Trucking
Helpful Information About Potential Trucking Jobs
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Getting Ready for the Winter Weather
As the temperatures plummet and winter sets in, many truck drivers are beginning to consider how they will prepare their truck so they can continue on working through the winter months. It's important that truck drivers are aware of how they can prepare their truck for winter to ensure they are able to handle anything the cold, frigid temperatures and ice, sleet, and snow throw at them. The following are 6 great tips to help keep truck drivers safe on the road and to help them travel safely even through the winter season's most treacherous聽stretches:Keep Necessities on Hand
Should you break down on the side of the road, you should consider packing an emergency kit to help you through until someone can help you. A kit should include warm clothing and several blankets (in case you have to wait a while). Consider a supply of a couple gallons of fresh drinking water as well as portable snacks such as dried fruit, cereal bars, etc. to help keep you fed until someone can come to assist you.Prepare An Emergency Supply Kit for Your Truck
Beyond clothes and food, other basic emergency supplies will help in the case you should break down while driving. Consider keeping extra jumper cables, flares (to help cars see you), extra flashlights, etc. in case you happen to need these items if you were to break down while on the road.Give Your Truck an Extra Inspection
Checking over all the minor maintenance items that tend to go wrong with your truck before the winter starts can queue you if anything聽looks like it might be needing attention before the coldest weather arrives. Checking things like your batteries and filters and seeing if your tires need to be rotated or if your oil needs changed can help ensure that your vehicle is primed for winter. These basic steps can help you avoid a breakdown or lessen your chances of a breakdown out in the frigid cold if these things are up-to-date and in working order. Nothing is a guarantee but it's safer than not checking at all.Check Your Antifreeze
Ensuring that you have the appropriate amount and mixture of antifreeze in your vehicle is vital when it comes to clearing windshields and windows in inclement weather. Be sure to check your antifreeze levels regularly as you use the fluid throughout the winter. Driving with ice or other precipitation聽particles on your windshield is not only dangerous to you but others as well. If you need to defrost till you can see move over to the side of the road and wait before driving with an obstructed view.Have Your Breaks & Tire Traction Checked
Your breaks will need to be in their best shape in order to help you stop on snow-covered or icy roads. You will also need to ensure your tire traction is up to snuff in order to allow your vehicle to grip the road and keep you in your land during treacherous conditions.Consider Snow Chains
Consider packing snow chains in your truck if your vehicle and the types of tires you have done well with them. Many companies will have policies on using snow chains and on when to use or not use them. Understand that appropriate conditions in which to use your snow chains for safety and which situations might be made more dangerous by snow chains rather than made safer. These are a few great things to keep in mind when you are driving during the winter months. While you can't prepare for everything, ensuring you check over your truck each time you drive, you will ensure that you catch preventable breakdowns. In the case that rare breakdowns do happen in the cold weather, if you have emergency supplies on hand you will be prepared to wait it out until someone can come to your aid. For more information on keeping your truck safe and running smoothly as possible during the winter months, please feel free to聽contact us. -
Navigating Through Your New Career
So you鈥檙e ready to be a truck driver, huh?聽Of course, you are. If you鈥檙e in truck driving school, chances are you鈥檙e chomping at the bit to get out of the practice truck and get into a truck that will help you earn a living.聽Barr-Nunn Transportation driver, Dave Casanova has been climbing into the cab of a truck for 18 years. He has experience on both the general freight and expedited side of the trucking business. In other words, he has some tips for new truck drivers. Casanova offered his tips that every new truck driver needs to know. Whether it鈥檚 managing the job, the expectations surrounding the job, and how to build experiences that counts in the industry, he has some great advice!1. Trucking is more mental than physical.
Managing your own mental state is the secret to trucking success. 鈥淚t can be a very frustrating and depressing job if you don鈥檛 carry the right mindset,鈥 he said. 鈥淔or some people, being away from the family weeks at a time can quickly become unmanageable.鈥2. Don鈥檛 expect the world right out of the gate.
It鈥檚 not realistic to expect your dream job right out of trucking school. 鈥淭he first job you get out of school most likely won't be the one you stay at for 20 years,鈥 Casanova said. 鈥淭his first job is where you should be learning about everything you need to be safe and compliant. This first job is where you start building a reputation for yourself as a safe, compliant driver.鈥 Find a 鈥淢r. Right Now鈥 job for your first gig, then look for 鈥淢r. Right鈥 after you鈥檝e gained a little experience.3. It takes about a year to 鈥済et it.鈥
Things may feel a little chaotic during the first year. 鈥淭o get a good handle on all the rules and regulations in trucking, it will take about a year,鈥 he said. 鈥淭he 3 biggest points to focus on are following distance, knowing the Smith System of driving, and trip planning. Remember that 80,000-lb. rigs don't stop quickly and can't be turned around as readily as a car when you miss a turn.鈥4. Year one goal: no accidents.
