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Underwater welding is a dangerous career yet it employs numerous people. Why is this so? Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of underwater welding.

What is Underwater Welding & How Does It Work?

Underwater welding has been around since 1932, and is often referred to as hyperbaric welding. It can take place in wet or dry environments. Wet welding is when the welder is entirely submerged in water. The welding is executed using forms of arc welding that employ a waterproof electrode where the welding supply connects to equipment through cables and hoses. Conversely, dry welding is used for high integrity welds. During dry welding, the weld is completed within a sealed pressure chamber that prevents water from entering the work area. They often use a form of gas tungsten arc welding. Dry welding is often used to repair pipelines and ships. Underwater welding research is being conducted at depths of up to 3,300 feet.

Why is it dangerous?

My guess is that your first thought about underwater welding was “Electricity and water aren’t a good mix. Isn’t that dangerous?” The answer is…yes! However, many safety precautions are taken to reduce the risk. Underwater welding is completed using a welding stick where a layer of bubbles is created to shield the weld from water. Dry welding is also a safer method since the weld itself is not exposed to water. However, electricity does not pose the biggest threat. Welders operate at high pressures that threaten the body. Additionally, large bubbles created by the weld and the overall dark atmosphere underwater makes it hard to see, and is threatening to the welder. The most notable underwater risk is differential pressure or Delta P. In Delta P, water from one area attempts to rush to fill another. The pressure difference accumulates hundreds of pounds which can draw divers in and make it very hard to escape. Although there is a high risk of Delta P, companies have come up with action plans on how to avoid this fatal occurrence. For more information on Delta P, check out this video.

Why do people choose to take these risks?

Many welders choose this career path because it is exciting, peculiar and challenging. Additionally, underwater welders are essential components to industries all over the world. This means that skilled welders are in high demand. Currently, companies do not possess the technology to complete underwater welding tasks without humans. This provides underwater welders with job security. On top of it all, underwater welders have the opportunity to make significant salaries that they would not have access to as a typical welder.

The Future of Underwater Welding

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for an underwater welder is around $53,990 per year or $25.96 per hour. Underwater welder jobs are concentrated in California, Florida, Michigan and Washington. Your career can take place in one of two locations: inland or offshore. Inland welders typically make less than their offshore colleagues. They tend to work on bridges, dams and small water vessels. Although there is less pay involved, you operate on a less demanding schedule (40-hour work weeks) and less travel is required. However, offshore welders tend to bring in the big bucks. They work on oil rigs and large ships. In this job, you may spend a significant time out at sea and can expect to long work weeks, even up to 80 hours!   Interested in becoming an underwater welder? The first step is to get your welding certification. Advanced Career Institute offers hands-on welder training in the California area. ACI welding campuses are located in Visalia and Fresno. For more information, head over to Welder Training!

Our nation and economy depends heavily on the trucking industry. Trucks transport an assortment of goods that we rely on in order to maintain our every day way of life. Trucking is the only efficient way of transporting goods across the country. That being said, we must also take into consideration the carbon footprint of the trucking industry. Many trucking companies have began to shift their focus towards environmental consciousness. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, transportation accounts for nearly 27% of greenhouse gas emissions. When released in high concentrations, greenhouse gases trap heat in the atmosphere which essentially warms our planet. As the planet warms, there is a ripple effect that negatively affects various aspects of the climate and overall environment. This may include: creating more severe natural disasters, melting sea ice and receding coastal lines. As a trucker, you cannot solely rely on your carrier to make all of the environmentally conscious adjustments. There are a variety of simple ways to reduce your truck emissions and improve the fuel economy in your truck (which saves you and the company money!) Read on to learn 3 easy tips for sustainable trucking!

