Month: May 2018

The path to becoming a professional truck driver begins with choosing the best CDL school. The right school will provide the industry-recognized training and knowledge needed to pass the CDL exam and will propel your career in the desired direction. While the decision process is complicated, considering a few features of the school will simplify the process.

Flexible Schedule

A flexible class schedule provides advantages for many students who want to make a transition to the trucking industry. DriveCo CDL Learning Center offers students the choice of full-time training which lasts four weeks, or part-time classes that last ten weeks. With courses starting every two weeks and the availability of day, night, or weekend classes, students can earn their CDL while maintaining their other responsibilities.

Tuition Assistance

The cost of tuition is often a concern that many prospective students share. There are several Tuition Assistance programs available through federal, state, and local programs and many large trucking firms offer tuition reimbursement programs as well as Sponsorship Training, a program where select trucking companies pre-hire and pay tuition costs for qualifying students. DriveCo CDL Learning Center has the experienced counselors needed to navigate all tuition assistance options and ensure that your training is affordable and possible.

On-Site Driving

Learning the skills and knowledge necessary to earn a CDL and become a professional driver requires a blend of classroom and hands-on training. Choosing a school that has facilities that allow students to get behind the wheel on-site as well as on the road will increase confidence and ensure that students are prepared to enter the workforce. DriveCo’s driving yard is on site and allows students to get the most driving experience possible during their training.

Job Placement Assistance

In addition to providing comprehensive training, DriveCo CDL Learning Center offers graduates in good standing Job Placement Assistance. This assistance will continue on after graduation and beyond your first job. DriveCo’s reputation and industry connections enable their placement staff to provide lifetime assistance to help maximize the value of your CDL qualifications. This includes aid with:

• Job Search
• Completing Job Application
• Reviewing or Updating Resumes
• Interview Techniques and Preparation
• Networking and Employer Referrals
• Career Planning & Job Retention

Earning a CDL offers the opportunity to start a career in a growing field with above-average earnings. Choosing the right school will ensure that your qualifications are in demand and that you have a variety of paths to choose from, after graduation and in the future. At DriveCo CDL Learning Center, we are ready to help you get started with your training and on the road to a new career.

Many long-distance truck drivers are faced with the decision of whether they will do their driving by daylight or in the nighttime. While many different drivers will develop a preference for when they wish to do their driving, some drivers may operate better by daylight while others wish to drive at night. Some companies will require drivers to drive by daylight and others by night; yet, many will allow their drivers to choose which time of day works best for them.

There are things to consider when determining if you want to drive in the daylight versus at night. If you have the choice of when to drive, be sure to consider the pros and cons of various times to drive before making a final decision.

Driving In the Daylight:

Pros:

• Parking will not be hard to come by during daylight hours if you need a rest at a truck stop during your travels.
• Daylight follows your body’s natural rhythm, making it easier for many people to stay awake during the daytime as the light stimulates you and keeps you more alert and awake.
• The scenery can be enjoyable and it can be nice to enjoy the nature surrounding you.
• Obstacles and things that lie on the roadway will be easier to see during the daylight hours than at night time when views can be obstructed by darkness.

Cons:

• Many drivers will not like the extra traffic jams that can come with the daylight hours, especially during rush hours passing through populated areas.
• Construction sites often may be most active during the day, making traveling distances through construction zones take longer than they might at night.
• Distracted driving is much more prevalent as you can see and enjoy the landscape around you and all the sights there are to see. However, drivers must be careful to pay attention to the road and not just the surroundings around them, no matter how pretty they happen to be.

Driving At Night:

Pros:

• Less traffic on the roads can help you log better mileage in less time.
• There is less likely to be traffic and construction at night, so delays are not likely to be a huge issue.
• There are fewer distractions and fewer things to see as the dark conceals most of it, making the road the only thing to focus on.
• Many people find night driving more relaxing, but if it’s too relaxing you may lose your level of alertness needed to drive safely.

Cons:

• Many people find night driving disrupts their sleep pattern and makes it hard to stay awake all night.
• It’s much more likely that police will spot anyone driving recklessly or speeding as there is usually less traffic on the roads at night.
• It may be easier to get lost on the roads as the dark will conceal signs and other landmarks that may clue in as to where you are at.

No One Clear Answer:

For companies that give their drivers the option of when they want to drive, it is up to the driver as to when they feel most comfortable. Consider the time of day when you function the best and determine what will work best for your driving schedule. At DriveCo CDL Learning Center, we won’t just teach you how to drive a truck, we will also teach you how to become a great driver and employee. Are you interested in earning your CDL? Contact us today to learn about your opportunities!

ELD or Electronic Logging Device is a system that is installed in the truck to log a driver’s hours of service and other information. The intent is to automate the traditional handwritten processes so there will no longer be a need for logbooks. Using this type of system also makes it easy for information to be shared with interested agencies.

When Will ELD Use Become a Requirement?

Most drivers should have already begun to use ELDs where available. However, all drivers will be required to use them by December 16, 2019.

Is There Training Required to Learn How to Use an ELD?

Yes. Truckers should receive training to learn how to operate an ELD. Some of the functions that they will be required to know are:

• How to log-in
• How to record duty and status changes
• Add notes to indicate any poor driving conditions, accidents, or other incidents
• How to produce, read and interpret the data that the ELD displays
• Diagnosing any problems with the machine

Will Everyone Need to Use an ELD?

No, not everyone. ELDs will be not be required for use in trucks built before 2000, any driver who logs less than 8 days in a 30 day period, or driveaway-towaway drivers such as someone towing an RV or motorhome. If you are exempt from using an ELD, you must carry proper documentation with you.

How Will This Benefit the Drivers?

By providing an electronic log of your time on the road, drivers will be protected from driving while fatigued. It also eliminates scheduling issues for drivers and carriers. The ELD also collects data in a clear and consistent way across trucking companies to help identify the best routes by recording location status thus making the trucking industry more efficient.