Category: Uncategorized

Truck driving jobs can be highly rewarding, and you can earn more than $66,000 a year* as a trucker. One of the questions that many people who are considering getting their commercial driver’s license (CDL) have is what advancement opportunities exist within this industry. Your trucking career can evolve as you gain more experience and there are many ways you can advance as a driver.

Some advancement opportunities within trucking, assuming you start out as an over-the-road (OTR) company driver, include:

Growing Within a Company Driver Role

Advancement as a trucker does not always involve a change in your title. Many individuals who start out as over-the-road (OTR) drivers for a motor carrier continue to have this role throughout their trucking career. When you gain more experience and build a strong reputation, your company will begin to recognize you as a driver they can trust. As a result, you can get more miles and advance your career as a company driver.

Mentorship Roles

Many motor carriers have mentorship programs for new drivers. Mentors are experienced truckers who help new hires learn the ropes. This often includes driving as a team for a period of time so the new driver has supervision at first. Becoming a driver mentor can be a great option for advancement in the trucking industry if you are interested in teaching others while staying on the open road.

CDL School Instructor

Becoming a trucking school instructor is similar to being a driver mentor in that you are teaching a new generation of truckers. However, as an instructor you will usually stay in one place. This can make it an excellent choice for experienced drivers who are interested in transitioning out of an active driving role.

Trucking Company Management

Management work at a trucking company may include dispatch, on-site supervision, safety program coordination, et cetera. Having a thorough understanding of the transportation industry can make you a valuable asset in these positions. This type of role is usually something you would consider after many years of driving rather than just out of CDL school.

Exploring Different Routes

Although some individuals can find regional or local trucking jobs right after earning their CDL, these positions are often more competitive. In many cases, it is helpful to have some experience as an OTR driver before pursuing a job that keeps you closer to home. Although this isn’t advancement in the traditional sense of moving up within a company, it is a relatively common trucking career path to move from OTR to regional or local.

Becoming an Owner-Operator

An owner-operator is a trucker who owns their own vehicle and either contracts with a motor carrier or operates under their own authority. These jobs are some of the highest paying in the industry, but it is important to consider whether it is the right choice for you. It’s a good idea to have a few years of experience, and you will also need to either save up to buy a truck or participate in an owner-operator program with a trucking company.

Earn Your CDL Phoenix Truck Driving School

If you are interested in life on the open road, Phoenix Truck Driving School can help. Our programs will give you a strong foundation of valuable skills that will continue to benefit you throughout your career, no matter which path you take.

To start your trucking career, contact us today.

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $44,500 (https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes533032.htm). The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $66,800 per year* according to the 2017 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

After earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL), there are many different career paths available to you. When you are deciding what type of trucking job you are interested in, there are several factors to consider. In addition to choosing whether local, regional, or over-the-road (OTR) driving is a better fit, you will need to consider the different companies that have openings. Our job placement assistance team can help you gather the information you need to make an informed decision.

Some factors to think about when choosing a CDL job:

Pay

Money is an important consideration for any type of career. In the trucking industry, you will usually be paid per mile. This is especially true for regional and long-haul jobs. Local trucking, on the other hand, is more likely to have hourly wages. Pay is going to be a consideration both in terms of which type of driving you want to do (local, regional, or OTR) and which company you work for. It’s a good idea to do some research on rates for new CDL drivers in your area to determine what you can expect.

Benefits

In addition to pay, you should consider what benefits the companies you are interested in offer their drivers. Many motor carriers have health, dental, and vision insurance plans as well as other benefits such as paid time off, tuition reimbursement, et cetera. This will be more of a consideration once you have chosen a general path and are deciding between companies, as opposed to a factor for deciding the type of trucking you want to pursue.

Home Time

Having time at home is an important factor for your job satisfaction. Home time varies depending on the type of trucking job you have and can also differ among companies within the same category. Overall, local driving will usually get you home every night, regional jobs often get you home every week, and long-haul jobs get you home every few weeks. In addition to considering these general trends, make sure to research the companies you are interested in.

Lifestyle

The trucking lifestyle is unique and for many drivers, this is a big reason they are interested in this career path. However, the lifestyle of a long-haul trucker is very different from a local pick-up and delivery driver. If you want to experience the freedom of the open road and see more of the country, OTR is likely going to be a better fit. On the other hand, a local job or a dedicated regional route will be preferable if you like a stable routine.

