Month: May 2019

5 Jobs with a Class A CDL

Posted on by Paradigm Media

Most people think when you earn your Class A CDL you are automatically going to be an over-the-road (OTR) truck driver. However, there is a nice variety of jobs available to those who get complete their training and earn their Class A. Let’s take a look at some of the possibilities.

Construction Equipment Operator

The construction field is booming and it always needs equipment operators. A CDL is a must when operating this type of equipment. Here are some of the machines that need drivers are

  • skid steers
  • knuckle boom loaders
  • dump trucks
  • track hoes
  • bush hogs
  • cranes
  • flatbeds
  • steamrollers

Terminal Manager

Terminal managers for transit companies typically begin their careers as truck drivers. Transit companies need managers to oversee the operation of their terminals. Experience as a driver is a real bonus in this field.

Tractor Trailer Technician

A CDL license is a huge benefit for anyone wanting to be a tractor-trailer technician. It’s not a requirement in all states, but many of them do. Understanding what the drivers deal with can help when repairing the vehicles.

Highway Maintenance Technician

While a CDL license is not always required depending on your job description it can help you advance in your career. Large trucks, such as paint trucks and skid steers, need drivers with their CDLs.

Tractor Trailer or Bus Inspector

A CDL is often required in this job. As part of the inspection, you may be required to drive the vehicle, which requires a Class A CDL. Having a good understanding of a semi-truck and/or bus is vital for this career.

*BONUS* CDL Instructor

Instructors for CDL training is needed across the country. As the demand for truck drivers grow, so does the demand for instructors to train this new generation. Typically, an instructor needs a few years of experience on the road before becoming an instructor. Being able to give real-world examples to trainees can only help them learn and grow.

CDS’ New School Director, Crystal Kennedy

Posted on by Paradigm Media

CDS Tractor Trailer Training School is proud to announce Crystal Kennedy as their new School Director. Crystal has been with CDS since February 2013. She was previously the Regional Manager for our Roanoke Training Center. We are all very excited for not only Crystal, but for CDS and the future of our CDL training school. Keep reading to learn more about our new School Director!

Crystal Kennedy’s Trucking Background

As previously mentioned, Crystal began working at CDS as a Student Coordinator in 2013. A fact many might not know about Crystal is she was previously a CDL training student at CDS. She went through our full-time Class A CDL training program in October 2012, after leaving the insurance industry after 5-years. Crystal was approached by Chris Pender, CDS’ Vice President, the day she graduated and asked if she would be interested in a Coordinator position. After accepting the new position, Crystal knew she had found the industry and company she had always been looking for!

Views on the Trucking Industry

Its clear Crystal loves the trucking industry, especially since she went through CDL training before beginning her career at CDS. We wanted to look into more detail as to why she was so fond of trucking. Here is what Crystal had to say, “I love this industry because of the freedom it gives to those who join it. Freedom in many regards. Financial freedom and security to those who may have previously lived paycheck to paycheck. Freedom and opportunity to those who may have made a few mistakes in the past and deserve a second chance in society. Unfortunately, many industries aren’t set up to provide those individuals with an opportunity to succeed and break free from the restraints of their past. Trucking, however, provides a hand up to those individuals. Freedom to work in a steady, ever-growing occupation that allows you to have the best “office view” there is. Getting paid to see the sights of our beautiful country and the freedom to be the captain of your own ship, or truck as it may be, is a great career choice in my eyes.”

For those considering a career in trucking or earning their Commercial Driver’s License, Crystal would tell them, “If you’re thinking of getting your CDL…DO IT!  Don’t be afraid, don’t second guess the choice, just do it. Trucking isn’t going anywhere, and this industry provides so many opportunities within it. I certainly never thought when I climbed into the cab of a tractor for the first time that it would have ever lead me to this point!” Crystal is certainly correct, the opportunities in the trucking industry are endless!

The Future of CDS Tractor Trailer Training School

As for the future of CDS, Crystal is very excited! Here’s what she had to say, “The future is bright for CDS! CDS Tractor Trailer Training School has long stood by the saying that “if you put quality first, everything else will fall into place.” Sticking to that over the years and continuing to do so into the future will keep CDS as the leading CDL training provider in the state of Virginia. Big changes within the CDL industry, such as third-party testing and Entry-Level Driver Training regulations, will certainly have positive impacts on CDS.” We agree with Crystal and are excited to see what is in store for CDS in 2019 and beyond!

 

Again, everyone at CDS is very excited about this new promotion for Crystal and what it means for our school’s future. We are all looking forward to the coming months and new changes that will be occurring. If you’re interested in beginning your CDL training or maybe evening joining the CDS family as a staff member, contact us today! It’s a great time to join our team!

5 Tips for New Truck Drivers

Posted on by Paradigm Media

Updated August 2022

You now have your Commercial Driver’s License, and you’re ready to hit the road. That’s great! Before you start logging those miles, there are a few tips that can help you approach your first year of truck driving with a veteran eye.

Good Things Take Time

Getting your CDL is just the start. Most veterans say it takes about a year to really get into the rhythm of the job. That’s why you probably won’t find your dream job out of the gate. It’s better to spend that first year mastering your skills and finding your comfort zone before you worry too much about expanding your career. Most experienced drivers will say that even 5-10 years down the line, they are still learning new things to help them while out on the road.

Minimize Job Hopping

Speaking of career expansion, job hopping can really hurt your long-term prospects in the trucking industry. It’s rough since most rookies want to maximize their driving hours, but the best gigs usually hire drivers they can hope to keep around for many years. Luckily, most companies are expanding their benefits packages and salaries to be more competitive when hiring drivers. Make sure to explore your options before committing to a company.

Safety First

You’ve heard it a million times and you’ll hear it a million more. There’s a reason for that. Beyond the obvious desire to not get in a wreck, getting through your first year with a clean record can really help you move into better jobs later.

Ask Questions

There’s no shortage of veterans amongst truck drivers. Everyone was a rookie at some point, and they all learned important lessons that they can share with you. Don’t be shy. Asking for advice is one of the most powerful tools in your first year.

People Skills Matter

It’s easy to feel like handling the truck is the most important part of the job, but your interactions with people will bear a heavy impact on your career. Fostering relationships with customers, managers and the myriad of people who become part of your job is important to help you move forward professionally. It also goes a long way to helping you maintain a positive mentality while you work.

 

That’s enough to get you started. Naturally, you’re going to come up against a flurry of specific questions once you’re working. For those and other issues that you may face, you can always contact us at CDS Tractor Trailer Training.

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