Month: June 2019

Have you ever counted the number of semi-trucks you pass on your way to work or on a vacation? Probably not. The reality is, most of us do not notice the impact the trucking industry has on the society we live in. Truck drivers deliver over 10 billion tons of product each year. This adds up to almost 671 billion dollars in products being moved by freight. So we have to ask, “What would happen if trucking just stopped?”.

There would be a lot of industries, businesses, and people affected. Most likely we would see the largest change in the food, healthcare, transportation, retail, manufacturing, waste removal, and banking industries. Here is a break down of what could happen if trucking stopped even for just a month.

• Delivery of medical supplies would stop and life-saving materials would run out.
• Service stations would begin to run out of fuel and fuel prices also begin to skyrocket.
• Mail delivery services would no longer operate. US Mail and package delivery will cease.
• Manufacturing plants will have to stop productions due to a lack of parts.

 

• Food shortages would begin to rise. Grocery stores would quickly run out of staple food items.
• Gas stations will have run out of fuel completely.
• ATMs will have a shortage of cash. Banks will not be able to accept transactions through ATMs.
• Garbage, recycling, and other wastes will begin to build up.
• Other transport systems will begin to be affected. Trains and container ships will have to sit idle due to no products to transport.

 

• Automotive transportation will be scarce due to the lack of fuel.
• Oxygen supplies at hospitals will begin run out endangering the lives of patients.

 

•  Clean water supplies will begin to run out in urban areas.

 

As you can see, the trucking industry plays an extremely important role in our economy. Companies are dependent on truckers to keep their businesses running and society flowing properly. We have shown how all of these industries above are intimately connected and one adjustment could potentially result in a snowball effect. We are grateful for the trucking companies and the drivers that give us more than we ever imagined!

If you’re interested in joining the industry that keeps America moving, let CDS Tractor Trailer Training help! CDS provides both Class A and Class B CDL training. Contact us today to learn more!

Getting back on your feet with a felony conviction can be particularly hard. Understandably, not all employers will trust you. One question you might have is whether you can get a Commercial Driver’s License. Getting a CDL can be a great way to get reliable employment. If you had a CDL before, then you may or may not be able to get it reinstated. In most cases, you actually have a good chance of being able to get a CDL.

Here are exceptions:

• If your driver’s license is currently suspended.
• If your parole terms specifically forbid it.
• If there is an active warrant out for your arrest.
• If the felony involved the use or operation of a CMV. This may include crimes committed while “on the clock” as a truck driver. In some states, such as Texas, this is a lifetime ban. In others, you may have a waiting period and other requirements before you can get a CDL. If your conviction is for vehicular manslaughter or distribution of controlled substances or weapons, you will be banned at the federal level.
• If you were guilty of certain serious crimes such as arson, kidnapping, or assault with intent to murder.

The age of the felony may also have an effect. Some schools (and employers) will only take you if the felony is at least 5, 10, or 15 years old. The type of felony is also a consideration. In fact, a misdemeanor traffic violation can be more of a problem than a conviction for theft. Don’t stretch the truth, as you may have worse long term problems if a school or employer finds out you lied to them.

However, these are legal requirements, which may vary from state to state. Different driving schools will also set their own standards and may refuse students. Because of this, contact CDS Tractor Trailer Training to learn more about our standards.

Updated April 2023

A trucking career has many benefits, but it may also require you to be away from friends and family for long periods of time. While many companies give you the option to drive locally or regionally, over-the-road (OTR) drivers often earn more. Although driving long distances gives you the chance to see the country and experience the peace and quiet of the open road, you will be missed by loved ones back home. Here are a few of our tips for getting your family on board with your decision to begin a trucking career.

Consider The Financial Benefits

When talking with your family about a career in trucking, be sure to focus on the benefits that the industry offers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a trucker is $48,310, which is higher than the overall average. Depending on what you’re hauling and the company you work for, you could get paid up to $137,000. Many trucking companies also offer benefits such as dental and medical insurance, paid time off, retirement options, and tuition reimbursement. These benefits may make being away from home worth it.

Get The Family Involved

Being away isn’t always a bad thing. The long hours spent on the road may seem daunting, but you’ll be traveling and getting to see the country. When planning your routes, think about getting your family involved in the process. Have them pick stops and let them know where you’ll be during different points of the trip. When you check in with them, they’ll feel like they’re part of your life on the road. When you are home, be in the moment and take time to relax. After being away for a while, it’ll be important to reconnect with the ones you love.

Make Plans to Stay in Touch

Technology has advanced a lot in recent years, which makes staying connected while away much easier. Social media allows you to share photos of your travels and keep up to date with what’s happening at home. Make time to video chat with your family. Programs like FaceTime, Zoom, and Google Hangouts make it easy to do and will have your loved ones feeling like they’re right there with you. And of course, don’t forget about the old ways we used to stay in touch: postcards and letters. Send postcards home from all the places you’ve been with notes to your family. They can be stuck to the fridge and looked at any time someone’s missing you.

When you talk to your family about a career in trucking, remind them that there are pros and cons to this path, just as there are with other careers. Reassure them that you’ll be able to stay in touch while on the road and that you’ll be back home as soon as you can. For more information on trucking and how to make it work for you and your family, contact CDS Tractor Trailer Training today.