the most impacted due to the unique lifestyle demands of these positions. 
• In 2020, commercial driver’s license (CDL) schools weren’t able to train as many drivers due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which may have contributed to the increase in the shortage. 
• If current trends continue, the truck driver shortage will exceed 160,000 by 2030. 
• The ATA estimates that the trucking industry will need to recruit 1,000,000 more drivers in the next decade to replace those that are leaving the field. 

Impact On Consumers

Data from the ATA suggests that 80.8% of American freight by weight is transported by tractor-trailers. This means that if the truck driver shortage persists, it could cause some serious consequences for consumers. Delays in shipping, higher prices, and shortages of goods could all become a reality due to a lack of people available to haul the freight.

Impact On Drivers

While the truck driver shortage has a mostly negative impact on consumers, it can actually present an opportunity for potential truckers. Now is the perfect opportunity to get CDL and begin a career in truck driving. With the high demand for drivers, motor carriers are attempting to outbid each other for the best driver pay, home time, and benefits. You can take advantage of this competition to find a fulfilling job. As you get more experience, you will become more desirable to trucking companies and be able to increase your earnings.

Hit The Road Today

Driving a truck is a key part of the US economy and you could earn over $72,000 a year* for your effort. If this is something you would like to pursue, the first step is to get your CDL. Phoenix Truck Driving Institute has accelerated courses available to get you in the driver’s seat in as little as four weeks. Our experienced teachers will provide you with valuable experience and we offer a job placement assistance program to match you with employers looking for drivers like you. 

If you’re interested in helping reduce the truck driver shortage and earning high pay, contact us today.

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $48,310. The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $72,730 per year according to 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

If you are considering truck driving as your next career, you may wonder whether you should become an owner-operator or company driver. While the driving and knowledge skill sets are largely the same for each job, the two types of trucking careers have many differences. Let’s dive deeper into the pros and cons of owner-operators vs company drivers so you can decide which is a better fit for you.

Owner-Operators

An owner-operator is an independent contractor that runs their own trucking business, which includes one or more semi-trucks they either bought or leased from another company. Owner-operators enjoy higher pay, more freedom, and truck customization than company drivers, but there are also start-up costs associated with this career.

Pro – High Pay

One advantage of being an owner-operator is a higher gross income. An owner-operator receives roughly 75% of the profits of every delivery, while a company truck driver receives 25%.

Pro – Freedom

Another pro of becoming an owner-operator is the freedom it offers. Owner-operators work on their terms, making their schedule and routes and choosing how much or how little they want to drive. They can also decide which type of freight to haul.

Pro – Truck Customization

As an owner-operator, you will always feel comfortable driving and using equipment because it is all your own. You alone will ride in your truck, so you can set everything up to fit your preferences.

Con – Business Expenses

The biggest downside of being an owner-operator is that you are responsible for handling all the business expenses. These responsibilities include truck payments, maintenance, fuel costs, and insurance. There are also sizable start-up costs associated with becoming an owner-operator. 

Company Drivers

A company driver operates a semi-truck provided by the company that employs them. Company drivers receive consistent paychecks and benefits from their employers and don’t have to worry about paying for truck maintenance costs. However, they may work longer hours than an owner-operator. 

Pro – Consistent Paycheck

One of the main advantages for many company drivers is a consistent paycheck. Trucking companies typically pay their drivers per mile driven, and whatever money drivers earn is money they can keep rather than put back into their trucks.

Pro – Benefits

Another advantage of being a company driver is the benefits it provides both before and during employment. Professional truck drivers are in high demand, so many companies offer sign-on bonuses if you drive for them. Additionally, after you sign with a trucking company, you are often eligible for a benefits package, including health insurance and paid time off.

Pro – Not Financially Responsible For Maintenance

Company drivers are also free of the burdens of truck ownership. Since the equipment belongs to the company they drive for, they don’t have to handle truck payments and maintenance. When a company driver clocks out at the end of the day, their job is done.

Con – Longer Hours

A downside to company driving is not having sole control over your working hours. As a company driver, this can often (although not necessarily) translate into less home time.

Earn Your Commercial Drivers License Today

Whether you want to become an owner-operator or company driver, your path starts with earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL). At Phoenix Truck Driving Institute, our students enjoy many benefits, including flexible class schedules, financial assistance, and lessons from skilled instructors. We also offer accelerated CDL training that can get you on the road in as little as four weeks.

