LA TRUCK DRIVING BLOG
How to Pick the Best Truck Driving School in Los Angeles
When it comes to becoming a truck driver, it’s essential you pick the best truck driving school to receive your CDL license and pass all your tests. There are many options to choose from, especially in the city of Los Angeles. Here are the factors you should look into when deciding where you want to study. Reputation of the “Best” Truck Driving School One of the first factors you should look into is the overall reputation of the truck driving school to see if they are the best. Make sure to look into their website for their testimonials and…
8 Truck Stops Every Truck Driver MUST Visit
When you’re a truck driver, a good truck stop is an amazing find. Besides your own rig, truck stops are where you’ll end up spending a lot of your time. They have the ability to help truckers unwind and relax after those long days of driving. But what actually makes a good truck stop? Sure, nice ones will have clean restrooms with hot water showers, working washers and dryers, a decent place to eat, plenty of wide-spaced parking, and well-maintained fuel islands. But what about truly epic truck stops? Here a few truck stops throughout the United States that definitely…
12 Important Winter Safety Tips For Truck Drivers
As we approach the colder winter months, it’s a great time of year to remind truck drivers to be extra careful on the roads and adjust their driving habits accordingly. Weather conditions and poor visibility can change even the most familiar routes and roads. It’s important for all drivers to be hyper-aware during this season, but big commercial truck drivers have an extra level of responsibility, as they are in control of very large, powerful vehicles. But not to worry. By adhering to several preventive safety skills for driving in cold weather, you can safely make it through the winter…
Custom Semi Trucks: How To Personalize Your Rig
Do you have daydreams of customizing your big rig? The majority of commercial trucks are owned by corporate companies and are therefore come already branded; however, there are also plenty of owner-operators who work as freelance truckers and can choose any kind of customization that they want, creating amazing custom semi trucks. If you’ve gotten as far as owning your own truck, why not give it a few personal touches? As a professional trucker, your rig is most likely your second home. With all that time spent in your truck, we think it’s important to personalize it. In this article,…
The Top Causes Of Commercial Truck Accidents, And How To Avoid Them
Last year, commercial trucking fatalities reached its highest level in 29 years, according to National Highway Traffic Safety Administration data — and statistics show that about 500,000 accidents on the road are caused by commercial trucks. This does not have to be the case. Commercial truck driving can be extremely safe if the right person is driving. As commercial truck drivers, it’s of the utmost importance to not only be responsible, but to also be highly aware of these common causes of commercial truck accidents in order to avoid them yourself, and to be aware on the road. Here are…
6 Major Perks Of Having A Truck Driving Career
The job market is booming, and you've got a lot of options on your plate. If you're new to the working world or if you're looking to make a career change, professional truck driving could be a great fit for you. There’s no denying that the American economy runs on trucking. The truck driving industry brings goods of all kinds across the country, contributing millions upon millions of dollars to the economy on a yearly basis. Is Truck Driving a Good Career? Truck driving careers can be rewarding, satisfying, and full of adventure. While there are some lifestyle considerations you…
What Are The Most Common Rookie Truck Driver Mistakes?
When you've been a truck driver for awhile, whether you're an owner-operator or you work for a company, you become very experienced and you start to know what to expect. However, that comes with time, and although some truck drivers fall easily into the job and lifestyle, there are some very common truck driving rookie mistakes that are made every day. Read over our list of the most common truck driving rookie mistakes, and perhaps you won't make them yourself. Not Checking The Load Before shutting your doors and locking your truck up, check the load to make sure it's…
OTR Trucking Necessities: What to Get Now, And What to Get Later
As a brand-new OTR trucking professional, you’ll adjust to life on the road and figure out the things that make your life easier, more convenient, and more comfortable as you go. These things are different for everyone. What some drivers can’t live without, others won’t even think of. And then there are some universal items that every truck driver needs. When you go from your training truck to your very first delivery job, there are a handful of things that are absolute must-haves. And then there are some things that you’ll enjoy having for your rig once you can pay…
The Absolute Best Seat Cushions For Truck Drivers
As a truck driver, you spend many, many, many hours sitting in the driver’s seat. But how comfortable is that seat you sit on so much? Could it be more comfortable? Probably. So what are the best seat cushions for truck drivers? Run-of-the-mill driver seats are designed with very little support. If you’re like most truckers who don’t have any added cushion to the driver’s seat, you probably often feel stiff, achy, a too hot in your back and butt. Thankfully, a wide variety of seat cushions exist. Here’s a breakdown of the best seat cushions for truck drivers, according to the…
How To Protect Your Truck At Truck Stops
It often takes awhile for truckers to find this out, but some of the worst damage that can happen to your rig happens in a truck stop parking lot. You wouldn’t think so, but it does. This is because many truck stops were built decades ago, when there were fewer—and much smaller—trucks. The vehicles may have gotten larger and more plentiful, but most of the lots have stayed the same size. The result? Accidents. Here are some expert tips from us at LA Truck Driving School to help you steer clear of potential truck stop parking lot damage. Park Early If you…
How Many Hours Can A Truck Driver Drive?
