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Over-the-road (OTR) trucking is a type of long-haul trucking that involves driving a truck for extended periods of time across the country. OTR trucking is a beneficial job for those looking for a long-term career in the transportation industry. 

 

Here are the top eight benefits of OTR trucking:

1. Financial Benefits

One of the main benefits of working as an OTR trucker is the compensation. OTR truck driving jobs can be very rewarding, with many truckers making a solid living by driving long distances. In addition, many trucking companies offer bonuses and incentives for the successful delivery of goods, which can add to your bottom line.

1. Variety of Routes

OTR trucking also offers the opportunity to see different parts of the country, providing a unique way to explore the United States. You’ll be able to experience different cultures and landscapes, as well as meet new and interesting people.

1. Opportunity to Learn

Working as an OTR truck driver is a great way to learn new and valuable skills. You’ll be exposed to different types of equipment and driving techniques. You’ll also be able to develop your problem-solving skills, as you may encounter difficult driving conditions while on the road.

1. Sense of Accomplishment

Driving OTR can be a highly rewarding job, as it allows you to see the results of your work. You’ll feel a sense of accomplishment and pride when you deliver goods safely and on time. You can also feel confident that you’re making a valuable contribution, as our nation would not be able to keep running without the dedication and hard work of truckers. 

1. Benefits Packages

In addition to offering competitive pay, trucking companies often compete to offer the best benefits packages. This can include health insurance, dental/vision benefits, retirement plans, and more. 

1. Career Advancement

Finally, OTR truck driving can provide many opportunities for career advancement. You can move up the ranks and become a team leader or supervisor, which can lead to increased job security and higher salaries.

Prepare For OTR Trucking at Phoenix Truck Driving School

If you’re looking for a rewarding career with plenty of opportunities, OTR trucking may be the perfect fit for you. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we can provide you with the high-quality training you need to become a professional truck driver. After graduation, our job placement assistance program can answer any questions you may have about the different types of trucking and help you find companies that are hiring OTR drivers.

Contact one of our advisors today to learn more about our commercial driver’s license (CDL) program.

 

Once you’ve obtained your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you can begin your professional driving journey. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you’re done with training though – many OTR trucking companies will require additional on-the-job training before you can go on solo trips. It’s important to understand what to expect during this process so that you can make the most of the experience and set yourself up for success.

The Structure of Motor Carrier Training

At many motor carriers, it is common for Entry Level drivers (those just out of CDL school, or with less than six months to a year of experience) to be paired with a driver trainer. This experienced driver will take the new hire on the road, providing them with the necessary training.

Some companies require an orientation period that covers the same topics you were taught during school, yet with a focus on their own policies. If applicable, this process is usually done before you start driving with your driver trainer.

The structure of the on-the-road training can differ. At times, the mentor driver will be with you while you drive, while other times you may be team driving with the mentor resting or taking a break from duty. Even if the mentor is off-duty, he/she will be available if you need help in a critical situation.

The hours of training and when drivers can go solo varies by company. Some have a predetermined amount of time with a mentor, while others leave the decision to the mentor upon judging the driver’s readiness.

Once your training is complete, you will be given a truck to call your own and be ready to take off – solo driving or with a partner if you opt for team driving.

Common Questions About Trucking Company Training

1. What Should I Take With Me For On-The-Road Training?

Ensure you bring the essential items but bear in mind that you and another driver will be sharing a fairly small area. Pack lightly. Important documents like your CDL must be taken with you, as well as any clothing or other personal belongings.

2. What If My Trainer And I Don’t Get Along?

When it comes to picking a driver mentor, many companies offer the option of specifying basic preferences, such as smoking vs. non-smoking, or if you would like a same-gender mentor. However, besides these traits, you may discover that you have a different personality than your mentor. It’s best to look at this as an opportunity to learn something and keep in mind that it’s only for a limited period of time.

However, if your mentor is abusive or you feel unsafe, you should tell your motor carrier right away and they should provide assistance in seeking a resolution.

3. What Will I Learn During Company Training?

During school, you will be provided with a broad education to provide a strong base for your trucking career. Once you start working, the training becomes less structured, and you’ll be able to gain experience on the job. Each day features different challenges and learning opportunities.

Mentors will take a range of approaches to training. Some are geared towards providing practical skills, while others focus on safety. Rather than going into company training with expectations, it’s best to approach it with an open mind and be ready to learn and adjust.

