When it comes to trucking, time management is key to success. Drivers need to be able to maximize their hours of service and make the most of their driving time in order to increase their earning potential. By taking the proper steps to manage their time, truckers can ensure they stay in compliance with the hours of service regulations while still making the most of their time on the road.  

Here are some tips for managing your time as a trucker:

1. Plan Ahead

The most important step in time management for truckers is to plan ahead. Planning out your route, stops, and rest times ahead of time helps ensure you stay in compliance with the hours of service regulations and also allows you to make the most of your driving time. It’s also important to plan for any potential delays or road closures that may occur, as this can help you stay on schedule and avoid any potential problems.  

2. Make Time For Rest

Another important factor to consider is how much rest you need. Truckers should always take the time to rest and refuel, when necessary, as this can help them stay alert and focused while on the road. It’s also important to keep track of your rest time and make sure you are getting the right amount of rest to stay in compliance with the hours of service regulations. 

3. Take Advantage Of Technology

Finally, it’s important to remember to use technology to your advantage. There are many tools and apps available to professional drivers that can help them manage their time more efficiently. From tracking their hours of service to planning out their routes, these tools can help drivers maximize their time on the road and stay in compliance with regulations.  

What To Do When Things Don’t Go As Planned

Even with the best time management skills, there may still be times when things don’t go as planned on the road. In these instances, it’s important to communicate with your dispatcher (or another contact person, if applicable) so they can keep the customer updated. This isn’t directly related to time management, but it can still help you save time in the long run since you’ll be able to deal with potential issues more quickly. It’s also essential for maintaining a strong reputation with your company.

Becoming A Trucker

If you’re interested in entering the trucking industry, Phoenix Truck Driving School can help you get started. We offer commercial driver’s license (CDL) training in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. With our programs, you can earn your license in as little as four weeks. We teach our students valuable skills, including tips on time management and an overview of the hours of service regulations.

To learn more about earning your CDL, contact us today.

Whether you’re a truck driver, a dispatcher, or a logistics manager, communication is essential in the trucking industry. Having a strong communication system in place not only helps to ensure that everyone is on the same page, but it can also help to improve safety, increase efficiency, and build a positive reputation for your business.

Here’s why communication matters for trucking professionals:

Safety

For starters, communication is essential for the safety of both drivers and other motorists. Without accurate and timely communication, drivers may not know about traffic accidents, road construction, or other hazards that could affect their route. By communicating regularly and effectively, drivers can keep their team aware of these conditions and get any support they need.

Efficiency

Communication is also key to improving efficiency. Without communication, dispatchers may not know what routes drivers are taking or where they are at any given time. This can lead to delays and inefficient routes, resulting in lost miles and wasted time. By communicating regularly, drivers are better able to take the most efficient routes and stay on schedule.  

Reputation

Finally, good communication can help build a positive reputation. For drivers, this can translate into more miles over time as your company learns that it can count on you. For the motor carrier as a whole, communication is key for building trust with customers. It keeps the operation running smoothly and ensures that goods are delivered on time, and everyone involved stays updated throughout the process.

Staying On The Same Page

The importance of communication in the trucking industry can’t be overstated. Drivers, dispatchers, and logistics managers all need to be on the same page if they want to succeed. By communicating regularly, they can ensure that they’re taking the most efficient routes, staying safe, and building a positive reputation for their business.

Want To Become A Trucker?

Earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) is the first step to a rewarding career in the trucking industry. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we have programs in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, and we offer job placement assistance to help you start earning as quickly as possible. Many of our students even have offers prior to graduation. Our skilled instructors also have real-world experience in the trucking industry and can teach you valuable skills that will continue to benefit you throughout your career in the trucking industry, including tips for better communication.

Start your trucking career and contact us today.

The trucking industry is an integral part of our country’s economy. Truck drivers are responsible for transporting 70% of the freight in the United States, and 80% of U.S. communities depend on truckers for their medicine, food, and other essential materials. Nearly every sector relies on trucking, and without truck drivers, the negative impact would affect many of our lives almost immediately.

