Month: December 2017

Trucking industry forecasters have just handed trucking companies, nationwide, a peek into the future — and it’s a mighty rosy one for 2018, and beyond. With this heads-up, trucking company owners have begun planning for steady growth. In part, that means purchasing more trucks and trailers, and hiring more drivers.

The bearer of the good news is none other than the industry’s leading trade association, the American Trucking Association, or ATA. They predict that trucking is expected to dominate all other methods of freight transportation with that including rail.

That growth will also impact drivers and how much they can expect to take home in their pay envelopes.

For anyone thinking about jumping into a new career in trucking, now is the time to make plans of their own for the opportunities that await them.

What’s behind the predicted growth?

“Manufacturing, consumer spending and international trade are among the key contributors to the rapid growth,” writes Clarissa Hawes of Truck.com.

Start seeing more trucks!

With growth comes change.

Trucking is a federally-regulated industry. One of the federal rules already in place is the Hours-of-Service Rule (HOS). It just means that drivers, for their own safety and the safety of others who share the highways with them, can only log 11 hours of driving time within a 14-hour-day. Then drivers must not drive for the next 10 hours.

A new law now going into effect requires that all trucks must have an electronic logging device (ELD) to then ensure that drivers comply with the 11 hours on/10 hours off rule. Naturally, it will change how company dispatchers and truckers will handle freight movement.

The growth in volume and tonnage of freight goods to be moved across the U.S. is good news. Trucking companies will be looking for dedicated men and women who want a career that offers them fulfillment and personal growth.

Plan now for your future as a well-trained, licensed CDL driver. While it’s still fresh on your mind, take the next step and contact us.

At United Truck Driving School, we keep safety at the forefront of our teaching. Especially as an OTR truck driver, sometimes winter weather is hard to escape, and with winter weather comes snow, ice and dangerous conditions. Knowing how to handle these road conditions could potentially save your life or the life of another driver. It is up to you to make sure you are the best driver you could be.

Here are some vital tips to keeping you safe on the road this winter:

1. Maintain additional space – Keep extra space between you and the vehicles in front of you. By creating additional space, you will have more time to correct your vehicle or break if the vehicle in front or beside you begins to slide or lose control.
2. Scan ahead- It is crucial to scan even further ahead of your truck to read road conditions. Take into account how other vehicles and trucks are reacting to the winter weather conditions in the roadway in front of you.
3. Regulate your speed- Typically it is safer to maintain a slower speed in unfavorable conditions. However, it is also important to maintain a steady speed. The more you accelerate and decelerate the greater your risk of sliding on snow and ice. Steadily increase and decrease your speed and take into account how your truck reacts to winter weather.
4. High-risk areas- During winter weather there are certain areas that are considered high-risk areas. Bridges and overpasses are at high risk of freezing in the winter. Be aware that the low point between two hills could also have frozen over when snow and ice melted and refroze at the bottom.
5. Undistracted Driving – During winter weather it is more important than ever to make sure you are not driving distracted. During these winter months, find ways to keep yourself focused.

With winter weather, there is never a guarantee that one particular thing could save you from an accident. Utilizing safe driving practices this winter will definitely decrease the odds of a disaster. If you have any questions about safe driving or becoming a student, please feel free to reach out and contact us.

The outlook for Commercial Truck Driving Jobs is “… expected to increase by 4% from 2021-2031,” says The Occupational Outlook Handbook of The Bureau of Labor Statistics. That 4% translates to “nearly 90,900 new jobs!” Median pay? The same source states, on average, “$48,310 per year or $23.23 per hour.”

Men and women interested in pursuing a Commercial Truck Driving Job and want to step to the front of the hiring line should consider enrolling in a reputable CDL Training Program. Attending a school like United Truck Driving School not only increases a graduate’s chances of landing a job in an industry but also offers several other benefits:

Knowledgeable and Experienced Instructors

Instructors at United have lived the life of a Commercial Truck Driver and will pass that knowledge on to their students. Instructors teach and explain the rules as well as regulations that drivers must know in order to pass their CDL Exam. They also share tips and techniques they’ve learned from their own experiences and are always willing to work with students to ensure they succeed.

Behind-the-Wheel Driving Practice

As part of their training, students will leave the classroom and climb behind the wheel of a truck. The feel of a big wheel in students’ hands, for the first time, can be a scary one. As they learn how to maneuver the roads in the training yard, it will provide first-time experience and gives students the confidence that they can succeed in their newly chosen career.

Guidance and Job Placement

Before their training concludes, students will spend time with individuals within the United’s Job Placement Office. Together, they’ll explore the best fit for the student’s lifestyle and family obligations. Will that be long-haul, over-the-road driving, or local driving? It’s all up to the student! We’re just here to help turn your dream into a reality!

 

United Truck Driving School enrolls students in one of two Southern California campuses at San Diego or Riverside. United offers Class A + Passenger CDL Training as well as Class A and Class B + Passenger.

 

Updated November 2022. 

Do you want to start your truck driving career? Commercial truck drivers are the foundation of the transportation industry in the United States. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), truck driving jobs are expected to grow by 2%, creating approximately 30,600 positions.

By 2029, the truck driving industry will have acquired 110,00 new drivers due to increased retirement rates and industry growth.

People interested in pursuing a commercial truck driving job and want to step to the front of the hiring line should consider enrolling in a reputable CDL training program. Attending a school like United increases a graduate’s chances of landing a job in the industry and­ offers several other benefits.

Experienced Instructors

At United, our instructors have lived the life of a commercial driver and are ready to pass their knowledge on to incoming students. They’ll teach the rules and regulations required to pass the CDL exam as well as tricks and techniques they’ve learned from their time on the road. Instructors are a great resource for students, ensuring they receive all the training and support needed to build successful careers.

Behind-the-Wheel Driving

Hands-on experience is an essential part of CDL training. Which is why, along with classroom instruction, our students receive behind-the-wheel experience. As they learn how to maneuver the roads in the training yard and become accustomed to the feel of a big steering wheel, they’ll gain the confidence needed to excel in their truck driver careers.

Guidance and Job Placement Assistance

Before CDL training ends, we make sure to spend time with students, working with them to find the best fit for their lifestyle and family obligations. Whether its long-haul, over-the-road, or local driving, together with our job placement office we’ll find the company and the driving style that works for them, turning their dream into a reality!

United Truck Driving School enrolls students in one of two Southern California campuses at San Diego or Riverside. United offers Class A + Passenger CDL Training as well as Class A and Class B + Passenger.

Updated July 2023