Category: Uncategorized

Earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) allows you to pursue a wide variety of career opportunities. For new truckers, driving a refrigerated truck, also called a reefer, is one of the most common options. The majority of reefer trucks transport food, although other temperature-sensitive items may also be hauled in these vehicles. The pay is competitive and qualified drivers are in high demand.
Some of the benefits of driving a refrigerated truck include:

Higher Pay

The majority of long-haul trucking jobs pay per mile, and the rate will depend on driver experience, the type of freight, and other factors. Refrigerated hauls involve additional responsibilities such as temperature monitoring so they typically pay more to compensate for these duties.

More Miles

When considering earning potential as a truck driver, the pay per mile is only part of the calculation. The number of miles you can drive also makes a difference. This is related in part to your efficiency and is also influenced by the length of routes available. In addition to paying more per mile, refrigerated trucking jobs often involve longer routes and more potential miles each week.

Stable Demand

Food transport is essential year-round so there aren’t typically seasonal variations in the demand for refrigerated drivers. Fresh food also isn’t influenced by the economy in the same way as other types of freight. This means that even in hard times, reefer drivers are still needed.

Pride in Your Work

It’s great to know that the work you are doing makes a difference in the world. Refrigerated truck drivers keep grocery store shelves stocked and without them, there would be major shortages around the country. If you are looking for a job that you can feel good about doing, driving a reefer truck could be an excellent choice.

Ability to Haul More Types of Freight

Refrigerated trucks aren’t limited to only temperature-controlled items. You can also take a dry haul if necessary. This is not true in reverse since dry vans do not have the equipment to haul refrigerated items. If you become a refrigerated owner-operator at some point in the future, you can accept a wide variety of loads.

What to Consider

While there are many benefits to driving a reefer, there are also some things you should consider. Although some companies do hire right out of CDL school, most jobs involving refrigerated trucks require some dry van experience first. 

It’s important to be prepared for the responsibility that comes with this type of freight. You will need to carefully monitor the temperature of the trailer and any breakdowns can compromise the load and cost your company money. 

Some regional jobs are available, but most reefer truckers drive long distances, so you may want to look into a different type of driving if you are trying to stay close to home. Additionally, night driving is more common for these types of jobs to accommodate early-morning delivery times.

Become a Truck Driver

At Phoenix Truck Driving Institute, we can help you earn your CDL in as little as four weeks. If you would like to drive a refrigerated truck, this is the first step to getting started.

To learn more about earning your CDL in Phoenix, AZ, contact us today.

There are many unique terms you will hear as you learn more about the trucking industry. One of these is “drop and hook.” This describes a type of delivery where the driver drops off a full trailer at a warehouse and then gets an empty trailer before leaving. It’s often used in contrast with “live load,” which means the driver brings the full trailer to a loading dock and waits for it to be unloaded before leaving.

Drop and hook trucking shipments are delivered more quickly and drivers often get more miles. However, remember that the actual drop-off time varies depending on the company and can even vary between each haul.

A Typical Drop and Hook Delivery

With a drop and hook shipment, the driver usually has a window in which they are expected to arrive at the facility. They deliver the trailer, which is unloaded by warehouse employees. After dropping off that trailer, the driver picks up a new, empty trailer. This might be at the same loading dock or another location entirely. Then, the driver gets back on the road for their next delivery.

Delays may happen if a trailer isn’t ready at the expected time, but usually, drop and hook trucking is the most efficient option for the driver, carrier, and receiver.

A Typical Live Load Delivery

For a live load, the driver has an appointment time. This is usually a narrower window than a drop and hook delivery, but the window of time varies. The driver waits at the loading dock while the receiving company unloads the trailer. This can take hours, although some live loads are completed more quickly depending on the receiver and how many trucks are being unloaded simultaneously.

Many motor carriers offer detention pay if the delivery takes more than a certain amount of time.

Which is Better/More Common?