 

Here are five crucial roles the industry plays that demonstrate the importance of truck drivers:

1. Transport Essential Goods

As mentioned above, the trucking industry is responsible for transporting the majority of the nation’s freight. This freight keeps our businesses, grocery stores, restaurants, hospitals, and homes operating at full capacity. Truck drivers are responsible for delivering everything from food items and bottled water to automobiles and chemical products. The oil and gas industry also relies on truck drivers for the safe transportation of their fuel.

1. Provide Aid in Emergencies

The COVID-19 pandemic amplified the importance of truck drivers. Part of the essential goods truck drivers transport is emergency supplies such as medication and medical equipment like hand sanitizer, masks, cleaning supplies, and personal protective equipment (PPE). Truckers played a vital role in delivering these goods to hospitals and first responders and continue to do so. Without regular deliveries, many more lives would have been lost. 

1. Connect Businesses

While technology has brought businesses from across the country closer, truck drivers further close the distance between these establishments. Organizations can order supplies from anywhere in the nation or world because of the time management and safe driving skills of truckers. Drivers use the best routes to ensure shipments will be delivered on time, allowing companies to focus on their internal growth rather than logistics. 

1. Help Build Infrastructure

Truck drivers also play a role in infrastructure. They transport the supplies, raw materials, and equipment needed to complete construction projects like new roads, buildings, tunnels, and bridges. This transportation helps communities grow and remain strong with the timely delivery of lumber, steel, concrete, and more.

1. Contribute to the Workforce

The trucking industry contributes significantly to the American workforce. There are approximately 3.6 million professional truck drivers in the United States, with nearly 8 million people working in the transportation field in some capacity, according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA). These stable, well-paying jobs help maintain the economy. As our society moves forward, the need for eligible drivers will only grow.

Join the Trucking Industry Today

At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we recognize the importance of truck drivers. If you want to become a part of one of the nation’s most vital industries, we can give you the education you need to get started. We have schools in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas with high-quality programs that help you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Contact us today to learn more about earning your CDL at one of our many locations.

Truck drivers are responsible for transporting goods and materials throughout the nation and these individuals keep our economy functioning. Roughly 72.2% of freight in the United States travels by semi-truck according to data from the American Trucking Associations (ATA). Having a basic overview of the freight transportation process can help truckers be more effective and understand the key role they play.

What Is Freight?

To understand how freight works, you first need to know what it is. Freight includes anything that is transported via land, sea, or air in a large quantity for a commercial purpose. This distinguishes the term from “shipping,” which includes smaller amounts of goods and can involve non-commercial shipments.

Who Is Involved?

There are various groups and individuals that are involved in freight logistics.

These include:

Shipper

This is the person or company that needs to ship the cargo. They are also sometimes called the consignor.

Receiver

The shipper sends freight to the receiver, also known as the consignee.

Carrier

The carrier is responsible for getting the shipment from the shipper to the receiver. Various individuals working with the carrier are responsible for different aspects of the process, from organizing the transportation to completing the actual driving.

Third-Party Logistics Providers (3PLs)

Many shippers outsource logistics management to third-party logistics providers (3PLs), which handle warehousing, paperwork, distribution, and other necessary tasks.

What Are Truckers Responsible For?

Each party involved in the logistics process has key responsibilities.

For truckers, these include:

• Knowing and following Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules and regulations
• Ensuring the cargo is properly secured
• Driving safely
• Making sure the truck is in good working condition
• Keeping necessary paperwork accessible in the truck in case this is requested

This is just a basic overview of the requirements for truckers, not an exhaustive list.

Types Of Truck Freight Shipments

Trucks can transport freight in a variety of ways:

Full Truckload (FTL or TL)

Like the name implies, a full truckload shipment, also known as FTL or TL, fills an entire trailer with freight for one shipper.

Less Than Truckload (LTL)

Less-than-truckload (LTL) transportation combines freight from multiple shippers. Each shipment takes up only a portion of the trailer’s space. LTL freight uses a hub and spoke model and shipments travel to terminals where they are sorted and sent back out to new terminals until they reach their destination.

Intermodal (ITML)

Intermodal shipping uses the same container to transport freight using multiple modes of transportation. For example, a ship might arrive with cargo that a truck then picks up and takes to its final destination without opening the container.

