Truck Driving Jobs

My List Of Bad Trucking Companies

2009-06-29T01:08:00.003-05:00

First things first, This IS NOT a list on bad trucking companies. This will go over some basic facts about trucking, and personality. I will comment on some companies I have heard stories about, and on the flip side, I will also tell you about some great stories I've heard about.

When you get into trucking, I believe just about the worst thing anyone can do, is get online and read forums, and do research on every company that hires students, or people with no experience in this industry.

Why?

It's practically common sense, when you have a large group of people changing careers, or moving out of a comfort zone, quite a few of them will hate it, and reject the change that's happening in front of them.

Trucking is about attitude, first and foremost. I'm not going to advocate that everything that happens is a persons fault, and I'm certainly not going to tell you that truckers are angels in disguise. There are crooks in trucking, just like there are people who think they own the road and don't play by the rules when it comes to log books. However, I'd like to state that most people who drive trucks like their jobs, and are generally nice people. I can't tell you how many times I've been able to just start talking to another driver at a truck stop about nothing in particular.

So, Onto the heart of the matter, What defines a company as a "bad company".

Some drivers believe that a company who doesn't consistently give them 3000+ miles a week is a bad company. Some argue the ones who don't pay right suck. Then there are those who claim they can never get home when they want, and they miss every occasion because they weren't allowed the time off. Then there are a few who would argue that they can never contact anyone at the company.

Legitimate Complaints? Hardly, More like excuses.

Why? Because most of these things can be sorted out if drivers simply follow company policy.

No Miles? Chances are freight is slow.

Right now, as of 07/03/2009 freight is slow everywhere, this is because of the recession. Flatbed has no freight to haul, because they haul a lot of building materials, and you have several companies competing over the same small market share, such as Swift, Knight, Arrow, BTC Flat, McElroy, and the list goes on. Your best chance for miles right now is to be hauling Reefers, or get on some type of dedicated account. This will ensure more consistent miles across the board.

Trucking Companies That Don't Pay Right.

There are a few companies who are shoddy, but that's part of the game. I've found the majority of people who do not get paid on time, do not play by the rules. Logbooks and Paperwork isn't sent in correctly, or on time. Most drivers who complain about low pay are the ones who deliver late or spend too much time not doing their job, such as hanging out in truck stops or blowing money in casinos. A trucking company will usually respect a driver if the driver respects the company.

Hometime or Missed Hometime

This is a touchy subject with a lot of people, and this is one subject that can clearly go both ways. I've found that as a truck driver I plan events out in advance, I guess, call it job instilled. If you plan ahead, and request time off when you come back to work from being off, your dispatcher or freight manager can usually make it happen. I'd suggest that any driver really try to go the extra mile the first year, because they are really proving themselves, and after that a few mess ups won't significantly affect mileage or pay with the FM because trust and reliability is already earned. Remember, It doesn't hurt to confirm or remind, they people on the other end are human too.

Not Being Able To Contact Anyone?

I've occasionally heard complaints about not being able to contact anyone at the company, which can be frustrating. Most communication is done with a Qualcomm, and you need to take things into perspective here. If you drive for a MASSIVE carrier like Swift, who has over 19,000 trucks. You're going to have congestion. If you drive for a smaller, established carrier like KLLM, who has around 2000 trucks, chances are you won't run into problems with that as much. I can sympathize here more than anywhere else, Sometimes you need to contact someone, but due to the nature of the job, you need to expect waiting.

I've heard complaints of people who don't like to be a number. I don't know about this really, because I've never cared. I got into trucking because I was tired of my boss knowing my name and shadowing me. I found that freedom and anonymity in driving a truck, and the other end of the situation was I never really knew the name of the person I was talking to when I did contact my carrier, so I never held them to knowing mine.

With all that being said, what works for you, may not work for someone else. Which brings us back to why you shouldn't read forums and try to find your perfect company through someone else.