In the midst of that first year, focus on safety. Simply finishing the year accident-free can in itself be a victory. Casanova suggests living the time-tested safety rule: 鈥淕.O.A.L. Get Out And Look,鈥 he said. 鈥淎nytime you need to back up, you absolutely need to get out of the rig and check out your surroundings to avoid backing accidents.鈥5. Know your career goals.
Know what you have, what you need, and what you want from your career, and have specific set goals. 鈥Decide what you want out of this career,鈥 he said. 鈥淎re you looking for maximum income? Is home time a top priority? What benefits or health insurance do you need to make you happy? Once you've got an idea of what you need to be happy, you can research companies efficiently.鈥6. Don鈥檛 job hop.
Many young people switch jobs frequently in their first year, looking for the next possible big opportunity. As much as it鈥檚 not the greatest strategy outside of the trucking industry, it most definitely not in trucking. Your聽time of service matters greatly. 鈥淭he fewer number of times you change jobs, the more likely you will wind up at a top paying carrier,鈥 he said. 鈥淒oing your homework prior to jumping ship is crucial if your goal is working for a top tier carrier at some point.鈥7. It鈥檚 all about attitude.
Remember that even with a driver shortage, your job is not always guaranteed. A carrier/driver relationship should be built on mutual benefit. 鈥淚 don't believe there is a shortage of drivers. I believe there is a shortage of good drivers. Casanova said. 鈥淵ou want to continue to grow your reputation. By bringing a good attitude, when things get slow, you increase your chances of being a driver that gets taken care of. Be a good driver and reap the rewards.鈥BONUS! -- Find a mentor. Or, better yet, mentors.
Find a few industry veterans to get advice from on the road. You want good solid resources that will help keep you from making common rookie mistakes. 鈥Experienced drivers can be a wealth of knowledge. By finding a few that you trust to tell it to you straight, you stand to gain a lot. As you earn experience you can bounce 鈥榳hat ifs鈥 off of them, to see how they would handle different situations. Keep in mind though, not every experienced driver can be a mentor. You really need to be selective of whom you take advice from.鈥 If you're ready to get started on your new career, let 91麻豆精品 help you begin your CDL training. 91麻豆精品 provides Class A CDL training at four locations throughout California and one location in Nevada. Contact us today to begin! -
Why Veterans Should Consider Truck Driving
Veterans who are looking for a career after their time in the military have several different options to consider as they return to civilian life. One of those that they should consider carefully is the trucking industry. From military life to the trucking industry, there seems to be a seamless transition. There is a reason several veterans have chosen the trucking life and here's why.You Might Not Have To Take the Road Test:
Veterans who worked in the service and have at least two (2) years of experience managing heavy military equipment and machinery, may not have to take their road test. This military exemption is also known as the "Military CDL Skills Test Waiver." If the veteran has operated such heavy machinery in the last year, they will be exempt from having to take the road part of the CDL test. This waiver is in place in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This makes it one less "hurdle" that a veteran must clear to get on the road and can speed up the amount of time that it takes to start their new career.Truck Drivers & Military Personnel Share Similarities:
Both military and professional truckers alike are relied upon to execute their jobs in a relatively independent manner once they are told what the expectations are. Both professions are expected to be punctual, reliable, and disciplined to get the job done at "whatever cost it takes". Many jobs in both professions are also done on a schedule and that schedule must be stuck to, making time management the key to the success. Considering the similarities between both jobs, the trucking industry is often a much easier transition for many veterans than a variety of other jobs would be, making the transition back to civilian life much smoother.Financial Assistance is Available for Education:
Many veterans are eligible to receive financial assistance through the 91麻豆精品. As an Active Duty or Military Veteran, you may be eligible for educational benefits through numerous GI Bill庐 programs. Funding programs are offered through the Veterans Administration for active service members, reservists, veterans, dependents, and spouses. At ACI, we provide veterans assistance through several bill and assistance programs. Check out our Veterans Assistance page for more information.Great Salaries & Full Benefits + Job Security:
Many truck carriers are paying the upwards of $40,000+ for truck drivers beginning in their first year. Companies are offering full benefits including complete healthcare coverage, retirement benefits (many with an employee match), and vacation time. You will have job security as a truck driver is virtually guaranteed. There is a shortage of truck drivers and as consumer demand continues to increase, the number of drivers needed is projected to rise. This means that your job will not be going anywhere in the near in the foreseeable future. If you are a veteran who is looking to obtain their CDL license and get into the truck driving industry, please feel free to contact us. All of us at 91麻豆精品 would feel honored to help you transition from military life to the trucking world. Let's get you started today! 鈥樷楪I Bill庐 is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at聽 -
Trucking Options for Your Driving Career
Updated April 2022 Once you鈥檝e completed your truck driver training courses and earned your聽Commercial Driver鈥檚 License (CDL), you still need to determine which type of driving position best suits your needs and lifestyle. Your skills are a very marketable commodity now, but it鈥檚 essential to understand and choose the right type of driving situation. There are three common types of truck driving options: local, regional, and over-the-road (OTR). Each one covers a specific area, and the salaries will vary accordingly.Local
Local drivers are typically company drivers, which means they work for one specific company. They follow a regular route and stay within 250 miles of their home terminal.PROS
- Home Time: Local drivers generally begin work in the morning and return home in the evening. There could be the occasional overnight load. Most drivers are off weekends and holidays.
