Month: November 2017

Updated August 2024

For many who complete their CDL training, becoming an owner-operator is a compelling career choice. This role offers a blend of independence and entrepreneurial opportunity, allowing you to essentially run your own trucking business! However, there are multiple steps requiring time and financial commitment that you must take following CDL school. If you’re considering this path, understanding what it takes to become an owner-operator and how it compares to contract or independent driving will help you make an informed decision about your future!

The Path to Becoming an Owner-Operator

1. 1. Gaining Experience:
      Before diving into the role of an owner-operator, gaining experience as a company driver is crucial. Working for a trucking company helps you hone your driving skills, understand the industry, and manage different types of freight. It also allows you to learn the ins and outs of truck maintenance, safety regulations, and customer service.
   2. Financial Preparation:
      Owner-operator trucking requires significant financial investment. You’ll need to save for the purchase or lease of a truck, as well as cover other start-up costs like insurance, permits, and initial maintenance. Many prospective owner-operators start by saving a portion of their earnings from their driving jobs or seeking financing options.
   3. Acquiring a Truck:
      Deciding whether to buy or lease a truck is one of the first major decisions. Buying a truck means a larger upfront cost but can be more cost-effective in the long run. Leasing offers lower initial expenses but may involve higher monthly payments. Consider your financial situation, long-term goals, and business plan when making this decision.
   4. Setting Up Your Business:
      You’ll need to register your business, acquire necessary permits, and get appropriate insurance. This involves understanding regulations and ensuring compliance with state and federal laws. Many owner-operators also work with an advisor to manage their finances and take advantage of business tax deductions.
   5. Finding Loads:
      As an owner-operator, securing loads and negotiating rates is your responsibility. You can find loads through brokers or by developing direct relationships with shippers. Building a network and reputation in the industry will help you maintain consistent work.

Life as an Owner-Operator

Owner-operator trucking combines the freedom of running your own business with the responsibilities of managing it. You have control over which loads to take, your schedule, and how to operate your business. This autonomy can be highly rewarding, as you directly benefit from your effort!

However, the role is not without its challenges. You’re responsible for all operational aspects of your business, from truck maintenance and repairs to bookkeeping and compliance. Managing these responsibilities can be demanding, and financial swings are a part of the job. Effective time management, financial planning, and industry knowledge are key to thriving in this role.

Comparing Contract and Independent Driving

Differentiating between different trucking career paths can be tricky, but having a good understanding of each role can help you make an informed choice!

A contract driver is typically hired by a company under a specific contract. This role offers more flexibility than traditional employment but involves varying income based on contract terms and job availability. Contract drivers don’t own their trucks and often have less responsibility for business operations compared to owner-operators.

Independent drivers operate as sole proprietors without being tied to a specific company. They have full control over their business decisions, similar to owner-operators, but may not own their trucks. This role involves managing all aspects of their business, including finding and negotiating loads, and can offer similar levels of independence and responsibility.

Entering an Opportunity-Rich Industry

Becoming an owner-operator after completing your CDL training is an exciting and ambitious career move, but it requires careful planning, financial preparation, and a solid understanding of both the trucking industry and business management practices. While it offers significant independence and the potential for high earnings, it also comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities.

Comparing this role to contract or independent driving highlights the unique aspects of owner-operator trucking. Each path has its own advantages and drawbacks, so it’s essential to evaluate which aligns best with your career goals and lifestyle! With the right preparation and mindset, the journey from CDL holder to successful owner-operator can be your reality!

Ready to begin the CDL training process? Join us at United for hands-on instruction. Fill out the form on this page to get started!

We’ve all been there. You’re in school, staring at a test you’ve just been handed and thinking, “why did I not study more?!”

It’s a terrible feeling knowing that you should be prepared but you’re not. If you’re taking a practice test, this may be the best time for it to happen because you still have time to study. But if it comes at other times, you may not be so lucky. Here are four times you REALLY wish you had paid more attention during truck driving school:

When you’re on an icy road, in traffic, and that one car cuts you off.

Getting through truck driving school without giving it your all may not turn out to be the best plan after all. This becomes reality when you’re stuck in heavy winter traffic on an icy road and someone cuts you off but you have no idea how to properly react.

Not knowing the proper reaction in a situation like this can be fatal for you and drivers around you. This is a perfect situation in which you want to have the most information you possibly can.