If you're thinking about getting into truck driving, you should be aware that it isn't your typical 9-5 job. Depending on a customer's specific requests or needs, you could be driving throughout the night, or for several weeks at a time. However, just as in other lines of work, there are specific regulations for the amount of hours that a trucker can drive. These rules are in place in order to keep drivers as safe as possible. So just how many hours can a trucker drive? The 14-Hour Driving Window This is the timeframe in which a driver can drive…
Your Quick Guide On How To Get A CDL
Have you been contemplating a new career in trucking but aren't exactly sure where to start? As one of the most lucrative careers in America, truck driving isn't going away anytime soon. However, to get started, you're going to need to earn your Class A commercial driver's license—and to get there, you're going to need to take a few steps. Here's a breakdown of how to get a CDL. Step 1: Get Your Commercial Learners Permit The first thing that will be necessary for you to do is to apply for your commercial learner's permit. In order to to this:…
7 Important Qualities Of A Great Truck Driver
While being a truck driver is one of the most lucrative careers in America, it doesn't come easy. Earning your commercial driver's license is the first big step to becoming a truck driver, but there are other important qualities of a great truck driver as well. The ability to drive is only one of them. The best drivers have a multitude of qualities that the top companies are looking for. Take a look here at some of the things that make a truck driver truly talented. 1. Customer Service Skills While driving across the beautiful scenic routes in America, you're…
How To Get Your HazMat Certification
In the world of trucking, getting any extra certifications can add to your ability to get better jobs, better loads, better schedules, and better routes. One of the more important things you can earn is a HazMat certification. Getting this certification will allow you to drive hazardous materials, which means you're more marketable as an employee and the truck driving pay is better. Every state is slightly different when it comes to how you can earn the certification, but here's a basic understanding of what you need to do. What Is A HazMat Driver? Being a HazMat driver means you…
5 Important Things To Know As A First-Year Truck Driver
No matter what industry you're in, the first year on the job is always going to be a learning process. This is especially true for the trucking industry. Once you've passed your CDL training and have begun your new truck driving job, you'll find that there are plenty of things you still need to learn. As a first-year truck driver, you'll have your ups and downs, but in the end it's always worth it. 1. First-Year Truck Drivers Get The Worst Routes No matter where you end up working, you're going to start at the bottom of the totem pole.…
Are You Considering Driving Uber Or A Truck Driving Career?
If you're stuck between careers right now, you might be thinking about what you can do next. This is where a lot of people may turn to driving for Uber while they figure out what they want to do. While those driving choices offer some positives, they aren't going to help you to provide for you and your family the same way that a truck driving career can. Many people have thought about both of these driving-related jobs, so we wanted to give you a breakdown to help you determine which one may be best for you. Vehicles Uber When…
How Much Do Truck Drivers Make?
If you've been considering a job as a commercial truck driver, great! It's a smart career choice that will allow you to be part of one of the biggest paid industries in America. Of course you need to decide for yourself if truck driving is right for you, but if and when you decide it is, you'll be happy you made the choice. Perhaps one of the most important questions potential drivers want to know is: how much do truck drivers make? This is certainly an important question, and in this article, we'll try and give you better insight as…
What Are The Biggest Owner Operator Expenses?