Multimodal (ML)

Multimodal shipments use more than one mode of transportation. This is different from intermodal transportation because the container is opened and the cargo is transferred.

How To Become A Trucker

If you’re interested in getting involved in freight transport as a truck driver, Phoenix Truck Driving School can help you get started. Our students can earn their commercial driver’s license (CDL) in as little as four weeks and we have schools in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.

To learn more about our truck driving schools, contact us today.

After you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), the next step in your new career as a truck driver is to decide which trucking company to work for. However, before hopping in the cab, you should ensure that the company meets your expectations. Although interviews often feel one-sided, they are also a perfect opportunity to ask your own questions and learn more about the company you’re interviewing with. Ask potential trucking employers these 20 questions before taking a job with a new company.

Compensation and Pay

One of the main considerations for truck drivers is the salary. Before signing a contract, you must ensure that the company offers a pay package that fulfills your financial needs. This includes finding out all the details about pay rates, pay models, bonuses, and expected raises. You may end up negotiating some compensation factors, so come prepared with a list of non-negotiable items.

 

Five questions to ask potential trucking employers about pay packages are:

 

1. How much do you pay?
2. What pay model do you use?
3. What type of benefits do you offer?
4. What is your home time policy?
5. Does your company offer bonuses?

Operational Details 

Along with pay and benefits, another crucial component drivers need to know about a company before signing with them is their operational details. You should inquire about freight, endorsements, and routes. Knowing the specifics of these operations will help make you confident in your decision to accept or decline a position.

 

A few questions to ask about the operational details of a company are:

 

1. What type of freight do you haul?
2. How much of the freight is drop-and-hook?
3. In what areas does the company operate?
4. What kind of routes are available?
5. How will you be loading and unloading freight?

Equipment 

Equipment is closely tied to operational details, so you can’t consider one without the other. As a trucker, your rig will become your home away from home, so you will want to ensure that it has the basic amenities for a comfortable ride.

 

Questions to ask about equipment include:

 

1. What kind of equipment do your drivers operate?
2. What brands of trucks does the company use?
3. What is the average age of your trucks?
4. What amenities are the trucks equipped with?
5. Am I responsible for truck maintenance?

Company Culture 

You should also ask your recruiter a few questions to get a sense of the company culture. Companies with a strong culture can help drivers feel a sense of belonging and fulfillment. On the other hand, a high turnover rate may indicate that the company is not a good fit for you.

 

To learn more about the company culture, ask the following questions:

 

1. How many drivers do you have?
2. What is your passenger policy? Pet policy?
3. What is your company’s turnover rate?
4. What are your company’s safety standards?
5. Is the company publicly or privately owned?

Choose a High-Quality Truck Driving School

Before you line up interviews with potential trucking employers, you must first earn your CDL. The Phoenix Truck Driving Institute team provides our students with a solid foundation for their trucking careers. Our program uses a multi-faceted training approach that combines classroom, range, and on-the-road driving to prepare you for your new profession. We also offer job placement assistance to help you get on the road after graduation.

Contact one of our advisors today to find out how soon you can start your career.

 

A trucking career is truly unique and is more of a lifestyle than a job. Becoming a trucker is very different from a standard 9-to-5 office job. People are drawn to this industry for a variety of different reasons.

Here are a few:

1. Freedom Of The Open Road

Over-the-road trucking takes drivers all over the country across our nation’s highways. Each day is different and truckers are responsible for their own day-to-day choices, without a boss looking over their shoulder. This sense of freedom and the opportunity to travel while getting paid is a major reason people choose to pursue trucking. The trucking lifestyle may not be for everyone, but it appeals to many who can’t imagine any other sort of career being as satisfying.

2. Stable Demand

Job stability is an important consideration and trucking is a great choice if you’re looking for stable employment. Semi-trucks move 72.2% of our nation’s freight according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA) and there is a shortage of drivers, meaning there is a strong and consistent demand for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders.

