CAREER TRAINING RESOURCES

It’s finally time to take the next step in your trucking career. So far, you’ve put in hard work in your CDL Training, and now its your chance to begin a rewarding career! Previously, in this blog series, we have covered OTR, Local, Specialized and Team Truck Driving. The last stop on our Truck Driving Jobs journey is Owner Operators. Whether you’re a beginner or have been in the driver’s seat for years, Owner Operator could be the right path for you! Having the freedom of being your own boss seems great, doesn’t it? According to OOIDA Foundation on motor carrier research, there are nearly 350,000 owner operators in the United States, some drive independently while others lease on a larger carrier. Typically, most owner operators have extensive experience, and begin their owner operator career around 37-years-old. However, success is still attainable for those younger (or older) owner operators with any level of driving experience. Before leaping into an Owner Operator career, it is vital to evaluate your personal desires and aspirations as well as your financial situation. Assess the 4 following areas before beginning your new career.

Self-Evaluation

First, take a hard look in the mirror, and ask yourself what you want from your trucking career. If you desire to create your own work schedule, be your own boss, and plan to build your life on truck driving, you may be cut out for the job. However, you must further assess your personality, current/potential health condition, family and career aspirations to see if being an owner operator is the correct fit. For further personal assessment, check out The 6 Steps to Becoming an Owner Operator.

Finances Play a Major Role

One of the most important factors in becoming an owner operator is financial stability. How will you come up with the funds to start this new business venture? Some of the costs to consider, on top of purchasing the truck itself, include fuel, truck maintenance and insurance, taxes, and health insurance. In addition to understanding the costs associated with being an owner operator, you must possess basic accounting and booking keeping skills (or hire someone who can help!) To further understand the costs associated with owner operators, take a look at OOIDA’s Figuring Cost Per Mile article!

Leased Owner Operator or Independent?

Next, you will need to decide if you want to work independently or alongside another carrier. Working independently ensures your freedom as a driver, to pick loads that suit your lifestyle and to drive your truck when you feel like it and on your own terms. However, leasing your truck with another carrier, allows you to have more consistent loads, some driver reimbursements, and trailers provided by the company. It is up to you to weigh the pros and cons between the two options. Ultimately, it comes down to what you value more…having total independence or having load security.

Selecting Your Equipment

Finally, you need to consider what trucks you want, where you will get them from and how much you are willing to pay. Although fancy trucks look great on the road, they cost a pretty penny and may create more expenses for you in the long run. Generally, used trucks are more affordable and will still get the job done. However, before purchasing a truck, be sure to consider its mileage, warranty and fuel economy. Additionally, choose a truck that fits your area of operation. The truck you choose will directly affect the amount of money you can bring in at the end of the day. Before you begin your new journey as an owner operator, make sure you fully understand the ins and outs of the business operation.

Warren Buffet once said, “Never invest in a business you cannot understand.”

Interested in taking the first step to becoming an Owner Operator? Advanced Career Institute is a California and Nevada Truck Driving School that offers CDL Training courses in Class A CDL and Ag Transportation. ACI offers Truck Driving Training Programs at four California campuses and one Las Vegas campus. To learn more about our CDL training, head over to our programs! Have you read our other 3 articles from this Truck Driving Professions series? Check out our previous articles comparing OTR and Local Truck Driving, Specialized Truck Driving and Team Driving!

Due to recent legal issues, some truck driving companies may begin to increase their regulations for sleep apnea. Various carriers throughout the country may begin requiring truck drivers to participate in sleep apnea screening in the near future.

What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is extremely common, and tends to show up more in men than in women. According to the American Sleep Apnea Association, sleep apnea is when a person stops breathing involuntarily while they are asleep. These periods of lost breath can last for over a minute and can occur hundreds of times each night without the person’s knowledge. Growing obesity rates in the truck driving industry, have left drivers more disposed to acquiring sleep apnea. Truck drivers are prone to obesity because of the inability to exercise and unhealthy meal choices while on the road. The most common type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, OSA. One of the most obvious symptoms of sleep apnea is snoring. Snoring happens because the airway becomes blocked and the flow of air becomes obstructed causing vibrations to occur.