Company Reputation

Having a supportive company can make a major difference for how much you enjoy your trucking job. To get an idea of a company’s reputation, you can research them online and talk to drivers if possible. Be sure to seek a balanced perspective. It’s easy to get caught up in only the negative, or vice versa, but the truth is probably somewhere in the middle. You should also keep in mind that your attitude and work ethic are going to be important in determining your success, regardless of which company you choose.

Get Your Trucking Career Started

If you are interested in life on the open road, Phoenix Truck Driving School can help. You can earn your CDL in as little as four weeks with our accelerated program.

To learn more about how we can help you prepare for a trucking job, contact us today.

There are few industries where you can earn competitive pay after only a few weeks of training. Trucking is one of these rare opportunities. You can earn more than $66,000* as a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder. Our CDL training school can get you on the road and earning in as little as four weeks.

Here is a timeline for our accelerated truck driving school program:

Week One – Written CDL Test Prep

During the first week of your training, you will be in the classroom (in person or virtually) studying material for the written CDL test. The major portion of this is the general knowledge exam, which covers truck driving safety and other basic information. The test is in a multiple-choice format and you will need to answer at least 80% of the questions correctly. When you pass, you will get your commercial learner’s permit (CLP) and will be able to transition into hands-on training.

In addition to going over what you need to know for the general CDL test, our truck driving school also includes information for three endorsements. These are hazardous materials (hazmat), tanker, and doubles/triples. To earn these endorsements, you will need to pass the additional written tests, which you will take at the same time as the general knowledge exam.

Weeks Two – Four – Hands-On Truck Driver Training

After you’ve earned your CLP, you will move into hands-on training. This includes preparation for all parts of the CDL skills test. You will learn basic semi-truck operation skills including backing, turning, parking, and shifting. We only use real vehicles, not simulators, so you will be able to develop the confidence and experience you need to succeed as a trucker. In addition to range learning, your instructor will supervise you for on-the-road training.

Once you are prepared, you will take the skills test. This consists of three parts: a pre-trip inspection, basic vehicle control drills, and a driving test. Our instructors will help you understand what to expect from all of these portions so you are set up for success. After passing the skills test, you will obtain your CDL.

Post-Graduation

Phoenix Truck Driving School has a job placement assistance team and we can help you find companies that are hiring drivers like you. Many of our students have offers before graduation and are able to hit the road as soon as they earn their CDL.

High-Quality CDL Training

We pride ourselves on offering high-quality truck driver training in Albuquerque, NM. Our instructors have real-world experience and work hard to give you the skills you need to succeed. Our accelerated program can be completed in as little as four weeks and prepares you for an exciting and rewarding career as a trucker.

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

*Professional truck drivers earn a mean annual wage of $46,370. The top 10% of truck drivers make more than $66,840 per year according to the 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Being a truck driver gives you the opportunity to enjoy the freedom of the open road. This can be a great career option for many individuals. However, trucking also comes with responsibility. Since you will be operating a large vehicle on public roads, you will be trusted to make safety a priority. Because of this, motor carriers will want to be sure they are hiring the best drivers. One method for checking the driving history of potential new hires is with a Drive-a-Check (DAC) report. Most medium or large trucking companies will use this for hiring purposes. As a result, it’s important to understand what DAC reports are before you enter the trucking industry so you can be prepared.

DAC Report Overview

The background check service HireRight complies the DAC report. It provides an overall view of a truck driver’s professional history. HireRight operates under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). As a result, they have certain obligations to truckers whose information is included in the reports.

The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the trucking industry. They do not require motor carriers to use DAC reports specifically. However, companies are required to obtain certain information about new drivers before employment and to keep this on file. Because of this, many of the categories on these reports will be reviewed by potential employers in some form, whether they use DAC reports or another method.

What Do DAC Reports Include?

A DAC report gives detailed information about a truck driver’s employment history for the past ten years. The specific items included vary depending on the trucking company that requests the report.