CDL School In Albuquerque

Before you can hit the road with a company mentor, you’ll need to earn your commercial license. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we can help you accomplish this in as little as four weeks.

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

Truck driving is a great career choice for many individuals. It gives you the opportunity to earn competitive pay while seeing more of the country, or you can choose a local or regional job if you prefer to stay closer to home. The first step to any truck driving job is to earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), which involves passing two exams – a multiple-choice test and a practical skills test. For entry-level drivers who struggle with test taking, this can be a source of anxiety. The tips in this blog can help you overcome your worries and pass your CDL test.

1. Study The Material

First and foremost, it’s important to study the material on the Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) and CDL tests before taking it for the best chance at success. This involves reading the CDL manual and paying attention during trucking school lessons.

Different techniques work better for different students, so you can experiment to find what makes it easier for you to remember the material. Some students prefer flashcards for memorization, whereas others may need to relate the concepts to real-life examples. No matter what technique you use, being confident in your knowledge of the material can help you feel more prepared and ease your test anxiety.

2. Take Practice Tests

Practice tests use the same multiple-choice format and similar questions to the real CLP exam. This helps you get familiar with the format and you can also get an idea of whether you’ve studied enough. If you’re doing well on practice tests, it can reduce your anxiety on exam day because you’ll know you have a good grasp of the material. On the other hand, if you struggle with practice tests, it can help you identify areas where you need to study more so you’ll be fully prepared when it’s time for the real exam.

3. Relax

Many students struggle with test taking not because they don’t know the material, but because they get nervous on the day of the exam. If you relate to this, you are definitely not alone. The best way to combat this is to find ways to help yourself relax. This could involve deep breathing, reminding yourself of practice tests you’ve done well on, or anything else that works for you personally.

It’s also helpful to keep in mind that this test is just the beginning of your truck driving career, and it doesn’t define your ability to succeed in the industry. Even if you don’t pass, you can retake the test. As long as you are committed to your future career, a failed CDL test doesn’t have to be the end of your trucking journey. Remembering this can help you stay calm on test day knowing you have options even if the exam doesn’t go as planned.

4. Get Help

Take advantage of the resources available to you when you’re preparing for your exam. If you’re attending CDL school, your instructors can give you helpful tips and answer questions about any material you’re confused about. You can also form study groups with other students to go over the material together.

CDL School In Albuquerque

If you’re ready to become a truck driver, Phoenix Truck Driving School can help. We offer CDL training in Albuquerque and prepare our students for the CDL exam and the rest of their careers. With our accelerated program, you can graduate in as little as four weeks.

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

 

Trucking is an in-demand job with many benefits, but finding a position without previous experience may intimidate aspiring drivers . Thankfully, the trucking industry presents many opportunities for beginners to get started. 

Here are some tips for getting a trucking job with no experience: 

1. Research the Trucking Industry

Before you can even begin your hunt for a trucking job with no experience, you must research the industry. Knowing the typical rules, regulations, and pay scale of this career field can help you understand what kinds of jobs are available and what you will need to know to apply for them. Additionally, researching the industry can give you an idea of whether or not you would enjoy working in trucking and make a career out of it.

2. Reach Out to Trucking Companies

When searching for a trucking job as an inexperienced driver, it may be helpful to reach out to trucking companies directly and ask about any openings for entry-level positions. Submit your resume and apply to every job opportunity you can. Many trucking companies also offer training programs that help those with zero experience get up to speed quickly.

3. Leverage Your Contacts

It’s not unusual for drivers to get jobs through personal contacts – so if you know any drivers already in the industry, be sure to reach out to them. Most people in the trucking industry are willing to help newbies, so don’t hesitate to ask for any advice or contacts that might help you in your job search.

4. Be Honest About Your Experience

When applying for a trucking job without driving experience, you must be honest about your lack of time behind the wheel. You don’t want to mislead potential employers and put yourself at risk of being misrepresented. It’s also important to let employers know what experience you do have that could transfer to a truck driving job, such as driving-related work experience like being a delivery driver or even a professional driver for ride-hail companies.