Some of the more common complaints about companies

Swift Transportation - Lack of Contact
C.R. England - Lack Of Miles, Lack Of Contact. C.R. England seems to be facing these problems for years. Most of C.R. Englands problems stem from the driver trying to do a trucking lease with no experience.
Werner Enterprises - Banged up Equipment, and Poor Driver support. I've found a lot of these complaints stem from Students who don't like the trainers they have.

I could go on and on with this, But you may not run into these problems with these companies.

I know a Swift driver that loves them because he doesn't have to talk to anyone there, and they keep him loaded all the time.

I talked to a guy that liked C.R. Englands dedicated route, however, I haven't heard many positives about their OTR division, or lease purchases for that matter.

I know a few Werner Drivers who love the fact that they can take animals with them on the road, and the frequency of the home they get with Werner.

Trucking can be your friend or your worst enemy, what makes it that is your ability to accept change along with the ability to keep a positive attitude through the crappy times. Don't let your emotions get the best of you.

To Haul Or Not To Haul: Freight Types

2009-06-29T00:54:00.000-05:00

In the world of trucking, many companies haul many different products, If you've started considering trucking as a career, I'm sure you've looked a little closer at the semi's you pass on the road....(I honestly doubt they're passing you, going 58-65mph) ha! Now, moving on, You see many different types of trailers, from the most common regular van type trailers, known formally as 'Dry Van', and a variation, that has a refrigeration unit on the front, and usually has shiny rear doors, also known formally as "Reefer" which is short for refrigerated trailer.

You'll also catch Flatbed trailers, which usually haul over sized/overweight items, such as construction equipment, along with lumber, pipes, etc. Some truckers refer to this as "Skateboard" trailers, which personally, I've always disliked...Then Finally you have tankers. Tankers are usually of two varieties, smooth bore, or not. Smooth bore tankers are used for certain chemicals, and food grade products. This means they do not have baffles or bulkheads, reducing the amount of movement in the tank itself. There are also a few more styles, which I'll group together to what I feel are comparable categories.

This will be a series of posts, with each transitioning into the next, talking about the differences in hauling, certain requirements, etc. These will not be definite posts, rather, a general overview of what to expect when hauling.

Onto Part 1: Dry Van - Coming Soon!

C.R. England Training Timeline

2009-06-22T02:03:00.006-05:00

C.R. England Truck Driving Training:

In three to four weeks, complete the classroom and behind-the-wheel training that result in you getting your CDL.

Phase I: On-the-Job Training with a Certified Driver Trainer: For 30 days receive on-the-job training with a certified trainer. The pay of $61.43 per day equates to $430 each week.

Phase II: For 60 days you will become a second-seat driver with a C.R. England lease operator to gain your "company driver" status. During this time you will see how the C.R. England lease program works and will gain more valuable driving experience. At an average of $450 to $600 per week, you will earn 12 cents for every truck mile.

After completion of your training program, it's time for you to choose from several career paths available to you:

Lease your own truck: Choose from a new, state-of-the-art Freightliner Century or Cascadia.

Lease our own truck: This option provides a six-month demo lease.

Remain as a second-seat driver: You will earn 13 cents a mile and continue to receive company benefits.

Become a company driver: Drive one of C.R. Englands newer, well maintained, company operated trucks.

For More Information - http://www.CREngland.com/

The image above also belongs to C.R. England.

How To Shift A Semi Truck

2009-06-18T18:28:00.009-05:00

Before you can actually call yourself a 'trucker', you have to learn how to drive those massive machines. So, In this article, I'm going to introduce you to the way to shift a basic 9 or 10 speed truck.

Shifting a Semi Truck doesn't have to be a difficult matter, and you should simply try to enjoy yourself. The method I'm going to tell you about here is a basic method that will allow you to be able to shift ALL semi-trucks. It is not progressive, double clutching, or any other method. We're trying to keep things simple for the beginner here, and once you hang out in the truck for a month or so, you'll develop your own method. You'll soon realize that once you sign on with a carrier, they'll have some rule about how they want you to do things, so keeping stuff extremely simple is a very good starting point here.