3. Competitive Pay & Benefits

Because trucking is so essential and because demand is so high, motor carriers often compete to attract new drivers. A trucking career gives you the opportunity to earn high pay and take advantage of excellent benefits. Top drivers can earn more than $72,000 a year!*

4. Sense Of Service

Without truckers, grocery store shelves wouldn’t be stocked, gas stations would run out of fuel, and hospitals wouldn’t have medication. Drivers are truly essential to keep our society running. In addition to the other benefits, many individuals are drawn to trucking because they appreciate the sense of service and contribution that it provides.

5. Accelerated Education/h3>
Many careers that offer benefits comparable to trucking require years of education. With trucking, you can earn your CDL and hit the road in as little as four weeks. This makes it easy to get started on the road to a rewarding career.

Trucker Training

Phoenix Truck Driving School has campuses in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. We can help you earn your CDL and learn the skills you need to succeed as a trucker. Our students come from diverse backgrounds and are drawn to trucking for a variety of reasons, and we provide all of them with high-quality training. Many of our students have job offers even before they graduate and we offer job placement assistance at all of our schools.

To learn more about our CDL training programs, contact us today.

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $48,310 (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm). The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $72,730 per year according to 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Commercial truck drivers have many responsibilities while on the road, from transporting vital freight to loading and unloading cargo to vehicle maintenance. However, perhaps the most important responsibility of truckers is following safety regulations. The trucking industry emphasizes this aspect of the business, allocating nearly $10 billion annually to driver training, rule compliance, technology, and incentive pay, according to a report from the American Trucking Association (ATA). But what makes safety such a high priority? Continue reading to discover four reasons why safety in trucking is so important. 

1. Safety Decreases Truck-Related Accidents

It’s no secret that truck driving can be dangerous if safety isn’t prioritized. However, tractor-trailer crashes have recently decreased by 10%, due in part to the ATA’s emphasis on safety. Although it is virtually impossible to eliminate all trucking accidents, proper driver training on safety techniques, such as defensive driving and driving the speed limit, can help further drop vehicle crash rates.

2. Safety Lowers CSA Scores

Scores associated with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program are crucial for securing new business and improving a company’s image. Higher CSA scores represent an increased risk, whereas lower CSA scores indicate a better safety record. Good drivers know that a company’s CSA score directly reflects on themselves. Any safety violations, regardless of who was at fault, become part of their resume, including five years of crash history and three years of inspections. Prioritizing safety will help lower a company’s CSA score, attracting more high-quality drivers in turn.

3. Safety Improves Driver Retention

As safety becomes more of a concern in the industry, truck drivers are also becoming more selective about which companies they want to work for. Not only does safety attract more drivers, but it helps retain those drivers for longer as well. Truckers are more likely to stay with a company if they feel like their coworkers and superiors prioritize their safety.

4. Safety Saves Money

Another reason safety in trucking is vital is that it helps save money. Safety improvements can reduce company expenses in several areas, such as fines for violations and driver recruiting costs. Safety enhancements can also lower the costs of damage repairs resulting from an accident. A single major commercial motor vehicle accident can cost nearly $60,000, so keeping drivers safe from accidents is a huge cost minimizer. 

Learn Safe Driving Habits at Phoenix Truck Driving Institute

You must learn safe driving habits if you want to work for a trucking company that prioritizes safety. With a combination of classroom, range, and real-world training, the commercial driver’s license program at Phoenix Truck Driving School teaches students the skills necessary to be safe and successful drivers. 

If you want more information about our CDL training programs, contact one of our advisors today.

Truck driving school is an opportunity to begin the road to a rewarding career. During your training, you’ll learn about the industry and will earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL). To get the most out of your time as a trucking student, it’s helpful to know some possible mistakes and how to avoid them.

Here are some mistakes to avoid as a trucking student:

1. Not Researching Beforehand

It’s true that CDL school is a time to learn more about how trucking works, but it shouldn’t be your first exposure to information about the industry.

Before you decide to earn your license, you should understand what the day-to-day life of a trucker is like and whether this type of lifestyle is something you’re interested in. The freedom of the open road is appealing to many, but this doesn’t mean that trucking is necessarily the right fit for everyone. You should understand the benefits and challenges of becoming a driving career before you get started.

