Category: Phoenix Truck Driving School Blog

The driving industry is always improving in safety standards and technological advancements. These same improvements are also applied to the truck driving industry. Professional drivers will soon have access to all-electric rigs, exceptional technology, and more resources. Read on for a better look at the future of truck driving.

All-Electric Rigs
One of the most exciting advances in truck driving came recently from Tesla, the car manufacturer. Tesla has unveiled an all-electric semi-truck called Semi. This truck features the latest technology to assist drivers throughout their drive. It features autopilot options and maximum visibility to ensure drivers are safe at all times. The electric features also reduce the fuel cost by half, which can save trucking companies and drivers hundreds of thousands of dollars every year.

Automated Technology
Automated technology is becoming more prevalent every year. New cars often offer self-parking, slowdown capabilities, and pedestrian awareness. All of these features will be offered for new trucks over the next several years. These features will help drivers to maintain better safety throughout their long drives, and they can help reduce engine wear and tear or fuel usage. These advancements are important to the world of truck driving, because they bring the industry into the modern age of safety and sustainability.

Smartphone Apps
Smartphone apps are very important to daily life, because they can help with directions, personal information, and making payments. Many apps, such as Uber Freight, are marketed toward truck drivers. This app helps drivers, who own their own trucks, to find jobs. These drivers can look at the details of different hauls throughout the country and choose the ones best for their personal and professional situations. Drivers can also receive quick payments using the app, which helps keep their business active.

Learn more about the truck driving industry by attending Phoenix Truck Driving School in Ft. Bliss. We offer comprehensive driving programs to help students earn their CDL, as well as financial assistance. Please call us at (877) 206-8344 for more information.

Even if you’ve never worked in the commercial trucking industry, you might have some experience that can help you quickly adjust to the responsibilities. If you’ve served in the military, there are a few skills that can translate to your new career. Here’s a look at the military skills you can use as a trucker.

Handling Heavy Machinery

Joining the military doesn’t necessarily mean being on the frontlines, and there are countless skills that you might learn during your time in the service. If handling heavy machinery happens to be one of those skills, then you might have an easy transition into life as a professional truck driver once you get home. Handling heavy machinery, especially large vehicles, is part of everyday life as a professional trucker, and having this kind of background might put you at the top of the list of candidates for the job.

Staying Focused and Organized

Whether you’re in the military or you drive trucks for a living, you’re probably going to deal with long hours. It’s important to be able to keep yourself focused all day, every day. Focus and organization are two key concepts that are instilled in military minds, and these traits can be of help when it comes to the trucking industry.

Thinking on the Fly

Adapting to situations as they occur is another crucial trait for both military personnel and truck drivers. Thinking quickly helps you avoid problems and keep yourself and others safe, which is essential in both kinds of situations. Keep your military wits about you and you might turn mountains into molehills on the road.

There’s plenty of crossover between the military and the truck driving industry, so call Phoenix Truck Driving School of Ft. Bliss at (877) 206-8344 to see where you fit in. You can also look through our website to see how we can help you get started as a trucker.

If you love to drive your car, you may have considered a career in the transportation industry as a truck driver. Though a passion for the open road can help you find success in your new job, it is important to recognize the ways in which truck driving differs from your everyday commute. To get a feel for the differences, read ahead.

A Long-Haul

There are regional and local trucking jobs, but many drivers will pursue long-distance trucking careers that take them across the nation. During these trips, you’ll find yourself behind the wheel for many hours at a time, and you will be driving for several days in a row. Therefore, it’s important to prepare for life on the road with healthy habits like avoiding smoking, eating right, and exercising daily.

Specialized Equipment

You cannot operate a commercial truck without a commercial driver’s license, or CDL. When you get your CDL, you will need to demonstrate that you can use common trucking equipment, which requires a unique skillset. You need to get used to driving a large, heavy vehicle, which can be tougher to maneuver in situations like parking, lane changes, and other regular driving scenarios.

Unique Rules of the Road

In addition to knowing how to operate your semi-truck, you will need to know the unique laws that apply to truckers on the road. While driving on the interstate, for example, you may have a lower speed limit to follow as well as restrictions for passing and changing lanes.

If you want to get a closer look at careers in trucking or prepare for your future on the open road, attend an open house at Phoenix Truck Driving School Ft Bliss. You can get more information about our CDL prep courses and hands-on training by visiting our website or calling us at (877) 206-8344.