- Fewer Hours Behind the Wheel: Local drivers can move more frequently and stretch their muscles.
- Consistent Routes: Routes are generally the same daily routes for the same companies.
CONS
- Weekly Pay: Local drivers average between $700 and $900 weekly.
- Loading and Unloading Freight: You may be required to physically load and unload the freight you deliver as a local driver.
- Long Working Hours: Even though you're home every night, many shifts begin as early as 4:00 a.m., and you may not return home until 6:00 p.m.
Regional
Regional drivers work within one specified area. For instance, Fresno drivers may have a regional route covering a portion of California, Oregon, and Nevada. You may be on the road during the week and at home on weekends.PROS
- Home Time: You will generally live in the same region where you work so that you will be home regularly.
- Freedom: Regional drivers enjoy the freedom of the open road while still staying somewhat close to home.
- Salary: An average regional driver鈥檚 annual salary is approximately $63,000, according to聽.
- No Loading or Unloading Freight: Most regional drivers are not required to handle the freight they carry. The companies that send and receive the cargo typically have the staff to take care of moving the freight on and off the truck.
CONS
- Quick Turnaround: You may be required to deliver a load and immediately pick up another to return to your home area. That means that you will have longer hours behind the wheel with less time to stretch.
- Salary: Some or all of your salary may depend on the loads you鈥檙e carrying. To earn the best salary available in this category, you may need to fit in long runs.
Over-The-Road (OTR)
OTR drivers can聽cover the lower 48 states; however, the routes and loads you carry depend mainly on the company you work for. Some companies may stay within a regional area, such as the western states, or require you to travel extensively from coast to coast.PROS
- Salary:
- The average annual salary for an OTR driver based in Fresno, CA, is approximately $74,322, according to聽. That does not include bonuses and benefits. Salaries can also reach the $80,000 range if you work as part of a team.
- Travel: An OTR driver can enjoy the best of both worlds. You can travel and see the country while earning a living.
- Paid Time Off: states that a driver is required to receive 34 hours off for every 70 hours worked. You are also limited to 11 hours of driving per day. So, you may work 14 hours, which includes loading or unloading, so long as your actual drive time does not exceed 11 hours.
- Freedom: As an OTR driver, you may also choose which time of day you prefer to drive.
- No Freight Loading or Unloading: The companies on your delivery schedule will provide their dedicated dock workers.
Truck drivers with a CDL are currently enjoying a marketplace that offers a great deal of opportunity. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may choose to work as a local driver, cover a larger space on the regional circuit, or span the lower 48 states as an OTR driver. The sky's the limit. When you're ready to get serious about your new career as a truck driver, give 91麻豆精品 a call. We'll be happy to meet with you to discuss the available options and possibilities.CONS
- Minimal Family Time: You may average one day home every two to three weeks.
- Long Hours Behind the Wheel: This can make anyone very tired and sore from not being able to be up and moving throughout the day.