For more information, contact one of our advisors today.

 

If you are considering a career in truck driving, earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is the first step, and there are many schools to attend to do so. While websites are full of information and can answer many of your questions, the best way to narrow down your options is to talk directly with an admissions representative at the schools you are considering. Not sure what to ask CDL school representatives? We compiled a list of the most important questions to help you make the right decision.

Questions About the Trucking Industry

Although you may already feel that trucking is the right job for you, you may not know what type of driver you’d like to be or what to expect during your career. It is helpful to ask questions about the trucking industry to establish a solid foundation of knowledge.

 

Some questions to ask include:

 

• What are the different trucking jobs available? What does a typical day look like for each?
• Do different types of driving require different qualifications?
• Besides truck driving, what job opportunities are available for CDL holders?
• What does the trucking lifestyle look like?
• Is there still a professional truck driver shortage? If so, how does this affect me?

Questions About the CDL Training School

Along with learning more about the trucking industry, talking with a CDL school representative can also inform you about the training school you are considering attending. 

 

Consider asking questions such as:

 

• How long does training take in your program?
• What information does your training program cover?
• What is the completion rate for your truck driving school?
• Do your professors have real-world experience?
• What is the student-to-instructor ratio?
• Does your school offer full and part-time classes?

Questions About Tuition and Financial Aid

Finances are a huge factor in deciding where to earn your CDL. Including questions about tuition and financial aid will help you better understand if a school is a good fit for you.

 

A few questions to ask about funding are:

 

• How much does your program cost?
• Do you have funding options available, such as scholarships or grants, that students can apply toward tuition? If so, what are they?
• Are there tuition reimbursement options?
• Do you accept benefits for veterans, such as the GI Bill®?
• How much money can I expect to make as a trucker? Will this wage differ over time?

Questions About Graduation and Support After Training

Most CDL training programs help students transition into their new careers after graduation, so asking questions about support after training will help ensure that your preferred school will be there for you.

 

Ask a CDL school representative questions like:

 

• How long does it typically take to find a job in the trucking industry after graduation?
• Do you offer job placement assistance to your students? If so, how does this work?
• What are my options if I fail the CDL exam?
• What trucking companies do your graduates often work for?

Attend a High-Quality CDL Training School in Phoenix

If you are ready for a rewarding career in trucking, then include Phoenix Truck Driving Institute in your list of potential schools. Our CDL programs have been providing high-quality truck driver training for over 11 years. With our accelerated classes, we can get you on the road and earning in as little as four weeks.

Contact one of our CDL school representatives for more information.

Sleep plays a key role in health. Researchers still haven’t fully uncovered all the secrets of how sleep works, but it’s clear that it’s essential to feeling well and functioning at your best. For truckers, sleep can be a challenge. Variable schedules and sleeping in a semi-truck can make it difficult to get good rest. However, sleep is a key factor for health and safety on the road.

Here are some reasons getting enough high-quality sleep is important for truck drivers:

1. Safety

Semi-trucks are massive compared to other vehicles on the road, and truckers spend more time behind the wheel than other drivers. Professional drivers must uphold a high standard of safety to protect themselves and others on the road.

Driving while tired has many of the same effects as drunk driving. If you go too long without sleep, you could fall asleep at the wheel or experience involuntary “micro-sleeps” where you lose consciousness for a few seconds at a time. Even in less extreme circumstances, fatigue drains your focus and makes it harder to pay attention to the road.

Caffeine and other “tricks” for boosting your energy can only do so much. At the end of the day, regular sleep is essential for keeping you alert.

2. Physical Health

During sleep, your body undergoes various processes that affect your physical health. For example, certain hormones are regulated as you sleep. These include ghrelin and leptin, which regulate hunger levels and can cause excessive hunger and weight gain when out of balance. Another example is insulin, which regulates blood sugar. Your blood pressure also drops and a lack of sleep can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke. Not getting enough sleep can also impact your immune system and leave you vulnerable to inflammation and infections. In short, your body can’t function without enough sleep.

3. Mental And Emotional Well-Being

The mental side of trucking plays a larger role than many people realize. Dealing with traffic conditions, staying focused on the road, and minimizing stress all require a positive mindset and the ability to adapt to challenges. Just as sleep affects physical health, it is also key for emotional well-being. A lack of sleep makes it harder to regulate your emotions. It can impact your memory, increase frustration at day-to-day inconveniences, and increase your risk of depression.