You should learn how to progressive shift, as companies state that this improves fuel economy, and it wouldn't hurt to learn how to double clutch. Most carriers now require double clutching used, which isn't a big deal, because if you attend any type of carrier based school, or attend any training approved by a particular carrier, the chances will be that you are taught. However, what is not told you is that most drivers, (myself included) Rarely, If ever, double clutch. This is really due to it being kind of a nuisance.

So, with all that being said, Let's get to the tutorial.

You Must Do A Pre-Trip, and make sure that the truck is safe to drive.
You must start the truck, some trucks require that you turn a key, then push a button. However, it seems now that most newer trucks start like cars, by simply turning the key until it's running.
After your air pressure has built up, it's time to start moving. Press in the Yellow, and Red Knobs, and give the trailer a moment to air up, which will release the trailer brakes.
Push in the clutch and shift into second gear. Yes, Second. First gear is so short, and it's only used really on very heavy loads.
Here comes the tricky part. Do not push the accelerator! Big trucks require no fuel to get them moving. They are geared different, some of the small differences are transmission types, and clutch types, a typical car clutch is made of composite fiber-type materials whereas a truck clutch isn't.
After the truck is in motion, accelerate up to around 1600 - 1700 rpm. You will no longer use the clutch as long as your truck is in motion.
While at 1600 - 1700rpm start applying pressure to the shifter towards the next gear, while your foot is still on the accelerator.
It will take some time to learn how to time this right, however, the idea is to release the accelerator, pause a brief moment in neutral, and slide into the next gear. You will grind gears, and this is part of the learning curve. Grinding gears in a trucks transmission is not like a cars, it won't damage. (at lease not as much)
Another part of shifting that you need to know is that you need to hold the gear if you don't get it to go in at first. Many people's natural reaction is to pull off of the gear, however, you need to keep on it. Sometimes a truck will have to go to 1000 rpm before it accepts the gear, other times it accepts it right away. They key to remember is that it will not always take at the same rpm, and many times, you will have to give the motor more fuel to match the transmission and engine speed to accept a gear.
Do the same method through all gears. However, at 5th gear you have to flip the splitter, to change to high range gears. Unlike a car transmission, you can 're-use' gears in semi in what's called high range. Remember to flip the splitter in 5th gear, and once you pull out of 5th, to go into neutral, the transmission will swap into high range. This way, you'll shift into 6th gear instead of 1st.
That's it!

Downshifting is essentially the same, however, you reverse the direction, and must give fuel to catch the higher gear. Just pull out of the gear you're in and go towards the gear you want to be in, and just slowly floor the accelerator, and your gear will catch. But Stay Against That Gear so it Will Catch!

What Do I Need To Get A Class A CDL?

2009-06-15T23:41:00.002-05:00

If you're looking into driving big rigs, then yes, you will need a Class A CDL. However, If you're looking into general driving, or if you are just curious about the requirements for a CDL-A, this guide will outline the basic requirements. I will not guarantee this is accurate in all states, or that the exact methods will apply. If you need very specific information, the best source will be the DMV/OMV in your area.

Otherwise, Here Are The General Requirements:

You need a CDL if you operate any of the following vehicles.

• All single vehicles with a manufacturer's weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more

• All trailers with a manufacturer's weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more, if the gross weight rating of the combined vehicle(s) is 26,001 pounds or more

• All vehicles designed to transport 16 or more persons (including the driver). (Private, church, buses.)

• All vehicles that carry placarded amounts of hazardous materials (see following section on exemptions).

Occasional drivers are also required to apply for a CDL and all appropriate endorsements. (e.g. Mechanics or truck sales people who test drive on a public roadway.)

