May
29
2010
Attending a truck driving school is the pre-requisite for those wishing to gain entry into the transport industry in the United States. This industry is one of the largest in the country and it is little wonder when you realise that nearly all freight that is moved throughout the country will at some stage spend time on the back of a truck. The US Dept of Labor estimates that in any one year 400,000 new drivers are required to fill the vacancies left by drivers either leaving the industry or retiring. This is an enormous number of people that more than likely will have to attend a truck driving school in order to obtain their CDL, and at present just over 300,000 are being provided as new recruits.
The decision on which truck driving school to attend can be one that is complicated by many issues. The cost of tuition is always going to be of major concern and attending a truck driving school does not come cheaply, even at the lower end of the scale. Then there is the issue of the course structure itself, as these also vary from each schools. We feel that these are some of the more important factors that should be considered:
1. Is your truck driving school accredited? PTDI accredited schools are the most recognized in the US and you can’t go wrong if you attend one of these. 2. Is the course going to provide you the necessary entrance level qualifications? 3. Do you have finance options, and if so what are they and are the terms satisfactory? 4. Course duration – are the hours being plumped by unnecessary and time wasting subjects, and what are the classroom facilities like? 5. Admission requirements – each truck driving school will have a set of minimum requirements, many of these are required by law. 6. Does your school offer job placement? 7. How many actual hands-on hours are spent in the truck on a one-on-one basis? 8. What type of trucks do they train in and are the modern and well maintained?
If these eight main issues are answered satisfactorily then chances are that this truck driving school is going to prove to be well worth attending. You can always go one better and find a past or present student to talk to who will be able to advise you on how happy they were during the course. Were they given all the attention they needed? Were the teachers knowledgeable and patient? Was the classroom learning experience computer assisted and easy to follow. These are all the things that can mean the difference between sailing through the course with flying colors or struggling because of poor communication, bad equipment etc.
Choosing to become a truck driver is to be commended. It is a hard life, but very rewarding as you pass each milestone in your apprenticeship. It should never be taken lightly because driving these huge rigs is a big responsibility as any trucker will tell you. Safety is an issue that will not be neglected in the PTDI accredited truck driving schools. They impress very strongly on young novice drivers safety issues and during your examination this is one of the first issues you will be required to pass. Safety of yourself and your fellow road travellers is an essential ingredient that is required in making a professional truck driver.
Sam Butler researches Truck Driving Schools in America that offer the best training at a fair value or better!
Author: Sam Butler
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Digital economy, mobile technology
May
29
2010
Local truck driving jobs are what keep communities and the economy running strong. Just about any product that is bought and sold has been on a truck at some point. These jobs, and the people who hold them, are important in many ways.
There are different types of operators based on the type of trucks they drive. Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of at least 26,001 pounds fall under the heading of heavy truck and tractor-trailers. Most of the jobs associated with these types of vehicles are driven by long-haul drivers. These drivers sometimes drive for companies but many are their own bosses and responsible for making sure that the delivery gets to where it needs to go, on time.
Companies that deliver packages to houses and businesses usually employ light service truck drivers, also known as pick-up and delivery drivers. Depending on what is being delivered these drivers typically work alone but if their delivers are large they may have helpers that help them load and unload the deliveries. Many times these drivers handle cash, paperwork and other information.
Specialized local truck driving jobs can necessitate truck drivers holding certifications in different areas like hazardous materials, oversized loads and specialized vehicles. These drivers usually have to take continue education hours to keep up their certification and have to have special drivers licenses. There is typically a lot of paperwork involved for specialized truck drivers.
There are lots of companies that have drivers who deliver goods and sometimes sell the goods that they deliver. Some examples include companies that deliver uniforms, pick up laundry, deliver inventory, etc. As mentioned before, many times these drivers are required to make their sales and their income is based off of their sales.
Because local truck driving jobs are so important companies are always looking for experienced drivers so there may be a lot of competition for the top paying jobs. One of the downfalls of truck driving is that job availability can depend on the economy. The less people are buying the less deliveries will be made.
There can be quite a difference in the hourly wages for the different classes of local truck driving jobs. Heavy truck drivers make, on average, $17.92 per hour. The average hourly wage for light service truck drivers is $13.27 and $10.70 is the average hourly wage for sales drivers. Drivers who do long-haul driving typically get paid by the mile and may receive bonuses. The pay per mile depends on many factors, including the company, the cargo the driver is hauling, experience, certification and seniority. Many of these individuals are member of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, which allows them to be covered by union contracts.
