A couple of reasons for the spike in popularity is the staggering price of diesel and the increasing availability of natural gas fuel stops. The price of natural gas is half as much as regular diesel and can be used with just a few reasonable changes to old diesel-fueled trucks.

You can look at the whole story here.

Up-to-Date Skills and Knowledge

Employers hold workers who are trained with the most modern methods and technology in high esteem. Experienced drivers are great to fall back on, but they are behind the curve when it comes to new truck driving technologies and specific state regulations. Employers save both money and time by hiring new drivers who have the complete knowledge of current trucking industry standards and expectations.

Renewed Motivation

Truck drivers just entered the truck driving work force are more likely to go the extra mile than ones that have been around for years and years. It’s more likely for a driver who has been with a company for several years to want as much time as possible at home. Experienced drivers make up the majority of the trucking workforce right now, so employees willing to be away from home are in high demand. Truck drivers fresh out of driving school are most often the ones up for the challenge. They have the passion to eat up as many miles as possible to start paying off their CDL training school expenses. Not only is this useful for employers looking to fill unemployment holes, but also for the willing drivers who receive higher than average paychecks in return.

Open-Minded to New Routes

Once a driver becomes used to a particular route, it’s sometimes difficult for an employer to convince them to change it. The familiar, ‘Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks’ philosophy can sometimes ring true in this instance. Most excited truck drivers new to the road have no problem taking them on. They are also better equipped with the latest driving methods and technology abilities to drive through challenging, congested cities, which gives employers the confidence to put them in the high pressure locations.

These benefits are only a small portion of what new truck drivers bring to the table. With more job positions than ever before, today is the perfect time to get started on CDL training. Taking advantage of the high demand for new truckers will ensure a successful, rewarding, and challenging career.

It depicts the risky encounters ice road truckers face on the job as they carefully inch powerful machines across miles and miles of thin roads made of slippery ice. The job is obviously terrifying, nerve wracking, and requires a high level of training. However, the industry has seen a drastic increase in job position interest.

Ice road trucking has been called the “dash for cash.” This is because of the limited time out the year that specific supplies can be hauled to remote locations. There are only 2 to 3 months out of the year when some of these areas are not covered in rocks, swamps, or lakes. Air travel is an option, but the costly expense is  too high for most employers’ budgets. With no possible transportation to get across these terrains, it’s up to ice road truckers to quickly transport the necessary products to the appropriate location in very little time.

Before the ice season begins, road crews are in charge of preparing the snow and ice for travel. For several weeks they use radar to calculate things like ice thickness to make sure it will hold the incredible weight of the ice trucks. The hurried preparation is to secure the safety of 600-900 trucks hauling over 10,000 loads at 20 miles per hour. The frenzied excitement of ice road trucking can’t be found in any other occupation.

So why are so many people eager to put their lives in danger? The answer is in the numbers. A recent study showed the average trained ice road trucker can earn up to an astounding $90,000 in just three months. It’s also extremely difficult for employers to find enough workers to fill the positions. In today’s economy, it’s hard to find a career that has a large salary and long-term job security on its side.

A rewarding career comes at a high price. I’ll break down the ice road trucker job description to give you a closer look at what it takes to take on the intriguing lifestyle.

Earn a CDL

Working as an ice road trucker requires a CDL. This can be achieved by attending a CDL program at a school or online. Driving experience in harsh conditions is also helpful for employment. However, many times an ice truck employer will pay for the driver to go through specific winter driving training. Ice road trucking employers expect their drivers to be extremely confident in their driving ability. Anything less could result in costly accidents and injuries.

Do the Research

There are obvious dangers involved with ice road trucking, but before you sign up for the job, be very aware of what specific risks you will come across. If you know risks and still want to want the job, the detailed preparation will keep you safe and calm your nerves when you get behind the wheel.  Here’s a short list of some of the possible dangers:

• Frostbite: It’s a very probably risk when working in cold temperature regions. Truck adjustments and fuel stations will require some time waiting outside the vehicle. Thick and layered clothing will protect the skin against it.

• Animals: This can either be a terrific or terrifying part of the job. Ice road truckers are able to see some of the most unique animals on earth, but they can also be the most threatening. Staying alert and focused is crucial in case of possible run-ins with polar bears, moose, and more.