Choose The Right Truck Driving School

Before you start your search for a job in the trucking industry, you need to earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) at an accredited institution. Phoenix Truck Driving School can help you pursue a career as a professional truck driver by providing high-quality CDL training. Our nationally-recognized truck driver training teaches students everything they need to know to become successful as a driver, from basic road skills to pre and post-trip inspections. We also offer job placement assistance to make it easier for you to get started in the industry. 

Call us today to find out how soon you can get started.

Truckers are at the heart of the transportation industry as it moves goods throughout the country and beyond. As a trucker, you must have a clear understanding of the job market to remain competitive and secure the best available positions. One key component to obtaining a successful trucking career is passing a pre-employment background check. 

What is a Pre-Employment Background Check?

A pre-employment background check is crucial for a potential employer to assess an applicant’s suitability. This process allows employers to understand the candidate’s qualifications and character better. A comprehensive background check typically involves reviewing an applicant’s credit report, criminal history, driving record, work experience, educational background, and other relevant personal information, such as a social security number and identity verification. A thorough background check ensures employers can be confident in their hiring.

Passing a Pre-Employment Background Check

A pre-employment background check is a necessary step in the hiring process. Professional drivers  should always be prepared to undergo the background check process. With proper preparation, you can be confident in your ability to land a job in the trucking industry.

 

Here are a few tips to help you understand the process and assist you in passing a pre-employment background check:

1. Understand the Company’s Policy

Companies differ in the way they screen their prospective employees. It’s essential to understand what type of background check the company you applied to will perform. Do they check a candidate’s credit report or criminal or driving record? Knowing the company’s policy can help you prepare for the check.

2. Be Honest

Honesty is the best policy when it comes to pre-employment background checks. The information you provide is accurate. Don’t try to hide anything the company may ask you about. Trying to withhold information could ultimately lead to the potential employer rescinding the job offer.

3. Provide Current Information

Keep your information up to date. If you’ve moved or changed jobs, make sure the company you’re applying to is aware of this. Updating your information is one of the main steps to ensuring the background check accurately reflects who you are as an applicant. 

4. Use Your Resources

Many resources are available to help professional drivers prepare for a pre-employment background check. Some companies provide job seekers with helpful information on the background check process. 

5. Seek Legal Advice if Necessary

If a potential employer finds a negative item on your background check, find out if there’s a legal solution. An attorney specializing in this area will be able to provide the best advice for your specific situation.

Earn Your CDL in New Mexico Today

Before you undergo a pre-employment background check with a potential employer, you must earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL). At Phoenix Truck Driving Institute, we prioritize our students’ success by offering flexible schedules, employment assistance, interactive learning environments, and classes taught by instructors with real-world experience. When you train with us, we can get you on the road to an exciting new career in no time.

Contact us today for more information on our CDL programs.

With diesel prices rising, fuel efficiency is becoming more of a priority than ever, especially in the trucking industry. Commercial motor vehicles are not the most fuel-efficient rigs on the market. The average semi-truck gets about 6.5 miles per gallon (MPG), while a typical automobile receives about 25 MPG. However, minor changes can result in significant fuel savings over time, considering how many miles a long-haul trucker travels, which is often more than 100,000 per year. Read on to learn about semi-truck fuel efficiency and how you can improve yours.

What is Fuel Efficiency?

Fuel efficiency, measured in miles per gallon, describes how far a vehicle can travel with a certain amount of fuel. Motor vehicles with better fuel economy consume less fuel to drive the same distance as vehicles with poor fuel economy, reducing wasted fuel. Driving a fuel-efficient rig saves you money, reduces your carbon footprint, and lowers your vehicle’s dependence on oil. 

Tips For Improving Semi-Truck Fuel Efficiency

Truck drivers can take full advantage of a haul by being aware of their fuel mileage. Knowing how many MPG your semi-truck gets will minimize costs and improve travel and delivery time.

 

Follow these five tips to increase fuel efficiency in your semi-truck:

1. Regulate Your Speed

Maintaining a consistent speed and avoiding major accelerations or decelerations will result in consistent fuel usage. For every mile per hour (MPH) increase above 55 MPH, semi-truck fuel efficiency reduces by 0.1 MPG. Additionally, accelerating from 0 to 65 MPH can use up to half a gallon of fuel. Keeping your speed consistent will help you avoid these two problems. Driving under 65 MPH will also improve your safety and that of other drivers on the road. 