If you, or someone you know, has an interest in local truck driving jobs there are many different choices available. Most people base their decisions on how much they want to travel, whether or not they want to be certified in different areas, whether they are interested in doing sales, the amount of money they would like to make and if they would like to be their own boss.
Local truck driving job information can be found all over the internet. Local truck driving jobs can provide a good amount of money and a nice career path.
Author: Sunny Panders
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Awe Inspiring Pictures
May
28
2010
In part 1 of our series, Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part I: Factors That Effect All Companies, we talked about different factors and considerations which will affect your experience at any company you go to work for.
In part 2, “Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part II: You and “Your People” Are The Most Important Factor”, we talked about surrounding yourself with the right people, understanding factors that affect the freight you’ll be getting, and things you can do to put yourself in the best position to succeed.
In part 3, “Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part III: How Your Family and Lifestyle Will Affect Your Choice”, we considered your personality and lifestyle. Are you married? Do you have children? Do you love adventure? How long would you like to be away from home? These questions all figure into the process of choosing the right truck driving job.
In part 4, “Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part IV: Advantages of Large Trucking Companies”, we of course talked about the advantages of working at a large trucking company.
In part 5, “Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part V: Comparing Large Trucking Companies To Small Ones”, we compared working for companies of different sizes.
In part 6, “Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part VI: Dry Van and Refrigerated Companies”, we talked a little bit about life on the road with a dry van or a refrigerated carrier.
Now, in part 7, we’ll talk a little bit about driving for a tanker or flatbed carrier.
You’ll find that there isn’t too much of a difference between driving for a dry van carrier vs a refrigerated carrier, but pulling a tanker or a flatbed is a whole different thing altogether. There are some significant differences between the lifestyles and the job duties of flatbed and tanker drivers.
Flatbed
Pulling a flatbed is a unique way to make a living in trucking, and if you ask anyone that does it they’ll tell you there’s nothing easy about it. Well, most “flatbedders” are rather tough guys and now that I think about it, they might tell you there’s nothing to it. And for them, it’s probably mostly true. It has its moments for sure, but overall most people that make their living this way enjoy the physical work, and enjoy the unique challenges that come along with it.
Some of the differences are obvious – you have to use chains or straps to hold down your load, and often times you have to tarp the load to protect it from the elements. These jobs are often tedious at best, difficult most of the time, and there are a number of rules and regulations that govern the methods used to secure your load. The DOT rules loosely specify the types of equipment you must use, along with some of the techniques you must use to secure the load. And believe me, the DOT is watching closely!
I used to be relieved anytime I pulled into a weigh station and there was a flatbed ahead of me. Chances are, if the DOT is interested in checking somebody out, the flatbeds often times go first. I pulled dry van the vast majority of my years on the road, and we were far less interesting to the DOT than the flatbeds, for obvious reasons.
The work of securing and releasing your load is quite physical, and often times quite difficult. The tarps, chains, and straps are quite heavy and often times you are out in the weather getting the load secured or released by yourself. The tarps, straps, and chains get wet, icy, and very hard to handle in poor weather, not to mention you’re out there crawling around on the load trying to get everything situated. It can be quite dangerous. I’ve heard many, many stories of serious injuries from guys falling off of trailers.
Now there are some advantages to pulling a flatbed also. Often times the tractor and the load you have are far shorter in height than your standard trucks, so it’s much easier to fit under low bridges in the cities. Also, the lower profile helps the crosswinds go around you a bit better on slick roads in the wintertime. And lastly, it’s an interesting way to make a living. There’s always a new challenge, a variety of different types of loads to secure, and there’s a bit of a camaraderie amongst the flatbed drivers. It’s an interesting and challenging form of truck driving, but I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who isn’t the hardy type.
Liquid Tankers
Now I pulled a food-grade tanker for a year one time and I really enjoyed it. I never pulled a chemical tanker and I was never too interested in doing so. I wasn’t too big on the idea of being around a lot of hazardous materials or pulling HAZMAT loads very often.