A higher class CDL allows you to drive vehicles in any of the lower classes provided you have the correct endorsements.

In Certain cases, Drivers will be required to get endorsements on their license. In order to haul Tankers, Hazardous Materials, Doubles and Triples. Endorsements are also required if you operate a vehicle that has Air Brakes or is a Combination Vehicle (e.g. Tractor and Trailer) On the split side, drivers will also need endorsements to drive school buses, regular buses that have over 16 people.

Drivers that Hold a CDL will also be required to get a DOT medical Card.

To Get a medical card, it will consist of DOT approved physical. The physical accesses your overall health, such as blood pressure, and will make sure you are in good enough shape to perform the necessary duties of driving/maintaining a commercial vehicle. They will check such factors as:

Blood Pressure (For Overall Health)

Ability to Raise and Lower a Trailer (Test your ability to turn a wheel to simulate turning landing gear)

Crawl on Your Knees (This is to simulate crawling under the trailer, or looking under the tractor)

Step Up and Down Down (This is to simulate getting in and out of the truck)

There are more basic steps, for the complete list, refer to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administrations Web Site.

Drivers will also have to be able to perform basic driving maneuvers in a Commercial Vehicle. This will include backing (Usually, Driver and Passenger Parallel, Straight Back, Alley Dock, 45° and 90°) Basic shifting, and operating the truck in a safe manor, along with Performing a Pre-Trip Inspection which will include the ability to perform an Air Brake Check.

How To Avoid Losing Your Shirt With A Lease Purchase

2009-06-13T11:58:00.005-05:00

Being A Company Driver

Because this article is mainly about A Trucking Lease / Trucking Lease Purchase, I'm only going to touch briefly on the benefits in being a company driver.

Becoming a company driver is just like being an employee at any other job, really. (In a employee-type sense)

Typically, employees are eligible for a vast array of benefits such as legal protection, health, vision, dental, family counseling, etc. These are the top ones offered usually. Employees are also eligible for a paid vacation at the end of each year, often progressing in length as you stay with the company longer.

This is where being a company driver vs lease purchase/owner operator gets kind of difficult, Because there are so many different directions and earnings really go either way.

I've known owner operators who stay out for months on end, and make over $80k a year. I've also known company drivers who stay out for 2 months at a time and make $80k a year. But the exception comes when you get into specifics, of what they're hauling, how often, etc.

A perfect example was a owner operator I knew that pulled flatbed for five years or so then switched over to strictly heavy-haul, and tripled his income.

Because of driver personalities, and different work ethics/habits, it's safe to say that some drivers will naturally excel in one position or the other. The opposite is also safe to say: That some drivers will fail at whatever they choose, company or owner operator.

Here are some general tips for succeeding in a trucking lease purchase:

Do not lease a truck if you are brand new to trucking - You are new to this industry. See how long times out and waiting will make you react. You must be patient to be a trucker. See how you like showering in public truck stops or having hookers knock on your doors at night, If you're inexperienced, Become a company driver.
Start a Trucking Lease with money in hand - Do not go into a lease purchase broke, there are a ton of fees and momentum is required to get moving and making money. You do not want to be in the situation where you are advancing your money to live on, If you have no money, start as a company driver. The VERY minimum I would have to do a trucking lease would be $5k.
If Possible, Lease or Purchase From Someone other than your Company - I don't recommend leasing from whoever you pull freight for, (e.g. Don't lease a truck from C.R. England if you Pull freight for C.R. England) Why? It's cheaper to lease or purchase from a place like Empire Truck Sales, (A months payment from Empire would be about one of your weekly payments at your company) Somewhere like Empire has one incentive - To give you a truck to buy so you'll be back to buy another one later on. You are Empires customer. Your company wants their customer to be happy. (e.g. Whoevers freight is in the trailer)
Being Faster Isn't Always Better - I wouldn't suggest running 80mph everywhere simply because you can. You'll find savings in gas purchases if you go the speed limit, or right under the speed limit, which will increase the money you earn on your settlements.
Don't Sit Simply Because You Can - You still have a dispatcher, I wouldn't refuse short loads because you can. Miles are better than no miles. Your dispatcher will typically give you longer runs once he/she sees you like to keep moving.