1. Use Cruise Control

Taking advantage of cruise control is another way to regulate your speed. Cruise control keeps your vehicle at a steady pace, saving you up to 6% in fuel consumption throughout your route. It is important to note that drivers should only use this function when road conditions are safe.

1. Stay in a High Gear

Staying in one gear for as long as possible will also help improve your vehicle’s fuel efficiency. Aim to stay in top gear at least 85% of the time while on the highway. Additionally, make as few gear shifts as possible and maintain a revolutions per minute (RPM) range of 1250 to 1350.

1. Reduce Idle Time

Avoiding idling when possible will help reduce wasted fuel as well. Every hour of idle time can burn a gallon of diesel and decrease your semi-truck fuel efficiency by 1%. It is best practice to shut the engine off if you plan to park for more than five minutes. Many companies have auxiliary power units (APUs) in their vehicles that allow you to maintain a comfortable temperature without idling. 

1. Check Tire Pressure

Regularly checking your tire pressure is another good practice for not only improving your fuel efficiency, but also improving the safety of your vehicle and the lifespan of your tires. For a 10 pounds per square inch (PSI) drop in tire pressure, your vehicle’s mileage reduces by 1%. Under-inflated tires also generate more heat, causing them to weaken and eventually break. Make tire pressure checks part of your pre-trip inspection routine, and keep a gauge in your vehicle to check pressure while on the road.

Get Started With a Truck Driving Career Today

The demand for truck drivers is growing. There is no better time to join the industry than now, and Phoenix Truck Driving School can help you get started. Our commercial driver’s license (CDL) program in Albuquerque combines classroom, range, and on-the-road training from experienced instructors to help our students graduate in as little as four weeks.

Contact us to start earning your CDL today.

 

Your semi-truck is your home away from home when you’re a truck driver, so you want it to be as safe and comfortable as possible. One of the advantages of being an owner-operator is having the freedom to set up your rig however you like. Even if you are a company driver, there are ways you can personalize your vehicle without making permanent changes. Customizing your semi-truck can be very beneficial, and we will discuss a few of the benefits in the blog below.

 

Five benefits of customizing your semi-truck include:

1. Feeling Comfortable in Your Rig

You will spend a lot of time in your vehicle as a trucker, especially if you are an over-the-road (OTR) driver. Truck customization can help you fight homesickness and make the long routes more comfortable. Bring along mementos like pictures of family members, friends, and events you cherish to remind yourself of home and motivate yourself while you’re on the road. Making cosmetic changes to your vehicle’s interior will also boost your comfort level. Consider replacing high-contact points, such as the steering wheel or shifter knob, with more ergonomic designs.

2. Improving Safety

Customizing your semi-truck can not only improve your comfort level, but it can also improve your safety. Changes like installing a light bar, custom LED lights, or a new navigation system make driving at night or in a new area a breeze. Another safety improvement you can make is tinting your windows. Tinted windows reduce sun glare and keep the interior of your vehicle cool during the hot summer months, all while upgrading your look.

3. Expressing Your Style

Another benefit of personalizing your rig is expressing your unique style. A new paint job or decals is one of the most popular ways to customize your semi-truck. When you turn your rig into a canvas, you will catch people’s eyes on and off the highway. Keep it simple with stripe detailing, or go all out with a custom paint job. Additionally, an added advantage of customization is that certain additions, such as a grille cover and chrome accents, can protect the exterior of your vehicle while also fitting your new paint style.

4. Encouraging a Healthy Lifestyle

Life on the road doesn’t have to be unhealthy. Installing interior electronics can make all the difference in staying healthy during long hauls. Customizing your cab with small kitchen appliances like a fridge or freezer, slow cooker, electric skillet, and two-burner stove allows you to enjoy home cooking while driving. These appliances can also decrease your stopping time, which in turn will improve your efficiency.

5. Getting Better Sleep

Healthy eating isn’t the only aspect of a healthy lifestyle. Getting enough sleep each night is also crucial to your well-being and safety while driving OTR. Upgrading your semi-truck with a personalized sleeping area can improve your sleep quality. Include items like a mattress pad, comfortable sheets and bedding, and a supportive pillow to help ensure you get high-quality sleep during long hauls. 

Your Road to A Professional Truck Driving Career

On the road to becoming a professional truck driver, the first stop is earning your commercial driver’s license, and attending a high-quality truck driving school will help you do so. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we make obtaining your CDL manageable. Our programs have flexible schedules to accommodate every lifestyle, and we also offer an accelerated program that can get you on the road in as little as four weeks.

