Category: Uncategorized

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.

Commercial drivers are essential for the American economy and the average truck driver salary continues to increase due to a driver shortage and the growing need for qualified haulers. After completing your commercial driver’s license (CDL) training, you will have a sense of pride that comes from being part of the trucking industry and you can earn more than $75,000 a year*.

Driver pay is determined in part by the number of miles driven, your experience, and the type of freight you haul. 

Mileage

The majority of long-haul truck driving jobs pay by the mile rather than by the hour. This means that how much you earn is partially dependent on how far you drive. Taking on longer routes and driving efficiently can increase your pay. 

You may also want to consider team truck driving. For these jobs, two drivers will haul together so one drives while the other sleeps. This allows you to cover more miles and as a result, you can take home a larger paycheck. Many trucking companies offer team matching based on your personality and professional preferences. 

CDL Driver Experience

The amount you get paid per mile can vary depending on your work history. Experienced drivers are in high demand and truck driver salary tends to increase for those who have been in the industry for a longer period of time. 

Type of Freight

Hauling freight comes with a great deal of responsibility, as you are trusted to ensure that the cargo you transport arrives safely. Trucking companies often pay more per mile for types of freight that involve additional safety concerns. 

These include:

Flatbed Loads

Flatbed loads are often high-paying due to the complexity of securing oversized freight. In many cases, driving a flatbed also requires more expertise than driving a standard tractor-trailer. 

Hazardous Materials

Hauling hazardous materials (hazmat) requires a CDL endorsement and strict adherence to safety standards. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, you will earn your hazmat endorsement, giving you the ability to transport this higher-paying freight. 

Tankers

Tanker trucks transport liquids or gases. Like hazmat, you will need an endorsement if you want to take these types of truck driving jobs. Sometimes, a combination of tanker and hazmat endorsements is required. You will earn both at our CDL School.

Start Earning a High Salary as a Truck Driver

If you are interested in starting a career as a truck driver, you should consider attending Phoenix Truck Driving School. Our programs help you earn your CDL as well as three endorsements: hazmat, tankers, and doubles/triples. We also offer job placement assistance for our students, making it easier for you to find a job with the pay, benefits, and home time that best matches your needs. 

Truck driver salaries are increasing as the demand for truckers continues to grow, so don’t wait to earn your CDL. Call us today to learn more about our programs.

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $49,920. The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $75,220 per year according to the 2022 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is the first step toward a rewarding career. There are many different types of CDL jobs that you can consider. The pay scale, home time, and work involved vary, so you can pick the job that is best suited to your desired lifestyle and salary expectations. 

Some CDL jobs include: 

Truck Driving Jobs

When people think of jobs you can get with a CDL, they will most often think of trucking jobs first. These drivers transport goods and materials locally or cross-country. 68% of all consumer goods are transported by semi-trucks. This means that truck drivers are in high demand and many trucking companies are eager to hire new CDL drivers. Within the broad category of truck driving jobs, there are many options for different types of careers.

Types of truck driver jobs based on location:

Long-Haul/Over-the-Road

Over-the-road (OTR) trucking is an umbrella term for jobs that require truck drivers to travel long distances. These routes are essential for interstate commerce and the need for experienced OTR drivers is growing. Although these drivers spend more time away from home, the pay is usually higher than local CDL jobs. 

Local or Regional Trucking

If you prefer to stay close to home, you may be interested in a local or regional driving route. This type of driving involves transporting goods within your city or state (local) or within a radius of a few states (regional). 

Different types of freight:

Dry Vans

This is a common choice for truckers just beginning their careers. A dry van is a tractor-trailer that is used to haul dry and easy-to-transport goods and materials. 

Reefers

Refrigerated trucks, also called reefers, transport freight that must be kept at a low temperature. These jobs often pay more than dry van hauling as they require the extra responsibility of keeping the goods at a regulated temperature. 

Tankers

Tankers are vehicles that transport liquids, dry bulk, or gaseous loads. Since safety is a larger concern for these types of trucks, you must have a tanker endorsement with your CDL. This type of job may also require a hazmat endorsement depending on the type of material in the tanker. 

Flatbed Trucks

Flatbed trucks do not have a traditional trailer and instead will require you to secure materials by tying them down. Those who drive these trucks can make more due to the additional skill it takes to properly secure freight.

CDL Jobs Besides Trucking

Although truck driving jobs are among the most common, there are many other types of CDL jobs. 

