Month: March 2019

Completing your CDL training is only the first step in starting your new career in trucking. Once you finish your training, you’re ready to start searching for trucking jobs! The good news is that there is a high demand for truck drivers. In fact, there are currently about 60,000 job openings in the trucking industry. Discover how DriveCo CDL Learning Center can help you get hired in trucking!

Job Placement Assistance at DriveCo

Offering top-notch CDL training is not our only goal at DriveCo CDL Learning Center. We’re also here to help you get hired after graduation! DriveCo has over 25 years of experience helping individuals start their new careers in trucking. With the job placement services at DriveCo, graduates can get help filling out applications, updating their resume, building their network, and much more! Whether you’re a DriveCo graduate or a current student, our team is here to help you find a CDL job you’ll love.

Hiring Events With Trucking Recruiters

DriveCo maintains relationships with over 20 top trucking companies in the United States. We are regularly hosting hiring events with recruiters from these companies! Recruiters are visiting the DriveCo campuses weekly looking to hire new truck drivers and to share what their company has to offer. This gives students opportunities to directly network with trucking companies and find what works best for them.

These events are also open to the public in addition to DriveCo students and graduates. There are various CDL job openings out there and a lot of trucking companies who are interested in hiring DriveCo graduates specifically. We invite you to join us for these recruiter events and get your questions answered!

Lifelong Career Opportunities in Trucking

The trucking industry has a lot to offer. Trucking companies are offering competitive pay and benefits to meet the high demand for drivers. This will vary between trucking companies, but a career in trucking typically comes along with the following benefits:

  • your hourly wage will run about $20 – 25
  • the average income for a truck driver starting out is about $45,000 annual salary
  • drivers can apply for both regional and local jobs once they have a few years of experience as an OTR driver
  • you get a 401(k) with additional company matches available
  • complete healthcare benefits
  • opportunities to advance into management or operator positions

These are just a few of the benefits that come along with working in the trucking industry. You can make a livable wage and have a career full of options to advance by finishing your CDL training. DriveCo CDL Learning Center has the training you need to exceed as a professional truck driver!

You’ve finished your Class A CDL training and are ready to hit the road. Or at least you think you’re ready. Make sure you’re prepared for the road ahead by having these essential supplies! This ultimate shopping list for new truck drivers will set you up for success.

BASIC TRUCKING SUPPLIES

  • Water. You’ll get thirsty while you’re on the road, so it’s best to pack something to drink. Water is very affordable to buy in bulk.
  • Snacks. You’re bound to get hungry on the road. But it’s best to pack some non-perishable items that don’t need to be refrigerated such as peanut butter, bread, crackers, apples, bananas, beef jerky, or canned soup.
  • Toiletries. Keep clean and stay refreshed with a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, mouthwash, deodorant, cologne, body wash, shampoo, etc.
  • Comfortable clothes. It’s essential to bring comfortable clothes for a long drive. Depending on the weather, you should have button-ups, t-shirts, jeans, shorts, jogging pants.
  • Off-duty attire. During your trip, it’s convenient to have some comfortable clothes for when you’re not driving.
  • Shoes. You’ll need running shoes for comfort. If you plan on stopping to shower, it’s best to pack shower flip-flops shoes to protect your feet from infections like athlete’s foot. It’s always good to have boots just in case you need to do some work or the weather changes up.
  • Gloves. To keep your hands warm or to make loading and unloading easier, it’s a good idea to have gloves on hand.
  • Raincoat. Weather can be unpredictable. You don’t want to be in the middle of nowhere and it’s raining, but you don’t have a raincoat.
  • Cell phone mount. This is best for safety. It can be dangerous to hold a phone while driving, whether you’re making a call or using the GPS. Having your cell phone mounted to the dashboard or windshield can solve this problem.

EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

  • Phone number list. In case your phone dies and you can’t access your contacts, having a written phone number list can come in handy when you need to make an important call.
  • Flashlight with batteries. A flashlight is a great tool for any emergency situation. If your truck breaks down at night, using a flashlight can help you see under the hood.
  • Portable cell phone charger. In case you can’t use your regular charger, when you don’t have access to a power outlet, for example, a portable charger can be useful.
  • Small first aid kit. If you get hurt during your trips, it’s good to have bandages, dressings, medications, and treatments on hand.

ITEMS FOR COMFORT

  • Portable toilet. Sometimes it’s not viable to make a restroom stop. A portable toilet can meet your bathroom needs without the need to stop.
  • Sleeping bag/blanket/pillow. When you don’t want to stop at a hotel to rest, you can sleep in your truck. A sleeping bag, blanket, and pillow can provide you some comfort.
  • Pain medication. Whether you have a bad headache or you’re experiencing some knee pain, it’s wise to pack some Tylenol or Ibuprofen for your trip.

For more information about the trucking industry and CDL training, feel free to contact us. At DriveCo CDL Learning Center, our focus is to help our students become successful truck drivers!