As an over-the-road (OTR) truck driver, you will likely complete a combination of drop and hook and live load deliveries over the course of your career. Each one has benefits and challenges, so it’s helpful to maintain a positive attitude no matter which type of delivery you are making.

In general, larger trucking companies have drop and hook loads more often to save time and money, but it still varies depending on many factors.

For dry van or refrigerated hauls, drop and hook is generally more common. Conversely, flatbed trucking will usually involve live loads, and drivers also tend to be more involved in the loading and unloading process for this type of freight.

Earn Your CDL

Whether your preferred job involves live loads or drop and hook trucking, you will need to earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate a semi-truck. Phoenix Truck Driving Institute can help you get started and our classes can be completed in as little as four weeks.

To learn more about earning your commercial license, today.

If you are interested in becoming a truck driver, it’s likely you’re interested in an over-the-road (OTR) job. This is the most common type of trucking career that commercial driver’s license (CDL) students pursue. OTR drivers can earn more than $69,000 a year* in addition to enjoying the freedom of the open road. The trucking lifestyle is different from other types of jobs and it can be helpful to know what to expect if you are planning to enter this industry.

Here is some information about the day-to-day life of an OTR trucker:

Morning Routine

Long-haul drivers sleep in their semi-trucks and often wake up early in the morning. This is because parking at truck stops fills up early and it’s helpful to beat the traffic by starting the day early. At this point, drivers can either eat breakfast that they’ve prepared ahead of time and kept in their truck, or they may get a quick bite at the truck stop. Some truckers will shower in the morning, whereas others prefer the end of the day.

Pre-Trip Inspection

Before hitting the road, it’s necessary to perform a pre-trip inspection. This involves checking the interior and exterior of the vehicle for any issues that could impact safety. Completing a pre-trip inspection is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requirement and must be documented each day a driver is hauling freight.

Driving

The bulk of an OTR trucker’s day is spent driving. The daily limit is 11 hours of driving and this must include a 30-minute break. Rules for driving and on-duty time are known as hours of service (HOS) regulations and are set by the FMCSA. Drivers must track their HOS with an electronic logging device (ELD).

Stopping For the Night

In order to find parking, many drivers shut down for the day by the early evening. A 10-hour rest period is required under the FMCSA’s HOS regulations. Before going to sleep, truckers may prepare or purchase dinner, enjoy their hobbies, or chat with their family and friends back home.

Drop-Offs

The daily schedule of a trucker will look different if there is a drop-off involved. Depending on the type of freight and the customer receiving it, this may be a drop-and-hook or a live load. For drop-and-hook shipments, the whole trailer is dropped off and a new, empty trailer is picked up. In the case of live loads, the driver will wait at the loading dock while the receiver unloads the trailer. The time that a driver needs to arrive at the customer will usually be scheduled and may include a window during which they can arrive.

Start Your Career as an OTR Trucker

If you love driving and want to see more of the country while earning competitive pay, trucking may be a great career for you. Phoenix Truck Driving Institute can help you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and get started in as little as four weeks.

To learn more about how to become an OTR driver, contact us today.

 

After earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL), there’s a wide range of different jobs that might interest you.

In most cases, over-the-road (OTR) trucking is the first one that comes to mind. It’s what most people think of when they think of CDL jobs. OTR involves longer times on the road, but features the freedom, excitement, and variety that come with this type of career, making it a great fit for CDL school graduates.

However, some new drivers are looking for more predictability. In these cases, less-than-truckload (LTL) might be a better fit. An LTL job has different responsibilities than OTR and if you’re looking for a different way to use your license, you might want to consider this field.

What is LTL Trucking?

OTR truck drivers usually make a range of one to a few stops per haul, traveling long distances to deliver goods and materials. OTR customers usually have full or nearly full truckloads they need transported.