Tips For Better Sleep For Truckers

Now that you know how important sleep is, how can you get more of it and improve the quality of the sleep you get?

Here are some practical sleep tips for truckers:

• Create a routine that you follow before you go to sleep. This helps create consistency even as your schedule changes and makes it easier to fall asleep.
• Block out light and sound to the best of your ability. This makes it easier to get restful sleep even at busy truck stops.
• Take naps if you need to. This is much more effective for fighting fatigue than relying on caffeine.
• Consider upgrading your semi-truck’s mattress and bedding.

Truck Driver Training

If you’re interested in becoming a trucker, Phoenix Truck Driving Institute can help you get started. Our program helps students earn their commercial driver’s license (CDL) in as little as four weeks and we cover a variety of topics related to safe and effective trucking.

Contact us today to learn more about earning your CDL in Phoenix, AZ.

 

Any job comes with some degree of stress, and it’s important to know how to manage this for the sake of your success and well-being. When it comes to trucking, stress management also plays a role in keeping drivers safe since it helps prevent road rage and keep you focused on the road.

Here are some tips truckers can use to manage stress:

1. Remember What Motivates You

Everyone has different reasons that motivated them to pursue a career in trucking. Maybe you love the freedom of the open road and wanted to see more of the country. You may also have wanted a career with the flexibility to find a schedule that works for you, or wanted to support your family with competitive pay.

Whatever your personal motivations and values are, try to remind yourself of them when you feel stressed. It can help make the bad days feel like they have a larger purpose and keeps you focused on what matters most to you.

2. Slow Down

If you notice that you’re getting stressed, take a moment to slow down. If you’re behind the wheel, take a few deep breaths and return your focus to the road. When possible, you may even want to find a truck stop or rest area and take a short break. This helps you reset and gives you time to use any coping strategies that work best for you.

This tip is also important for your safety. One major source of stress for truckers is the pressure to make deliveries quickly. While being on time and efficient is important, safety is more so. Reminding yourself of this and making a deliberate attempt to slow down is beneficial for reducing your stress and helps prevents accidents.

3. Take Care Of Your Physical Health

Your physical and mental health are closely linked. If you’re not getting enough sleep, are eating poorly, or have other physical health issues, you’ll likely feel more stressed.

Here are some tips for improving your health as a trucker:

• Take short runs or walks during your breaks to get moving.
• Prepare food ahead of time and avoid unhealthy restaurants on the road.
• Find a routine that helps you get to sleep and make sure to set aside enough time for rest.
• Drink plenty of water.

4. Find Support

Having others who understand what life on the road is like can help you stay positive even when things are tough. You can connect with students you attended trucking school with, other drivers at your company, or even truckers on online forums. Non-truckers can also be a valuable part of your support system. It helps to have people you can talk to and who have your best interest at heart.

Build A Strong Foundation For Your Trucking Career

If you’re ready to become a truck driver, finding a high-quality trucking school helps you start strong. At Phoenix Truck Driving Institute, we can help you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) in as little as four weeks.

To learn more about out CDL training in Phoenix, contact us today.

You’ll often hear people say that trucking is a lifestyle as much as it is a career. Although this is a bit of a cliche, it’s also true. The trucking lifestyle draws people to the industry, but it can also drive them away if they don’t expect the unique pros and cons of life on the road. Getting an idea of what being a trucker is like can help you decide whether it’s the right path for you.

Here are some key aspects of the average truck driver’s lifestyle:

1. Independence

Unless you drive as a team, you’ll likely spend the bulk of your time as a trucker by yourself. This makes trucking a very independent career. You are ultimately responsible for your own day-to-day actions, within the bounds of regulations and obligations to your company and freight customers. Independent individuals often do well as truckers and appreciate the opportunity to work without a boss looking over their shoulder.

At the same time, independence comes with responsibility. You have to trust that you can hold yourself accountable to meet your goals and stay safe on the road.

This aspect of the trucking lifestyle can also result in loneliness. If you love being around other people all day, trucking will likely be a challenge. However, you can still stay connected to loved ones back home. A pet can also keep you company.