If you are thinking about making any kind of career change, one of your first considerations may be how much money you can make in your new job. A paycheck may not be the only reason you work, but it can be good motivation when it comes to pursuing new career opportunities. In the United States, truckers are well-compensated—even in entry-level positions—and there are many additional benefits that can be expected for those who work full-time. To learn if a trucking career may be in your future, take a look at the type of salary you can expect.

Your Starting Salary

Solo, over-the-road truckers comprise much of the workforce on the road, and these individuals take regional and long-haul trips with a wide variety of cargo. In your first job as a trucker, you might expect to take home about $40,000 annually with opportunities for bonuses.

Your Earning Potential

As you gain experience as a driver, you might think about your career growth. One path you might take is specializing in specific types of cargo, such as hazardous materials. With certification in niche trucking jobs, you can increase your earnings substantially. Alternatively, you may consider partnering with a fellow driver to take on more lucrative team driving positions, or you might strive to become an owner-operator running your own business as a trucker.

Your Benefits Package

Most trucking jobs will be full-time positions, which means that you’ll be eligible for benefits such as health insurance and paid time off. Many truckers enjoy longer periods of time off after long trips on the road, and this benefit of the job can facilitate a more fulfilling family life at home.

If you’re ready to explore your potential as a trucking professional, Phoenix Truck Driving School Ft. Bliss can help you get there. Our training programs are designed to fully prepare drivers for their careers, and we offer a variety of financial assistance to help you get started. Learn more online, or give us a call at (877) 206-8344.

There are a lot of misconceptions out there, and they give people the wrong impressions about things that they aren’t familiar with. Many people think truck driving is only for men, that truck drivers never see their families, and that they all use drugs in order to keep up with the workload. These are merely myths, so keep reading and break the misconceptions about truck driving.

Only for Men

While most truck drivers are men, this statistic doesn’t mean that women can’t enter the industry. As long as you are able bodied and determined, you can get the job done. Women also tend to gravitate towards jobs like dispatching, but they can be truck drivers as well.

Never Seeing Family

It’s true that some truck drivers don’t come home very frequently, but that’s not the standard for the industry. How frequently you come home depends on the type of truck driving you do. Some drivers take regional routes that keep them on the road for days at a time, and others come home every day. If you have a family to worry about, keep that in mind when applying for the truck driving job of your choice.

Using Drugs

There is a stereotype about truck drivers that claims they use drugs like amphetamines to stay awake during their long routes. However, truck drivers are regularly drug tested to make sure they don’t use or abuse drugs in any context. Staying awake longer than you should will take a toll on your reflexes and reaction time, which is the last thing you’d want as a professional truck driver. Modern truck drivers know better than to use drugs as an aid, and will instead turn towards healthier alternatives to keep them going.

If you want the truth about truck driving, feel free to call the Phoenix Truck Driving School at (877) 206-8344. We aim to prepare you for a long and successful career in professional commercial driving. Check out our website to learn more about us today.

Although there are countless reasons to get into the trucking industry, many people choose to do so because of the vast and unique experiences they can have on the job. Making a career out of traveling is exciting, and you’ll see things you never thought you’d see before. From rest stops to tourist attractions and the landscapes themselves, you’ll get paid to view them all. Here are some unique destinations your trucking job may take you to.

Rest Stops

After spending some time driving a commercial truck for a living, you’ll start to realize the importance of rest stops. These are places you’ll come across along your drive where you can fuel up the vehicle as well as your body. Most come equipped with bathrooms, souvenir shops, and eateries, and some even have showers. South Carolina’s South of the Border is one of the more famous rest stops, and some would say it’s more like a theme park than a truck stop. This is just one of the interesting stops you might come across when you live the life of a truck driver.

Tourist Attractions

South of the Border might be equal parts rest stop and tourist attraction, but there are many more attractions you might come across throughout your route. Depending on what kind of truck driving job you have, you might be driving several states away and seeing attractions that you’ve only ever heard about.

Sights and Scenes

Sometimes a beautiful landscape is enough of a destination. When you drive for a living, you’ll see unique places that you’ve never been to before. Soak up the scenery as much as you can, and remember to take some pictures for your family.

Working as a commercial truck driver has all kinds of benefits, and at Phoenix Truck Driving School, we’d be happy to teach you all about them. You can look to us for education in commercial driving so you can land the job of your dreams. View our website or call us at (877) 206-8344 to see what we can do for you.