For LTL, customers get the same truck, but only pay for part of the space. This means multiple clients split the cost of an entire trailer space. Drivers bring the freight to terminals and the freight is sorted. It continues to travel between terminals and checkpoints until it reaches its destination.

Types of LTL Jobs

There are two types of jobs under the LTL umbrella.

Linehaul drivers are responsible for taking the freight from terminal to terminal. This is usually the same route every time. The length of the drive varies and some linehaul truckers are home every night whereas others may spend more time out on the road.

Pickup and delivery (P&D) drivers pick up freight from the terminal and take it to the customer, or vice versa. P&D jobs will typically get a driver home nightly and involve a lot of city driving and multiple stops each day.

3 Signs You Should Choose an LTL Job

You Prefer a Reliable Schedule

OTR trucking can be exciting, but part of this excitement is that it is more variable. LTL jobs, whether they are linehaul or P&D, come with more predictability. You will get to know the route(s) you travel and the people you typically interact with. Pay may also be more consistent from week to week, although regional jobs often pay less than OTR overall.

You Want to Stay Close to Home

A P&D job can get you home every night and even longer linehaul routes will usually get you more home time than OTR. If you prefer to stay close to your friends and family, LTL may be a good fit. However, it is important to consider the companies you are interested in and their actual home time policies rather than relying on general trends.

You Don’t Mind Night Driving or City Driving

For linehaul jobs, drivers often need to drive at night. For P&D jobs, you are more likely to drive during the day, but may need to navigate areas with more traffic such as cities. If you are interested in an LTL career, you will need to be comfortable with one or both driving circumstances. Starting with an OTR job may be helpful to get experience if you’re not as confident in these skills.

Start Your Trucking Career

Whether you are interested in LTL, OTR, or another type of CDL job, Phoenix Truck Driving Institute can help you get started. We offer job placement assistance for our graduates and can help you get on the road and earning in as little as four weeks.

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

Every industry has some specialized vocabulary that you will need to learn. In trucking, this includes a lot of abbreviations. These can make communication more efficient, but it can be confusing if you are new. This article includes some of the most common trucking acronyms that you will hear during training and when you hit the road.

Acronyms Related to Training

CDL  – Commercial driver’s license – This is a requirement to be able to drive a semi-truck, and is earned by passing a written exam and skills test. 

CLP – Commercial learner’s permit – You earn your CLP after passing the written license test, and it allows you to get on-the-road experience under the supervision of a CDL holder.

Acronyms Related to Trucking Regulation

CSA – Compliance, Safety, and Accountability – CSA scores are associated with motor carriers and are a way to measure whether or not companies are following safety regulations.

DOT – Department of Transportation – This is the United States agency that regulates transportation, including trucking.

ELD – Electronic logging device – ELDs are used to record driving time and to stay compliant with industry regulations.

FMCSA – Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration – The FMCSA is a sub-agency of the DOT and regulates trucking safety.

HOS – Hours of service – The DOT and FMCSA set limits on the number of hours that truckers can drive or be on-duty, with the goal of reducing accidents and improving safety. The acronym HOS refers to these regulations.

MVR – Motor vehicle record – This is a record of your driving history. Companies you work for as a CDL driver need to check this and keep it on file.

Acronyms Related to Driving Careers

CPM – Cents per mile – Truckers are typically paid based on the number of miles they travel, and CPM is the standard way of expressing how much a carrier pays.

DAC – Drive-a-Check – The DAC Report is one third-party background check option that trucking companies may use for hiring purposes. You will also have the option to get a free copy of your DAC Report once a year.

LTL – Less-than-truckload – This is a type of trucking where you haul smaller portions of freight for multiple customers. You can either have a linehaul LTL job where you travel from terminal to terminal, or a pick-up and delivery job where you drop off or pick up freight.

OTR – Over-the-road – OTR trucking involves spending multiple weeks at a time on the road and hauling freight long distances across the country. This is the most common starting point for CDL graduates and is what most people think of when they think of trucking.