Food grade tankers are interesting though. There are no baffles in the tank, so there is nothing to keep the liquids from sloshing around. It takes a bit of time to learn how to shift the truck because the liquid sloshing will thrust or slow down the truck enough that the shift won’t execute at the speed you’re now going. You have to “time” your shifts in order to get rolling. It’s no big deal – but it takes some practice.
You also have to be extra careful on slick roads, in turns, and when braking. That liquid moves all over the place and you have to always be aware of what it’s going to do before you try maneuvering the truck. You don’t get too many second chances if you try to make too aggressive of a move.
Also, you have to get the tank washed out after almost every load. This can take a lot of extra time, and mean a bunch of extra running around inbetween loads. But, at times it’s a relief because a two hour nap is just what the doctor ordered!
Lastly, you do have to help unload the truck at times by hooking up some hoses. Most liquid tankers also have hydraulic pumps on the back and at times you’ll have to run the pump to unload the tank. Again, it’s not a big deal, but it comes with the territory.
The advantages to pulling a liquid tanker are that the crosswinds flow around the tank nicely, you don’t have to worry about getting your axle weights adjusted because the liquid is self-balancing, and most of the tractors and tanks are fairly short in height, so low bridges aren’t as much of a concern.
Most new drivers won’t be dealing with companies that haul bulk shipments in dry tankers, like flour, sugar, and sand, but there isn’t too much of a difference in the job and lifestyle from that of a liquid tanker. There are far more local jobs for dry bulk tankers though than there are over the road jobs.
So as you can see, there are some significant differences in job duties and lifestyles if you’re going to be pulling a tanker or a flatbed vs a dry van or a refrigerated trailer.
In the final part of our series we’re going to talk about one of the best ways to find out if a company you are considering driving for is one you might be happy with.
About The Author
Brett R Aquila
15 Year Truck Driving Veteran
Owner – http://www.truckingtruth.com – the largest, most honest, and informative site on the web for those considering becoming a truck driver. We have tons of resources on our site, including:
- Trucking Articles
- Trucking Driving Blogs From Many Different Authors
- Truck Driving Schools
- Free Truck Driving Schools
- Truck Driver’s Forum
- Truck Driving Jobs
- Companies With CDL Training
- Advice, Tips, and Stories
- And Much More!
You can even make money with your own blog on TruckingTruth! We have several authors and are always looking for many more! So if you’re considering becoming a truck driver, TruckingTruth is the place to go. You will not be disappointed!
Author: Brett R Aquila
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Credit card currency-exchange fees
May
28
2010
Finding the right truck driving school can be quite a challenge for the newcomer. What questions should you ask and what should you be looking for in a truck driving school? Making the right choice can either make or break your career before you even get started. Before you hand over thousands of dollars for CDL training, let’s look at some important factors to consider.
First, is the school licensed by the State? Is it Accredited and more importantly, is it Certified? To understand these factors you must understand what each of these terms represent.
A State business license shows that the business in question has filed and paid the appropriate fees, and have met the guidelines set forth by the State, which allows them to legally operate that business within the State they reside.
Accreditation refers to schools that have been accredited by an agency that has been approved by the U.S. Department of Education. Only truck driving schools that have been accredited are entitled to have access to federal student grants and loans. There are very few truck driving schools that have achieved accreditation because of the tough standards and the expensive process. A truck driving school that has been accredited, shows that they have met the highest standards for education.
Certification, on the other hand, pertains to a truck driving school that has met the training standards set forth by the trucking industry. Certification shows that an independent third party, unrelated to the truck driving school, has inspected the school and has officially “certified” that the training offered to the students have met the basic skills required to be a truck driver within the entry level. PTDI is the only organization that currently certifies truck driving schools. PTDI (Professional Truck Driver Institute) is based out of Alexandria, Virginia. Certification is voluntary and a truck driving school is not required to be certified by PTDI. Therefore, keep in mind, that just because a school is not PTDI certified, does not mean they are a “bad” school. Never the less, being PTDI certified only further justifies a school’s reputation.
Important questions to ask before signing on with a truck driving school are:
- How much is it going to cost? On the average, CDL training should cost between $2500.00 to $4500.00
- What is the student to truck ratio? The lower the number, the better!
- What is the student to instructor ratio? Again, the lower the number, the better.
- Will there be any “observation” time? This is a total waste of time and money.
- Is there an offer for job placement assistance after completing the course?
- What if the trucking company I’m placed with treats me badly…is there further assistance?
