After earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you’ll be ready to hit the road for your first truck driving job. You’ll continue to learn and grow throughout your career and the first year after graduation is an opportunity to build a strong foundation. Rookie truck drivers who start good habits when they are first on … Continue reading “Tips for Rookie Truck Drivers”
The Department of Transportation (DOT) requires all drivers to undergo a physical exam before they can operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). You will also need to repeat this every two years, or more frequently if you have a condition that requires monitoring. The goal of the DOT physical requirement is to ensure that all … Continue reading “What to Expect From the DOT Physical”
With modern technology, finding the route from one place to another has never been easier. However, for professional truck drivers, this process is a bit more complicated than the average person trying to get to their destination. There are some roads you can’t take in a semi-truck, you need to plan for parking, and, of … Continue reading “Trip Planning for Truckers”
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 … Continue reading “Benefits of Driving a Refrigerated Truck”
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 … Continue reading “What is Drop and Hook Trucking?”
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 … Continue reading “The Day-to-Day Life of an OTR Driver”
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, … Continue reading “Is an LTL Job Right for You?”
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 … Continue reading “Trucking Acronyms to Know”
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 … Continue reading “The Basics of Owner-Operator Trucking”
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 … Continue reading “What to Expect from the 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 … Continue reading “Driving 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, … Continue reading “All About the Tanker Endorsement”
Ready for an exciting career? Ready to go places? Ready to make more money? Call 877-205-5372 to find out how soon you can get started. One of our advisors will walk you through the process of obtaining your CDL and explain how we can help you become a professional truck driver.