P&D – Pick-up and delivery – This is an abbreviation for LTL trucking jobs where you travel from customer to customer.

Miscellaneous

APU – Auxiliary power unit – Semi-trucks are often equipped with APUs, which allow certain equipment and accessories (like air conditioning) to continue running without idling the main engine.

CMV – Commercial motor vehicle – CMVs are defined by the FMCSA and include semi-trucks as well as delivery trucks and some heavy equipment.

LCV – Long combination vehicle – A combination vehicle is a tractor that has a trailer attached, and an LCV is one with two or three trailers. You need to earn the doubles/triples endorsement to drive an LCV.

Learn More About the Trucking Industry

At Phoenix Truck Driving Institute, we give our students valuable skills and knowledge to help them prepare for their trucking career. We can help you earn your CDL and hit the road in as little as four weeks.

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

There are many different careers available once you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL). One that may become an option once you gain more experience in the industry is becoming an owner-operator. These individuals either purchase or lease a semi-truck and run their own trucking business. Owner-operator trucking requires an investment and a strong understanding of how to deliver freight efficiently. If this is a path you are interested in, it can be helpful to know what being an owner-operator is like and how to reach this goal.

Types of Owner-Operator Trucking

There are two main ways that you can deliver freight as an owner-operator. Which is best for you depends on your preferences, your financial situation, and a variety of other factors.

Fully Independent

Some owner-operators are fully independent and operate under their own authority. This means that they can deliver freight for any company that requires their services. Many successful owner-operators develop a strong reputation with shippers over time and are able to get consistent work this way. However, it does require time and effort to get loads as a fully independent truck owner. Additionally, you will be responsible for all tasks related to running your trucking business such as Department of Transportation (DOT) compliance, insurance, bookkeeping, et cetera.

Contracting with a Trucking Company

Another option as an owner-operator is to contract with a specific trucking company. Many motor carriers offer programs that give you a path to truck ownership. If you already own your semi-truck, you can still sign on as a contracted driver. This is different from being a company trucker and you will still be responsible for your own expenses, but you will haul exclusively for a specific motor carrier, which makes it easier to find loads.

Pros and Cons

If you are considering becoming an owner-operator, it’s important to understand the potential benefits and downsides.

Pros include:

• Owner-operators are among the highest-paid individuals in the trucking industry. This is the main benefit of this path and if you put in the work, your earning potential can be significant.
• Trucking is a career associated with freedom, and this is even more true for owner-operators. You will be able to make decisions about which loads to take and how to run your business.
• Your truck belongs to you, so you can customize it as you would like and don’t need to worry about sharing it with anyone else.

Cons include:

• There are many start-up costs associated with becoming an owner-operator, as well as additional expenses as you continue to run your business.
• You will need to wear many different hats and complete a variety of tasks beyond trucking alone in order to be successful.
• Freedom comes with responsibility, and it can be stressful to be fully responsible for your trucking business.

How to Become an Owner-Operator

If you have decided that you would like to be an owner-operator truck driver, how can you get started? The first step is getting your CDL, which allows you to operate a semi-truck. In most cases, it is beneficial to be a company driver first to get some experience and learn more about the trucking industry. This also gives you time to save up the money to buy or lease your truck or, if you want to contract with a motor carrier, you can find a job with one that offers a path to truck ownership.

Get Started at Phoenix Truck Driving Institute

At Phoenix Truck Driving Institute, we can help you earn your CDL in as little as four weeks. We also offer job placement assistance and can help you find companies that offer paths to becoming an owner-operator.

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

In order to earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you will need to pass an exam. This includes a written and physical test of your ability to drive a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). The written test is broken down into the general portion, which is necessary for all CDL holders, and optional endorsement exams that demonstrate additional knowledge. Similarly, the CDL skills test is broken down to cover inspections, basic skills, and on-the-road driving. You can read specific New Mexico requirements for each portion in the state’s CDL manual. 