The main object is this: Use Common Sense. If you know that eating in a truck stop every day will make you late on a load, get your food to go. Deal with the annoyance for the next few days that you're on the load.

Back to Part One

Swift Transportation New Driver Training Time Line

2009-06-11T00:07:00.009-05:00

Entry Level Drivers

A career in trucking offers tremendous opportunities for financial rewards and professional growth. Whether you're just out of school or you're in a dead-end job, whether you're retired or even if you're looking for a job you can do with your spouse, this could be the ideal career for you. The best part is that even if you don't have previous experience, Swift can help jumpstart your career as a truck driver by giving you the training you need to become a successful trucker.
To get your career in trucking rolling, a Swift Driving Academy is the place to start. Tuition for the comprehensive 23-day course is $3,900. Swift will reimburse you for the total cost of the course over the period of 26 consecutive months of employment with Swift.

The tuition includes the following:
• 207-hour course
• Student housing
• Bus transportation to and from the Academy
• All study materials and testing
• Physical, work-well, and drug screen testing
• All license fees

New classes start every Monday or Wednesday at each of our driving academies.

Note: Some of the academies are currently in the process of a policy change which requires students to get the Class A Permit and DOT Medical Card prior to arriving at the academy. The $150 is waived in this instance. Your recruiter will notify you if this change effects you.

Entry Level Teams

Drivers who want to drive for Swift Transportation as entry level teams will each go through our 6 week training program then team together in their own truck upon successful completion of the 6 week training program. Normal training pay applies. Anyone wanting to drive team can go through a 4 x 4 program. This means they will each go through 4 weeks with a trainer (earning $450 / per week) then after 4 weeks they will get into their own truck, drive together, and begin earning team pay ($.32 cpm team split). Team split means that the truck earns 32 cpm, each driver getting 1/2 or in this case 16 cents for all miles regardless of which team member is actually driving.

Free Spouse Training

Swift also offers a free Spouse Training Program for husbands and wives who wish to drive together. In order to qualify for this program a copy of the marriage certificate has to be provided to Swift.

Swift Tuition Reimbursement

If you went to a Swift approved school and you are responsible to repay your loan for school, Swift can help. We offer tuition reimbursement for up to $5,000 as long as you are a full time company driver for Swift Transportation.

Swift Mentorship Program (approx first 60 days)

Swift Transportation Company has an excellent advanced apprenticeship program for driving school graduates and drivers with less than 90 days of over-the-road experience.

A Driver Services representative will be your contact for any issues you may have during you first 60 days. You will meet this person during orientation and will communicate with them throughout the start of your career with Swift.

You will drive with a qualified Mentor pulling actual loads receiving on-the-job training. During the mentorship program new drivers will earn student pay while learning the Swift system. The training lasts 4-6 weeks with a Certified Mentor. New drivers get paid $450 per week for weeks 1 through 4, and $500 per week during weeks 5 and 6.

Swift utilizes both male and female mentors, drivers have the option of training with the first available mentor or waiting until a Mentor of the same gender becomes available.

Once you complete the 6 week mentorship program and pass your final road test you will be upgraded to a "first seat" classification and receive the keys to your own truck. At this point you will be ready to drive on your own as a solo driver working for Swift Transportation.

For More Information - http://www.SwiftTruckingJobs.com/

Swift Transportation also owns the image above.

How To Avoid Losing Your Shirt With A Lease Purchase

2009-06-08T12:00:00.005-05:00

In The Midst Of A Career Change?

