About Truck Driving

Truck Driving – The Foundation of the American Transportation Industry

From trains, planes and automobiles, nothing moves America like commercial truck drivers. Since the early 1900’s, truck drivers have formed the backbone of the U.S. transportation system as we know it today. Starting as cargo vehicles for local metropolitan deliveries, truck drivers now carry cargo that ranges from high-end electronics for outlet stores to refrigerated goods for local grocery stores. The fact of the matter is, if you can buy something in a store anywhere in the U.S., it was probably delivered by a professional truck driver. According to national statistics, nearly 78% of all manufactured goods are delivered by truck. In fact, professional truck drivers deliver more goods than aviation and rail combined. That’s why truck driving and transportation is one of the ten largest industries in America today.

So, now that we know how important truck driving has been to our society, let’s explore the ins and outs of what it’s like to be a part of this exciting, recession-proof industry.

What is a Class A CDL?

Before nearly every American owned a vehicle and the landscape was dominated by highways, almost anyone could drive a truck driver. However, as private automobiles usage began to grow, the need for more strict truck driver training and qualifications grew as well. Read More >>

Truck Driving Lifestyle

Hollywood, Country Music and Urban Legend have played its part in painting the truck driver lifestyle as “Modern Cowboys” – renegades who live secluded lives on the road, spending days and weeks away from home. And while there are still a few truck drivers today who still embody this lifestyle, the truth is there are just as many truck drivers who embody Steve Jobs as there are those that resemble Steve McQueen. Today’s truck drivers are well trained professional who operate sophisticated, state of art equipment. And many drivers spend just as many nights at home as they do over the road. Read more >>

Truck Driver Salary

Aside from the freedom of being your own boss, the number one reason people decide to become professional truck drivers is the high rate of pay. Unlike traditional jobs that only pay you an hourly or fixed salary, regardless of your work load. The professional truck driver is paid for every single mile they drive. They earn a fixed rate based on your mileage. For most entry-level truck drivers the starting mileage rate is $26 – $.29 per mile, but that number can increase significantly based on other factors. Read More >>

Trucking Terminology

Each profession has its own set of words and phrases that help members of the profession communicate with each other effectively. Like doctors, lawyers and pilots, truck drivers also have their own special language they use to communicate. A successful CDL training program will introduce new drivers to the terminology they will use as professional truck drivers. This special “trucker language” is spoken by carriers, drivers and even staff at truck stops, and it’s just another part of the lifestyle that makes professional truck driving so rewarding. Read more >>