Some information that DAC reports may contain:

• Your commercial driver’s license (CDL) number and what endorsements and/or restrictions you have, if any
• Accident history
• Name and address of previous trucking companies you’ve driven for
• How long you worked for each carrier
• What type of truck you drove and what type of freight you hauled
• A record of your on-the-job performance
• Your reason for leaving previous trucking companies and your eligibility for rehire
• Drug and alcohol testing results, which are also included in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Clearinghouse system, although the DAC report may include additional non-DOT drug testing information

What Truckers Can Do About Their DAC Reports

Since the information in your DAC report can affect whether a motor carrier hires you or not, you want to make sure it reflects well on you as a driver. The best way to keep a clean report is to have a good driving record and focus on safety and professionalism.   

In some cases, a DAC report may contain incorrect or false information and if this ever happens to you, it’s important to correct it as a soon as possible. Like consumer credit reports, you are entitled to request a free copy of your DAC report once a year. You should look over the information and if anything is inaccurate, missing, or incomplete, you should dispute it on HireRight’s website. To make this process easier, keep any records you have throughout your trucking career so they are ready in case you need to dispute your report.

Helping You Understand the Trucking Industry

At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we can help you prepare to start your trucking career with the knowledge you need to succeed.

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

Although over-the-road (OTR) truck driving is one of the most common career paths for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders, there are many more options available. One to be aware of is less-than-truckload (LTL) freight. There is generally more home time for this type of trucking. However, there are some things to consider when deciding if it is right for you.

How LTL Freight Works

To understand what an LTL driver does, it’s helpful to have an idea of how this type of freight service operates. Whereas OTR loads are generally for one or only a few customers and move large distances all at once, LTL loads involve several smaller portions of freight from different sources. LTL gets its name from the fact that each customer has less than a full truckload of freight that needs to be delivered. These shipments are picked up and taken to a terminal for the freight company. Here, they are sorted and sent out on trucks to different terminals. The loads then branch out until they are delivered to their final destination. To visualize this, imagine a tree where the roots (freight customers) come into the central trunk (LTL terminals). This then breaks off into smaller branches (delivery locations).

Linehaul vs P&D LTL Driving

There are two types of LTL jobs you might have: pickup and delivery (P&D) and linehaul. These involve different responsibilities and your day-to-day life will look different depending on which one you choose.

P&D, as the name implies, involves picking up freight from customers and bringing it to the LTL terminal or taking freight from the terminal and delivering it. These drivers make several stops each day and load and unload shipments. The lifestyle is similar to other local delivery jobs and drivers are usually home daily or nightly.

Linehaul drivers, on the other hand, move freight from terminal to terminal. The length of the route depends on various factors. As a result, you may be home multiple times each week or less frequently. For longer linehaul routes, the schedule is similar to regional trucking and often gets drivers home for weekends. Linehaul jobs almost always involve driving overnight, so if you prefer to drive during the day, P&D or another type of trucking may be more suitable.

LTL vs OTR

Some things to consider if you are choosing between LTL and OTR include:

Home Time

One of the main reasons drivers choose LTL jobs instead of OTR is the home time. P&D drivers may be home every day and even linehaul drivers with long routes spend more time at home than OTR truckers.

Sleeper Cab vs Day Cab

Long-haul truck drivers will usually drive semi-trucks that have sleeper berths, meaning there is an area behind the seats with a bunk for sleeping. On the other hand, LTL drivers typically have day cabs that do not have a sleeping area. If the driver is running a longer linehaul route, they usually stay overnight in a hotel paid for by their company.

Lifestyle

OTR driving is as much of a lifestyle as it is a career. For some, this is a major advantage. They love the freedom of the open road and enjoy the excitement of traveling the country while earning money. LTL freight is different because you are usually driving the same route and are not living the “trucking lifestyle.” Some drivers see this as a disadvantage, whereas others appreciate the routine and home time.

Truck Driver Pay

Of course, one of the major considerations for any career decision is pay. This can vary considerably among different LTL and OTR jobs, so it is difficult to make a straightforward comparison between the two. It is a good idea to look at the pay for the companies you are interested in and talk to current and former drivers to get a better idea of what to expect.

Earn Your CDL

Whether you are interested in LTL, OTR, or another type of career that requires a CDL, Phoenix Truck Driving School can help. You can earn your commercial license in as little as four weeks and our job placement assistance team can help you start earning as soon as possible after graduation. We take into account what types of jobs are more compatible with your lifestyle preferences and career goals.