When your truck breaks down in middle of no man’s land.

Driving through the middle of nowhere all alone isn’t fun. Being stranded while also being responsible for thousands of dollars of cargo, attached to a $100,000-plus truck that belongs to someone else, is way worse. Imagine not knowing what to do in this situation.

Not paying attention in truck driving school can put you in a huge jam when this type of situation comes around. This now puts you at risk, and costing you money. If you didn’t hear your instructor talking about the small set of tools that you should have, then what should be a 15 or 20-minute repair can turn into a long delay.

When you’re taking your CDL Exam.

This is a horrible feeling. Looking at the test questions and knowing that you have no clue what any of the answers are. This just reminds you that you may not be able to pass the exam, delaying your career as a trucker. You want to make sure that you know your stuff and can apply it in the real world.

Don’t worry though. The staff and instructors at United Truck Driving School are here to help make the exam feel like a breeze. After completing your classes, you’ll feel like a pro during your exam!

When you’re at a job you dislike…because you failed your CDL exam.

If you think you can pass the CDL exam without paying attention in class and asking questions, think again. The exam is meant to certify that you will be a safe and reliable driver that can handle situations that may come up on the road. It is intentionally tough. However, the last thing you want is to not pass it and be back at the job that you left. So, study up!

If you really want to become a truck driver, be sure that you’re ready to put in the time and effort. You will be glad you did when you have a long-lasting and successful career.

If you’re ready to get started, then contact us United Truck Driving School today! Our Admissions Reps are ready to answer any questions you have about enrolling, financial aid, or job placement services. Give us a call!

 

November 11th. Veteran’s Day. A time when Americans honor those who have served. But what can you really do? What can you do that would say thank you in a better way than just saying so? Here are four ways to thank a veteran, today:

1. Show, Don’t Tell

It’s easy to say “thank you”, but go to local celebrations on Veteran’s Day. Most towns have parades on Veteran’s Day and showing up to show our appreciation means a lot to those who have served. When you see a veteran, ask them about their service. You’ll probably hear a really interesting story! Here is a list of Veteran’s Day events for 2017.

2. Visit a Veteran’s Association (VA) Hospital

Cities across America have VA Hospitals filled with those who have served and everyone knows that visitors are always a good thing in the hospital. Seeing someone in the hospital and listening to their story goes a long way. Find a VA hospital close to you and make sure to visit one this weekend!

3. Donate Money

There are countless organizations that put financial resources to good use to help wounded warriors and help veterans with the transition from the military to civilian life. Find an organization you would like to donate to, and help a veteran begin this new chapter of their life.

4. Offer a Veteran a Job

The transition from military life to civilian life can be tough. Veterans are quickly finding that trucking is a great industry to enter into after leaving the service. That’s why we, at United Truck Driving School, offer a Military Program for Veterans who want to earn their commercial driver’s license and become a truck driver. United accepts most VA Benefits including the Post 9/11 GI BILL®, Vocational Rehab, and My CAA.

 

United Truck Driving School offers CDL Training in Southern California. Campuses are located in San Diego and Riverside. United prepares students by training them on both Class A and Class B equipment.

When you get into your truck for the first time ready to drive across country, you’re probably thinking about the destination. But what about all of the things you’ll pass by on the road? You might be passing through huge cities, national parks or alongside the beach! But will you be able to see all of these sights?

Yes! You just need to plan for it.

The first step is to talk to your carrier. Each one has different rules on bobtailing on your own time. Bobtailing is when a driver drives a semi truck without a trailer on personal time.

If your carrier has rules against bobtailing and requires that your truck be kept in a “safe haven” while on reset, you can find a cheap car rental to take you around the city and see the sights. Don’t forget to do some research before you hitting the road. Check out the best restaurants and sights while you’re in town!

Trip planners like roadtrippers.com are great resources for planning out a schedule outside of your driving time to see everything you want to see. Some of the attractions are accessible without a vehicle, through public transportation or walking.

Of course, the off road fun that you have all depends on your schedule and how you plan it out. Most drivers can manage to fit things in, just make sure you know your carrier rules first.

Are You Ready?

If you want to see the sights as a truck driver, your first step is becoming one! Enroll at United Truck Driving School where we train students using both Class A and Class B equipment. So, what are you waiting for? Take the first step and start your classes at United Truck Driving School.

The road is calling – grab your keys, and head to United Truck Driving School!