Control Speed & Minimize Idling Time

You play a major part in controlling the fuel economy in your truck. Improving the fuel economy in your truck can reduce your personal carbon footprint. A study conducted by the American Trucking Association showed a 35 percent difference in the most and least fuel efficient drivers. Here are a few of ways to improve your truck's fuel economy:

• - Maintain an average speed (ideally around 55 mph)
• - Use cruise control when possible
• - Minimize idling time
• - Reduce the amount of times you accelerate and decelerate

Create Efficient Routines

The fuel efficiency in your truck is only partially controlled by your actual driving and gear shifting. A lot of it has to do with the weather, routes you choose to take, truck maintenance and aerodynamics. Luckily for you, you can semi-control some of these elements. Develop fuel efficient routines by:

• - Fueling in the morning
• - Driving routes with less traffic and stop lights
• - Plan routes with efficient drop offs and rest stops
• - Maximize your time at rest stops

Reducing the carbon footprint of the trucking industry begins with you. Every little adjustment has a positive effect on your individual fuel economy and on the environment as a whole.   Interested in being involved in a fundamental industry in our nation? Truck driving may be the career for you! Before beginning your trucking career, you must complete Class A CDL training. Advanced Career Institute offers hands-on truck driver training courses in California. Trucking classes are taught at three campus locations: Merced, Visalia and Fresno. Head over to Class A Truck Driving to learn more!

Obesity is a rising issue in the truck driving industry. According to a study conducted by The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), nearly 69% of long-haul truckers are considered to be obese. To avoid obesity and potential health risks, truckers should be well rested, eat healthy snacks throughout the day and exercise at least 15 minutes each day. Check out these simple, effective workouts you can do over-the-road!

Workouts in Your Cabin

 No equipment? No problem! The following workouts can be completed without equipment from the comfort of your sleeper.

• - Pushups – Pushups only require body weight and minimal space which makes them the perfect exercise for truckers. In addition to increasing your strength, push-ups can improve your posture and flexibly, and can help prevent injury.
• - Planks – Similar to pushups, planks only need minimal space to complete. Planks work to strengthen your abdominal and back muscles.
• - Sit-ups – As a staple in many fitness routines, sit-ups are a great workout to strength your core. It only takes a few minutes to crank out a few sets of sit-ups. You can easily complete this exercise before beginning your morning routine.
• - Tricep Dips – Lastly, another easy, effective arm workout to do in your cabin is tricep dips. You can do them on the ground or by using your bunk as support to lower your body by bending at the elbow.

Exercises from the Driver’s Seat

Stretching is extremely important to reduce stress and to avoid injury. The following stretches can be done from the driver’s seat.

• - Shoulder Stretches – Shoulder shrugs are a great way to reduce tension and stress from your shoulder area. When stopped, raise your shoulders up to your ears. Hold for 10 seconds, release and repeat.
• - Hand Stretches – Long-haul truckers spend a significant amount of time gripping the steering wheel causing their hands to cramp up and feel stiff. Overtime, this could lead to arthritis or carpal tunnel syndrome. To reduce the risk of these illnesses, truckers can perform hand stretches. Try rolling your wrists in a circle or gently pulling your fingers toward your body. Check out this blog for more stretches!

Stretch Your Legs

A final exercise to add to your daily routine is either walking or running. This is a great way to stay in shape. Cardio helps to strengthen your lungs and lose weight. We understand it may be difficult to find time to do cardio during your busy routes. However, walking or running is an easy exercise to complete while waiting to pick up your loads. Plus, it allows you to stretch your legs and no longer be cooped up in your cab! Whichever exercises you choose to complete, it is essential to add physical activity to your everyday routine. It will help you to look better, feel better and live a healthier life.   Interested in becoming a truck driver? Advanced Career Institute offers California Truck Driver Training. ACI campuses are located in Fresno, Merced and Visalia. Head over to Our Programs to learn more about our Class A Truck Driving!

I’m sure by now you’ve heard about the total solar eclipse phenomenon happening on Monday, August 21. If not, a total solar eclipse is when the moon passes between the Earth and the sun, and completely covers the sun. Anyone along the path stretching from Oregon to South Carolina will be able to witness the total solar eclipse. According to NASA, the last time the entire U.S. saw a total eclipse was in 1979. It is important to remember that looking directly at the sun is extremely unsafe. Sunglasses are not equipped to protect your eyes from the sunlight during the eclipse. Experts suggest purchasing specific eclipse glasses for viewing purposes. You should not look directly at the uneclipsed or eclipsed sun at any time without the proper eyewear. To learn more and to find out where you can purchase eclipse glasses, visit NASA’s website.