Contact one of our advisors today to start earning your CDL.

Maintaining semi-truck tires is an essential part of a commercial truck driver’s job. Not only does it ensure your safety, but it also boosts fuel economy and improves the lifespan of your vehicle. A little maintenance goes a long way and can save you from tire failure while on your route. 

 

Follow these five tips for semi-truck tire maintenance:

1. Perform Thorough Pre-Trip Inspections

Pre-trip inspections are one of a trucker’s best tools for preventing problems before they occur, including tire failure. This inspection is a thorough check of your truck, trailer, and load to ensure everything is in the correct working order before departure. In addition to pre-trip inspections, you should look over your rig at least once a day while on the road. Taking a few extra minutes before and during every trip to inspect your vehicle thoroughly could save you hours of downtime due to a flat tire or worse.

2. Rotate Tires & Align Wheels Regularly

Checking tire tread and wheel alignment should be part of your commercial truck maintenance routine. Poor alignment and uneven tire tread are two huge factors in premature tire wear, so it is crucial to regularly check these two aspects of your vehicle. As a general rule, rotate your tires every 6,000-8,000 miles to distribute tread evenly, and perform a wheel alignment every 80,000-100,000 miles, or whenever you feel the steering wheel pull to one side or the other when you’re driving. 

3. Maintain a Consistent Tire Pressure

Maintaining consistent air pressure will also expand the lifespan of your tires. Overinflated tires wear excessively on the center tire treads, while an underinflated tire will wear the outside treads, both of which can lead to internal structural damage. Make sure to check your tire pressure before you hit the road, especially if you are driving in below-freezing conditions. 

4. Keep Tires and Wheels Clean

Washing your tires and wheels is another best practice to add to your maintenance checklist. Not only does it make your rig look nice, but it is also good for the health of the tires and wheels themselves. Make it a habit to wash away road salt, grease, and grime once you return home from each route. 

5. Practice Safe Driving Habits

Lastly, one of the major contributors to poor tire performance is how a trucker drives. Forming and practicing safe driving habits will help you avoid flats and blowouts over time. A few tips for safe driving are maintaining a consistent speed on the road, avoiding potholes, braking slowly, avoiding accelerating too quickly, and using caution when driving around curbs.

Learn Safe Driving Habits in Albuquerque

At Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque, our experienced instructors teach our students the skills necessary to succeed in the trucking industry. This includes pertinent safety information and key maintenance topics, such as how to perform pre-trip inspections and care for commercial truck tires properly.

To learn how we can help you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) in as little as four weeks, contact us today.

 

As a truck driver, you’ll drive through many parts of the country in a variety of conditions. This includes spending time on the road during the winter months. Driving conditions can be challenging during this time, so it’s important to be prepared.

Here are some times for trucking in the winter:

1. Slow Down

It can be tempting to try to speed up to get to your destination faster and cover more miles. However, it’s not worth compromising your safety. When roads are icy, going slowly is essential to ensure you can maintain control of your vehicle. It’s better to go “too slow” and have others pass you than to drive recklessly and cause an accident.

2. Leave Plenty Of Space

Maintaining a safe following distance is important during any season. With icy roads in winter, it’s even more essential. Make sure you have ample room to come to a stop safely if you need to do so. When possible, having space beside your truck is also helpful, although this may be harder to maintain depending on traffic conditions.

3. Keep Supplies In Your Vehicle

You should have chains, a bag of sand or cat litter, extra food and water, and warm clothing in your truck, in addition to your usual supplies.

4. Watch The Weather

Keep an eye on weather forecasts, and be prepared to wait it out if the road condition is dangerous. Use your best judgment. If there’s any doubt whether driving is safe, stay parked. Although it’s stressful to be delayed, it’s not worth risking your life and putting others at risk. If possible, account for possible delays in your trip plan if you anticipate snow storms, and always communicate clearly and promptly with your dispatcher if you do need to stop.

5. Keep Your Truck Visible

Visibility can quickly become an issue during heavy snow. Doing what you can to keep your truck visible helps keep you safe. Make sure snow doesn’t cover your license plate and tail lights, and make sure all of your lights are working properly.