Here is what you can expect: 

Vehicle Inspection Test

As a professional truck driver, it is important to check your vehicle before every trip. This helps ensure safe operation. The first portion of the CDL skills test requires you to perform a full internal and external inspection of the type of CMV you plan to drive. During the exam, you will need to walk around the CMV and explain each step of the inspection process to the examiner. As you do so, you will be expected to point to/touch and name each part you check. 

Basic Vehicle Control Skills Test

After you have inspected your CMV, the examiner will assess your basic control skills using various off-road tests. 

CDL Skills Test Exercises

Your examiner may choose to test any of the following: 

• • Straight Line Backing: Backing your CMV in a straight line between two rows of cones
  • Offset Back/Right or Offset Back/Left: Backing into a space that is to the left or to the right rear of your vehicle using cones as guidelines
  • Parallel Park (Driver Side or Conventional): Parallel parking in a space that is on your left or right, using cones as boundaries
  • Alley Dock: Sight-side backing your vehicle into an alley and positioning it parallel to the outer boundary without touching a line of cones

Scoring Criteria

Your examiner will score the above exercises based on:

• Encroachments: Crossing over boundary lines or touching cones with any portion of your CMV counts as an error.
• Pull-Ups: Stopping and pulling forward to get a better position is not penalized initially, but pulling up too often can count as an error.
• Outside Vehicle Observations (Looks): For some exercises, the examiner may allow you to safely stop and exit your vehicle to check its position. Exiting unsafely can result in an automatic failure. When done properly, these observations are scored as “looks” and there is a maximum of two for all exercises besides straight line backing, which has a maximum of one “look.”
• Final Position/Inside Parallel: The final position of your CMV must be exactly what the examiner asked you to do and if not, you may fail the CDL skills test.

On-the-Road Test

The final portion of the skills test requires you to drive your vehicle through a test route. This assesses your ability to handle actual traffic situations. If certain conditions don’t happen naturally on the route, the examiner may ask you to describe what you would do if that situation occurred. 

Required Skills

The road portion of the CDL skills test may assess:

• Turning and turn signal use
• Steering
• Intersections
• Safe following distance
• Traffic checks
• Lane changes
• Expressway or rural/limited access highway
• Stop/start
• Curve
• Railroad crossing
• Bridge/overpass and associated signage 
• Clutch, gear, and brake usage

Prepare for Your CDL Test

As a student at Phoenix Truck Driving School, you will have hands-on experience with inspection, basic road skills, and on-the-road driving. Our highly-skilled instructors will help you learn how to safely operate a CMV. 

Contact us today to learn more about how our programs can help you pass your CDL skills test. 

After you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), there are many different types of jobs that you will be qualified for. You can increase your job opportunities by obtaining additional CDL endorsements, which are separate written tests you take to demonstrate knowledge and skills related to specific types of truck driving. One example is the doubles/triples endorsement, which allows you to drive a long combination vehicle or LCV. 

What you should know about double and triple trailers: 

What is a Long Combination Vehicle?

A combination vehicle is a tractor unit with one or more attached trailers. A long combination vehicle is a tractor that has two or three trailers instead of one. Passing the standard CDL exam allows you to drive combination vehicles with one trailer, such as a standard semi-truck. However, driving an LCV requires the doubles/triples endorsement. 

Benefits of LCVs

The main benefit of long combination vehicles is that they can transport more cargo than a normal tractor-trailer. This often translates into higher pay-per-mile for truck drivers. Since these types of vehicles also require an additional endorsement, not as many candidates are qualified. This means that passing the doubles/triples CDL test can help you stand out when applying to trucking companies. 

Safety Concerns for Doubles/Triples

A combination vehicle will usually require more driving skill to safely operate than a single commercial vehicle. This is true even for standard tractor-trailers and the more attachments there are, the more care a driver needs to take. 