You should also research trucking schools to help ensure you are well-prepared for your career once you graduate. Make sure the program you attend meets entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements. Ask what resources the school offers and know how long the program takes to complete.

2. Having A Poor Attitude

Your mindset plays a big role in your success (or lack thereof) in the trucking industry, and this starts as soon as you enter CDL school. If you have a positive attitude and work hard to improve each day, you’ll likely fare better than if you have a negative mindset.

A poor attitude can also include feeling like you already know everything you need to. Remember that you are just getting started as a truck driver and stay open to feedback from your instructors.

3. Giving Up

Learning any new skill is hard work. With trucking, there’s also a massive vehicle involved and a responsibility to operate this vehicle safely. It’s normal to feel like trucking school is difficult, but it’s important to stay motivated even when things are challenging. Resilience will continue to be important throughout your trucking career, so it’s best to stay cultivating it early.

If you start to feel frustrated, try to remember your reasons for wanting to become a trucker. Focus on your goals and remind yourself that everyone was a rookie once, too.

4. Assuming You’re Done Learning When You Graduate

A high-quality CDL training program gives you a strong foundation as you enter your career, but it’s not the end of your growth as a trucker. You’ll continue to learn more as you hit the road with a driver trainer and eventually go solo (or head out with a driving partner). The first year as a rookie driver is often when you’ll learn the most lessons, but even after this, there’s still room for growth. Truckers who treat every day as an opportunity to improve are most likely to be successful in the industry long-term.

Accelerated Trucker Training

If you’re ready to hit the road, Phoenix Truck Driving School can help. We offer CDL training in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. Our experienced instructors can teach you valuable skills that will continue to benefit you throughout your career.

To learn more about how to earn your CDL, contact us today.

Trucking is a unique lifestyle that often takes drivers across the country to deliver goods and materials. While this can be an exciting and rewarding career path, there are also some considerations you’ll need to keep in mind while on the road. One of these is personal safety, especially while parking during the night. There are many ways truckers can stay safe on the road and protect themselves and their cargo.

Here are some tips for personal safety and protection as a trucker:

1. Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

Awareness goes a long way when it comes to personal safety. When you are walking from your truck to the truck stop or vice versa, avoid using your phone or having other distractions. If you notice anything or anyone that seems “off,” try to avoid those areas. Trust your gut and, if necessary, return to your truck and choose another stop.

2. Trip Plan With Safety In Mind

Trip planning is an essential skill for truckers to develop. It not only helps you stay compliant with hours of service (HOS) regulations and get to your destination on time but can also help you stay safe. Look up any truck stops along your route to see if they are in a safe area. Reading reviews and checking out trucker forums can be helpful in determining which stops are safest. Additionally, trip planning helps you ensure you have extra time to leave a stop and find a new place to park if you have a gut feeling once you are there.

3. Don’t Talk About Your Cargo Or Route

Even if it seems like someone is just making innocent conversation, don’t share details about what you are hauling or where you are going. This is especially important for high-value or otherwise sensitive cargo, but this is not the only time you should exercise caution. Even household items that don’t seem particularly valuable can become a target for thieves, and sharing too much information can increase your risk.

What About Weapons?

In conversations about personal safety, firearms often come up, along with other types of weapons or personal protection tools like pepper spray. It’s important to understand that while whether or not to carry a gun is a personal choice, truckers have various factors they need to be aware of. Most motor carriers prohibit firearms on their trucks, and many shippers and receivers do not allow guns on their property.

Additionally, even if you have a concealed carry license, there are various state and local laws you’ll need to be aware of and follow. It’s difficult to keep up with all of these, which makes going over-the-road (OTR) with a firearm very difficult even in the best of circumstances. Regional routes may be more feasible, although this will still be affected by your company’s policy.

Other personal protection products may or may not be restricted. In general, it’s best to consult an expert and read your company’s employee manual before taking anything you are unsure about on your truck. Other methods, like keeping heavy tools nearby, using seat belts and bungee cords to secure doors, having a dog on board, and taking self-defense classes are more feasible.