6. Practice Defensive Driving

This tip isn’t winter-specific, but it’s important to keep in mind year-round and can help you manage conditions during any season. Defensive driving means anticipating what others on the road may do and adjusting your driving behavior to prevent accidents. It requires constant awareness of what’s going on around you. Staying focused on driving allows you to see potential hazards in time to react.

Learn Safe Driving Skills

At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we help our students prepare for a rewarding career in the trucking industry. This includes teaching you how to drive safely in all seasons. With our accelerated program, you can earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) in as little as four weeks.

To learn more about our CDL school, contact us today.

To keep themselves and others safe on the road, commercial truck drivers must follow all state and federal regulations, including truck weight limits. Most commercial vehicles need to stop at weigh stations, known to truckers as “chicken coops,” to ensure compliance. If you’re a rookie truck driver ready to encounter your first chicken coop, this blog outlines the basics of weigh stations. 

The Purpose of Weigh Stations

Most states require all trucks and commercial vehicles with a gross weight of over 10,000 pounds to stop at every open weigh station located along their route. The purpose of these stations is safety. Heavy semi-trucks are harder to control and more dangerous on the roads, both for the trucker and other drivers around them. Safety is especially a concern in the winter when road conditions are less than favorable. Weight stations also help prevent damage to roadways due to overweight trucks. 

Weigh Station Process

Once you are familiar with the process, navigating weigh stations will easily become part of your routine as a trucker. The process can be broken up into three main phases: approaching the weight station, weighing your rig, and inspecting the vehicle.

Phase One: Entering the Weigh Station

As you drive along the highway on your route, you will see roadside signs indicating that a weigh station is approaching. If the station is closed, you do not have to stop but if the station is open, you are required to exit. After pulling off the highway, follow the posted weigh station signs or instructions from officials that lead you to the scale. 

Phase Two: Weighing the Truck

As you drive toward the scale, follow the posted speed limit and instructional signs. Some scales require you to bring your vehicle to a complete stop, while others can function if your truck is moving slowly. Once on the scale, it will check your total weight and how much weight is on each axle. 

Phase Three: Inspecting the Truck

After you weigh your vehicle, your Department of Transportation (DOT) number is entered into a computer system to ensure your log is accurate. Your safety rating, equipment, and log book will also be verified. If you pass over the scale at the correct speed with an underweight load and pass the inspection, you will be sent to the bypass lane and can continue your route.

What Happens If Your Truck is Overweight?

If the scale indicates that your truck is overweight, you must pull over to the side until a solution is determined. Federally, this is over 80,000 pounds, although some states have lower gross limits. Your motor carrier can either purchase an overweight permit or send a relief driver to take the excess weight. You will not be allowed back on the road until the issue is resolved. An overweight assessment comes with a citation, fine, and points against your Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) score. 

How to Avoid an Overweight Citation

The best way to ensure that your semi-truck is within the weight limit is to be prepared. Completing a thorough pre-trip inspection before you head out on each route is the best way to do so. You should also weigh your truck after loading. Many truck stops have scales, and if weight is an issue, you can adjust your axles or go back to the shipper to avoid an overweight citation at a weigh station.

Start Your Commercial Trucking Career Today

The demand for truck drivers is growing. If you are interested in starting your career in commercial truck driving, let our experienced instructors at Phoenix Truck Driving School teach you everything you need to know. When you earn your commercial driver’s license at our Albuquerque location, we can get you on the road in as little as four weeks. 

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

 

Truckers spend a significant amount of time on the road, and it’s important that they focus on safety. This protects the drivers themselves, as well as their freight and others on the road. Defensive driving is a key skill that helps truckers stay safe and prevent accidents.

What Is Defensive Driving?

Defensive driving is the practice of anticipating potential hazards before they become dangerous and taking steps to prevent accidents through safe driving. Multiple behaviors fall under the umbrella of defensive driving.

Some of these include:

• Focusing on the road and avoiding both physical and mental distractions
• Never driving under the influence
• Scanning the road as a whole for potential hazards rather than looking only at the car in front of you
• Maintaining a safe speed
• Maintaining a safe following distance
• Staying calm and managing your mental state to avoid road rage

Benefits Of Driving Defensively

First and foremost, the major benefit of being a defensive driver is that you are keeping yourself and others safe. This method of driving helps prevent accidents, which should be a top goal for you as a trucker. You have a responsibility to yourself, your company, and everyone you share the road with to be a responsible and safe driver.