2. Life On The Open Road

Long-haul truckers travel a variety of routes and often wake up in a new location every day. Life on the road has its perks, and one of the biggest is the sense of freedom and independence mentioned above. It also gives you the opportunity to see more of the country. It’s worth noting that trucking is still a job, so you won’t necessarily be able to spend all of your time sightseeing. However, with a bit of planning, you can definitely find ways to check out unique attractions across the nation, and many companies even let you take time off away from your home terminal for a longer stay if you’d like.

Life on the open road also means your semi-truck becomes a home away from home. You’ll need to get used to sleeping in your vehicle, finding healthy food on the road or preparing it in your truck, and living in a smaller space than you may be used to.

3. Relatively Sedentary

One less-positive aspect of the trucking lifestyle is that it is fairly sedentary. Truckers spend a lot of time behind the wheel and don’t often move around much during the day. It’s possible to overcome this by planning time for workouts and short walks during breaks. Eating well can also help you maintain and improve your health on the road.

Is Trucking Right For You?

There is no career like trucking. While it’s not for everyone, those who are drawn to it love the benefits truck driving has. Along with a unique lifestyle, trucking provides high pay and excellent job stability. With Phoenix Truck Driving Institute, you can earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and get started in as little as four weeks.

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

In any career, things don’t always go as expected. In trucking, semi-truck mechanical issues and breakdowns are serious setbacks. They can range from a nuisance to a severe hazard. Some of these problems are preventable, while others could happen without any warning. As a trucker, you need to be prepared to handle mechanical failures and should understand how to minimize the risk of them occurring.

Preventing Semi-Truck Mechanical Problems

Truck drivers have a responsibility to prioritize safety, including taking steps to prevent mechanical failures when possible. Pre-trip inspections are an essential step for this. You’re required to make sure your truck is in good working condition before you hit the road each day. There are many parts of the truck you’ll need to check, from your tires to your air brake system. Make sure you know all of these.

Spend sufficient time checking your vehicle, and don’t try to rush through your inspection. In the grand scheme of your day, a thorough pre-trip inspection doesn’t slow you down, and can actually save you time by helping you catch small issues and address them early instead of breaking down on the highway.

If you do notice an issue, communicate with your dispatcher and company right away. They also have an obligation to address safety concerns and should help you find a solution.

Regular preventative maintenance on your vehicle is also important. Many motor carriers have a program and procedure for this. Make sure you know what your company expects for this.

What To Do If You Truck Breaks Down

Even with preventative maintenance and inspections, things can still go wrong, and it’s important to know how to handle it.

1. Safety First

If your truck breaks down, your first priority needs to be your safety and that of others on the road. Move out of the way of traffic if you can. Make your truck visible with the tools you have available and can use safely, e.g. reflective triangles, turning your hazards on, et cetera.

2. Communicate With Your Team

Once you are safe, let your dispatcher and any other team members from your company that you regularly communicate with know what happened. They will help you determine the next steps and will keep the customer informed about any delays.

3. Stay Calm & Address The Issue

A breakdown is a stressful experience, but it’s important to stay calm. Remember that your goal is to get out of the situation safely above all else. As long as you are taking the necessary steps your team tells you, such as getting to a mechanic, and cooperating with any law enforcement on the scene, you are doing all you can and can make up for any delays later. Being overly emotional, however, is likely to make the situation worse.

Learn To Be A Safe Trucker

If you’re interested in a trucking career, Phoenix Truck Driving Institute can help you get started. Our students are able to earn their commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) in as little as four weeks and our instructors cover valuable material related to safety.

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

Trucking requires many different skills in order to be successful. Driving skills are an obvious requirement, but there are many more things to consider. One aspect that you may not think of at first is your mindset. This can play a significant role in your career as a truck driver.

What Mindset Should Truckers Have?

Before we discuss why it’s important to cultivate the right type of mindset as a trucker, we first need to define what exactly the ideal trucking mindset entails.

Here are some factors:

Safety

Safety is essential in the trucking industry. While there are many aspects of safety that involve physical tasks to complete, a large portion of staying safe comes down to your mindset. If you prioritize safety as a driver, you’ll find it easier to focus on driving defensively.

Communication

Although truckers spend much of their time alone behind the wheel, relationships and communication play a large role in this career. The best drivers understand this and know how to work well with the different people they encounter, including dispatchers, staff at loading docks, and more.