These include:

Highway Maintenance Technician

These individuals complete highway construction and repair projects which may require large vehicles such as dump trucks, concrete mixers, or paint trucks. 

Dispatcher

Dispatchers communicate with truck drivers using a radio, track commercial vehicles, and act as the liaison between trucking companies and their drivers. This job is most commonly performed by those who have worked as CDL drivers in the past. 

Tractor-Trailer Technician

Although you do not usually need a CDL to service and repair semi-trucks and tractor-trailers, having your license can make you a more attractive candidate for this position. Knowing what the drivers deal with can help when repairing a vehicle. 

Interested in CDL Jobs?

If you are interested in a high-paying CDL driver job, you should consider attending Phoenix Truck Driving School. We will help you earn your CDL and we provide job placement assistance for our students, many of whom receive job offers before graduation. 

Contact us today to learn more about how earning your license with us can be an important step on the path to a CDL job.

Becoming a truck driver is a great career move for anyone wanting to escape the daily grind of an office job. Don’t stay trapped behind a desk when you could be out seeing more of our great country. As a professional truck driver you can earn more than $64,000 a year.* The first step to beginning a rewarding career in the trucking industry is earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL). At Phoenix Truck Driving School, our classes help you earn your New Mexico CDL.

Here is some valuable information about how to get your commercial driver’s license in New Mexico: 

When Do You Need a CDL?

There are different types of CDLs and each one is necessary for a different kind of commercial motor vehicle. A Class A CDL is required to operate any combination of vehicles with a total weight of more than 26,000 pounds with the tow vehicle being heavier than 10,000 pounds. With this license you can operate a tractor-trailer, truck and trailer, tanker vehicle, or flatbed. A Class B CDL is necessary to operate any single commercial vehicle not hitched to a trailer. This means straight trucks, large buses, segmented buses, box trucks, and dump trucks. A Class C CDL is required for driving a vehicle with a gross combination weight of less than 26,000 pounds, a vehicle towing another that weighs less than 10,000 pounds, or one that transports 16+ passengers. 

Federal vs. State Requirements

CDL requirements are subject to both federal and state regulations. Since trucking often involves transporting goods across multiple states, federal agencies such as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) set certain requirements for CDL holders. However, your CDL is also issued at the state level. It replaces your standard driver’s license and if you move states you will need to obtain a new CDL. 

Federal CDL Requirements

You must be at least 21 years old to earn your CDL. A background check is necessary. If you have a license suspension or revocation in any state, you are not eligible for a CDL under federal regulations. You can also be disqualified if you have certain offenses on your record. Disqualification may be temporary or permanent depending on the offense and severity. The FMCSA lists disqualifying factors on their website. 

New Mexico CDL Requirements

The steps to obtain your New Mexico CDL are similar to the ones taken to receive your non-commercial driver’s license. First, you will need to pass a written test. There is an official CDL manual posted on the Motor Vehicle Division’s website for New Mexico to help you prepare. The written test assesses your knowledge of the basic rules of a CDL. If you do not pass the first time, you are able to retake it up to two times a week. You will then receive your CDL learner’s permit. An approved examiner will need to administer a skills test for you to complete all the requirements necessary to receive your CDL.

A Commercial Driver Medical Certificate is also necessary in the State of New Mexico. The certificate must be completed by a medical professional who is listed on the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners. They will determine whether you are physically qualified to operate a commercial vehicle. You must maintain an updated Medical Certificate to keep your CDL.  

The MVD requires the following documents, in addition to passing scores for the written and skills test, to earn your New Mexico CDL:

• Proof of Social Security number
• Commercial Driver Medical Certificate 
• Proof of U.S. citizenship or lawful permanent residence status in the United States
• Two proofs of New Mexico residency
• Proof of Identity with birth date 

New Mexico CDL School

Attending truck driver training is not a requirement to earn your CDL. However, the high-quality training you will receive at Phoenix Truck Driving School will make it easier to pass the written and skills tests. Graduating from a school can also make you more attractive to trucking companies than candidates who earned their license through self-teaching. We are here to help you earn your New Mexico CDL and will prepare you for a trucking career. 

Contact us today to learn more about our CDL training programs in Albuquerque, NM.

