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The trucking industry is chronically short of drivers, and that isn't likely to be fixed anytime soon. For someone considering a career in trucking, this is great news. Jobs are plentiful and companies are paying their truckers more than ever.

Why the Shortage

The main reason for the driver shortage is the increased need for cargo moving at the same time many baby boomers are aging out of driving jobs. Amazon and Walmart are examples of the increased need for cargo movement, selling increasingly more items by the internet. The economy is humming as well, which increases the number of goods moving over the roads. Additionally, Electronic monitoring and maximum hours rules have increased the number of days it takes to complete longer trips. The improved safety is a plus, but longer trip times also mean an increase in the number of drivers needed.

Why it will Continue

At a time when more drivers are needed, there are many older truckers hanging up their driving gloves to retire. Dan Leathers, head of Werner Enterprises, recently told NPR in an interview that the average trucker is 10 years older than the average worker. This means the aging of boomers hits trucking harder than other industries. In their 2017 Truck Driver Shortage Analysis, ATA's chief economist estimated the driver shortage would increase to 174,000 by the year 2026 and that hiring would need to be about 90,000 drivers per year to meet demand.

How it will Improve

According to a survey by American Trucking Associations (ATA) of 100,000 drivers, pay for truckers rose 15 percent from 2013 to 2017. And the increase was even better, at 18 percent, for drivers working for private fleets. Improved benefits and bonuses are also being used to attract more drivers. For those entering the trucking profession, that's bright news. If you're interested in a secure job that pays well, or if you're just looking over career options, feel free to contact us at Advanced Career Institute. We'd be glad to talk with you!

It can get lonely on the road. Many trucking companies have realized that an easy way to boost the morale of drivers is to allow truckers to bring a friend on the trip—especially a four-legged friend! If you're one of the lucky drivers working for a pet-friendly company, it's important to make sure you understand all the company's and your pet's requirements before setting out on the road together.

Check Your Company's Regulations

• Types of pets allowed
• Weight and size restrictions for pets
• Additional fees for damage and cleaning
• Where pets are permitted in your truck
• Waiting period before pets are allowed

All pet-friendly companies allow dogs, but some also allow cats. A few even allow any pet as long as it's not aggressive. If you have a cat or other pet, check with your company to find out if they allow non-canine companions. Many companies have weight restrictions on any accompanying pet. They will likely charge fees to cover damage your pet may do to the truck or to pay for cleaning the truck. If your pet damages your truck beyond any required fees, then you will be responsible for the repairs. Definitely make sure your pet is well-trained and well-behaved before hitting the road. Most companies also have a trial period of a few months before you can bring your pet with you on trips. As companies develop their pet policies, they often update their rules and regulations, so stay up-to-date on any changes along the way.

Basics of Having a Pet on the Road

• Bring pet vaccination records
• Get a Certificate Of Veterinary Inspection for crossing state lines
• Train your pet on which parts of the truck are off-limits
• Have plenty of blankets, toys, and treats
• Bring a leash and poop bags for stops
• Bring cleaning supplies for any accidents
• Have a travel crate for delivery and pick-up stops
• Bring plenty of water

Once you get the green light from your company and you can bring your furry friend with you. You will first want to make sure they enjoy the ride as much as you before they join full-time. As exciting as it is to be on the road, it can also be nerve-racking and exhausting for some pets. That's why it's important to make sure they are as comfortable as possible. Bring blankets and toys and treats to keep them warm, occupied, and rewarded. Remember to bring a leash for walks at rest stops and bags to clean up after your dog (you should also have cleaning supplies for accidents between rest stops). Most pick-up and delivery stops don't allow dogs to roam free. You will want to bring a travel crate to ensure your pet doesn't accidentally escape while you load and unload. Most importantly, you should always make sure you have plenty of water on hand for your pet, especially on those hot days. As for the legal side of things, the FMCSA is fine with pets in the cab as long as safe driving isn't compromised. Train your pet to stay away from your clutch and brakes and other parts of the truck that may be off-limits. When it comes to the safety of your pet, they must be up-to-date on all their vaccinations, and you need to have proof of vaccination for authorities. If your route takes you across state borders, you should also have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to speed up inspection.

Bringing Your Pet Along for the Ride

If you're excited about the potential of bringing a pet on the road, the first step is finding out which companies are the right fit for you. Trucking Truth is a great resource and has created a helpful list of pet-friendly companies and their basic restrictions. Once you find a company that fits both your trucking and pet aspirations, take the time to thoroughly understand the pet rules. Having a pet on the road is a joy, but it does require more work than riding alone. If you're prepared, it makes everything run more smoothly. If you or a loved one is embarking on a career in trucking, then you've come to the right place! Contact us to learn more about our training program and how we can help you achieve your career goals.