How Does This Affect Truckers?

This total solar eclipse has many Americans excited, and rushing to book hotels along its path. According to Quartz, in addition to an increased number of travelers, nearly 200 million people live in close proximity to the eclipse’s path. Therefore, interstate congestion is expected to be horrendous. This has many states warning truckers to be cautious and plan ahead because traffic jams are more than likely going to happen. Many state governments and trucking companies are encouraging and preparing truck drivers to take alternate routes to avoid congested areas. If you must travel through these areas, make sure to have a snacks and a tank full of gas because you could be sitting for a significant period of time. According to Transport Topics, many states are warning drivers not to stop on interstates to watch the eclipse. Additionally, Oregon is prohibiting truck drivers with extra-wide loads from being on the roads from August 18-22. Please stay alert and in contact with your carrier for new updates on the solar eclipse. Plan ahead for potential traffic jams throughout the entire U.S. during this time. Enjoy this phenomenon, but remember to drive SAFELY!   Interested in becoming a truck driver? Advanced Career Institute offers Class A CDL Training in the California area. ACI campuses are located in Fresno, Merced and Visalia. To learn more, head over to our Truck Driver Training Program! Image Property Of: www.nasa.gov.

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!

So you’ve completed Truck Driver Training with Advanced Career Institute, what’s next? There are a variety of routes you can take in your new truck driving career. In the previous articles in this series, we’ve compared Over the Road, Local and Specialized Truck Driving. Now, it’s time to take a look at the pros and cons of Team Driving. Do you have what it takes to become a team driver?

Team Driving…What Is It?

Team Driving is basically what it sounds like, two drivers to a cab rather than a single driver. Two truck drivers sign with a carrier to deliver loads together. The drivers alternate between driving and relaxing. The goal is to keep the truck in motion and the freight continually moving. This keeps productivity levels high and customers happy.

Upsides to Team Driving

There are many upsides to team driving. First, keeping the truck in constant motion moves product faster, which pleases your customers. Not only are there benefits for the company, but the drivers benefit as well. During the downtime in the truck, drivers are able to relax. You can read a book, snooze a little or catch-up with your family. When a driver works alone, they are required to stop to rest for a period of time before they can resume their route. However, in a team setting, the truck is able to run constantly. Team Driving jobs are always in high demand. Carriers and their customers love the idea of moving product faster, so they are always looking to hire team drivers. Team driving is oftentimes the springboard to securing a job with a desired carrier. Additionally, this high demand also results in higher pay. Since there will be two drivers, the mileage per week will increase significantly.

Downsides to Team Driving

Every career option always comes with its downsides. There are two obvious disadvantages to team driving. First, you will be stuck with another driver in a tight space where you must share everything…cleanliness, your bunks, radio stations, driving habits and endless conversation. Furthermore, you are no longer solely responsible for looking out for yourself and the other drivers on the road, but you have another person’s life in your hands at all times.

How to Choose Your Partner

The most common team drivers are husband and wife. This gives couples the opportunity to see each other regularly, rather than to be away from one another for days, weeks or even months at a time. However, you don’t have to drive with your spouse. You can choose to drive with a friend or a carrier can match you with another driver. Carrier or truck driver matching sites will compare each driver’s location and personality to make sure they are a good fit for one another. Think of this as the E Harmony of truck driving. However, if you prefer to drive with someone you know, sometimes carriers will pay for your friend to complete Truck Driver Training through a referral program. Ultimately, truck driving is a lifestyle, so it is vital to determine which path is the right one for you.   Interested in beginning Truck Driver Training? Advanced Career Institute offers Truck Driver Training for Class A CDL, Class B CDL and Ag Transportation. ACI is a California Truck Driving School with campus locations in Merced, Fresno and Visalia. To learn more about our Truck Driver Training, check out Our Programs! Take a look at our previous blogs in this series comparing OTR, Local and Specialized Trucking Careers. Keep an eye out for the last blog of this series covering Owner-Operator Trucking Careers.