While many of our students at L.A Truck Driving School graduate and immediately begin working for a trucking company, there’s also a good percentage of our students who earn their CDL and become an owner-operator, beginning their own business. (Yes, with just one truck sometimes). And one of the most common questions that we’re asked is, “What are the biggest owner-operator expenses when a driver decides to start up their own trucking company?” If you’re thinking about becoming an owner-operator after earning your CDL, read on for several of the biggest startup expenses—after the purchase of the truck, of course.…
50 CDL Test Questions To Get You Prepared
Maybe you've made the decision that you want to enter into the biggest-paid industry in America, but you're worried about taking the CDL test. Fear not, because we here at L.A Truck Driving School have created a list of 50 CDL test questions to help you prepare for entering your lucrative new career. Passing the written test is just one aspect of becoming a commercial truck driver. You'll also need to be trained on driving the truck. We offer a Class A Driving School which you can take while you're studying for your CDL test, or after you've passed it.…
What Exactly Can You Do With A CDL?
If you’ve been thinking hard about getting your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you’ve probably also been thinking about exactly what type of job you may want. Most people might automatically think of truck drivers when they hear “CDL”, but in fact there are many different jobs that you can get with the CDL license that you earn. The 3 Types Of CDLs You can get a Class A, Class B, or Class C CDL license. A Class A CDL will let drivers operate any vehicle with a semi-trailer or trailer with two or more axles. A Class A CDL will…
Important Questions For New Truck Drivers To Ask Potential Employers
Once you graduate from L.A Truck Driving School, you’ll be on your way to a career driving for a truck line or maybe even becoming an owner-operator yourself. When you go out there and apply for your first job with a trucking company, there are several questions that truck drivers should be sure to ask your recruiter or potential employer in order to make sure the job will be a good fit for you. Question #1: What Is The Policy For Home Time? This is probably the most important question when interviewing for a trucking job. If your home time is…
8 Small But Important Items For Truck Drivers To Have
As a new truck driver, over time you’ll discover important OTR trucking items that help you a lot with your trucking lifestyle. Each driver is different about which tools, utensils, maintenance gear, and gadgets they can’t live without, but there are a few key items that every truck driver agrees is an absolute must-have for convenience, comfort, and health: Shower Shoes Some public showers aren’t bad, but others may be a little iffy. To avoid possible fungal infections, smart truck drivers use shower shoes, such as flip-flops, while taking advantage of public showers. This is one major OTR trucking item…
5 Things For Student Commercial Truck Drivers To Know
When starting out in the commercial truck driving business, there are some things that new drivers will need to get used to. From using public bathrooms to cooking on an electric skillet, the lifestyle will take some getting used to. Here are some helpful observations to know. Don’t Worry About Being “Slow” Become okay with the fact that you’re driving a big, slow, hulking commercial truck. Many new drivers struggle with the slow turning, slow accelerating, and slow passing. Your truck is going to feel much different than a zippy little car, and eventually you will get the feel of…
Commercial Truck Maintenance: A Driver’s Duty
How seriously should drivers take it when commercial truck maintenance isn’t being taken care of properly? Very seriously. As we learned from Illinois-based commercial truck driver Jill Grass, reporting commercial truck maintenance isn’t always welcomed. A trucking company won’t always like it if you report rig damage or request service. Her employer, Hartwig Transit, actually fired her for requesting an inspection and registration materials for her trailer. She had also reported two missing bolts and a damaged plate on a wheel hub. Although Jill was just doing her job—correctly—she received written warnings and eventually termination. The Responsibility Of The Truck…
Is Becoming A Truck Driver Right For You?
Becoming a truck driver sounds appealing to many individuals, and for plenty of them, it works out great. Trucking can be the perfect job for some. However, if you’re thinking about becoming a truck driver, you should ask yourself if your personality matches up with the requirements that the lifestyle and career demands. There are some characteristics that some people have that work especially well for the trucking industry. Ask yourself… Will I Feel Comfortable In A Commercial Truck? Commercial trucks are no joke. They are big, heavy vehicles that can be extremely dangerous if the driver loses control. Everything…
What Truck Driver Cooking Equipment Do You Need?