Some factors to be aware of when driving an LCV:

“Crack-the-Whip” Effect

When you make a turn too quickly, it results in rearward amplification, also known as the “crack-the-whip” effect. This can cause rollovers. Longer trucks with more trailers can have a higher rate of rearward amplification. In order to drive a long combination vehicle safely, you should steer slowly and gently and be cautious while turning.

Coupling and Uncoupling Trailers

To connect multiple trailers you will need to use a special converter dolly. This is a device that has a fifth wheel mounted on one or two axles. You will need to be sure to understand how to safely couple and uncouple double and triple trailers as doing this incorrectly can be dangerous. 

Inspecting Your Vehicle

Proper inspection is essential for safe driving. It is especially important to complete thorough checks for long combination vehicles. With multiple trailers and more parts than a standard semi-truck, you will need to be sure that you have inspected everything. 

State Regulations for Long Combination Vehicles

The Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 (STAA) established a National Network (NN) of highways for larger trucks. Within the NN, federal rules and regulations apply for the length and weight of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). This includes most of the Interstate Highway System, but if you travel through regional areas, you will need to also be aware of state regulations. Some states ban triple trailers or have additional requirements for driving a long combination vehicle. 

Earn Your Doubles/Triples Endorsement

At Phoenix Truck Driving School you will have the opportunity to earn three endorsements: hazmat, tanker, and doubles/triples. With these additional qualifications, you will be a prime candidate for a wider range of trucking jobs after graduation. 

Contact us today to learn more about earning the CDL endorsement necessary to drive a long combination vehicle.

In addition to your commercial driver’s license (CDL) test, you can take endorsement tests that demonstrate your knowledge of specific skills related to truck driving. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, you will have an opportunity to take three additional exams. These are tankers, doubles/triples, and hazardous materials. The tanker endorsement, also called a tank endorsement, allows you to drive vehicles that transport liquids or gases. This can widen your range of job opportunities after graduation.

More information about the tanker endorsement:

What Vehicles Require a Tanker Endorsement?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry. They set the safety requirements that motor carriers must follow. These include rules regarding when certain endorsements are needed. 

FMCSA guidelines state that truck drivers must have a tanker endorsement to drive a tank vehicle, defined in §383.119 of the Code of Federal Regulations. A tank vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle that: 

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

While this does not include transporting empty tanks or intermediate bulk containers (IBCs), as of 2015, the FMCSA clarified that the definition does include dry vans that transport multiple smaller tanks of gas or liquid with a volume of 1,000 gallons or more. 

How Do You Earn a Tank Endorsement?

In order to earn your tanker endorsement, you will need to pass a CDL endorsement test. You will take this at the same time as your standard CDL exam. The tanker test is 20-30 questions and covers topics related to safely transporting liquid or gaseous materials. 

Some of the most important facts to study and understand before taking this endorsement test relate to how liquids and gases move differently than other types of freight. If you plan to drive a tanker truck, you will need to prepare for surge. This is when fluids in your truck’s tank move back and forth, even while the truck is standing still. You will need to know about baffles and bulkheads, which are dividers inside the tank that can reduce the effects of surge. The exam also covers smooth bore tanks, which are commonly used for transporting food and which can increase the sloshing of liquids in the tank.

Combining CDL Endorsements

When you earn the tanker endorsement alone, it is marked as an “N” endorsement on your CDL. If you earn your hazardous materials (hazmat) endorsement at the same time, the two combine and are marked as an “X” endorsement. Many jobs transporting hazmat require both. If you attend Phoenix Truck Driving School, we will help you learn the information needed to pass both the tanker and hazmat tests. 

Earn Your Tanker Endorsement at Phoenix Truck Driving School

Our CDL school gives you the skills and knowledge you need to succeed as a truck driver. These include the basics you need to pass your CDL test as well as additional information to earn three endorsements. 

Contact us today to learn more about earning your CDL, hazmat, doubles/triples, and tanker endorsements at Phoenix Truck Driving School.