To get started in LTL freight, long-haul trucking, or another CDL career, contact us today.

Many people associate a commercial driver’s license (CDL) with long-haul truck driving. This is definitely one of the most popular careers available to CDL holders, but it is by no means the only option. There are a wide variety of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that you can operate with a CDL, including box/straight trucks, which are the kind typically used as delivery vehicles. If you are interested in a local trucking job, you may be wondering whether a CDL is necessary to become a delivery truck driver. This depends on a variety of different factors.

In General, Who Needs a CDL?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the operation of CMVs. Their rules determine when a CDL is necessary. Any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more requires a CDL. This is the general guideline to keep in mind when determining whether a delivery truck driving job requires a CDL. If the trucks in question fit this definition, the answer is yes.

Determining Which Delivery Truck Driving Jobs Require a CDL

It can be difficult to figure out whether a given delivery truck job requires a CDL based on the FMCSA criteria, especially if you aren’t familiar with the trucks being used. The easiest way to determine this is to look up the requirements for the specific company or position you are interested in. Their job listings should clearly state if a CDL is necessary.

In general, delivery trucks for consumer packages are less likely to require a CDL since these vehicles are smaller. However, this is not always the case, so you should double-check the requirements for the exact job opening. Frequently, companies that deliver larger items or larger quantities locally require a commercial license. The goods/materials being delivered can include furniture, medical supplies, food, and more.

What Is a Delivery Truck Driving Job Like?

The day-to-day schedule of a local delivery driver varies depending on the company and what is being delivered. In general, these types of jobs allow you to be home nightly and you will often travel the same or a similar route each day. This can be a great option for CDL graduates who are not interested in the lifestyle of over-the-road trucking.

Earn Your CDL

If the delivery truck driving job you are interested in requires a commercial license, Phoenix Truck Driving School can help you earn your CDL. Our students have access to a wide variety of opportunities and trucking is only one of the many possibilities. A local driving job may be a great fit for you and you can also consider regional trucking, highway maintenance, and more. Our job placement assistance team can discuss your goals with you and help you find companies that are hiring.

To learn more about how we can help you become a delivery truck driver, contact us today.

There are many different jobs you can get with a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Over-the-road (OTR) driving is one of the most common careers for CDL school graduates, so you will likely hear about this option often. However, it is definitely not the only choice available. Regional trucking is another possibility. You may want to consider becoming a regional driver if you like the freedom of the open road and want to drive a semi-truck, but prefer to spend less time away from home compared to long-haul trucking.

Regional Trucking vs OTR

Similarities

In many ways, regional driving is fairly similar to long-haul trucking, especially in terms of your day-to-day life on the job. Regional truck drivers, like those with OTR jobs, spend most of their day behind the wheel and transport freight in a semi-truck.

Differences

The length of the route is what differentiates regional from OTR trucking. Long-haul drivers transport freight from coast-to-coast and travel through many different states for a given route. They will spend several weeks on the road at a time, usually between three and four. On the other hand, regional routes cover a smaller portion of the country. This may be within 1,000 miles of a central location or on one coast. As a result, regional truckers can often be home every weekend or every other weekend. Home time policies vary depending on the specific company, but as a general rule, regional truckers are going to spend fewer days at a time on the road.

Is Regional Trucking Right for You?

Benefits

The main reason drivers choose to work regionally is the increased home time. These truck driving jobs are a middle ground between OTR and local deliveries, both in terms of time on the road and pay. This can make regional driving a great fit for individuals who like some aspects of long-haul trucking but prefer to be home more frequently.

Another potential benefit of regional trucking is that you can become familiar with your specific route. This may make it easier to prepare for weather changes, traffic, and other factors that can be more complicated if you are traveling through several states as an OTR driver.

What to Consider

Although the pay for regional trucking is typically more than local jobs, it is also generally less than OTR driving. It’s important to keep in mind that truck driver salary is influenced by many different factors, so it is possible for some drivers to make as much working regionally as they would on coast-to-coast routes. However, the overall trend is that regional jobs are not as high-paying as long-haul trucking.