Purpose

No matter what career a person pursues, they can benefit from feeling a sense of purpose. If you know why your career path is worthwhile to you, it makes it easier to handle tough days. Remember the reasons you got into trucking and keep these in mind when things are difficult on the road.

How Does The Right Mindset Help Truckers?

One way that maintaining a positive mindset helps truckers is that it makes it easier to manage stress in a safe and productive way. Whether you’re dealing with traffic, weather delays, a lack of parking, or any other concern that arises on the road, it’s easier to take the necessary steps to manage the situation if you are able to focus on the most important factors.

Of course, this doesn’t mean that you’ll never feel frustrated or overwhelmed. It’s okay to be upset about conditions on the road, but if you are prioritizing safety, communicating well, and staying focused on your purpose, you’ll be able to turn a bad situation around more effectively.

Are You Interested In Becoming a Trucker?

If you’re interested in a rewarding career and have what it takes to keep our nation moving forward as a trucker, the first step is earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL). At Phoenix Truck Driving Institute, we can help you accomplish this in as little as four weeks. We teach our students the skills they need to pass the CDL exam and succeed as truckers. In addition, we offer job placement assistance to help you get on the road and earning as soon as possible.

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

Truck driving is an excellent career that provides competitive pay and benefits. This industry attracts a wide range of individuals, including many who have families or are hoping to start one soon. While there are some unique considerations truckers with families need to keep in mind, it is definitely possible to be successful as a driver while staying connected to loved ones back home.

Here are some tips for trucking with a family:

1. Set Clear Expectations

Communication is an essential skill for truckers, and this extends beyond interactions that are directly related to your job. You’ll also need to communicate clearly with your loved ones back home and have conversations about your expectations for how trucking will affect your family life. Being on the same page with your loved ones is important, and having support back home can make it easier to manage life on the road.

Some questions to talk through your your spouse and/or co-parents include:

• How will you handle any emergencies that occur while you’re on the road?
• What household responsibilities are most important to handle during home time, and how can you continue to contribute while you’re away?
• Which events or holidays are most important to try to arrange home time for, and how will you handle it if you aren’t able to get home when you expect to?
• How will you stay in touch while you’re on the road?

2. Take Advantage of Modern Technology

Modern technology makes it easier than ever to stay in touch with your family while you’re away from home. Set a time each day for a video chat or phone call to catch up. You can also take photos of interesting sights or things that remind you of your loved ones and send them via text. However, make sure you never drive distracted!

3. Get Your Family Involved

There are many ways you help your family feel involved in your life on the road, depending on your unique circumstances. Consider asking your children to help you with trip planning and give them a way to keep track of where you are during hauls. Then, during your calls, you can keep them updated about the places you are visiting. If your children are older or your partner has time off work, many motor carriers allow you to take a passenger on the road. This can help them see what your life on the road is like. Be sure to choose a shorter haul if possible and plan ahead for such a trip.

4. Look For Family-Friendly Trucking Companies

Finding a company that offers home time that aligns with your needs can make trucking easier in the long run. Although you will likely start with an over-the-road (OTR) position that involves a few weeks at a time on the road, you may be able to transition to a regional or even local job over time. These allow for more consistent time at home. As a general rule, many truckers spend one year OTR before they have enough experience to look for a regional or local job, although this can vary.

Earn Your CDL in Phoenix

If you’re interested in supporting your family with a career in trucking, Phoenix Truck Driving Institute can help you get started. Our students are able to earn their commercial driver’s license (CDL) in as little as four weeks, and we offer job placement assistance to help you find positions that match your goals.

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

There are many different types of specialized truck driving jobs available once you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and have some experience under your belt. Some of these, like tanker truck driving, require additional CDL endorsements. Because of the skills and extra certifications for these specialized types of driving, they often pay more. If you’re interested in driving a tanker, it’s important to know the differences between various types of tank trucks so you can determine which you may be interested in and know what to expect.

Chemical Tankers

As the name implies, chemical tankers haul chemical products. In addition to requiring the tanker endorsement, they also require the hazardous materials (hazmat) endorsement. The combination of these two is known as an “X” endorsement.