There are many different types of truck driving jobs that you can start once you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Each type of freight or route has different benefits. Before you begin your trucking career, you should consider your goals and decide what kind of CDL job you would prefer. Hauling hazardous material (hazmat) is one option and jobs involving potentially hazardous freight often pay more. 

Here is what you should know if you are considering a career hauling hazmat:

What is Hazmat?

The Institute of Hazardous Materials Management (IHMM) defines hazmat as any item or agent with the potential of causing harm to the environment, animals, or humans. Dangerous goods need to be identified according to strict safety standards and anyone transporting them must meet certain qualifications.

There are 9 broad categories of hazardous materials: 

• Explosives
• Gases
• Flammable Liquids
• Flammable Solids
• Oxidizing Substances
• Toxic and Infectious Substances
• Radioactive Materials
• Corrosives
• Miscellaneous Dangerous Goods

In the trucking industry, one example of hazmat is gasoline. Gas tankers are necessary to bring fuel to gas stations across the country and qualified drivers for these vehicles are in high demand. Most industries interact with hazardous materials in some way and as a result, there are a wide variety of hazmat trucking jobs. 

Safe Truck Driving

Safety is essential in any industry and it is especially important for truck driving. When you haul freight, you are responsible not only for protecting yourself and the goods you are transporting, but also for ensuring the safety of others on the road. When it comes to hazmat, there are even more factors to keep in mind. This is why jobs involving hazmat require additional qualifications.

Hazmat Endorsement

You can add CDL endorsements to your license by taking additional knowledge tests. These exams cover information related to truck driving safety beyond what is included in the standard CDL test. Some truck driving jobs require an endorsement or multiple endorsements. Hauling hazardous freight is one example. As a student at Phoenix Truck Driving School, you can earn your hazmat endorsement. 

It’s important to note that you will need to undergo an additional background check to earn this endorsement. Unlike the background check to obtain your CDL, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will complete the screening process, not the Department of Transportation (DOT). Certain offenses can disqualify you and the TSA lists these on their website. Additionally, federal law prohibits you from applying for the hazmat endorsement until you are 21 years old. 

X Endorsement

In addition to the hazmat endorsement, some jobs will require what is called an “X” endorsement. This is the combination of a hazmat and tanker endorsement. Our students earn both of these, giving them more employment options after graduation. 

Start a Hazmat Driving Career

If you are interested in a career hauling potentially hazardous freight, you can get started at Phoenix Truck Driving School. Our program allows you to earn your CDL as well as endorsements for hazardous materials, tankers, and doubles/triples. We teach you the safety and operation skills you need to succeed as a truck driver. 

Contact us today to learn more about our truck driving school and how we can help you become a hazmat truck driver.

The trucking industry continues to grow and truck driving can be a rewarding career option. If you are considering earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and working as a driver, you may be wondering about certain aspects of the job. 

Here are some answers to the most common questions: 

Trucking Pay

How much can truck drivers make?

According to 2018 data from The Bureau of Labor Statistics, the top 10% of heavy and tractor-trailer haulers earned more than $65,260 per year. The median annual wage for drivers is $43,680. Pay can vary depending on the type of freight, miles driven, and experience. 

How do truckers get paid?

Most long-haul transportation jobs pay by the mile. The pay per mile depends on what type of freight you haul. Freight that requires more expertise or a CDL endorsement will typically pay more. Some drivers do get paid hourly, but this is usually for local or regional jobs rather than over-the-road. 

Is trucking a good career?

Whether or not this career is right for you depends on your personal goals and preferences. Many people consider truck driving a good career because of the high pay and the variety of opportunities in the field.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)

Do I need a commercial driver’s license?

You need a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to drive most types of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). To drive a vehicle weighing 26,001 pounds or more with a towing capacity of over 10,000 pounds, you need a Class A CDL. To drive a vehicle weighing 26,001 or more pounds with a towing capacity of fewer than 10,000 pounds, you need a Class B CDL. 