• Skids: Sliding on the ice is usually a daily occurrence. Ice provides little to no traction, and it can get out of control when a driver doesn’t know how to handle the situation. The more time a driver practices the braking methods necessary for these emergencies, the safer they will be in the future.

A career as an ice road trucker is one of the most dangerous yet rewarding lifestyles around. The job opportunities are abundant and the pay is substantial. This path of trucking is not for the faint hearted. A person interested in the extreme lifestyle should as much research as possible before taking the risky plunge.  

1. What’s your program’s history? How long have you been in business?

A school with a substantial track record has good credibility. A trucking school that’s been around for a while is also more likely to have strong connections with future employers. Through this question you should also find out if the school is licensed, certified, or accredited. The most recognized certification is PTDI (Professional Truck Driver Institute.)

2. What kind of training equipment do you use?

A school that uses out of date equipment will do little to help your future trucking career. Employers search for workers who were trained with the most modern technologies. Well-equipped drivers make the most valuable and dependable employees. Facilities should have plenty of audio-visual equipment, a variety of training aids, and a library for other trucking resources.

3. How successful is your job placement assistance program?

The truck driver training schools that will give you the most for your buck are the ones with reliable employer relationships. Truck carriers go to the schools they know and trust to recruit future employees. A top-quality school will provide a staff willing to spend as much time as it takes to help you secure a job after graduation. No school should guarantee a future position, but you should feel confident in a future after talking to them about job placement assistance.

4. Can I take a look around your facilities?

The type of environment you will spend all of your truck driver training time in says a good deal about the quality of the school. Look for a clean campus with modern equipment that’s in good condition. Also keep an eye out for the practice area. A brightly marked, paved-in driving area provides much better practice than a gravel square with no a lot of room.

5. What is the tuition cost?

Nothing in life is free. This philosophy especially applies to the truck driving education world. A CDL school will be an investment, but it’s an investment that will return you huge rewards in the future.  On average, a CDL program will cost anywhere from $2,000-$6,000. Most schools ask for about $4,000. Some truck driving schools will offer valuable financing assistance such as tuition reimbursement programs and counselors to help you find loans with fair terms.

6. How much driving time will I get?

A PTDI-certified school will require at least 44 hours behind the wheel. A program that offers something well under that number should be carefully looked at. Hands-on experience is crucial to your truck driving future.  Don’t be confused by the term, “observation time.” Many students assume it means driving time, but it’s really time spent sitting in the passenger seat while someone else drives. This method had very little value compared to actual hands-on experience.

These factors make truck drivers are the perfect candidates for the pain. Eighty percent of Americans suffer from back pain, and truckers make up a massive amount of the group. It should come as no surprise that a recent study revealed truck driving as one of the top five occupations to cause back pain.

The popular health issue is costing the trucking industry millions of dollars and leading many truckers to give up on their careers.

So what’s a strained trucker to do? Drew Bossen, a physical therapist and founder of Atlas Ergonomics in Grand Haven, Michigan says using just a few simple methods can dramatically improve trucker’s back condition.

Making Stretching a Habit

Doing routine stretches every day isn’t just for gymnasts and track stars. Any person at any age or shape can benefit from doing stretches. The consistent, vibrating movements that truck drivers experience on a daily basis causes the muscles to tighten over time.  These important muscles have to be loosened everyday to prevent serious injury.

Bossen suggests two minutes of stretching before you begin the trucking trip and two minutes after. One of the best moves is to put one foot on the step of the truck and stretch the back leg in the lunge position. Bend the front knee and hold for about 20 seconds then repeat with the other leg.

Truckers can loosen up back muscles by touching their toes or bending backwards with both hands on their hips. Is the pain starting to feel like neck strain? Slowly moving the head back and forth and front to back can help ease the ache that gets worse with time.

Use Legs not Arms when Heavy Lifting

One of the reasons truck drivers are so vulnerable to back injuries is because of the long periods of sitting followed closely by intense heavy lifting. The bending forward movement makes the disc between spinal joints stick out which makes it very easy for a serious injury to occur.

Bossen encourages drivers to use a “lock and load” method. Locking the elbows close to the body makes it difficult to rely just on the arms for strength, which protects the spine.  He says over 99 percent of back injuries are a result of not using this technique.