For more than a century, commercial trucks have helped to transport goods and materials around the country. If you want to become a part of today’s trucking industry, now is a great time to enroll at a truck driving school. After you graduate from your truck training courses, you will be ready to embark on a fulfilling truck driving career. Here is a look back at some of the top highlights in the history of the truck driving industry.

Origins of Truck Driving

The origins of truck driving can be traced back to around 1900, when the first commercial vehicles started to make deliveries along America’s roadways. These early trucks were equipped with dense rubber tires, which weighed them down and made them slow. By 1912, electric lights and lighter wheels helped to improve the productivity of the trucking industry.

Development of the Fifth Wheel

Today’s commercial trucks are based on the early fifth wheel truck designed that first emerged in the 1920s. The invention of the fifth wheel allowed trucks to travel faster while carrying heavier loads. By 1935, commercial trucking had become so prevalent that the federal government found it necessary to pass the Motor Carrier Act, which placed new regulations on the industry.

Invention of Refrigerated Trailers

Another important innovation in the truck driving industry was the invention of refrigerated trailers in the 1950s. Prior to the introduction of refrigerated trailers, perishable goods were very difficult to transport across long distances. To the present day, refrigerated trailers are used to move produce, dairy, and other perishable goods.

To learn more about how you can join the expanding truck driving industry, be sure to get in contact with Phoenix Truck Driving School of Ft. Bliss. Our truck training course will prepare you to pass the CDL exam, and we can help you get your very first truck driving job. Give us a call at (877) 206-8344 to hear more about our current enrollment opportunities.

When you embark on your first long haul journey as a commercial truck driver, you may be surprised at the amount of time that you will spend in solitude. If your mind wanders as you are driving, you may be more likely to get distracted. By keeping yourself mentally stimulated during those long hours on the road, you will prevent fatigue and ensure that you are driving safely. Let’s take a look at three tips that will help you keep your mind occupied on the road.

Listen to Your Favorite Music

If you are a music lover, you should make sure to create a few playlists before you hit the road in your commercial truck. From upbeat jams to relaxing tunes, there are many musical styles that can keep your mind occupied during your journey. Your truck cab is also the perfect place to practice your karaoke skills.

Tune Into a Podcast

Listening to podcasts is a great way to ensure that you are mentally stimulated as you drive. When you research podcasts, you fill find content for virtually any topic that may interest you. By tuning into podcasts regularly, you can educate yourself while remaining mentally stimulated.

Stock Up on Audiobooks

Whether you are an avid reader, or it has been years since you picked up a book, you may want to consider incorporating audiobooks into your listening rotation on the road. Since audiobooks are typically many hours in length, a single audio book could keep your mind busy for an entire leg of a long haul delivery.

For more essential tips for succeeding as a truck driver, get in touch with Phoenix Truck Driving School of Ft. Bliss. Our top rated truck driving education program will prepare you for what you can expect during your career as a truck driver. If you have questions about the benefits of attending our school, give our Ft. Bliss location a call at (877) 206-8344 to receive more information about our program.

 

There’s much to see during your long routes across the USA, and there are some great truck stops to experience along the way. From South of the Border and its plentiful attractions to the massive Bucee’s locations in the South, you’ll have plenty to enjoy. Continue on and look at these top truck stops in the USA.

South of the Border
There are plenty of interesting truck stops and tourist attractions throughout the country, but none quite like South of the Border. A large statue of a man in a sombrero, named Pedro, will welcome you into the stop and likely be the first thing you see. South of the Border has everything you might need to fuel up and get back on the road, plus much, much more.

Iowa 80
If you’re a seasoned truck driver, there’s a good chance that you have at least heard of Iowa 80. This massive truck stop has been around for more than half of a century, and it still serves thousands of customers every day. At Iowa 80 you can find essentials like showers and restaurants as well as entertainment features like movie theaters.

Bucee’s
Although there are 22 different Bucee’s locations throughout the United States, there’s one in Texas that stands out from the rest. The size of this Bucee’s is comparable to that of a football field, which is enough room for 60 gas pumps. The owner clearly subscribes to “the bigger, the better” philosophy, although even he admits that might have gone a little farther than necessary.