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For the Miles You Drive and the Sacrifices You Make
runs from September 13 to 19, 2026. This is the 38th year of putting the spotlight on the men and women who keep our country moving, and this year's theme is "For the Miles You Drive and the Sacrifices You Make." Professional drivers haul about 11 billion tons of freight every year, which makes up more than 70 percent of all freight tonnage moved in the United States. Almost every product in a California home or business, from groceries to building materials, spent part of its trip on a truck. That theme points to something worth recognizing: the commitment it takes to do this job well. For someone driving through California, that commitment looks like a specific set of skills, most of which never make it into a thank-you post.What It Takes to Drive in California
Driving professionally in California means being ready for conditions other states do not have. Central Valley summers regularly push past 100 degrees, and drivers train to manage that heat safely for themselves and their equipment. Routes heading south often include the Grapevine on Interstate 5 or Tehachapi Pass, both known for steep grades and quick weather changes, which is exactly the kind of driving that CDL training is built around. Near the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the busiest port complex in the country, drivers learn to navigate heavy traffic and tight scheduling as a normal part of the job. In recent years, that has also meant knowing how to adjust when wildfire smoke or a sudden route closure changes the plan. Handling all of this well is a real skill, and it is a big part of why professional drivers earn the respect this week is built around.The Sacrifice Behind the Harvest
California's Central Valley produces a large share of the nation's fruits, vegetables, and nuts. That food does not get from the field to the store on its own. Drivers hauling agricultural freight work around harvest schedules, which calls for early mornings, tight delivery windows, and careful handling of loads that cannot wait a day. This is one of the more specialized parts of the industry, and it is also personal for ACI. The Ag Transportation program trains drivers specifically for this work, and the school's campuses in Fresno, Las Vegas and Visalia help ensure that training is available.Time at Home, and the Choice to Protect It
Time at home matters to most drivers, and today's driving careers offer more ways to protect it than people often expect. Regional and local routes exist alongside over-the-road positions, and many drivers build a career around routes that get them home on a predictable schedule. Choosing the right fit is part of starting off on the right foot. ACI's job placement team works with trucking partners across route types, so graduates can choose the balance of home time and miles that fits their life, rather than assuming long-haul is the only path forward.The Decision to Become a Driver
There is another kind of commitment worth recognizing during this week, and it belongs to the person reading this post while considering a career change. Choosing to go back to school and start a new career takes real motivation. It is one of the clearest ways someone can take charge of their future, and it is often the first step toward the kind of stability and independence this profession can offer. That step is easier with the right support in place. Tuition assistance and grants and scholarships help make training affordable, and veterans transitioning out of the military have a program built around their benefits. None of it changes how big the decision is, but it does mean no one has to make that decision alone.Honoring the Week
National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is one week out of the year, but the skill and commitment it celebrates are built every day, on California highways, through Central Valley fields, and in the choices drivers make to balance the road with life at home. ACI's Class A CDL Training program prepares the next generation of drivers for this work with the skills and confidence it deserves. Anyone considering this career can contact ACI to talk through what training and the road ahead actually look like. -
91麻豆精品 Opens School in Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA 鈥 91麻豆精品 would like to announce their newest location in Bakersfield, California. Their new school is located at , the former John Lopez Welding School. ACI had their first welding class start on Wednesday, July 24, 2018. President of 91麻豆精品, Barry Bither said, 鈥淚t is with great excitement that I am able to announce we opened with our first welding class in Bakersfield鈥 All of our staff has done a great job getting the new campus off to a great start. We have completed the purchase of John Lopez Welding School and wish John all the best in his retirement. In the next few weeks, we will be diligently working on adding all of our truck driving programs to the new campus. Please welcome the new employees we are adding to the ACI family.鈥 The new Bakersfield Campus will have both Welding and CDL Training. The Welding Training will consist of the Advanced Welding Technology Program that lasts 38-weeks and a new Basic Plate Welding Program that will last 5-weeks. The CDL Training programs at the Bakersfield Campus will consist of their Professional Truck Driver Program, lasting 4-weeks, and the more advanced Agriculture Transportation Training Course lasting 20-weeks. The first transportation class start date will be August 13, 2018. Like all ACI Campuses, Bakersfield students will聽gain the quality education and training needed to start a new career. 91麻豆精品 programs combine both hands-on experience and in-class technical training. ACI offers financial aid to those who qualify. The 91麻豆精品 staff will work with every student to determine their eligibility, and then help them apply for financial aid. The Career Services staff will provide students with the tools that are necessary to find employment, which includes helping them search and apply for current job openings. All staff and instructors at 91麻豆精品 are excited about this new school opening in Bakersfield and the potential to help new students begin their careers in trucking and welding. For more information about our Bakersfield Campus and the training programs provided, call us at 661-535-1480.