- If I fail the CDL test, is there a money-back guarantee?
- What is the maximum amount that I will be responsible for in payment?
Remember, ask anything and everything BEFORE you sign the paper work. Also, take the contract home and read every word, very carefully. If something is unclear, ask someone outside of the school. Be certain that you understand everything within the contract before signing. Once signed, you will be held responsible.
There are many good, reputable truck driving schools across the nation. Do your homework, make sure they are licensed, accredited and if possible, PTDI certified. Know your rights and understand the contract before you sign up for the truck driving school.
Aubrey Allen Smith is the author of the first and original Truth About Trucking. With nearly 30 years in the transportation industry, Allen has helped many new, inexperienced drivers discover the truth about the trucking business. If you are considering a career in trucking, please visit http://www.truthabouttrucking.com today, and learn the truth. Here is your FREE Truck Driving School Guide.
Author: Aubrey Allen Smith
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Duty on LCD/Plasma TV
May
27
2010
For many of this country’s largest trucking companies, reducing turnover and retaining truck drivers is a primary ingredient to remaining profitable. The professional truck driver labor pool market is the tightest it has been in 20 years, and the turnover rate at large trucking companies exceeds 100%, according to the American Trucking Association.
Recent statistics indicate the long-haul segment of the trucking industry has a national shortage of 20,000 drivers. It predicts the shortage will increase to 111,000 by the year 2014 given the current demographic trends. A severe shortage of drivers could hurt the U.S. economy. Trucks carry more than 75% of domestic goods we consume on a daily basis, and without enough well trained truck drivers to haul the nation’s products, consumers will be subject to unexpected delays on those items they both want and need. And if the supply/demand ration continues to result in an ongoing shortage, compensation will continue to rise to find and keep good truck driver talent. As a result, we will all see higher prices in everything we purchase.
The trucking industry admits it has a critical problem and has been focusing on new, creative recruiting strategies to enhance the levels of CDL truck driver applicants, and recruit new people into the industry that keeps our national economy moving. To fill the increased demand CDL truck driving jobs, trucking companies and truck driving schools are appealing to demographic groups, such as women, retirees and husband-wife teams, who traditionally have not fit the trucker stereotype. Women are perhaps the fastest-growing group in the field. Since 2002, when only 5% of the nations truck driving jobs were filled by women, most nationally known truck driving schools are experiencing a 50% growth rate in the number of female applicants as compared to men applying for the same positions.
Another employment pool niche that being tapped into to fill some of the truck driver shortage gap are former factory workers. There are now 2.7 million fewer manufacturing jobs in the USA than there were 10 years ago. With factories expected to do little hiring in coming years, many former workers are seeking a new career. Truck driving jobs give these often displaced workers an opportunity to start a new, productive career.
Often times, Individuals with the ability to retire from 20-25 year careers in manufacturing often take advantage of financial assistance programs offered by the government. The bottom line is the government supplies displaced workers with tuition and free cdl training school opportunities. This is a golden labor pool for trucking companies as many of these new found recruits are dependable, reliable and often times in very good health.
Minorities have also become a favorite recruiting target for trucking companies. Well structured programs are producing strong results. One recent training program sponsored by a Latino community organization tracked their results and found 70% of the 50 students who attended these classes found CDL truck driving jobs earning average annual compensation of $47,580.
Good luck in your truck driver job search. Be patient, persistent, expect good results and you will see positive results far sooner than you think!
If you found this article worthwhile, you will finde several more highly informative career development articles from our staff including essential strategies to consider when choosing the best truck driving schools and understanding the abc’s of CDL training requirements to land one of premier, high paying CDL truck driving jobs found at one of the top 8 trucking companies in the USA.
Author: Michael Ottman
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Beading Necklace
May
27
2010
Now is one of the best times to get your CDL and pursue a job in the trucking industry. Truck driving is an honorable profession, is a vital part of our economy and it continues to be one of the highest paying careers available without a college degree. There is a high demand for skilled truckers right now. The American Trucking Association estimates that there is an annual shortage of over 20,000 truck drivers and that shortage is rising. This means that people graduating from driving school are almost guaranteed employment with a local or regional trucking company.