Once you’ve gotten your commercial driver’s license, you can break into the truck driving industry and visit these truck stops throughout your travels. Please feel free to call the Phoenix Truck Driving School in Ft. Bliss at (877) 206-8344 or head over to our website to find out what we can do for you today.

In addition to earning your commercial driver’s license, you’ll need to achieve specific endorsements for certain jobs. Some endorsements require you to take a knowledge test, while others require knowledge and skills tests. Keep reading for a look at truck driving endorsements and what they mean.

S
When you enter the truck driving industry, you’ll realize that there are many different kinds of commercial jobs available. If you decide that you’d like to become a school bus driver, you will need to pass a knowledge test as well as a skills test first, in order to earn your S endorsement. Parents trust bus drivers with the lives of their children, so it’s important that only qualified individuals are hired for the job.

H
When commercial driving meets hazardous materials, you are going to need a certain endorsement. The H truck driving endorsement qualifies you to work with hazardous materials. If you want to earn this endorsement, you’ll have to take a knowledge test to prove you are ready and capable to handle potentially dangerous materials.

N
Driving a tank vehicle is not quite like driving a standard truck or passenger vehicle. Thus, you will need to pass a knowledge exam in order to add this endorsement to your commercial driver’s license. You’ll need to understand how handling a tank vehicle is different before you can get out on the road.

X
Sometimes commercial driving, hazardous materials, and tank vehicles all come together. The X endorsement, which requires a knowledge test, qualifies you to drive vehicles where this is the case.

If you’re striving for any of these endorsements, the first step is to earn your commercial driver’s license. The professionals at the Phoenix Truck Driving School in Ft. Bliss are happy to help you prepare for your career in the industry. Give us a call at (877) 206-8344 or visit our website to learn more.

When you decide that earning your CDL and becoming a truck driver is the career path for you, it doesn’t mean you have to give up your lifestyle altogether. There are plenty of workouts you can do on the road to keep yourself in shape and feel as healthy and proud as ever. Read on and learn how to maintain your soldier physique on the road with these exercises.

Jogging or Bicycling

If you don’t want to lose your soldier physique when you transition into truck driving, make sure you exercise as much as possible. Jogging and bicycling are great exercise options because you can do them just about anywhere. If you choose bicycling, be sure to find a small or collapsible bike so it doesn’t take up too much room in your truck.

Abdominal Squeezes

Whenever you stop at a red light or have a few minutes to spare, try doing some abdominal squeezes. All you have to do is tense up your abs for a period of time, so try holding your muscles for the duration of your favorite song. This exercise is convenient because you can do it right from the driver’s seat.

Weight Training

Like jogging and bicycling, weight training can be done anywhere you want. Make sure the weights you bring along with you don’t take up too much cargo space or weigh down the vehicle too severely. You can always add extra reps to increase resistance and intensify your workout.

Before you can jump into a career on the road, you’ll need to earn your commercial driver’s license. At Phoenix Truck Driving School at Ft. Bliss, we will do everything to help you earn your CDL and start your career in the industry. Feel free to give us a call at (877) 206-8344 or look through our website for more information.

What better way to use your G.I. Bill than to prepare yourself to earn your commercial driver’s license? You can start by attending a CDL school, where you will meet people and make connections. You can then decide what specific type of trucking job you would like and make your way into the career of your choice. Put your G.I. Bill to good use with CDL training.

Earning Your CDL

As good of a driver as you may be, you can’t find a job in the truck driving industry without a commercial driver’s license. The good news is that there are schools geared towards preparing drivers to earn their commercial licenses. Your CDL school will teach you what you need to know in order to pass your exam, and it will give you the experience you need to excel in the industry.

Finding the Right Job

You will probably meet a great deal of people during your time in CDL school, and you will learn even more. You can consider the people you’ve met and the knowledge you’ve picked up to figure out exactly what kind of job you would like to procure within the trucking industry. Think about how far you’re willing to travel, how often you need to be home, and what kind of products you would like to transport when looking at your options.

Breaking Into the Industry

Once you’ve earned your CDL and found a direction, you can use your experience and connections to find a job in the trucking industry. Make sure you take care of yourself while you’re on the road so you can stay safe and enjoy a long career as a professional driver.

If you think you might be interested in CDL training, feel free to call Phoenix Truck Driving School at Ft. Bliss at (877) 206-8344. Our school will prepare you to earn your commercial driver’s license so you can put your G.I. Bill to good use. Please check out our website if you’d like to learn more about our CDL school.