Another thing to keep in mind is that while some drivers prefer a familiar route, others find this to be repetitive. If you are drawn to trucking because you want to see more of the country, an OTR job would likely be a better fit.

Get Your License and Start Earning

At Phoenix Truck Driving School, we help our students earn their CDL and find rewarding careers. Our job placement assistance team will consider what type of driving you are interested in and look for companies hiring drivers like you.

To learn more about entering the regional trucking industry, contact us today.

To earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you will need to take two tests. One is a written exam and when you pass this, you will obtain your commercial learner’s permit (CLP). The second is known as the skills test and includes three parts: a pre-trip inspection, assessments of basic vehicle control, and on-the-road driving. This CDL driving test evaluates your response to several traffic situations, as well as your overall driving skills.

How the CDL Driving Test Works

During the CDL road test, the evaluator will have you drive through a test route. They will score you based on your response to specific traffic situations. While you are driving, the evaluator will give you directions that you will need to follow. They will make sure to give you enough time to take any action. If the test route does not have a certain situation, you may be asked to explain what you would do if you encountered it. In addition to specific maneuvers, the evaluator will score your overall driving behavior. You must wear your seat belt throughout the test route, obey all traffic laws, and complete the test without an accident or moving violation.

CDL Driving Test Criteria

Some of the criteria the evaluator will score include:

Turns

When the evaluator asks you to make a turn, you will need to do so safely. Some of the factors for safe turning include checking all directions, slowing down or stopping smoothly without unsafe coasting, and using your turn signal. You will need to keep both hands on the wheel during the turn, check your mirrors to make sure you do not hit anything inside of the turn, and finish in the correct lane. After turning, the evaluator will expect you to ensure the turn signal is off, get up to the speed of traffic, and move into the right-most lane when possible, if you are not already there.

Intersections

At intersections, you will need to thoroughly check traffic in all directions. If it is necessary to stop, you must do so smoothly, without coasting, and with a safe distance between your truck and any vehicles in front of you. As you pass through the intersection, you will need to continue to check the traffic around you and will need to accelerate smoothly and change gears as necessary.

Expressways

As you enter an expressway or rural highway, you will need to check traffic, use proper signaling, and merge smoothly. On the expressway, you will be expected to maintain proper speed and lane spacing. When exiting, decelerate smoothly, check traffic, and use your turn signal.

Railroad Crossings

Before reaching a railroad crossing, you should decelerate, brake smoothly, and switch gears as necessary. Depending on the type of vehicle, you may be required to stop completely and activate your four-way flashers. You should look and listen for trains while also checking traffic in all directions. While in the crossing, do not stop, change lanes, pass another vehicle, or change gears.

Prepare for Your CDL Test

The above examples are only some of the situations you may encounter during your CDL skills test. At Phoenix Truck Driving School, our skilled instructors will help you understand the various aspects of safe driving. You will get hands-on experience and we can help you get on the road and earning in as little as four weeks.

For more information on how we can prepare you for the CDL driving test, contact us today.

Becoming an over-the-road (OTR) truck driver involves spending three to four weeks at a time on the road. This can be a great fit for individuals who are looking for more freedom and higher pay. Trucking is as much a lifestyle as it is a career. As you enter the trucking industry, it’s helpful to think about how you can stay healthy as an OTR driver. Although this lifestyle does have some unique considerations, it is possible to maintain and improve your health while on the road.

Some tips for making healthier choices as a long-haul truck driver:

Stay Hydrated

Hydration is essential for health and can even help you stay more focused and alert. Keep water in your truck and try to sip on it throughout the day instead of drinking only when you are thirsty. It’s also helpful to have water instead of less healthy drinks like coffee or soda.

Plan Healthy Meals and Snacks

Plan ahead and bring healthy meals and snacks with you to eat during your haul. You can pre-make meals before you leave so you can quickly and easily heat them up. More and more truck stops and restaurants on the road have healthy options if you prefer to purchase your meals. Try to eat fresh fruits and vegetables and practice portion control.

Find Time for Exercise

There are many ways that you can exercise while on the road. One of the easiest is keeping a pair of running shoes in your truck and going for a quick jog during a break. Some truck stops even have gyms or you can get a membership with a gym chain that has locations across the country. Even 15 minutes of exercise can be incredibly beneficial.

