Trucking

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.

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.

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: 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.

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.