Adjust the Seat

Not only making this change help relieve pain, it makes truckers less likely to get tired behind the wheel. Generally, truckers who are around 6 foot fit best in the driver’s seat. Those who are shorter or taller will need to make minor adjustments. Bad posture is what slowly moves back discs out of their normal position. A seat with the right adjustments makes good posture easy.  The back of the knee should barely touch the seat edge. This will remove any possibility of pressure that can reduce blood flow. The steering wheel should be an easy reach. Any sort of stretch to hold the wheel causes strain. Moving the mirrors in positions that don’t require much turning and twisting will also make a big difference.

Eat Nutritious Foods

The last thing Bossen says to keep in mind is keeping a healthy diet. Overweight truckers have a much harder time keeping back pain under control than healthy ones. Bad nutrition makes the healing process nearly impossible. Having lean snacks on-board like trail mix, fruit, and beef jerky will go a long way. Staying hydrated is also a factor. Truckers should down at least one glass of water for every hour behind the wheel.
Consistently following these simple guidelines can turn a draining truck driving career into an enjoyable experience.

Most of these couples are around 50 years old with either an empty nest or a lackluster lifestyle after retirement. While most looked towards trucking as a way to keep an active lifestyle, the money associated with team driving is definitely an added benefit, helping to cushion their retirement eggs. As a matter of fact, couples driving across the United States can make a combined income of $100,000 a year.

This type of team truck driving is ideal in a few different ways. For starters, it removes perhaps the most unpopular aspect of truck driving – time away from family. Couples as team drivers couple are also safer than the average driver, as they are less likely to speed or take other hazardous risks.

Driving with a partner also makes the workload easier on each member. If one person gets tired, the other can take over to prevent falling asleep at the wheel. Alternating sleep schedules allows the team to cover more miles at a faster pace.  A driving team can actually deliver products to the customer in half the time of a single driver. While a solo driver can drive 10 hours a day, a couple can drive for 20.

For this reason, employers tend to send their team drivers to the most loyal customers to ensure fast deliveries. This makes a dedicated driving couple much more valuable to employers than a single driver. Older workers who have had previous careers are also seen as more dependable, mature, and already have proven work ethic.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that since 2000, the number of truck drivers over 55 have jumped 19%. Nationally respected carrier Schneider National, claims 3,000 of its 15,000 drivers are older individuals.

Some of the possible benefits that attract couples to a truck-driving career are:

-Health and life insurance

-Rewards for safe driving

-Vacation pay

-Retirement plan

Couples with grown children and/or few obligations are most likely to enjoy time on the road. The rewarding career gives them the opportunity to travel to new places and work as a team. If you are looking for a change of scenery and think your relationship has what it takes, couple truck driving may be the ideal career move for you and your spouse!

Over-the-Road Trucking

A typical OTR driver will travel to several different places in one day. Employers call this an “irregular route.” The location could be anywhere in the country and any expected destination time day or night. These drivers don’t typically have a set schedule or route- they work anytime, anywhere. Sometimes OTR drivers are expected to travel internationally (Canada and/or Mexico), which means weeks or months away from home. OTR truckers have the benefit of seeing an exciting variety of landscapes and usually get above average pay. The job opportunities for OTR truckers are endless. Truckers willing to drive long distances for an extensive amount of time are in very high demand.

Less than Truckload Trucking

A LTL trucker will haul a combination of different types of material. Usually it weighs less than 10,000 pounds. These drivers have many different places to go, but are on a strict schedule and time line. LTL truckers tend to travel the same routes every week. Most of the time the routes are regional or local because of the high number of shipments. Although the OTR benefit of seeing a variety of places doesn’t apply here, drivers are able to spend much more time at home.  As you can imagine, the majority of truckers want as much time at home as possible. This creates tough competition for LTL jobs. A good way to make the job search easier is to have a top-quality CDL education, all of your endorsements, and at least two years of driving experience.

The differences between the two types are very apparent. The lifestyle of an OTR trucker is drastically different from that of LTL trucker, as is the earning potential. Take some time to consider the rewards and obligations of both positions. You will surely experience an exciting and stable career with whatever path you choose!