One of the main questions people considering a career as a truck driver has is “How am I going to pay for truck driving school?” Driving schools that offer 4 week courses charge on average $4,000 for tuition. This covers the school’s cost to pay for instructors, insurance, trucks, fuel, rent and advertising. There are other costs the students must pay that go toward driver training and obtaining a CDL; these include: driving permits, licenses, copies of your motor vehicle record, DOT physicals and drug screens. It is important to remember that these upfront fees are an investment in your future. Truck drivers can earn an annual wage of $30,000 to $80,000 based on experience. That is a quadruple return on your investment in just the first year.
So what are your options to pay for truck driving school? The first option is to pay for your tuition out of pocket using money from a checking, savings, money market, certificate of deposit or other financial accounts. If $4,000 is not available in a bank account you could consider borrowing the money from a friend or family member. Tuition can also be charged using a credit card, or you can apply for a loan from a bank, credit union or other financial institution.
Another alternative to pay for truck driving school is to apply with a trucking company that offers tuition assistance. Contact the trucking company you’re considering working for and ask their human resource department if they offer a tuition payment program. Some trucking companies will front you the costs for your driver school training and will then have you repay them after you begin employment. Most will deduct a reasonable payment from your checks until the balance is paid off. Other companies may offer tuition reimbursement programs. They’ll pay you back the money you spent on driving school after you’ve been driving for them over a certain amount of time. After reimbursement you’ve essentially received your driver training for free.
If bank loans or company assistance programs aren’t available then discuss payment options with the driving school you’ll be attending. Truck driving school financial advisors have information and resources available to help you apply for private or government funding that is offered to provide grant money for skills training. Some of these programs include the Workforce Investment Act (WIA), vocational rehabilitation (VocRehab), Trade Adjustment Assistance (TRAY/TAA), and the welfare-to-work (WtW) programs. Military veterans have the additional option of applying for funding through the Veterans Administration (VA).
The important thing to remember about paying for truck driver training is that you have options. So don’t wait. Waiting will only cost you more time and money.
Kelly Bingham is a freelance writer and public relations specialist. He is currently working with DriverCareers (http://www.drivercareers.com), an online company that matches individuals with accredited trucking schools and national trucking companies; and Neutron Staffing, a vocational school recruiter.
Author: Kelly Bingham
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Duty tariff
May
26
2010
Nowadays, there is a lot of debate upon the Iraq truck driving jobs. It is a subject of high interest and of much speculation – yet somehow, there are still many US citizens that are looking forward to find jobs like this in Iraq. Without doubt, we are all aware of the risks they involve and the fact that the media covers this subject and then some gives us a large and complex perspective on the matter. But the question is: just how many dangers and risks come along with these Iraq truck driving jobs?
The most significant risk that every truck driver in Iraq is exposed to is represented by the terrorist attacks. And for sure, these should be taken very seriously and one must definitely be aware of these major dangers before applying for the Iraq truck driving jobs. Even worse, the fact is that these attacks can be under various forms, ranging from unexpected bombs on the road to shootings and so on. We have heard many stories about kidnapping and deaths of truck drivers that had Iraq work prospects.
Many of such stories have been brought in the attention of the public as real hero-stories that show just how much individuals are willing to sacrifice in order to get honest work. Even though some might think that the terrorist attacks are the only major negative aspects of the Iraq work, the fact is that there are many more that have nothing to do with violence. Many truck drivers that have returned to the US claim that the conditions can be extremely rough in company truck driving jobs. Just how rough, exactly?
The main disturbing factor is the fact that the drivers are working in unpleasant weather conditions, driving through the dry and hot dessert that sometime hides dangerous scorpions ready to attack. Considering all the above facts, we can only ask ourselves: what exactly determines people to apply for Iraq truck driving jobs? The reasons are numerous and the financial grounds can not be ignored. There are numerous tax facilities in Iraq, in addition to the very high salaries, that can reach even $100,000 per year. Some of the applicants for Iraq truck driving jobs look further than the money aspect and simply want to be close to this territory that stirs so much controversy and that can also be considered quite an adventurous – even though highly risky – place to be in or to work in.
There are other types of work offered to foreigner, besides the Iraq truck driving jobs. However, the truck drivers are the ones that are mostly exposed to a wide range of dangerous and that seem to be victims and targets in many situations. In the past years, the number of truck drivers that have suffered from terrorist attacks has been quite worrying.
