Month: May 2021

After you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), there are many types of trucking jobs available to you. There are different varieties of freight and route lengths, as well as variations in who you are delivering for. Dedicated trucking is when you haul goods or materials for one specific freight customer. This type of driving could be a good fit if you are looking for consistency and since every shipper is different, you can choose one that best matches your career goals.

Differences Between Dedicated Jobs

The one thing that all dedicated driving positions have in common is that you haul for a consistent customer. Beyond this, the responsibilities differ depending on the type of freight being delivered and the needs of the shipper. Some have local routes that allow you to be home every night. Other customers need to move goods and materials over long distances and are very similar to over-the-road (OTR) jobs. If the freight is time-sensitive, a company may be hiring team drivers, whereas others have openings for solo truckers. If you are interested in dedicated trucking, it’s a good idea to make a list of what is important to you in a job. This list can help you narrow down your search to options that match your desired lifestyle, pay, home time, et cetera.

Benefits of Dedicated Trucking

Consistency

The main reason people are interested in dedicated driving is the consistency. A typical OTR driver will be assigned freight from multiple customers and won’t necessarily know what their next route will look like. This leads to variation in pay and home time. With a dedicated job, you get consistent miles and, except in unique circumstances, usually have a regular schedule.

Getting to Know Customers

Dedicated truckers work with the same company for each delivery, so they have the opportunity to get to know the customer better over time. This gives you the opportunity to build a relationship and make a good impression on them.

Familiarity

Driving the same route gives you the opportunity to become familiar with traffic patterns, truck stops, and potential challenges. This familiarity makes it easier to be efficient and safe during your deliveries.

What to Consider

While there are many benefits to dedicated trucking, it is not right for everyone. While some individuals appreciate the consistency, others prefer the excitement of seeing the country and traveling a new route with each haul. In this case, an OTR job may be a better fit for you. One of the great things about getting your CDL is that you aren’t limited to one type of career. You can always try out dedicated trucking then move into OTR or vice versa, in addition to other CDL jobs.

Earn Your CDL

At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we can help you start your trucking career with the skills you need to succeed. Our job placement assistance team can also help you explore the different job opportunities that are available to you.

If you are interested in dedicated trucking, we can help you earn your CDL and get started on the road to your new career.

Becoming a truck driver can be an exciting and rewarding career decision. However, like any change, it can take some getting used to at first. A commitment to improving can help you enter the industry with a strong foundation. The first year on the road is usually the toughest and as you gain more experience, you’ll continue to grow into your role. Staying focused and keeping a positive attitude will make it easier for you to succeed as a new trucker.

Here are some tips for your first year in the trucking industry:

Focus on Safety

Safety is essential for truck drivers. Operating such a big vehicle comes with correspondingly big responsibilities, and it can take some time to get used to driving a semi-truck. During your first year, make safe driving a priority. Do not drive distracted, stay under the speed limit, and take the time to build your defensive driving skills. Any accidents will go on your driving record, and this can affect your future job prospects, not to mention the potential damage and injuries that can occur.

Be Realistic About Your Goals

It can be tempting to compare yourself and your miles to more experienced drivers. However, it’s important to keep in mind that becoming a more efficient trucker takes time and effort. Setting unrealistic goals can affect your confidence and can be dangerous if you compromise on safety to try to complete hauls more quickly. Instead, it’s a good idea to talk to experienced truckers that you trust and to see what goals they set or wish they set for their first year. This helps you stay motivated without overextending yourself.

Establish Healthy Habits

Staying healthy can be difficult for anyone, but over-the-road (OTR) drivers face some unique challenges. It’s easier to build good habits as a new trucker than it is to completely change your lifestyle after you’ve already been driving for a while. Many of the same actions that keep you healthy are also, naturally, beneficial for safe driving. For example, getting enough rest reduces your risk of health problems while also helping you stay alert.

Build a Strong Support Network

Everyone can benefit from help and support. The challenges you may face during your first year may be easier to tackle if you know you have people you can count on for advice and encouragement. Your support network should include individuals who aren’t in the industry, such as your family and friends. Making time to stay in touch with your loved ones while you are on the road is important. In addition to these individuals, it can be helpful to find mentors in the trucking industry. More experienced drivers can give you helpful advice and will understand the challenges that are common for new truckers.

Get Started on the Road to a Trucking Career

If you are interested in becoming a truck driver, our program can help give you the skills you need to succeed. We can help you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and start earning in as little as four weeks.

To learn more about our CDL training program in Albuquerque, contact us today.