Get Enough Sleep

Many people don’t pay enough attention to getting enough sleep. As an OTR driver, this can be more complicated, but some adjustments to your routine can help you get more and better sleep. Consider using earplugs to block out noise and use a good pillow and mattress in your sleeper berth. Comfortable sleeping conditions make it easier to fall asleep and get the most out of your time off.

Manage Stress

Health includes more than just your physical wellbeing and it’s important to remember to take care of your mental health as well. Connecting with friends and family back home, finding hobbies you can take on the road, and remembering to relax can all be helpful for this.

Implement Small Changes First

Keep in mind that even small lifestyle changes can have a big impact. Even if you only start with a few of these tips, it can be helpful. You might prefer to begin with easier adjustments and move forward from there.

Get Started on the Road to a Trucking Career

If you are interested in becoming an OTR driver, contact us to learn how we can help you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL).

Trucking can be an incredibly rewarding job. One of the highest-paying career paths in the industry is becoming an owner-operator. This is an individual who owns their own semi-truck and either contracts with a motor carrier or hauls for shippers on their own authority. There are many steps to take before you can start your own trucking business and it’s important to understand what to expect.

Steps to becoming an owner-operator:

Earn Your CDL

In order to drive a tractor-trailer, you will need to obtain your commercial driver’s license (CDL). To do this, you will need to pass a written exam as well as a skills test. If you will need any endorsements for the type of vehicle you wish to drive or the kind of freight you want to haul, you will need to take additional written tests. Our program covers material for hazardous materials (hazmat), tanker, and doubles/triples.

Make a Plan

You should consider your unique circumstances and make a long-term plan for how to become an owner-operator. This can vary depending on your financial situation and other goals. Many owner-operators work for a trucking company as a driver before purchasing their own vehicle. This allows them to gain more experience in the industry and to save up the funds for starting their own trucking business. Many carriers even offer pathways to vehicle ownership, which can make it easier to achieve your goals. However, it’s also possible to buy a rig directly after CDL school if you have the money available and feel confident in this decision. Whichever path you choose, it’s a good idea to consider all of your options and to understand what actions you will need to take.

Purchase Trucking Equipment

Depending on what plan works best for your situation, you may choose to lease a rig or purchase one outright. Leasing from a trucking company can be a great option. This is because it allows you to start on the path to ownership while also enjoying the support of an established motor carrier. If you choose to purchase a new or used semi-truck instead of leasing, you will either need to have the full cost available or obtain a loan.

Get Registered

To be an owner-operator, you will need a United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) number as well as a Motor Carrier (MC) number. An MC number is also known as trucking authority or operating authority. If you are working with a specific company, you will most likely be working as a contract carrier. This is different from a common carrier, who can book their own loads and operates under their own authority.

In order to register with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), you will need insurance. There are different requirements for this depending on what type of freight you will be hauling.

Start Hauling

If you are working as an independent contractor with a specific carrier, you will haul freight for them. Otherwise, you will need to search load boards or work with existing contacts to find available hauls to start earning.

Get Started at Phoenix Truck Driving School

Our CDL school can help you take the first steps on the path to owning your own trucking business. You can earn your license with us and our job placement assistance team can help you find companies that offer leasing programs.

To learn more about starting your trucking career, contact us today.

After you earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL), there are many different types of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that you might drive during your career.  Knowing the many varieties of vehicles that you could encounter can help you find your niche as a trucker. It’s also important to know if any additional license requirements apply for the CMV you wish to drive.

Here are some of the different types of CMVs:

Semi-Truck

The first vehicle that many people envision when they think of CDLs is a semi-truck. You may also hear the terms tractor-trailer, big rig, 18-wheeler, or semi-trailer. All of these refer to a tractor unit (the front part of the truck) with an attached trailer. According to the American Trucking Associations (ATA), semi-trucks transport 71.4% of freight in the United States. The first tractor-trailer was invented in 1898 and these vehicles have become more advanced over the years. They are an essential part of the supply chain and the nation would not be able to function without them.

The most basic type of semi-truck is a dry van, which has a trailer that hauls materials that do not have any special requirements. This can include many different types of cargo.