Beyond this, driving defensively can also help you be more efficient and travel more miles so you can increase your pay. By minimizing the risk of accidents, you can spend more time on the road instead of dealing with issues.

Defensive driving also helps you avoid fines for traffic violations, and improves your reputation with your motor carrier.

How To Be A Defensive Driver

Defensive driving is more than just a list of behaviors. It’s a mindset that you need to practice so that safety is a consistent focus when you’re behind the wheel.

Here are some tips you can use to improve your defensive driving skills:

1. Ask “What If…?”

As you’re driving, ask yourself “what if” questions to help imagine what could happen on the road. For example, if there’s a car nearby, ask what would happen if they suddenly changed lanes in front of you. Would you have to swerve to avoid them? If so, you may be able to adjust your position so you have more space. There are many different questions you could ask to help you identify hazards that could occur suddenly and prepare in advance.

2. Find Ways To Stay Focused

Focus is a big part of defensive driving. It’s also often a challenge when you spend much of your day behind the wheel. Simply understanding the importance of paying close attention to the road may not be enough to make this a habit. Instead, identify practical strategies that help you stay alert. For example, you may notice that certain types of music keep your focus on the road.

3. Evaluate Your Driving

Self-evaluation is a key skill for truck drivers. After every trip, think about what you did well in terms of safety and identify any issues or close calls you had. Determine what you can do better next time you hit the road, and commit to continuing to grow over time.

Learn To Be A Safe Trucker

At Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque, we understand the importance of safety and teach our students valuable defensive driving skills. Our program can help you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL) in as little as four weeks.

To learn more about getting your CDL in Albuquerque, contact us today.

The trucking lifestyle comes with some unique considerations, including the question of where to get food each day. Food is likely going to be one of the most significant parts of your budget on the road and also plays a large role in your health. It’s worth putting the time and effort into making a plan for what to eat on the road and how to prepare your meals so you can save money and stay fit more easily.

What to Consider When Planning Meals as a Trucker

There are three major considerations you’ll need to keep in mind when planning where to eat while trucking:

Convenience

Truckers are often on a tight schedule and don’t have access to the same appliances and tools someone could use to cook at home. As a result, it’s often important to find meals that are fast and convenient.

Health

Sitting in one place for most of the day, as most truckers do, can take a toll on your health. Eating nutrient-dense meals and being mindful of calorie consumption can help you stay fit even if you aren’t moving around as much. Eating well can also improve your energy levels and help you feel better overall.

Budget

Budgeting is an important consideration for individuals across many professions. In trucking, food is likely to be a significant expense. Planning ahead and setting a budget can help you manage how much you spend on eating on the road.

Where Can Truckers Eat On the Road?

There are a few different options for where truckers can purchase their meals.

Restaurants

The quickest option for getting food on the road is to stop at a restaurant. There are often multiple options near truck stops or that otherwise have accessible semi-truck parking. Although it’s possible to find healthier options, many restaurants have mostly high-calorie, lower-nutrient options. The expense of eating out multiple times a day can also add up quickly.

Truck Stops

In addition to the restaurants at or near truck stops, you can often find a combination of grab-and-go meals and common ingredients. Many truck stops are starting to offer healthier options and it’s convenient to stop at one location for your food, fuel, and other amenities. However, the food at truck stops may be more costly than you could find at grocery stores, and not all locations offer healthy items.

Grocery Stores

Stopping at a grocery store allows you to get healthier ingredients and is often more budget-friendly. However, you will need to be able to prep and store food on your truck. There are many options for this including slow cookers, microwaves, and hot plates for cooking and a cooler or mini-fridge for storage. You’ll need to find a grocery store that offers semi-truck parking if you choose this option.

Meal Prepping At Home

Making meals at home before starting a haul allows you the ability to make healthy choices that are quick to heat up on the road while also staying on budget. Of course, this does take some time to plan and you’ll need to have enough storage space. Depending on how long you spend on the road, you may need to stop at the other locations on this list for additional meals or ingredients once you run out.

Earn Your CDL in Albuquerque

If you’re interested in becoming a trucker, Phoenix Truck Driving School in Albuquerque can help you get started. You can complete our commercial driver’s license (CDL) training program in as little as four weeks.

To learn more about becoming a trucker, contact us today.