It's orientation day one of your new trucking job. It took a while to get the CDL, and those backing exercises nearly killed you when you had to do them at the DMV, but that's all behind you now. You're a bona fide trucker....Or so you think.

When you closed the door you opened an entirely new one. The vast world of Over The Road truck driving. Congratulations. Now then, that's out of the way, let's talk about how it really happens. You sign on with a major carrier at first, because it's usually the easiest to get, or possibly you may have even gone through a carrier sponsored school.

After filling out enormous amounts of paperwork for two days, and wondering how your crippled hand will be able to float the gears from writing so much, You company throws a new bone in your lap. It's called a Lease, or Lease Purchase. A Trucking Lease or Trucking Lease Purchase is a double edged sword, in all respects. I'm gonna do my best to try to describe both sides of a Trucking Lease, one being the Trucking Lease Purchase, and the other being a Company Driver. I will also go into my personal opinion as a seasoned driver, and give you a few pointers.

All Trucking Lease Purchases aren't created equal. Some companies make it hard to be a company driver, because they prefer all drivers, inexperienced or experienced, to do a Trucking Lease Purchase with them. A certain "red reefer" company I've heard actually forces drivers to team drive unless they do a trucking lease.

First The Positives of doing a Trucking Lease Purchase:

The positives of doing a trucking lease are pretty simple really. The biggest, by far, being the potential to make more money. When you're a lease operator you make more per mile, usually in the area of ¢.75 - $1.00 per mile, and you have more freedom with the truck. When you do a lease, the truck isn't governed as low as a company truck, or is governed significantly higher than a company truck, which allows further potential to make money, Other obvious benefits include the ability to choose what make, model, and color you want, along with neat accessories, like putting a microwave, or a big inverter in it, that you can't in a company truck. Then there is the neat benefit of being able to purchase the truck, usually at a discounted rate when you complete your lease.

So, The Positives Are Shaping Out Like This

More Earning Potential
Faster Trucks
Choose Color
Choose Make
Choose Model
Ability to put appliances/inverter in truck
Option to Purchase and own the truck.
...Chrome (I guess this would be after purchasing it)
Own Your Own Business

The Downsides to Leasing a truck:

There are heavy fees involved in doing a trucking lease purchase, such as:

Tax withholding @ 15%
Truck Payment Per WEEK (Usually in the Area of $300.00 -$800.00)
Collision/Comp. Insurance
Bobtail Insurance
Licenses
Permits
Fuel
Tolls
Taxes (Road, Use, Fuel)
Taxes (Personal @ 15%)
Maintenance/Maintenance Fund
QualComm
Trailer Rental

These are some of the fee's associated with a Trucking Lease Purchase, and many drivers doing a trucking lease purchase seem to find themselves receiving small/negative paychecks after all of the other associated fees are pulled out of driver settlements. Some of the other downfalls that are not commonly thought about is time off, not being paid for, and being an Owner/Operator doesn't always qualify for company benefits and never qualifies for paid vacation.

Part 2: Being A Company Driver

How To Do A Proper Pre-Trip Inspection, Part 2

2009-06-01T16:59:00.007-05:00

Continuing from where we left off,

We will now discuss how to check the rest of the parts. It would be a wise idea to learn what the parts look like, and what they are responsible for, this way you actually know how to inspect the truck, rather than just say what you need to do. I have a illustration here, that goes over a basic method of inspection.

This above covers the very basic of what you should inspect, however, I'm going to go over the way to do it to pass it at the DMV.

I always start under the hood, at the passenger side. This is relative to the truck I use, so, it will have to be changed slightly in place of the truck you use. I personally like to start at the top of the engine, and work my way down. By checking an item, you want to notice the overall condition, and generally give it a good look over and look for missing pieces, cracks, fluid leaking, unnecessary leaning, etc.

As you approach the truck, look for leaning, or fluid on the ground beneath the truck. You will want to continually inspect for any damage to lines and electrical throughout the entire procedure.