New welding students often have a lot of questions. These questions can range anywhere from work prospects and equipment, to history. Below are a few of the most common questions our instructors receive:

1: Where do welders work?

• Welders can work in a variety of industries, including construction, shipbuilding, industrial maintenance, repair, and manufacturing.

2: What skills are most important for a welder?

• A good welder should not only be well versed in the theory and practice of the different welding applications, but should also have strong problem-solving skills, the ability to read plans and blueprints, and have strong communication skills.

3: Is there really a difference between cheaper and more expensive auto-darkening helmets?

• Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE, is your first line of defense in keeping yourself safe. It is important to read ratings on products before purchase. Spending a bit more may get you a more comfortable and longer lasting helmet.

4: What are the most common types of welding used for?

• Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW): This type of stick welding is most commonly used in industrial fabrication applications to weld iron and steel, fabricate steel structures, and can be used in the shop or in the field.
• Gas Metal Arc Welding (GMAW/MIG): This is the most common type of industrial welding, and is a bit faster than SMAW because of the continuous electrode wire feed. This application can also be used in the shop or in the field for fabrication.
• Flux Cored Arc Welding (FCAW): FCAW is most commonly used in portable applications to weld thick and out of position metals.
• Gas Tungsten Arc Welding (GTAW/TIG): TIG welding is most commonly used to weld thin sections of stainless steel and copper, aluminum or magnesium alloys.

5: When was welding first used?

• The first historical evidence of a welding process dates back to the Bronze Age. During this time there is evidence of pressure welding being used to create small gold boxes. Later on, people in Egypt and Mediterranean learned how to weld pieces of iron together to make tools.

At Advanced Career Institute, students gain the quality education and training needed to start a new career. Our Welding Program combines both hands-on experience and in-class technical training for California truck driving, commercial and school bus driving, and welding. We have three campuses located throughout California's Central San Joaquin Valley in Fresno, Visalia, and Merced, California. If you are interested in a career in welding or learning more about our programs, please contact us.

Finding the perfect gift for Father's Day can be a challenge. For those families that have a truck driver as a father, this task can be even more complicated. It can be difficult to come up with new ideas for every occasion or holiday. Most of their time is spent on the road so choosing something practical that he can use in his cab or while traveling is a good option. Here are a few gift ideas for the truck driving dad.

XM Radio

Truck drivers spend the majority of their time on the road in their cabs. XM radio can be a great way to entertain while driving. There are hundreds of stations to choose from including music and talk radio. Subscriptions generally range from around $30 for a 6 month period.

Sheet Set

Getting a good night's sleep is very important for a truck driver. A truck driver should be as comfortable as possible even when on the road. The beds in trucks are usually a twin or twin XL size. Sleeping bags and pillowcases are also great accessories to purchase with a sheet set.

Bluetooth Headset

Talking on the phone while driving can be very dangerous and is also against the law in several states. Truck drivers need that connection with their loved ones and should be able to talk while driving. Purchasing a hands-free headset can solve that problem. They can stay connected while driving safely.

Portable Mini Fridge

A mini fridge can be a great addition to a driver's truck. The mini fridge gives them the ability to pack options that are healthier and can also save them time. Look for a 12-volt option that is easy to use with a cigarette adapter.

Compact Microwave

A small microwave can also eliminate the number of stops that a driver has to take. This can help them deliver their loads quickly. A small microwave can also help them eat healthier. They can heat up vegetables, pasta, and many low-calorie frozen meals whenever they chose to.   Remember this, if your dad is not yet a truck driver, acquire an application from the Advanced Career Institute as a gift. The best vote of confidence in his dream is to help him with that first step. This Father's Day celebrate your dad and let him know how much he means to you and your family. From all of us at Advanced Career Insitute, we wish you a Happy Father's Day.

Updated February, 2022 Welding jobs continue to increase year over year. As America’s welding industry grows, professionally trained welders are in demand more than ever. New construction, transportation projects, and pipelines for natural gas all contribute to the growing demand for professional welders.

Welder Job Statistics

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the need for welders is expected to grow by 8 percent by 2030. Welding growing as fast as all other professions in America with an average of 50,000 new jobs opening each year. The growing demand for welders has caused many job seekers to consider a career in welding for a few reasons. The welding industry offers higher than average starting pay, good benefits, and a bright future.