How is sleep apnea treated?

If you believe you may have sleep apnea, the first step is to talk with your doctor about getting a sleep apnea diagnosis from a sleep specialist. If you are diagnosed with sleep apnea, the next step is CPAP Therapy. CPAP Therapy consists of a humidifier and a face mask to assist and guide your breathing. The CPAP machine pumps air with enough pressure to keep your airway clear.

What does this mean for truck drivers?

According to The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration FMCSA, reports show over 28 percent of truck drivers have sleep apnea. FMCSA explains that drivers with mild sleep apnea are still qualified for truck driving jobs. However, they recommend seeking medical attention with a medical examiner to determine a truck driver’s fitness to operate a motor vehicle. Disrupted sleep can decrease a truck driver’s cognitive function and can cause increased daytime sleepiness. This leads to more truck driving accidents. Drivers with sleep apnea are affected during working hours in terms of function and focus. Sleep apnea may lead to unsafe working environments and roads. Dr. James Metz, Doctor of Sleep Apnea for Metz Center in Columbus, Ohio, shared with Overdrive Magazine that he grew up around the trucking industry. He witnessed first-hand the unhealthy lifestyles of truck drivers. He sought out to work with fleets to promote healthy eating for truck drivers in the hopes of reducing chances of sleep apnea. Currently, many trucking companies are requiring truck drivers to get tested for sleep apnea. Oftentimes, this comes at the expense of the truck driver. However, since there is an ever-growing need for drivers, fleets may begin to work closely with drivers to help cover costs. Advanced Career Institute is a California and Nevada trucking school with campuses located in Visalia, Fresno, Merced, Bakersfield, and Las Vegas. ACI offers truck driver training to help students obtain their Class A CDL and Ag Transportation. ACI offers tuition assistance and job placement assistance to help CDL training graduates find a career in the truck driving industry. Interested in learning more about CDL Training with Advanced Career Institute, visit our website: www.advanced.edu.

Pets have now moved from the house to the road. Truck drivers are beginning to take their dogs and cats on the road with them. Studies show that having a pet on the road betters the health of truck drivers. A furry face helps to make long drives less lonely. It can be beneficial for truck drivers to bring their pets over the road. Taking pets for bathroom breaks and walks gives truckers much-needed exercise that they wouldn’t receive otherwise. It has also been noted that having a pet reduces stress and loneliness for truck drivers. Currently, there are various pet-friendly trucking companies. However, there are restrictions that come with bringing your pet over the road. Various trucking companies have weight restrictions, as well as pet deposits. However, many trucks are equipped with waste disposal areas inside the truck and pet areas in the terminals.

Are you currently trucking with your pet?

Omnitracs, a provider of fleet software management, is sponsoring a contest to recognize your furry friends! Both current and retired truck drivers are eligible to win! To be entered into the contest, post a picture with a description of why your Big Rig Buddy is the best truck-driving companion. Winners may receive up to $1,000 in gift cards to spoil their furry friend! The contest begins now and continues until Wednesday, August 23, 2017! Click here for more information or to submit your entry. When you finish your CDL training, you may have the opportunity to take your best friend on the road with you! Advanced Career Institute's truck driver training graduates are excited about the opportunity to start driving with their pets. Are you interested in earning your California CDL? ACI offers hands-on truck driver training to help students earn their Class A CDL or Ag Transport CDL. For more information on our CDL training programs, visit our website: https://www.advanced.edu/training-programs/california-truck-driving-school/.

Entry level welders have to figure out a way to make their resume stand out from the rest of the pack. The question is how to make your resume catch the eye of a recruiter and land an interview. The answer depends on the employer, but there are some common themes amongst the most successful entry level welding resumes.

Recognize What Welding Employers are Looking For

The best welding candidates are able to read and understand sketches and diagrams to determine the exact materials and operations needed for each welding project. It is not enough to know how to properly set up and maintain welding equipment. The candidate should know how to use an array of semi-automatic and manual welding tools. A candidate with additional skills, talents and knowledge will have a competitive edge. An example is the ability to use metal shaping machines or flame-cutting equipment. Let's take a look at some helpful resume tips for entry level welders.