Under the Hood, On the Passenger Side:

Check The Oil Level, Condition.
Check the Power Steering Resovoir Level, Lines.
Check Air Compressor, Lines.
Check headlight.

Under the Hood, On the Drivers Side:

Check the Coolant Resovoir Level.
Check the Alternator
Check the Water Pump
Check the Radiator Fan, Condition.
Check Power Steering Pump.
Check Belts for Tension and Wear.
Check Air Filter, Condition.

Onto Suspension/Brake Components:

Steering Box
Steering Linkage
Springs
Spring Mounts
Shocks
Air Bag
Hoses
Chamber
Slack Adjusters
Drum
Drum Liner
Tire
Spacer (if applicable)
Rims
LugNuts
Axle Seal

You will need to perform the above check on all axles.

Moving Onto the Cab/Body:

Marker Lights
MudFlaps
Fuel Tank For Leaking --->Note: This is a "fuel tank", not "gas tank", Diesel isn't gasoline.
Fuel Cap Secured
Turn Signals
Mirrors
Door
Door Latch

Inside of the Cab:

The best way I've found to do this is to work it from the top to the bottom.

Windshield
Windshield Wipers
Gauges, Air Pressure, Oil Temperature, Coolant, Oil Pressure, Fuel, Amp/Volt meter, Speedometer/Tachometer
Horns, City and Interstate.
Steering Wheel For Play
Clutch Pedal For Play
Brake & Accelerator for Play
Check Heat/Defrost
Check that Brakes are Set
Check For Gear Shift in Neutral
Check For Emergency Equipment (Seat belt, Fire Extinguisher, Three Reflective Triangles, Spare Fuses in Glove Box/Compartment)

Onto The Rear Of Tractor:

Check Exhaust
Check Battery Box
Check Cat Walk
Check Truck Frame
Check Drive Shafts
Check Air Lines
Check Electrical Lines
Check Glad Hands
Check Drive Axle (with above mentioned procedure)
Check Mudflaps on Rear of Tractor
Check Rear Lights and Turn Signals.

Onto the 5th Wheel

Check for Grease on 5th wheel
Check Mounting Bolts
Check Locking Pin for Sliding 5th Wheel
Check that Apron and Skirt are Flush Together
Check Release Arm Is Locked
Check (with flashlight) That Jaws are locked around trailer kingpin

Continue this procedure with the trailer by checking all axles, and lights. Simple Enough!

Once you have the whole pre-trip inspection memorized, you can do the whole procedure in about 15 minutes.

Back to Part 1

How To Do A Proper Pre-Trip Inspection, Part 1

2009-06-01T12:02:00.007-05:00

So, You've got the permit, learned how back that monster of a truck up, and it's test day at the DMV. Most states require that you perform a pre-trip inspection, or be able to recite the pre-trip inspection procedure by memory. In Mississippi, you do the air brake check, by memory first, and then you move onto the pre-trip inspection.

So, in this article, I'm going to give you a handy Pre-Trip Photo, and explain items and procedures to checking your truck that will make it easier to learn for first timers. Into more detail so that you grab every possible point on the test. I'll also go over what the purpose of a pre-trip inspection is, and how to condense the total inspection into a detailed, swift procedure.

So, we're starting first with air brakes. Unlike a regular vehicle, tractor trailers are equipped with air brakes, air brakes can effectively stop a large trucks, trains, buses, etc.

Air brakes require three stages, which are:

Charging: The system must be pressurized with air before the brakes will release. At rest, the brakes remain engaged. Once the system reaches its operating pressure, the brakes are freed and ready to use.
Applying: As the brakes are applied, air pressure decreases. As the amount of air decreases, the valve allows air back into the reservoir tanks, while the brakes move to the applied position.
Releasing: Once the brakes are applied and the air escapes after braking, the increased pressure releases the brakes.