What Welding Employers Look For

However, today’s welders need professional training in relevant practices and new welding technologies. Although the demand for welders is high, employers are still looking for welders with training from a respected school. They want to recruit students who have relevant welder training and experience using appropriate safety practices. Employers struggle to find properly trained professionals who understand how to work in today’s modern welding field. The National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) reports that 4 million new manufacturing jobs will be needed by 2030. This is due to a lack of proper skill and training in the welding industry and needing to decrease the average age of the industry. Luckily, this gives students at Advanced Career Institute an advantage. Additionally, The American Welding Society has predicted a deficit of 400,000 welders by 2024. That shortage is also true for shale gas manufacturers who are struggling to find professional welders with experience in pipefitting. The current shortage of quality welders means there are many job openings across the country. The starting pay for a professionally trained welder is around $45,000+ per year and experienced welders are earning upwards of $70,000+ per year. Interested in taking advantage of this opportunity? Learn more about our quality welder training program at Advanced Career Institute.

Get Quality Welder Training at ACI

The Advanced Career Institute’s welding program is designed to prepare each student to obtain American Welding Society Certification. Students will also receive training in a variety of skills including construction site safety, blueprint and site plan reading, principles of metallurgy, construction math, and welding tool usage. From the shale gas sector to transportation infrastructure construction, professionally trained welders are needed all across the country. This career field offers jobseekers the chance to work in one of the nation’s fastest-growing professions. Start your new career today! Contact us to learn more.

Like any test, the Commercial Driving License (CDL) exam requires study and preparation because you will be tested on a lot of information. However, simply trying to memorize the entire CDL manual, which is typically around 180 pages long, is not the best way to prepare for the exam. Instead of wasting countless hours becoming tired and frustrated, study smart. Here are six study steps to help you prepare for and pass your CDL exam.

Plan Ahead

Cramming a day or two before your CDL exam will not yield the best exam results. Besides causing sleep deprivation and trouble focusing, you won't retain important material that you need to understand as a responsible, safe driver. Pick a day to take your exam and start studying ahead of time so that you are fully prepared. If you are new to the exam, consider taking a training course online or in-person, which some states require. There are a number of programs you can choose from, so shop around for a course that works best for you. For example, at Advanced Career Institute, we offer Class A and Class B CDL training courses as well as CDL refresher courses for experienced drivers in California.

Find Out What to Study

Are you wondering what exactly is on the CDL exam? Take a look at the DMV CDL study guide, which breaks down the test section by section in terms of the CDL manual. For a detailed, free, comprehensive guide, check out Study Guide Zone's CDL Test Study Guide. No matter what kind of CDL you are studying for, you'll have to know General Knowledge. Based on the type of CDL you wish to receive, you'll have to study specific topics, such as School Buses and Hazardous Materials.

Take a Diagnostic Exam

It doesn't make sense to study what you already know. To find out what you do know and what you don't know, take a diagnostic exam. Driving-tests.org allows you to select your state and take a free, full-length general knowledge practice exam. Taking a diagnostic test will also help you get a feel for the exam so you'll be better prepared on exam day.

Collect Your Study Materials

Make sure that you have everything you need to help you study. The most important tool will be the CDL manual, which you can download on your state's DMV website. You can also pick up a hard copy from your local DMV. The DMV endorses DMVCheatSheets.com, which provides a number of cheat sheets with a money-back guarantee if you do not pass your CDL exam after using the service. Consider purchasing a CDL test prep book, downloading an app from the Apple App or Google Play stores, and saving helpful websites with study guides and other prep tools.

Study What You Don't Know in an Effective Environment

Using the results from your diagnostic exam, review the material that you don't know in the CDL manual. If you have purchased a test prep book, you can find the sections that you need to review using the table of contents. When studying, make sure you have a distraction-free space. Remember to take breaks and have some snacks nearby to refuel.

Test Your Knowledge

After reviewing what you need to from the CDL manual, test your knowledge through flashcards and additional practice questions. Union Test Prep offers free CDL flashcards and practice tests based on specific subjects. There are a number of apps that can also help you study on the go. You can also ask your family and friends to help quiz you on the sections that you have trouble with. Using these tips and tricks can help you pass your CDL exam. Of course with your training at Advanced Career Insitute, we will help prepare you for this exam by going over every little detail. The goal is, by the time you go in for the test, all questions should be second nature to you. For more information about passing your California CDL exam and our training options, contact us today!