Learn About Trucking

If you’re interested in a career in trucking, Phoenix Truck Driving School can help you get started. We offer commercial driver’s license (CDL) training in New Mexico, Arizona, and Texas. With our programs, you can get on the road and start earning in as little as four weeks.

Contact us today to learn more about our CDL schools.

Trucking is an essential and rewarding career path. Drivers keep our nation’s economy moving and due to high demand for qualified individuals, many jobs offer competitive pay and benefits.

If you’re interested in becoming a trucker, here’s how to get started:

1. Determine If Trucking Is Right For You

Before you get started on your journey to start trucking, it’s helpful to determine why you are interested in this career. Our article “Signs You Should Become A Truck Driver” lists some traits that are common in potential truck drivers. Many different types of individuals are drawn to trucking. If you’re a self-starter, interested in high earning potential, and enjoy the freedom of the open road, you may enjoy a trucking career.

2. Find A Truck Driving School

While some are able to earn their commercial driver’s license (CDL) without attending a trucking school, a program that meets entry-level driver training (ELDT) requirements is typically the ideal way to get your license. This is because you have additional support and learning opportunities. Additionally, many companies prefer to hire drivers that have graduated from trucking school programs.

3. Take Your CDL Permit Test

There are two exams you’ll need to pass to earn your CDL. The first is a written test and after passing this, you’ll earn your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). The written CDL test is a multiple-choice exam that covers general information related to semi-truck safety and operation. You may also take endorsement tests at the same time, such as those for hazardous materials (hazmat), tanker, and doubles/triples.

4. Take Your CDL Skills Test

After you pass your written CDL exam, the next step is the skills test. This is a practical exam that includes pre-trip inspections, tests for specific driving skills, and an on-the-road portion. Once you pass, you’ll earn your license.

5. Find a Trucking Job

Now that you have your CDL, the next step is finding a truck driving job. In most cases, you’ll start with an over-the-road (OTR) position. This is because these jobs are the most widely available and allow you to gain wide exposure to different driving conditions over time. Many truck driving schools, including Phoenix Truck Driving School, offer job placement assistance to help you find positions that meet your needs and desires.

6. Ongoing Training and Development

After you get a job, most companies have some type of company training. This often involves going on the road with a driver trainer and trucking under their supervision for a period of time. After this, you’ll be able to go solo, or drive with another trucker if this is your preference.

Even after your official training is complete, you’ll still have opportunities to continue to learn and grow. The best truckers are constantly honing their skills and working to improve their safety and efficiency on the road.

Earn Your CDL With Us

Phoenix Truck Driving School offers high-quality CDL training in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas. We can help you earn your license and hit the road in as little as four weeks.

To learn more about how to become a trucker with our programs, contact us today.

Pay is one of the key elements that a truck driver looks for in a new job after earning their commercial driver’s license (CDL). Truckers can make more than $72,000 a year*, but the pay structure varies. What a professional driver gets paid is determined by the trucking company they work for and the work they are hired to do. There are also several factors for earning potentials, such as experience level, location, number of miles driven, endorsements, type of haul, and haul range. 

Here are some of the most common types of truck driving pay:

Base Pay

Base pay makes up the majority of what a truck driver earns. It is calculated based on the type of trucking you do.

There are four main types of base pay:

1. Pay Per Mile

Pay per mile is one of the most common types across the trucking industry. Often called cents per mile (CPM), this structure pays drivers for the miles they drive and is typical for long-haul truckers. There are several ways to calculate pay per mile, including practical mileage (number of miles in the most efficient route), household goods miles (zip code to zip code), and hub or actual miles (mileage change on the odometer). 

2. Hourly

While hourly pay is familiar to many drivers because it’s common in other careers, it is less typical in the trucking industry. This pay structure is often used by delivery companies with small driving ranges. Drivers paid by the hour can expect to work with frequent stops, loading and unloading, and regular customer interaction. 

3. Salary

Salaried jobs offer truck drivers consistent pay on a weekly or biweekly basis, regardless of the miles they drive. This pay structure is typically only available for local and regional positions.

4. Pay Per Load

Pay per load is the least common type of base pay for truckers. With this structure, drivers earn a flat rate for each load they deliver regardless of hours worked or miles driven. Most jobs that offer pay per load are in the agriculture or oil and gas industries, or are available for owner-operators only. 