The Iraq truck driving jobs remain a subject of much speculation and analysis. Even though to some it might seem surprising, many people are willing to try their luck and their courage by taking such demanding and risk-exposed Iraq truck driving jobs. We can only hope that the next year will not bring out as many victims as 2006 and 2007 have.
Are Iraq truck driving jobs all that they promise to be? Visit truckdrivingjobs.com and find out where you stand!
Author: Sam Butler
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Canada duty rates
May
25
2010
Face it, truck driving school is not cheap and it can be hard to manage the financial burden of truck driving school if you have not been saving up for the financial expense. If you dream of being an owner operator on the open highways of this greatest nation on God’s green earth, listen up, we have some essential tips that may help you accomplish your truck driver training requirements without draining your bank account.
Research and locate progressive trucking companies.
Recent statistics indicate that the over the road truck driver shortage is close to 80,000 in this country alone. One way to get the training you need without having to take out a second mortgage on you home is to go with Carrier Sponsored Training. Other than a clean driving record and no felony convictions during the last year, most trucking companies require little to no experience, no tuition down payments and fast turnaround time for getting your license. Just make sure you get all of the basics you need to safely operate the vehicle on the open road.
Tuition reimbursements are common throughout the trucking industry.
Other training facilities offer tuition reimbursements plans through the carrier company provided you work for them at least a year after completion of training. This is a good option since you are guaranteed a position after graduation and will get your tuition reimbursed in the process. These schools may have some stricter requirements like background checks, the ability to pass a DOT physical and drug test, as well as having no felony convictions in the last seven years or currently being on parole.
Look for truck driving schools and trucking companies that make safety a priority.
Safety is top priority for first rate truck driving schools and trucking companies. If safety training is a major part of the truck driving school’s curriculum and is mentioned multiple times during your interview, rest assured that you are in the right place. You want to make sure the training you receive will keep you (and others) safe on the road.
Regardless of what route your choose to finance your truck driving education, do your research and make sure you are comfortable with the terms – i.e. job placement in lieu of tuition, carrier sponsored training, etc. We encourage you to talk to at least 3-5 truck driving schools, check graduate references and speak to the truck driving school career counseling department before you make your final decision.
If you found this article of interest, you can view other related articles including insight into the the process to acquire a class-A CDL license or understanding the ABC’s of CDL training
We also list the top 8 companies that many professional truckers believe are the best CDL trucking jobs in America at http://www.truck-driver-jobs-online.com
Author: Michael Ottman
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
US Dollar credit card
May
24
2010
In part one of our series, Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part I: Factors That Effect All Companies, we talked about different factors and considerations which will affect your experience at any company you go to work for.
In part 2, “Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part II: You and “Your People” Are The Most Important Factor”, we talked about surrounding yourself with the right people, understanding factors that affect the freight you’ll be getting, and things you can do to put yourself in the best position to succeed.
In part 3, “Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part III: How Your Family and Lifestyle Will Affect Your Choice”, we considered your personality and lifestyle. Are you married? Do you have children? Do you love adventure? How long would you like to be away from home? These questions all figure into the process of choosing the right truck driving job.
In part 4, “Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part IV: Advantages of Large Trucking Companies”, we of course talked about the advantages of working at a large trucking company.
In part 5, “Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part V: Comparing Large Trucking Companies To Small Ones”, we compared working for companies of different sizes.
In part 6, “Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part VI: Dry Van and Refrigerated Companies”, we talked a little bit about life on the road with a dry van or a refrigerated carrier.
In part 7, “Choosing A Truck Driving Job Part VII: Tankers and Flatbeds” we talked a little bit about life on the road with a flatbed or tanker carrier.
Now, in our final installment of this series, we’ll talk about finding out some good information about any company you are interested in working for.
Getting The Right Information From The Right People
There are three main groups of people that you will be speaking with when you are considering working for a particular trucking company. They are:
- The company’s drivers
- The company’s mechanics
- The company’s recruiters
Knowing each group’s agendas and viewpoints will help you ask the right questions, and interpret the quality of the responses you get.
Speaking With Company Drivers
One of the best ways, in my opinion, to really find out what life is like on the inside of a company you are considering applying to is to talk with some of the drivers and mechanics that work there. It’s simple to do, it’s incredibly effective, it makes perfect sense that a company’s current drivers would know best, and you’re going to be pleasantly surprised at the honesty you’ll get!