The truck driver industry is short on available and trained truck drivers. The average age of a truck driver today is 51. With this age so close to retirement time, a new wave of qualified truck drivers will be desperately needed to keep the industry afloat. The shortage is predicted to be around 200,000 by 2012.

You can read the whole story here:

http://www.middletownjournal.com/news/middletown-news/shortage-of-drivers-looms-for-u-s-trucking-industry–1217966.html

A part of choosing a career as a professional truck driver is to make sure you’ll be able to adjust to the unique living conditions. To give you a better idea of what to expect, here’s a list of the most common things that can be put in a basic semi-truck sleeper to keep time spent behind the wheel as comfortable as possible:

Sleeper Berth Area

Most OTR semi-trucks have some sort of bed that pulls down from the wall. Unless it’s a customized truck, the bed is usually twin size. Just like a car, a truck can’t run all night during sleep hours. So in extreme weather season like a steamy summer or frigid winter, may truckers decide to not risk losing sleep while battling the elements and stay the night in a motel. A thick curtain to block out any light is a helpful accessory to keep nearby the bed.

Storage Compartment

As you can probably guess, storage is limited inside a semi-truck. Most of them have some space to store things like clothes, food, toiletries, and meal prep utensils. Some trucking companies put restrictions on what a trucker can store on-board.

Food Conservation Methods

There are a few different creative ways to keep food in fresh condition while on the road. Thermoelectric coolers, travel refrigerators, and ice chests are three of the most popular ways. Ice chests tend to be the most effective way to keep food cool. The only downside is it’s consistent need for ice refills.

Electricity

It’s the seemingly little things that make the biggest difference when it comes to living in a small space. Having a source of electricity can make life drastically easier for some truckers. Electricity can be useful when it comes to things like personal hygiene appliances, cooking equipment, and truck support tools. Truckers can have electricity by either buying a diesel-powered auxiliary power unit (APU) or an inverter. An APU is the better quality choice, but can cost thousands of dollars.

Bathroom

Having to pull over every time nature calls can waste precious time on the road. A portable toilet is one the best investments a trucker can make. The toilets vary in size and color and have several different waste tank sizes. Truckers can also buy additives for the toilets to help reduce odors and break down waste.

As you can see, the life inside a semi-truck can be compared to living in a small and portable apartment. Having the appropriate features and tools can make the trucking lifestyle even more enjoyable and relaxing.

Any commercial driver caught texting and driving can suffer a fine of up to $2,750 and an additional fine of up to $11,000 for the carrier employing that driver. Along with the fine comes a 10-point violation on the driver’s CDL record. Depending on what state you live in, that many points could cause you to have your license suspended.

An article summarizing the federal rule, lists the following and many more as what the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration does not consider texting:

• Reading, choosing, or dialing a phone number
• Entering voicemail codes
• Using voice commands to make or pick up a call
• Reading or typing in GPS or navigation technology

An increase in federal rules and regulations for truckers only increases the need for top-quality, safe truckers. This means it’s more important than ever to look for a high-quality CDL training program that will make sure you are well-versed in the latest federal and state safety standards.

Here’s a list of questions to ask before beginning your search for the best CDL training program for you.

How much will it cost? – This is an obvious question to ask, but don’t let it be a priority over other more important factors. Most CDL training programs will differ by about $500 or less. If the price is drastically different from other programs you’ve looked into, make sure you find out why. If the program is much more expensive, don’t be afraid to ask the admissions consultant why the program costs so much more. If the program is vastly less expensive than other local programs, it could be that the school has a poor reputation for high-quality training.

However, if the cost is more than you expected there are always financing options to look into like loans, grants, and other payment options. Be familiar with the specific differences and similarities between the schools, before you make a decision based on price.

How much driving time does the school provide? - It’s no secret that the best way to learn is by doing. This especially applies to the field of truck driving. You can only learn so much about operating a powerful vehicle from textbooks and diagrams. A hands-on program that gives you more time on the road will make you a more confident driver and arm you with useful driving experience for your future jobs. We’ve found that 32 hours should be the minimum amount of driving time.

What equipment is the school using? - The truck driving industry is constantly updating and improving trucking technology and machinery. Before handing over the tuition money, take a walk around the campus to make sure the school is using late-model equipment. Employers want drivers who are the most knowledgeable about the ins and outs of the present day semi-truck field and vehicles.