Highlight Your Skills on Your Welder Resume

Use your welder resume to highlight the skills you are good at. If you understand the ins and outs of pipeline construction, structured fabrication, brazing, soldering, shop mathematics or blueprint interpretation, put it “above the fold” of your resume. This means your key skills should be listed in the upper half of your resume so they grab the attention of the recruiter.

Show Why You Are Better Than Other Candidates

Your resume will receive minimal attention unless you find a way to differentiate yourself from the competition. You can differentiate yourself either through the design or the way you talk about your skills and experiences. Try to avoid using a standard resume template you find online. Furthermore, using the same words and phrases as other entry level welding candidates will not separate you from the pack. Be as original and creative as possible without coming off as overly eccentric. Highlight your skills, certifications and relevant employment history in an artful manner and you will eventually land an interview.

Tailor Your Welder Resume for the Open Position

The entire purpose of your resume is to express why you are a solid match for the open position. Cater each resume to the job description of the position you are applying for and you will increase the odds of getting an interview.

Include Relevant Non-Welding Certifications

Non-welding certifications should be highlighted as long as they are relevant to the position's responsibilities. Examples of relevant certifications include OSHA training, first aid and certified rigger. Looking for more welder resume tips? Contact our job placement office today to set up a meeting and get personalized guidance! Open to all ACI students and graduates.

Once you have completed your trucking or bus driving education, it is time to find a job. However, this is easier said than done. Drivers and truckers fresh out of school may have a little difficulty finding work if they aren't prepared. If you want to be prepared so that you can find as much work as possible, read on.

What do employers look for beyond just a clean driving record?

Everybody knows that employers are looking for a clean driving record. However, they also want to see that you have completed education at a respectable school. Any experience you may have is also very important in the hiring process.

What are some ways to impress employers?

There are some things you can do to stand out when trying to get work. One of the best things to do is research the company thoroughly. Also, remember to dress professionally when going in for an interview.

What are important things to include in your resume?

The most important things to include in your resume are your training and experience. This is fairly obvious. However, there are other important things to include. You should include your other jobs, as the employers may be looking for certain areas of experience that drivers normally don't have.

Where are good places to look for driving jobs?

The best place to look for driving jobs in this day and age is the Internet. There are many jobs websites that have a lot of bus driving and trucking jobs listed. However, everybody is applying to these jobs. You may have a better chance if you use the contacts you made at your driving school to get work. If you want to learn more about search for trucking or bus driving jobs, contact our job placement department! We help all students and graduates find their next job opportunity.

Life on the road, much like other jobs, has its challenges. You'll have to balance a work schedule with parenting. However, becoming a truck driver comes with a lot of positives too. For instance, you can take the valuable lessons learned from your road experiences and share them with your kids. Lessons that apply to all areas of life.

Instill a strong work ethic

When on an assignment you are expected to be reliable, committed and have a respect for time. You have to pay careful attention to detail. People depend on you. Sharing these attributes with your kids will help them to grow up to have a strong work ethic. These are qualities they’ll be able to apply to schoolwork, sports and future jobs.

Teach important life skills

Kids can learn important life skills from their parents working in truck driving jobs. For instance, being on the road often brings the unexpected. You know you need to be flexible and adaptable on the job when things don't go as planned. Everyday life has its surprises and kids will need to know how to roll with the punches when it happens. You also have to show good judgment during your workday. Youngsters also need to make good decisions in school, on the playground, or in other situations as they become teenagers. You'll be teaching them the strategies needed to make good judgment calls. (Important skills to have, especially when peer pressure starts!)

Pass on good lifestyle habits

As a driver, you know it's important to stay healthy and get enough rest so you have the energy for those short and long hauls. You might even have to pass a health screening. Awareness of being fit is a good quality to pass on to your kids. They'll grow up knowing how to take good care of themselves. What’s more, following a healthy lifestyle is something you can do as a family too. It can be fun! Additionally, other talents gained from truck driving jobs that you can share with your kids include good communication skills and being friendly to others. These are life skills that will take them far, and they will have learned it all from you! Interested in a career that pays the bills and teaches you valuable lessons? Enroll in our Class A CDL training program today!