In addition to a basic tractor-trailer, there are types of semi-trucks that have different attachments:

Refrigerated Truck

Refrigerated trucks, also called reefers, have the same basic structure as a dry van tractor-trailer. The difference is that the trailer portion is refrigerated.

Long Combination Vehicle

A long combination vehicle (LCV) is a semi-truck with more than one trailer attached to the tractor. These vehicles require the doubles/triples endorsement as there are additional factors to keep in mind when operating this type of truck.

Tanker

Tankers are a specific type of semi-trucks. They have a front truck portion with a tank attached in place of the traditional trailer you see on most big rigs. This tank can transport liquids, gases, or dry bulk. If the tanker truck is hauling a fluid, the driver will need a tanker endorsement on their CDL. In many cases, a hazardous materials (hazmat) endorsement is also necessary, depending on the specific type of freight.

Flatbed Truck

A flatbed semi-truck has a flat platform attached to a tractor. Freight can be secured on this bed and these types of CMVs are often used to transport oddly-shaped or large cargo.

CMVs Besides Semi-Trucks

After earning your CDL, you can drive other types of vehicles beyond semi-trucks.

Some examples include:

Straight Truck/Box Truck

Straight trucks, also known as box trucks, may look similar to semi-trucks at first glance. The difference is that the trailer is attached directly to the truck without a fifth-wheel connection. This means the trailer cannot be removed. These are commonly used for local deliveries.

Dump Truck

Dump trucks typically require a CDL to operate. Additionally, other types of heavy vehicles used on a construction site may or may not require a commercial license, depending on the specific circumstances. As a result, some CDL holders choose to work as highway maintenance technicians or other similar jobs. Some heavy equipment is transported to a worksite via a flatbed truck, so this is another reason having your CDL can be beneficial for this career.

Earn Your CDL

If you are interested in driving any of these types of CMVs, contact Phoenix Truck Driving School today.

Semi-trucks are absolutely essential to our nation’s economy and transport a wide variety of goods and materials. One example is gasoline. Without trucks, gas stations in the United States would exhaust their supply within 2-3 days. Because of high demand and the additional responsibilities involved with transporting gasoline, driving a fuel truck can be a high-paying career.

Here is what you will typically need to operate a fuel tanker:

Commercial Driver’s License

The large trucks that transport gasoline are regulated by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You must have a class A commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate one. In order to earn your CDL, you will need to pass a written exam as well as a skills test that includes on-the-road driving. Although it is possible to study for the CDL test on your own, attending a truck driving school can help you prepare for your career. Additionally, many employers prefer to hire CDL school graduates.

X Endorsement

To drive a fuel truck, you will need the X endorsement on your CDL. This is not actually one endorsement but is a combination of the tanker and hazmat endorsements.

Tanker Endorsement

The FMCSA requires that any driver who operates a tank vehicle have a tanker (N) endorsement on their CDL. The agency defines a tank vehicle as any commercial motor vehicle that uses one or multiple tanks to transport liquid or gaseous materials. To fit the definition, the tank(s) must have an individual rated capacity of more than 119 gallons. They also need to have an aggregate rated capacity of 1,000 gallons or more. The tank(s) can be permanently or temporarily attached to the vehicle. An empty storage container that is temporarily attached to a flatbed truck does not qualify as a tank vehicle.

Fuel trucks fit these requirements and are considered tank vehicles by the FMCSA. This means that you need your N endorsement to transport gasoline. You earn this by passing the tanker portion of the CDL test. This includes 20-30 questions about safety considerations related to tank trucks.

Hazmat Endorsement

Any substance that has the potential to cause harm to the environment, animals, or humans falls under the definition of hazardous materials (hazmat). There are 9 different classes of hazmat. Gasoline is considered a Class 3 hazardous substance. This category includes flammable liquids. In order to transport gasoline or other types of potentially dangerous materials, you must have the hazmat (H) endorsement.

To earn your H endorsement, you will need to pass the written section of the CDL test that covers information related to safely hauling hazmat. In addition, you will need to undergo a Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) background check.

Earn Your CDL and X Endorsement With Us

At Phoenix Truck Driving School, you can earn your CDL along with hazmat and tanker endorsements. This means you can consider a career hauling gasoline after graduation.

To learn more about how you can start on the road to fuel truck driving, contact us today.