How accurate is the school with job placement? – The whole reason you want to go to trucking school is to eventually get a job right? Then make sure the school you choose has a high job placement rate. The best trucking companies like to hire top-quality graduates from schools that teach them to be as safe and experienced as possible.

These are just a few of the questions you should ask yourself and the school before becoming a truck driving student. You can never ask too many questions or do too much research before deciding on where to begin your incredible trucking future.

One of the most important things to realize is that a career as a truck driver means a lot of independence. Typically, a truck driver will cover 400 to 600 miles a day, which is roughly 8 to 11 hours on the road. The rest of the time is spent looking over the load to make sure it’s secure and stable, loading/unloading cargo, or doing vehicle check-ups before and after a long haul. There is also a small percentage of time waiting at shipping and receiver stations. Those who enjoy solitude get the most out of the trucking experience. Not having to deal with customers at a typical 9 to 5 job is a bonus to them.

However, much more trucking independence was required of earlier truck drivers. Every truck driver is tracked by a GPS system, so the dispatcher is aware of where the driver is at all times. They also know how many hours are left to drive, how long a driver has been on the road for that day, and where the destination is. If a trucker needs to know where to get gas, how fast to go, or which route to take, the dispatcher can instantly communicate with them through an electronic device in the truck.

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of spending so much time on the road is array of different places you will be exposed to. Not many jobs give you the experience of waking up in a new landscape every day of the week. These places can vary from congested cities to remote desert terrain. It’s common for a truck driver to have been to every state by the middle of their careers. Traveling across so many areas can create some time-zone confusion. It will take some time and experience for your body to adjust to the sporadic sleep patterns and odd meal times.

The challenges are endless for a truck driver. These could be navigating through treacherous weather, finding your way through a busy city, or backing an enormous trailer onto a dock. A day on the job is never the same as the one before, which makes the career exciting and full of surprises.

The DOT inspects every carrier to determine if any safety changes or improvements need to be made. Law enforcement officers spend time researching the reports to pin point which companies are having the most problems. The worse record a company has, the more often they will be monitored and pulled over on the highways.

This tool can be extremely helpful for new truck drivers trying to decide which company to work for. Comparing company ratings gives you a better idea of how well the company is doing. It’s not necessary to make a decision based only on a slightly higher score, but it should help you cut out the struggling companies getting lower than average scores.

How Does the Scoring System Work?

The percentage you will see reflects the percentage of carriers who are doing better than the carrier you are looking at. For example, a safety rating of 80% means that 80% of other monitored companies have better ratings than that company. It may seem confusing at first, but just remember a higher percentage means a lower score.  Here are the Safety Rating ranges:

• 0-49-Satisfactory
• 50-74-Conditional
• 75-100-Unsatisfactory

These scores are crucial to companies because law enforcement officers are not the only ones who look at the scores. Shippers often choose one carrier over another because of a better safety rating. A more reliable fleet of drivers means a safer delivery. If the risk seems too high with a carrier, shippers will definitely look the other direction. This site is constantly updated, so use it often to check up on the four main categories I mentioned earlier and the rating for that month. Using every resource out there will help secure long-term success as a professional truck driver.

Some CDL training schools will advertise “free cdl training” or “company sponsored cdl training.” They promise to pay for the entire cost of the school as long as you sign a contract swearing to work for their company for a least a year after you graduate. Sounds good? Well what they usually don’t talk to you about are the teeeeeeny words in fine print that make all the difference.

First of all, if the company for some reason decides they don’t want to hire you anymore, YOU are now responsible for the CDL training costs. Another sticky situation you won’t be prepared for is if you end up failing the training. Again, the CDL training costs will be handed over to you to take care of.

Let’s say you pass your training and you start working for the company you agreed to contract with. You discover too late in the game, like many inexperienced drivers, that they are paying you very little for long hours and you want out of the position. If you do decide to leave, you will then have to pay for once “free” cdl training plus interest.

The safest way to secure a successful career as a professional truck driver is to go to an accredited CDL training school. A good school will have job placement options that pay for your tuition as you work with that company. This method will give you a better variety of places to work.

If you’d like to hear more about a top-quality school with your best interests in mind, fill out the information form to the right of the page and a CDL Training Today representative will be in contact with you.

