Month: November 2019

Be Thankful for Truck Drivers

Posted on by Paradigm Media

While you’re enjoying your meal with friends and family this Thanksgiving, remember to be thankful for truck drivers. Thanksgiving kicks off a hectic holiday season for truckers. These truck drivers spend long hours away from family during holiday festivities to make your holidays happen.

Thanksgiving

Each year, Americans consume approximately 46 million turkeys on thanksgiving. That’s a whopping 15,300 truckloads of turkey alone! Truckers don’t just bring the turkey–they are also responsible for those all-important side dishes. According to a study conducted by the Minnesota Trucking Association, in order to meet the needs for Thanksgiving, truck drivers are responsible for carrying approximately:

  • 2.4 billion pounds of sweet potatoes
  • 80 million pounds of cranberries
  • 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkins

When all is said and done, it takes an estimated 83,000 truckloads to make sure that Americans can enjoy their Thanksgiving feast with their families. If that’s not a reason to be thankful for truck drivers, I don’t know what is!

Black Friday And Cyber Monday

When you’re enjoying your pumpkin pie and making your Black Friday shopping plans, truck drivers are still on the move. Every year truck drivers take time away from their own families, working hard to meet consumers’ needs. They’re making sure the shelves are stocked in time for all of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. Truck drivers are responsible for making sure that those goods make it to the retailers so you can shop ’till you drop.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday are some of the busiest times of the year for truck drivers. Last year Americans spent 717.5 billion dollars on Black Friday, resulting in approximately a 20% surge in freight volume. Americans also spent a record-breaking 7.9 billion dollars last Cyber Monday, and you can bet that truck drivers were hard at work making the shopping season a success.

This year, while you’re enjoying your turkey, remember that a truck driver was behind the scenes making sure your holidays are extra special. That’s something we can all be thankful for.

Are you interested in becoming a truck driver? Enroll in a CDL training program at CDS! Contact us today, and let’s get you on the road to your new career.

What Non-Trucking Jobs Are Out There For CDL Holders?

Posted on by Paradigm Media

Updated Jan. 2025

If you’re a Class A CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) holder, you’ve probably spent time behind the wheel of big rigs, hauling goods across long distances. While trucking is a major career option for CDL holders, it’s not the only one. Many people with a CDL decide to switch things up and explore non-trucking jobs for CDL holders. These alternative careers can offer better work-life balance, different types of work environments, and even opportunities to use your skills in new ways. In this blog, we’ll take a look at some of the best non-trucking jobs for CDL holders that you might want to consider.

Driver Instructor or Trainer

If you’ve got experience as a truck driver, why not share your knowledge with others? One of the most rewarding non-trucking jobs for CDL holders is becoming a driver instructor or trainer. In this role, you’ll teach new drivers the skills they need to pass their CDL test and succeed in the trucking industry. It’s a great option for those who enjoy teaching and have a passion for the industry. Many trucking schools and companies are always looking for experienced drivers to help train the next generation.

Logistics Coordinator

Logistics coordinators help companies plan and manage the transportation of goods. While this job involves some of the same concepts as driving a truck, you’ll be working more with scheduling, planning, and coordinating deliveries rather than actually driving. As someone with a Class A CDL, you already understand the challenges of logistics—like dealing with traffic, timing, and routes—so this role is a natural fit for many CDL holders. Logistics coordinators work in offices, warehouses, or dispatch centers, and the job can offer regular hours and a comfortable work environment compared to long-haul trucking.

Dispatching

Dispatchers play a crucial role in the trucking industry by communicating with drivers, planning routes, and ensuring that shipments are delivered on time. For CDL holders, this can be one of the most rewarding non-trucking jobs for CDL holders, as it allows you to stay connected to the industry without the need to drive. Your knowledge of the roads and trucking regulations makes you fully equipped for this role, as you’ll be able to understand what drivers need and how to optimize their routes. Dispatching is often done from an office, and many companies offer flexible hours or the option to work remotely.

Safety Compliance Officer

Truck drivers are held to strict safety standards, and so are the companies they work for. As a safety compliance officer, you would be responsible for ensuring that drivers and companies follow federal and state regulations. You might conduct inspections, review safety records, or help businesses maintain safety standards. This job requires a strong understanding of regulations and a keen eye for detail—qualities that many CDL holders already possess. It’s a great way to stay in the transportation industry without being on the road all the time.

Heavy Equipment Operator

If you enjoy working with large machines but want to get off the road, becoming a heavy equipment operator could be a perfect fit. Heavy equipment operators drive and operate machinery like bulldozers, cranes, and excavators at construction sites, quarries, and mining operations. Many employers seek individuals with a CDL because they understand how to operate large vehicles safely and are familiar with safety regulations. This job often involves working outdoors and on construction sites, which can be a great change of pace if you’re looking to try something new.

Expanding Your Career Horizons

A Class A CDL opens the door to many different career opportunities beyond just trucking. Whether you’re interested in teaching, logistics, or working with heavy machinery, there are plenty of non-trucking jobs for CDL holders that can give you a change of pace while still utilizing your expertise.

Take the first step by earning your Class A CDL at a reputable trucking school like CDS Tractor Trailer Training! Our job placement services will assist you in finding a best-fit career for you, and check out our options for financial assistance before beginning training!

Give us a call at 540-361-6661 to learn how you can begin CDL training and launch a successful trucking career!