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $44,500. The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $64,000 per year according to the 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The demand for truck drivers continues to increase and high-earning truck driving jobs can earn you more than $64,000 a year.* A career in trucking gives you a sense of adventure when you set out on the open road. You can also choose the type of driving career that matches your earning goals and desired family time. Does this sound like the sort of job you would enjoy? If so, Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque, NM, can help you get there. Here are some tips for getting a truck driving job:

Earn Your CDL

In order to get a job as a truck driver, you need a CDL (Commercial Driver’s License). To earn this in New Mexico, you need to take a test. This consists of a written portion that will test your knowledge of truck safety and operation. You will also need to pass a CDL skills test, which requires you to drive a tractor-trailer. By passing both the written and the skills test, you will earn your CDL. You can also get various endorsements with your CDL, such as Hazardous Materials, Tankers, and Doubles/Triples. Adding an endorsement shows that you have a commitment to being a safe and skilled driver and this can help you secure a truck driving job.

Attend a Licensed Truck Driving School

While you can earn your CDL by studying and taking the test on your own, many truck driving companies will be more likely to hire you if you graduate from a licensed truck driving school. This is because in addition to getting a CDL, you will leave truck driving school with actual driving experience. You will also learn valuable safety skills, which gives trucking companies confidence in your ability to be a safe and effective driver. The Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque can help you earn your CDL. When you graduate, you will have the skills trucking companies are looking for. We are a licensed school with highly-skilled teachers who are ready to help you earn more money in your new career. Compared to earning a CDL through self-study, graduating from the Phoenix Truck Driving School will help you become a professional truck driver.

Job Placement Assistance

When you attend our truck driving school, you also get the benefit of job placement assistance. This means that you don’t have to go job searching alone. You will have a team of professionals working to help you find truck driving jobs that fit your qualifications and needs. We do our best to assist you with finding a high-paying job that will also provide you with the home time and benefits you deserve. We can also help you look at what type of truck driving job you prefer. For example, many CDL graduates look for jobs as a team truck driver. Teamed deliveries can help you get more miles and earn more money. You might also be interested only in local deliveries, or you might want to do long-haul trucking to see more of our country while earning higher paychecks. Our job placement assistance team can work with you to see how to turn your dreams into reality. If you are looking for a truck driving job, one of the best first steps you can take is to enroll in a truck driving school. Phoenix Truck Driving School is a licensed school in
Albuquerque that can help you start on the road to a new career. Contact us today for more information.

If you are thinking about a new career as a truck driver, you may be considering completing truck driving school to help you earn your CDL (commercial driver’s license). While you can earn your CDL through self-study, many trucking companies are more likely to hire graduates from licensed training programs. If you are ready to start and want to get on the road as soon as possible, then accelerated CDL classes are a great option. The accelerated program at Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque, NM, can have you on the road and earning in as little as four weeks. There are many benefits to accelerated CDL classes.

Comprehensive Truck Driver Training

Even though accelerated CDL courses take less time to complete, you will still get all the training you need to start a career as a truck driver. For the first week of your training, you will be in the classroom learning the ins and outs of trucking safety and operation. This helps prepare you to pass the written portion of your CDL test. After you successfully pass your written permit test, you will complete hands-on training with experienced truck drivers. Our instructors are among the best in the industry and they will show you the basic road skills you need to succeed as a driver. They will be by your side as you complete on-the-road training to prepare for your new career.

Start Earning Faster

Accelerated CDL classes get you on the road faster. This means you can start earning sooner. Once you complete our program, you will have your CDL and the skills that come with completing training at a licensed truck driving school. These qualifications will help you secure a job as a truck driver. Another benefit of taking CDL classes at Phoenix Truck Driving School is our job placement assistance program. Our job coordinators can help you look for a job while you complete your training. In some cases, you may even get job offers before you graduate. This will allow you to go right from CDL classes to a full-time trucking job.

Financial Considerations

Completing truck driving school does require an investment, but there are many ways to make completing your classes easier for you financially. When you complete an accelerated CDL training program, you get on the road more quickly, which can help reduce your financial stress. Many trucking companies also offer tuition reimbursement programs, so once you complete your CDL classes you may be able to start earning money to pay down your loans. Another great benefit of attending Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque is that we offer financial aid to students who qualify. We can help you determine which grants you may be eligible for. A combination of different types of financial aid and potential tuition reimbursement post-graduation can help you reduce your overall cost to attend truck driving school. Start on the road to your new career with accelerated CDL classes at Phoenix Truck Driving School. We can have you on the road and earning in as little as four weeks. Call us today to find out more about our truck driver training programs