Month: October 2018

The first step toward becoming a professional truck driver is to start your CDL training. Driving a tractor-trailer is no simple task, there is a specific level of training and knowledge required in order to do the job correctly.

There are a couple of different types of commercial drivers license (CDL) out there and each one takes a different amount of time to complete. Explore the training options offered at United Truck Driving School and find out how long it will take to start your new career!

Your CDL Training Options

A CDL will open doors to new job opportunities in the trucking industry. United Truck Driving School offers Class A CDL, Class B CDL, and CDL-A + Passenger training programs. Whichever program you choose should be dependent on the type of trucking job you want.

The Class B CDL course is the shortest program of the three, it only takes 3-weeks to complete. Having a Class B CDL will allow you to operate a tow truck, dump truck, delivery truck and many more! Whereas, the Class A CDL course takes 4-weeks to complete and prepares you to work as a Commerical Truck Driver both over-the-road (OTR) and locally. And if you’re really not sure what type of driving job you want, the CDL-A + Passenger program is what you need. The CDL-A + Passenger course combines truck and bus driver training into one course that can be completed in just 4.5 weeks!

Our CDL training programs include both classroom instruction and on the road training. You’ll learn important topics such as state traffic laws, accident reporting, hours of service, trip planning, vehicle inspection, federal regulations, and E-Logs. Students also get road training with an experienced driving instructor who will help students navigate essential skills such as pre-trip inspection, docking, backup maneuvers, and road safety.

After Your CDL Training

Before taking the three-part skills test, you are tested on inspection and maneuvers addressed in the CDL Manual with a qualified individual. The skills test contains a Vehicle Inspection Test, Basic Controls Test, and Road Test. After completing the skills test, you will provide the documentation to the Department of Motor Vehicles. Each state will either give you the CDL immediately or mail it to you depending on where you live.

While there are plenty of entry-level jobs available, competition is still fierce, and employers are on the hunt for the best-qualified candidates. The United one-on-one, hands-on training approach, and commitment to student success has helped thousands of students in the area become successful, safe truck drivers. But that’s not all, United also offers job placement assistance! We will help you connect with top trucking companies in the nation.

Ready to get started on your CDL training? We’ll walk you through the steps of getting started in the right training program for you, contact us today!

As someone looking to start their CDL training, you may be wondering if you’ll be able to observe other drivers before getting behind the wheel. The short answer is yes! At United Truck Driving School you’ll be given plenty of opportunities to observe other truck drivers including both your classmates and instructors with years of experience behind the wheel!

Benefits of Observing Other Drivers

It may come as a surprise just how much you can benefit from watching other drivers. Watching another driver, especially an experienced driver, can help you get a better sense of timing. Instructors are able to point out why the more experienced driver makes certain decisions and will sometimes even ask them to make a common mistake so you and your classmates can observe.

In addition to watching an experienced driver handle their rig, you’ll also have an opportunity to interact with the driver and ask questions. At United, our instructors are experienced and will provide you with insider tips, share some of their road stories, and offer suggestions about how to prepare yourself and your loved ones for your new life as a professional truck driver.

Plenty of Practice Time

Rest assured, you will not be spending your entire time at United Truck Driving School listening to lectures and watching other drivers. As we all know, practice makes perfect. This statement couldn’t be truer when it comes to operating a tractor-trailer!

Being a truck driver comes along with a lot of responsibility. Not only do you need to make your delivery on time, but you also need to ensure the safety of yourself and other drivers on the road. That’s why you’ll spend a great deal of time behind the wheel during your CDL training! Our goal is to make sure you are comfortable behind the wheel before you take your CDL test.

Are you ready to hit the road and practice driving? Contact us today to learn more about our CDL training programs! We’re looking forward to helping you reach your career goals!

Updated December 2019 

If you have ever thought about getting your CDL license, now is an excellent time to do so! CDL jobs range from cross-country haul trucking to part-time work delivering in your local area, you can do it all! There are several outstanding Class A and Class B CDL job opportunities to choose from. It’s estimated that the trucking industry could use an additional 50,000 drivers than what is currently available. Remember, “if you bought it, a truck brought it.”

Jobs Opportunities With a Class A CDL

Holding a Class A CDL license proves you have the knowledge and training needed to drive a vehicle that the combined weight (GVWR) is 26,001 or more pounds, as long as the towing vehicle exceeds 10,000 pounds. With a Class A CDL, you can drive tractor-trailers for local, regional and over-the-road trucking. Flatbed trucks, livestock carriers, tanker vehicle and much more. However, the demand is particularly high for long-distance haulers.

Although the exact job requirements for drivers who have a Class A CDL License varies, they generally include securing the truck/trailer when it’s parked, maintaining detailed travel logs, and guiding the vehicle into loading docks. Most long-distance truck drivers log about 500 miles each day.

*Note: With a Class A CDL You can also drive Class B and C vehicles. This type of CDL license allows you to drive semi-trucks for both long and short distances. You can also add endorsements to your Class A CDL such as air brakes, doubles, and triples, tanker and hazmat, which will allow you to operate additional types of vehicles.

Jobs Opportunities With a Class B CDL License

With a Class B CDL license, you’re legally allowed to operate straight vehicles that have gross weight rating that exceeds 26,000 pounds. You’re also legally allowed to drive a tow vehicle that weighs less than 10,000 pounds. It’s not unusual for drivers with a Class B CDL to work as short-distance truck drivers or delivery drivers. Class B drivers operate vehicles such as box trucks, city buses, tourist buses, dump trucks or straight trucks

Duties include highway driving, docking, and undocking, and making sure the vehicle is secure. Some businesses might require that you also oversee the loading of the truck. Some jobs available garbage truck drivers, tow truck, construction truck drivers, delivery drivers, and dump truck drivers.

*Note: Many drivers add a passenger endorsement to their Class B CDL which you would need to drive buses and motor coaches as well.

Jobs Opportunities for Holders of a Class -A + Passenger CDL License

A CDL-A + Passenger is an endorsement for your license that not only allows you to drive semi-trucks and trailers, but also to handle large vehicles that are full of passengers. With this type of license, you can drive both semi-trucks and passenger buses. It’s not uncommon for a driver with this type of license to spend a few years as a long-haul driver and then make a switch to a passenger bus driver.

How United Truck Driving School can Help

With United Truck Driving School, your CDL Training can be completed in as little as three weeks. We offer training programs for both Class A and Class B.

If interested in learning more about CDL training programs, CDL careers or taking the first step towards earning your CDL, contact us today!