Now please be aware of one thing, though….often times, a company will offer a referral bonus to any employee that refers a driver to the company. Often times it’s quite significant…in the area of $500. So when you begin talking with a truck driver or a mechanic, make it perfectly clear that you are looking for an honest opinion, not a sales pitch. If you were looking for propaganda you could simply talk to their recruiting department. If they seem rather persistent about wanting to give you their name and truck number so that they can make money for recruiting you, simply thank them for their time and try to find someone else.
But most of the time you will get a brutally honest opinion. Truck drivers often tend to look out for other truck drivers. We all live the same kind of lives and face the same difficulties, so the last thing we should want to do is make life difficult for one another. I’ve been asked many hundreds of times about my experience working for a particular company. I have never once given out my truck number or name, nor have I ever received a nickel in referral money. Often times guys were so appreciative of my time and honesty that they asked me for the info, knowing I would get paid for the referral, and I politely declined. I told them that there was no way they could be sure I was being honest with them if I knew I was going to get paid to promote my company. I’ve gotten plenty of good advice for free over the years, so I just considered it good karma to give some back.
Make sure you talk to at least five different drivers from any particular trucking company. One or two could just be happy or unhappy with their company at that particular time based on some current events. But if you can get a pretty consistent group of opinions from several different drivers then you know you’ve probably gotten a good feel for the way drivers are being treated at that company. Ask them if they’re getting the mileage they would like to be getting, whether they get home roughly when they are supposed to, and whether or not the trucks are well maintained. That’s the three most important things a company must do well.
Speaking With Company Mechanics
Also, talk to one or two mechanics if you can get the opportunity. And if the company is located too far away to visit in person, don’t be afraid to call the shop! Just tell whoever answers the phone that you’re considering becoming a driver for the company and you’d like to know his opinion on their maintenance program. Ask them if the trucks are well taken care of and especially if their driver’s requests for small things like new wiper blades, faulty mirror heaters, and blown fuses are handled promptly and without debate. If they aren’t taking the time and care to look after the trucks then not only will you be losing a lot of money while unreliable trucks are sitting in the repair shop all the time, but you’ll know that the company’s management really isn’t concerned with the comfort, safety, and happiness of its drivers.
A poor maintenance program is a huge red flag. Stay away from that company. You’ll also be surprised at how often a trucking company’s maintenance guys will be honest with you. The vast majority of mechanics take pride in what they do. They want to do things the right away because the safety and reliability of the equipment they work on is what determines their reputation. If they aren’t being allowed to maintain the equipment properly, they’ll more than likely let you know. It’s their way of defending their reputation, and I don’t blame them. I was a mechanic for Harley Davidson at one point and I felt the same way.
Speaking With Company Recruiters
A recruiter’s job at any trucking company is to get you in the door, period. Once you’ve gotten hired at a company their job is done. Some of them will lie their brains out if it gets them paid…like a used car salesman. Tons of drivers I’ve talked to have been promised new trucks, a spot in certain divisions, big miles, and lots of home time, only to find out they’ve been lied to by the recruiter. What can you do about it if this happens to you? Nothing. Everyone will simply shrug their shoulders and say, “don’t know what to tell ya”.
When it comes to speaking with recruiters, there are some things to be aware of. First of all, be leery of guarantees from a company. The trucking industry is by nature cyclical and unpredictable. If they make promises like “you will be home every Friday by dinnertime”, or “everybody gets home for the holidays”, or “you will get a minimum of 2000 miles per week”, then more than likely you’re being lied to. There are no guarantees in this industry. Factors including weather, fleet size, economic fluctuations, vehicle breakdowns, gaining or losing customers, changes in computer software, changes in dispatching structure, changes in management, and a massive number of other variables all lead to a naturally unpredictable amount of miles and home time from week to week and year to year. You have to go with the flow and understand the dynamics of the industry.
There’s one easy way to test a recruiter – tell them to put it in writing. If they promise you a new truck for instance, tell them to fax it in writing to you with their name on it so that you can bring it to orientation with you. If they’ll do that, then you may actually get what they’ve promised, but I’m not guaranteeing that either. Recruiting can be a dirty process at times, so watch out for promises. Some of them will lie to you if they think they can get away with it.