To help you figure out if the truck owner operator lifestyle is right for you, let’s break the most important questions to ask before you get started.

1. Do you know how to run a business?

2. Are you prepared to give up a good portion of free time?

3. Can you trust yourself to save money for possible future expenses?

4. Are you ready to deal with the long schedule that comes with being your only employee?

5. Do you have the business communication skills necessary to deal with several different companies?

If you answered yes to these questions, a career in truck ownership may be just the thing for you.  Here’s a short list of steps to get you on your way to a long, profitable career.

Step 1: Licenses

A CDL is obviously required to operator a semi, but it’s also worth your while to earn other certificates that let you carry other different types of cargo. A good example of this is the hazardous material certificate. Being able to transport different types of cargo will give you more driving opportunities.

Step 2: Buy a Truck

This is the biggest purchase you’ll make as a new truck owner operator. Make sure you’ve spent lots of time looking at different financing option. Find a used truck to save you money up front.

Step 3: Find a Mechanic

Even if you get the most expensive, upgraded truck you can find, it will most likely need some repairs down the road. You’ll need a trustworthy mechanic to keep your business rolling.

Step 4: Make a Budget

There will be a long list of things to pay for as a truck owner operator. The best way to keep track of where your money goes is to figure out about how much you will spend in every area each month. Just to give you an idea of what to expect, you should have enough money in savings for a down payment on the truck and at least three months worth of expenses.

Now get trucking! The opportunities for truck owner operators are everywhere, so really find what type of companies you want to work with and stay loyal to them.  With commitment, patience, and a little bit of business sense, you will soon start to see the high-paying rewards of the truck owner operator career.

Companies finally started realizing in the 1930’s how unsafe their drivers were operating and started making them write down every hour they drove. These guys didn’t have the luxury of pushing of few keys on an ipad. They were responsible for recording every hour or every day with a lead pencil and ruler. As you can imagine, this process took away from hours that could have been spent covering miles.

The Interstate Highway System was constructed in the 1950’s and gave larger trucks the freedom to drive faster through rural areas.  However, new systems also meant new rules and regulations. Trucks were now told to follow the first federal maximum gross vehicle limit.

The exciting era of trucking technology began in the 1970’s in the form of CB radios. This allowed truckers to talk back and forth with each other and hear information about road construction and detours. Another valuable invention during this time was the techno graph, which did the work of both a speedometer and clock. Truckers breathed a sigh of relief because they were finally able to conveniently keep track of their hours on the road.

Competition between trucking companies was spurred by deregulation in the 1980’s. The only companies that came out of the fight were the ones who were able to deliver products on time and at unbeatable prices. This battle set into motion an era dedicated to improving trucking performance. On-time deliveries, quality driving, and electronic driver logs were now crucial to long-term success in the trucking industry.

Customer satisfaction became the ultimate goal in the 2000’s. Advanced mobile communications technology (cell phone towers) and Wi-Fi made this went from expensive luxuries to every day necessities.

It’s obvious the most dramatic improvement to truckers has been technology advancement, but there are several other areas that have undergone drastic change. More companies are giving their drivers opportunities to drive closer to home. There are very few people who want to work for 30 days at a time without going home. This is why more companies desperate to meet the growing demand for workers are allowing their drivers to drive during the week and spend time at home on the weekends.

A growing number of improvements doesn’t mean that truckers have it easy. Yet, gone are the days of only calling home once a week on a payphone; getting lost in the middle of nowhere with no communication; or pulling over every hour to write in your log book. With the consistent increase in trucking job opportunities, drivers can expect industry improvements to continue.

The study tested 542 workers at eight different trucking sites in the U.S. Most of the employees were around 49 years old and employed for at least 15 hours a week. The surveyors looked at the drivers diet choices in three different categories: fruits and vegetables, drinks with added sugar, and sugary snacks. They also took note of other work related factors like job stress and supervisor encouragement.

The biggest difference in these findings was the amount of vegetables each group ate. The 52 percent of workers that were getting enough sleep were taking in around three servings of fruits and vegetables while the drivers not getting enough rest eating almost less than two.