What are the requirements for a CDL?

Federal regulations require you to be over 21 years of age to earn a Class A CDL. You will need to pass a background check and cannot have a license suspension in any state. In order to earn your license, you will also need to pass a CDL test. Additional requirements apply in certain states. 

How do you get a commercial driver’s license?

In order to get your commercial driver’s license, you will need to study for and pass a written CDL test to earn your commercial learner’s permit. Then, you must practice driving a commercial vehicle in order to pass your skills test. This can be done on your own or by attending a CDL School. 

Truck Driving School

What is CDL school?

At a CDL school, you will complete a mix of classroom learning and hands-on training that will prepare you for a career as a truck driver. These programs teach you valuable skills and can help you pass your CDL test.

Can I get a CDL without going to school?

It is possible to pass your written and skills tests and earn a CDL without attending truck driving school. However, it can be difficult to find a job with a trucking company if you did not attend a CDL training program where you had real-life experience driving a tractor-trailer.  

Do You Have Questions About Trucking?

If you have questions about truck driving or want to earn your CDL, Phoenix Truck Driving School can help.

Contact us today to learn more about our trucking school.

After you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), there are many different types of trucking jobs that you might consider. In addition to choosing whether you prefer long-haul driving or a local/regional route, drivers can haul a variety of freight. Flatbed trucking is one option and can be a rewarding career. 

Here are some facts about driving a flatbed truck:

What is Flatbed Trucking?

Flatbed trucks are commercial vehicles that have a flat platform rather than an enclosed trailer. This allows trucking companies to transport large or unusually-shaped freight. Because the trailer has an open deck, drivers must tie down freight with chains or straps in order to ensure it is secure. In some cases, a tarp is also necessary to protect the goods and materials from damage during transit.

Flatbed Pros and Cons

Like any other truck driving job, flatbed freight has pros and cons. It is important to consider your individual preferences and goals for your trucking career when deciding if driving a flatbed truck is right for you. 

Pro: Higher Pay

The biggest benefit of flatbed trucking is the higher pay. According to CDL 101, flatbed and specialized drivers can make almost $13,000 more each year on average compared to dry van truckers (hauling dry goods in a traditional tractor-trailer). 

Pro: Driver Health

Many truck driving jobs do not involve much physical activity and this can lead to health problems if you do not find ways to stay active and healthy on the road. Since flatbed drivers are responsible for securing and unloading freight as well as driving, they get more activity than other types of truck drivers. As long as you follow safety regulations while performing this physical labor, it may help you stay healthier. 

Pro: Variety of Jobs

Flatbed routes may be more varied than regional or local dry van or refrigerated hauls. This allows you to see more of the country and experience more variety in your career. 

Con: Potential Risks

Compared to other types of driving, flatbed trucking may be more dangerous. If you do not properly secure freight, it may come loose and lead to injury. You can also be at risk of falling or otherwise injuring yourself while securing cargo. In order to reduce the danger that comes with driving a flatbed truck, you must closely follow all safety regulations. 

Con: Physically Demanding

While the physical nature of flatbed trucking can be seen as a benefit because it keeps you more active, it is also a potential downside to the job. Securing and unloading freight can take a physical toll and may not be for everyone.

Con: Time-Consuming

If you drive a dry van or refrigerated truck, you are not usually responsible for loading and unloading the vehicle. This is not the case with flatbed trucking. Flatbed drivers are responsible for securing freight and unloading it once they reach the destination. This can take more time than other types of truck driving jobs. 

we Can Prepare You for a Trucking Career

Whether you are considering flatbed trucking or any other type of CDL job, Phoenix Truck Driving School is here to help you. Earning your CDL through our training program is the first step to a rewarding career in the truck driving industry. 

Contact us today to learn more about our CDL school and how we can help you start your career in flatbed trucking or another type of truck driving.