When a new commercial truck driver graduates and gets their CDL, one of their first concerns is usually what their eating situation will be on the road. While truckers may be notorious for eating at greasy diners, gas stations, and fast food joints, many new truckers are interested in cooking for themselves on the road—both to stay healthier and to save money. But what truck driver cooking equipment is needed, and what is allowed? There are lots of options for mini-appliances for cooking that can run off the existing battery. These appliances can easily be kept in the cab and…
Ask A Truck Driver: Most Common Questions About Trucking
Whether you’re considering becoming a truck driver or you’re already one but still a newbie, there are a lot of questions to ask about the adventurous life of commercial truck driving. Here are some answers to the most commonly-asked questions. What Is The Best Thing About Being A Truck Driver? Most truck drivers will answer “getting to travel”. The excitement of being somewhere new each day and getting an inside look at the U.S. is a rare thing, and most truck drivers are very appreciative of the opportunity. What’s The Worst? Typical driving issues such as traffic and getting lost…
12 Basics Every Truck Driver Should Have On The Road
Out on the open road, there are many necessities. If you’re a new truck driver, you’ll discover certain things you need—often because you don’t have them when you need them most! Every driver is different and will want different things with them, but there are some good basics that every driver should have. Here are a few of them: Good Work Gloves You’ll be going through a lot of work gloves, but a good pair to start on are leather cowboy gloves. Many truck drivers agree that these are the most comfy and durable, and tend to be less constricting…
Happy National Tire Safety Week From L.A Trucking School!
Did you know that it’s National Tire Safety Week? The Rubber Manufacturer’s Association created National Tire Safety Week May 28 through June 3, 2017 to help drivers learn simple and essential steps to maintain their tires. This is a great idea, because tires are extremely important. As the only part of the vehicle that actually come into contact with the road, literally everything is riding on them. Therefore, it’s absolutely crucial that they are well maintained and properly cared for. Research by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that during 2009 to 2013, commercial truck tire blowouts were accountable for…
Truck Driving Lifestyle & Basics
Truck driving is one of America’s top careers. In fact, it’s the most common job in 29 states, and with good reason. It’s a strong tradition in which workers can have stable work, good pay, and are able to be out in the world. But despite being one of the most common careers in America, many people still don’t know exactly what a trucking career entails. What does the day-to-day look like? What are the rules? What is expected? Here are a few truck driving basics that you may not be aware of. Trucking is More than Just Driving It…
How Truckers Stay Compliant With The Department Of Transportation
The trucking industry is a vital part of the American economy, and like many other industries, trucking has a helpful dose of government regulation. The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) sets plenty of guidelines for the trucking industry in order to keep the roads safe and truckers at their peak ability. Independent owner-operators must stay compliant with DOT regulations in order to maintain their business. So what exactly can individual truckers do to stay compliant with the DOT? Earn A Commercial Driver's License The Department Of Transportation requires any professional driver to receive their commercial driver's license (CDL), but that…
4 Benefits Of Enrolling In Truck Driver Training School
The American economy is fueled by the trucking industry, offering great careers with exceptional wages. And a rising demand for truckers across the country means that you might want to consider a career as a driver. Of course, in order to become a professional truck driver you'll probably want to enroll in a truck driver training school. Many might be apprehensive about enrolling in a truck driver school. It can be a big time commitment, and attending classes and taking driving skill tests isn't exactly the most fun way to spend your time. But there are many benefits of attending…
Does Proper Training From A Truck Driving School Prevent Distracted Driving?
Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car collisions in America, with the number of fatal accidents rising all across the nation. According to preliminary data from National Safety Council, as many as 40,000 died in motor vehicle accidents in 2016, a six percent increase over 2015 that rose due in part to distracted driving. April is the National Safety Council's Distracted Driving Awareness Month, something we take seriously at L.A Truck Driving School. Our truck driver training program is aimed at decreasing your chance of distracted driving, ensuring safety on the road. For more info on distracted…
Frequently Asked Questions: Earning Your Class A Commercial Driver’s License
A career as a truck driver offers great pay, amazing benefits, and a sense of job security that’s hard to come by. And if you’re serious about becoming a trucker, you’ll definitely want to earn your Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). The Class A CDL is the most comprehensive commercial driver’s license you can earn, allowing you to operate a wide array of vehicles typically used by top trucking companies. But the process of earning your CDL can be pretty confusing. Luckily, the experts at L.A Truck Driving School have compiled a helpful list of frequently asked questions covering…