Truck drivers need to pay careful attention to their blood pressure and heart health. You can do this by following some simple tips like these:

• Pack your own food. Not only is it easier to make healthier choices this way, it will save you cash. Bring some ice packs for your mini-fridge in your sleeper to keep your meals fresh.

• More protein means leaner food. Try to choose foods packed with fat burning protein. Some examples are hard boiled eggs, raw walnuts, almonds, chicken or fish, and unsweetened peanut butter.

• Have smart snacks. Fattening snacks like a bag of potato chips won’t keep you full as long as things like cheese sticks, fruit, and peanuts will.

• Stay away from white pastas or bread. Always look for whole grain breads and pastas. Other things to watch out for: candy bars and soda with lots of sugar and high fructose corn syrup. High fructose corn syrup increases your insulin and makes you crave more often.

• Sneak in some cardio between hauls. You will always be on a busy schedule, but spending just 30 minutes a day will give you more endurance for the roads. Go for a walk around the rest stop or bring a medicine ball to work out with in your motel room. A healthy body means a clear mind, which will help you be a more efficient driver.

I’ll get you started with a short list of the some of the different expenses you’ll be responsible for as a new truck owner operator:

Soft Costs

Soft costs are things like meals during your route, entertainment, clothes, accommodations, etc. These out-of-pocket expenses can easily go unnoticed and add up over time. Here are some daily soft cost examples of a driver who spends 300 days away from home with a phone bill of $100/month.

Breakfast-$6.00

Lunch/Dinner-$10.00

Coffee and Energy Drinks-$8.00

Entertainment (Magazines, Movies, Books, Music, etc.)-$5.00

Total=$29.00 per day

These costs can add up to $10,000 a year, and even more if you drive in and out of the country. Make it a habit to track your soft costs every day or week to lower the costs.  Write down your daily or monthly soft costs, multiply them by the amount of driving time in days or months, and divide them by your annual mileage.

Maintenance and Repairs

Predicting how much you will spend fixing your truck is probably the trickiest part of truck owner operator budgeting. You never know just how reliable your truck is going to be so it’s important to set aside a portion of your money to deal with any repair costs.

According to Myron Graham, the director of operations of Rentway Ltd., a driver who covers about 100,000 miles a year should expect to spend $66,984 for repairs in five years.

Fuel Costs

It’s no secret-diesel fuel is not cheap. A driver who drives 100,000 a year at $3.99 a gallon will need to buy about 16,667 gallons of fuel. At the end of the year, you will have spent almost $67,000 in gas.

A good way to save is to invest in a more aerodynamic truck. An aerodynamic design will help cut down on drag and in return increase your profit margin by $8,500 to $15,00 per year-depending on how many miles you cover annually.

These are just three of the many costs to consider before starting your truck owner operator career. The other expenses include the actual truck price, plates and permits, and insurance. However, if you have the right amount of savings to invest in the business, you can be earning over $110,000 as a successful truck owner operator!

http://www.ktvu.com/news/28526782/detail.html

• Know AND Understand the terms of your coverage. Truck insurance compared to car insurance is a completely different ballgame. The terms in an insurance agreement include several aspects of your truck such as the cargo carried inside. The coverage you go with should not only protect you and your vehicle, but also whatever is being transported and the other car involved in the accident.

• Pick an affordable payment and deductible. How pricey your deductible is will be a big factor when the time comes to use the policy. If you decide to have a small deductible, the monthly payments will be higher. However, the driver with higher monthly payments will only have to pay the deductible when an accident happens, and the policy will cover the rest.

If you don’t have a significant amount of money saved, you may want to think about the higher monthly payments instead of a big chunk of money right after a serious accident.

• Keep your driving record clean. The best way to get a low rate is to have as few mistakes on your record as possible. If you have traffic tickets or serious accidents on your record, it’s worth it to look into getting them removed. Insurance companies want to insure safe and reliable drivers who don’t take risks with their trucks. Keeping your truck up to date and clean also lets insurance companies know that you take the care of your truck seriously.

• Get quotes from lots of different companies. Insurance companies are always in tight competition with each other. They want you to choose them over anyone else. Call around and tell each company the lower quotes you’ve been offered and they will usually try to beat it with an even better deal. If they say they can’t, move on to the next one. When you go about it this way, you’ll be sure to get a reasonable rate and deductible.