There will be good weeks and bad weeks, good months and bad months, and even years can fluctuate quite a bit from one to the next. You have to take the good with the bad and try to get a good understanding of the big picture and how all of the different variables will affect your mileage and home time. If a company makes guarantees, they’re often times lying. If they make statements like, “we try to get everyone home on weekends and holidays”, and “you’ll average about 2200 miles per week overall” then you can be pretty sure they’re doing their best to be honest. Just be aware of the personal interests and agendas of the person you are speaking with. Remember, the drivers are the ones that are in demand, so keep in mind that you should be interviewing the company, not just the other way around. If your record is decent, then more than likely they’ll be glad to have you. Just make sure that the job you choose seems like it will fit in with your goals, your personality, and your lifestyle.
About The Author
Brett R Aquila
15 Year Truck Driving Veteran
Owner – http://www.truckingtruth.com – the largest, most honest, and informative site on the web for those considering becoming a truck driver. We have tons of resources on our site, including:
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Author: Brett R Aquila
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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May
24
2010
Truck driving undoubtedly has its challenges here in the United States. Crowded highways, not enough parking areas and long hours are just a few of the problems drivers face on a daily basis. I was enjoying a meal at a Petro Truck Stop the other day when I heard another driver complaining about the food. It appeared that he felt that some of the items on the buffet were not hot enough. I agreed that some of the entrees could have been warmer, but I really didn’t care. I was just enjoying the meal.
This situation got me thinking about the complaints I hear from other truck drivers. Perhaps I’m just “different,” but I simply cannot relate to many of these problems that truck driving faces here at home. As I was completing my meal, another driver walked in and was upset because he had driven through the night and was still unable to get unloaded. He said the only thing left to do right then was getting something to eat, take a shower and go to bed. He ate his meal complaining the entire time about his run through the night. I thought about the truck drivers in Iraq.
The most dangerous job in the Middle East is truck driving. I wondered about certain correlations between truck driving here in the U.S. and truck driving in Iraq. I looked around and listened to more complaining by other drivers about their “hardships.” I took a hard look at myself. I thought about the good job I had and the ability to make a nice pay check. I looked at all the food on the buffet readily available for my taking. I knew that later that night I would be home and my wife would have the coffee ready and I could sit and relax in my favorite chair. I thought about my freedom. Hardships? What hardships? I decided to compare the complaints with the life of truck drivers in Iraq:
- U.S. DRIVERS: ————————————- TRUCK DRIVING
- Waited 3 hours for tire repair —————————– Had to change own tire
- Complains how rough the road is ———————— Drives where there is no road
- Truck A/C isn’t cold enough —————————– No A/C in 150 degree weather
- Watch out for Pot Holes —————————— — Watch out for Land Mines
- Had to drive all night ————————Drives at night wearing night vision goggles
- Worries about missing schedules ————————- Worries about snipers
- Mattress is too hard ————————————— Sleeps with 50# of body armor
- Fellow drivers can be rude —————————- Fellow drivers can be terrorists
- Watches out for bad drivers ————————— Watches out for mortar fire
Army Specialist Timothy Staddon with the 123rd Main Support Battalion under the First Armored Division, is a truck driver in Iraq. His job is to haul supplies, parts and food to the forward support battalions located right in the center of Baghdad. He has been shot at by unseen snipers and has to be on the look out for 155MM shells buried in the sand that explode when you drive by. This young man, and many more like him, are heros. Because of them, we remain free.
As of May, 2006 twenty-four American truck drivers have been killed while working in Iraq from shootings and road side bombs. Drivers in Iraq experience post-traumatic stress disorder just as our soldiers do. They form “shadow armies” in order to deliver food and supplies to the troops. One of the few women truck drivers in Iraq, convoy commander Cindy Morgan sums it up perfectly: “We live, we eat, we sleep, pretty much side by side with our troops. And we get shot at, we bleed and we die beside them.”
I know truck driving can be a rough life. However, as I sit in the comfort of my home or enjoy a meal out, and the only thing I have to do is fight a little traffic in order to have my evening out, I simply can’t justify any complaining. I look around and only see abundance. Because of our soldiers and the civilian workers who have chosen to risk their lives truck driving in Iraq . . . I look around and I only see freedom.
Aubrey Allen Smith is a veteran driver and author of the Truth About Trucking. Exposing the scams of truck driving for new drivers, he is an expert in the field of transportation. Learn the TRUTH before you begin. Please visit http://www.truthabouttrucking.com today.
Author: Aubrey Allen Smith
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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