Additional Truck Driving Pay

In addition to base pay, there are other types of compensation a truck driver can earn depending on a specific situation.

These situations include:

Per Diem

Per diem is a daily allowance given to a driver for any place they stay overnight, meals, and other expenses. Per diem is a form of reimbursement and is not considered taxable income. While a higher per diem wage doesn’t affect your annual income, it does mean you will pay less come tax season.

Detention, Layovers, and Breakdowns

Some companies offer compensation when drivers are stopped for long periods. Detention pay occurs when you are held up at a shipper or receiver, layover pay is given when you have to wait between loads, and breakdowns refer to any issues with a semi-truck that require you to stop and wait for repairs. Compensation for these circumstances varies between companies.

Stop Pay

Stop pay is typically offered to drivers who make multiple stops throughout their run, not including the initial or final destination. This type of pay helps over-the-road truckers make up the difference when they have to make multiple deliveries in fewer miles.

Bonuses and Incentives

While base pay makes up the majority of a driver’s income, many companies offer additional compensation through bonuses and incentives. The most common bonuses are for fuel, safety, and inspections, as well as performance and on-time deliveries. Companies also often offer hiring or referral bonuses to incentivize new drivers.

Earn Your CDL in as Little as Four Weeks

If you are interested in a career where you can see the country and earn competitive pay, truck driving may be the right choice for you. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we can help you earn your CDL and start making money on the road in as little as four weeks. We also offer job placement assistance. 

To earn your CDL and hit the road, contact us today. 

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $48,310 (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm). The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $72,730 per year according to 2021 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Driving in a major city can be stressful in a passenger car, let alone in a semi-truck. Urban driving presents many hazards like congested traffic, narrow streets, sharp turns, and pedestrians. These challenges mean truckers must be extra cautious to avoid accidents and delivery delays. 

Here are five tips for city driving in a semi-truck to help you stay safe:

1. Practice Effective Trip Planning

Effective trip planning is one of the best ways to safely navigate city driving in a big rig. Cities often have roads that are impassable by semi-trucks, which is crucial to know ahead of time. Planning your route before you leave and using a truck-specific GPS while driving will help you get in and out of the city without incident. It is also helpful to check the weather report before you leave for your destination so you can prepare yourself and your vehicle for the conditions. 

2. Keep a Safe Following Distance

Keeping a safe following distance is another precaution to take on city roads. Since there are a lot of vehicles on the road, traffic tends to slow down and stop frequently, and you need to be ready for it. Semi-trucks need more time and space to stop than four-wheelers, so focus on the vehicle ahead and watch for brake lights to avoid rear-ending someone. 

3. Be Alert at Intersections

Intersections can be dangerous for all vehicles, especially semi-trucks, so it is essential to stay alert when you approach one in a large city. If you see a red light ahead, slow down early and carefully. When you arrive at a yellow light, it might be tempting to try to zoom through it, but it’s a better plan to avoid causing an accident or getting a ticket. Truck drivers should also be cautious when the light turns green. City drivers may run the red, and a stray pedestrian could still be crossing the street, so you will need to accelerate slowly and be on the lookout.

4. Change Lanes Safely

Visibility is important each time you get behind the wheel of your truck but becomes even more critical when navigating city streets. You must always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you plan to change lanes. Before you do so, check your side and rearview mirrors often, make sure you have enough space, and signal your intention early. Trying to zip over into the other lane or jump in front of another vehicle could cause an accident. 

5. Stay Calm

Driving in a big city can aggravate even the most patient drivers. However, it’s best to try to stay calm no matter how frustrated you may get. Driving angry will only increase your chances of getting into an accident. Just remember your training and that you are capable of navigating any situation that the road throws at you. 

The First Step To Your Truck Driving Career

The first step to your trucking career is earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) with a reputable organization like Phoenix Truck Driving School. We have schools in Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, and our programs prepare students for the CDL test with a combination of classroom learning and hands-on experience. 

Contact us today to learn more about earning your CDL with Phoenix Truck Driving School.