This may seem like a lot of trouble to go through, but your future as a truck owner operator is too important to risk on bad insurance. You can use websites like TruckersReport.com to easily compare insurance rates.

The chosen employees will deliver materials to and from several oil removal sites. The companies’ sudden expansion is due to the growing demand for oil. Drivers will use dry hopper or liquid tankers to transport the products.

The positions are full-time with an average salary of $40,000 to $60,000 a year. The hiring package also includes several benefits such as: premium starting pay, medical insurance, and paid orientation.

Probably the most attractive part about this job is the amount of time at home. Instead of spending weeks on the road, daily visits back home are possible.

When thinking about applying to a company truck-driving job like this, make sure you know the requirements before starting the process. Most companies ask for these 4 things:

1.      Must be at least 21 years old

2.      Must have a valid CDL given by your resident state

3.      Must have a clean driving record

4.      Must have strong work history

There is no better time than now to put your job security worries behind you and get involved in the booming trucking industry.

• Don’t idle. Every time you run your engine while your truck is stopped, it wastes gas.

• Change gears as little as possible. Keeping your truck moving at a constant speed, and staying in a high gear helps prevent burning up fuel. If you make this a habit during your CDL training, it will benefit you in the long run.

• Don’t speed. Con-way Freight in Ann Arbor, Michigan has lowered the maximum speed for it’s 8,400 trucks from 65 mph to 62mph. This may not seem like much of a difference, but it will save about $3.2 million gallons of annual fuel, which gives back $1.2 million that would have been used on fuel costs.

• Keep up with truck maintenance. Smart truckers treat their trucks like royalty. Keep filters unclogged, tires inflated, and consistently check the most important parts of your engine. These checks can save you over 100 gallons of fuel a year.

• Less drag. Using an Aerodynamic profile tractor instead of an ordinary long nose tractor can help you save thousands of dollars in fuel per year. Spend some time researching cab and trailer aerodynamic designs.

• Use Low Rolling Resistance Tires. Choosing to use single-wide tires and aluminum wheels will cut down rolling resistance and weight which saves fuel.

Participating in a top-quality CDL Training program with experienced instructors will help you adopt these smart habits for you future as a successful truck driver. If you’re interesting in finding out more about one of these programs, feel free to contact us to receive more information on your CDL training.

• How much time are you willing to spend away from home? Sometimes being your own boss means spending the week AND weekend on the road. If you aren’t willing to sacrifice some significant time at the house, your take-home pay will suffer.

• What’s your driving style? Driving your own truck will take even more endurance than company driving. The more you drive, the more money you put in your pocket. Sometimes this means using every available hour in your schedule to cover hundreds of miles.

• Is your family able to work with your busy schedule? If your spouse has an unusual work schedule or you share child custody, the truck owner operator life may not be for you. Keeping up with a successful trucking business requires an understanding family at home willing to be flexible.

• How’s your health? One of the benefits of driving for a company is that you are covered by their health insurance. Do you have any conditions that may get worse over time? If so, are you financially prepared to take care of any future medical problems? Having to deal with a serious health issue will take tons of time off the road, expensive medical bills, and a possible dent in your business.

• What are your goals for the future? Your career as a trucking owner operator will not be a short one. If you have plans to go in a different direction in the next 3 to 5 years, the owner operator road may not be for you. On the other hand, if you see yourself eating up the miles for years to come you may be an ideal candidate for the truck owner operator industry.

These are just a fraction of the personal areas you need to consider before deciding to own and operate your own truck. Making sure you are prepared for the trucking lifestyle and responsibilities will put you on you way to a high-paying business.

There is a program in Camp Pendleton, CA called Troops 2 Truckers that gives active duty men and women the chance to earn a CDL for free. The soldiers’ tuition costs are paid by the military’s tuition assistance program. Servicemen are taught trucking procedures while in active duty so they can be placed in transportation jobs right away. The program is also available for soldiers who have ended their military service. Giving them a steady career makes the switch to civilian life easier., It gives service men and women something else to work for after they leave the service. Trucking companies are able to fill the industry’s needs with a physically fit, high-quality workforce. Troops 2 Trucker workers see the program as a way to give back to the men and women who risk their lives to protect their country.

Although there is only one program located in California, it’s expected to spread to many Midwest bases.