The types of chemicals that tanker drivers haul vary. One of the most common is fuel and fuel tanker truckers are in high demand due to the essential nature of these jobs. Fuel needs to be transported to gas stations, airports, and many other locations across the country. Other types of chemicals also need to be transported across long and short distances for manufacturing and other purposes. Some examples include ammonia, chlorine, and hydrogen fluoride.

Chemical tanker drivers need to be highly-skilled and safe drivers. There is additional pressure and regulations for potentially hazardous freight, and most motor carriers hauling these materials compensate for the additional responsibilities with higher pay.

Food-Grade Tankers

Tanker trucks aren’t only used for hazmat transportation. One of their most common purposes is transporting liquid or dry bulk food products. These trucks move foods and beverages between their production sources and the processing plants where they are packaged for consumption. The tanks often have multiple compartments, allowing for different types of liquids to be transported at once.

The most common type of freight for food-grade tankers is milk. Other types of liquid freight include fruit juice, vegetable oils, alcohol, corn syrup, and vinegar. Food-grade tankers can also haul dry bulk food products like sugar, flour, or starch. If only dry bulk is being hauled, the tanker endorsement may or may not be necessary depending on a variety of factors.

Although food-grade tankers aren’t subject to the same regulations as hazmat tankers, they are still more regulated than typical dry van freight. There are typically strict regulations for the temperature of the load as well as other requirements from various regulatory organizations. Truckers hauling food products need to be aware of and follow these requirements.

Other Types of Tankers

Although chemicals and food-grade products are the most common freight for tankers, these are not the only goods and materials these vehicles can haul. Some tankers haul water, asphalt, or dry bulk materials for construction. The regulations and requirements for different types of tankers vary.

Earn Your CDL and Tanker Endorsement

At Phoenix Truck Driving Institute, we can help you earn your CDL in as little as four weeks. We also include three endorsements with our curriculum: tanker, hazmat, and doubles/triples. This increases the variety of the jobs available to you after graduation.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you become a truck driver.

When most people think of trucking, they imagine long-haul routes that travel across multiple states and even coast-to-coast. This is known as over-the-road (OTR) trucking and while it is one of the most common starting points for new drivers, it is not the only type of driving job available. Intrastate trucking, which includes routes only within a specific state, is also an option, although the availability of routes and the requirements for getting these jobs may vary.

More information about intrastate trucking:

What is Considered Intrastate Trucking?

An intrastate trucker transports goods and materials within state lines.

In order for the route to fall under intrastate commerce laws and state-level trucking regulations, the following must be true:

• The pick-up and delivery locations are in the same state.
• The truck does not cross state lines. For example, if you have a pick-up and delivery in the same state, but the most efficient route uses a highway that crosses into another state and back, this is no longer intrastate trucking.
• The freight does not continue its journey and move out of state. This means that interstate commerce laws apply to freight that may be hauled between terminals in one state, but then travel out of the state afterward.

FMCSA Age Requirements

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets requirements for earning a commercial driver’s license (CDL). One of these is that you must be 21 years of age or older to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) across state lines. However, you can earn a CDL with the intrastate restriction if you are 18 years of age or older.

This leads many individuals interested in trucking to wonder whether it’s worthwhile to earn a CDL at 18 and start with intrastate trucking. The answer depends on your individual circumstances and the job market in your area. In most cases, new drivers start with OTR jobs because these are the most accessible to drivers without previous experience and because these provide wide exposure to driving conditions so you can build your skills. However, areas with lots of agriculture or jobs moving construction vehicles may have more options available for younger drivers. Be sure to check the requirements and honestly consider whether you are able to do the job confidently, as many intrastate jobs involve more city driving or other difficult conditions, which can be challenging to navigate in large vehicles.

Types of Intrastate Trucking Jobs

Some types of trucking jobs are more common to find intrastate opportunities for. Depending on specific state motor vehicle department requirements and applicable FMCSA regulations, some of these may or may not require a CDL. Be sure to check the requirements for any specific job you are interested in.

Possible types of intrastate driving jobs:

• Agricultural transport
• Tow trucks
• Construction vehicles, including dump trucks, cement trucks, and bucket trucks
• Box trucks
• Garbage trucks

Earn Your CDL in Phoenix

If you’re interested in a trucking career, Phoenix Truck Driving Institute can help you get started. You can earn your CDL in as little as four weeks and we offer job placement assistance. We’re happy to discuss the different types of trucking and your long-term and short-term goals to help find ideal opportunities for you.

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