Now, that we've decided we want working brakes, this is how to test them:

Start Truck
Let Air Pressure build 120 - 125PSI
Turn Truck Off,Get out chock the wheels.
Turn Ignition on, To Supply Power To Dashboard Warning Lights.
Release The Parking Brake, You shouldn't lose more than 2PSI per minute.
Apply The Service Brake, You shouldn't lose more than 3PSI per minute.
Turn Off Engine, Leave Ignition On.
Fan Service Brakes.
On or Before 60PSI, Low Air Warning indicator MUST come on.
Continue to Fan Service brakes.
At 40PSI, The Tractor Protection Valve MUST close. (Indicated by the Red 8-sided knob popping out)

In Part 2, I will go over how to Pre Trip the rest of the truck.

Continue To Part 2

Trucking Companies That Hire Students

2009-05-28T23:10:00.026-05:00

Hey All! We've revamped this site! Check us out at https://www.thecdltribune.com/! See you there!

I know with the unstable economy, some of us have turned to getting a Class A CDL, and are starting out a new career in truck driving, being at a student level, however, I know first hand that it can be somewhat of a chore trying to find a truck driving job with no driving experience.

Below is a list that I have put together for people seeking truck jobs as students, inexperienced drivers, etc. I didn't link them all, but I hope this list makes your search easier.

I also have links to trucking companies in our sidebar, so be sure to check those out too.

TankStar USA
Central Refrigerated Transport
McElroy Trucking
Swift Transportation - Swift also provides Classes for those who need a Class A CDL.
C.R. England - C.R. England also provides Classes for those who need a Class A CDL. The lastest update is that all company drivers are being made to team drive.
KLLM Transport - KLLM hires Recent CDL School Graduates with a minimum course length of 160 hours.
Schneider National - Schneider National also provides Classes for those who need a Class A CDL, along with recent graduates.
Star Transportation
Covenant Transport
CRST - CRST also provides Classes for those who need a Class A CDL.
FFE Transportation - This company also offers training.
USA Truck - USA Truck has partnered with Driver Solutions to provide Classes to those who need a Class A CDL.
PAM Transport - PAM Transport has partnered with Driver Solutions to provide Clases to those who need a Class A CDL.
~~Averitt -~~ This Company no longer hires with Driver Solutions, and doesn't hire students.
BTC Flat
CTL Transportation
Watkins and Shepard - No Driver Trainer here, see website for details.
Werner Enterprises
May Trucking
Trans Am Trucking
Roehl Transport
~~Arrow Trucking Co.~~ This company went Bankrupt.
Prime, Inc. - Prime, Inc. also has classes for those who need a Class A CDL.
Paschall Truck Lines
Squire Transportation
Con-Way Truckload - Hires students within 30 days of graduating a CDL School, Con-Way also offers a LTL division that truckload division drivers are eligable to transfer to after 3 years.
Central Refrigerated Transport
TMC
US Xpress
Superior Carriers - Intermitently Hires Students
Carry Transit - Intermittently hires Students
Transport America
Land Span Transportation
National Distributors Leasing

**UPDATE** 03/12/2012

Along with these companies, many times, you can find local companies that will hire you without experience, Often it is better to get at least 1 to 2 years over the road (OTR) experience before looking for a local position, this way you'll be hireable by the majority. However, if this isn't an option, look in the phone book and call asphalt companies, dirt hauling companies, cement and aggregates, etc. Many times these positions will start off not as a total driving position, rather as a driver/warehouse or driver/laborer position.
You'll end up paying dues somewhere to get your foot in the door, where you do however depends on what path you take. Many larger companies like Swift, C.R. England, and Schneider National will offer local and/or dedicated runs in areas because they have such a large freight pool and many established customers. Do not be afraid to ask about local/dedicated runs, many times and more often than not in trucking you will have to approach your dispatcher about changing your runs, to something more favorable. I'd say that the only exception is when there is a extreme need for drivers on a particular account.