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No Image June 21 2022 in Truck Driving

What To Do After I Get My CDL Permit?

You’ve completed your CDL training. Congratulations! Now you may be wondering: what do I do after I get my CDL permit? This blog post will outline the next steps to obtaining a CDL license to begin your career as a professional truck driver. Stay tuned!  

CDL Steps  

Once you’ve gotten your CDL training out of the way, you will have to take the CDL test. This test consists of two parts: the written portion and the driving portion. After passing these exams, you’ll be officially allowed to drive a commercial vehicle on the road and become one step closer to starting your truck driving career. 

Testing Time  

Written Test: this part of the exam requires you to answer 50 questions within a 60-minute timeframe. It will be multiple-choice, and you’ll have to decide between four options. They’ll cover topics like general knowledge, passenger transport, combination vehicles, hazardous materials, and tanker vehicles, to name a few. The best way to prepare yourself for this test is to take practice exams online and dedicate 30-60 minutes each day to studying the topics. This way, you won’t have to pay the testing fees multiple times.  

Driving Portion: It’s time to put the peddle to the metal! Depending on the class of the CDL license you’re trying to bet, there will be three versions. The types of licenses available consist of Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A licenses are required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross total weight rating of 26,000 or more pounds, provided that the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. Class B and Class C licenses are required to operate single vehicles weighing less than 26,000 pounds and aren’t hitched to a trailer (commercial trucks or buses) and a vehicle weighing less than 26,001 pounds (your average car). A CDL-A license is required for professional truck driving. The road test generally takes a total of two hours and will include two sections. The first is displaying the knowledge about how the vehicle operates (how to start the vehicle and how to use emergency and turn signals), and the second focuses on how to maneuver and drive the vehicle as you will on the road.   

After You Get Your CDL-A License 

After you pass both portions of the exam, you’ll earn your CDL-A license and be able to start your career as a professional truck driver. If the carrier that you were hired by requires you to complete additional training or coursework, that would have to be completed before you’re able to drive on your own. Most companies will likely have an orientation, on-boarding, or extensive training program you must complete before you can start driving on your own.  

To summarize, the CDL steps after you’ve acquired your permit are: 

  • Pay fees for application and testing 
  • Pass both the written and driving portions of the CDL test 
  • Complete additional training if it’s required by your company 
  • Complete orientation program unique to your company 

After you have completed all of these steps, you’ll be able to hit the road (officially) and start your truck driving career! 

Which Company Should I Work For? 

If you’re just starting out as a professional truck driver, you may be unsure of which company to choose. You should consider what career aspects and conditions are your top priorities and see which company is the best fit for you. Some important things to look for in a professional truck driving company are reputation, quality of equipment, freight type and driving styles, pay and benefits, and importance of safety. 

If you’re looking for a company that provides the highest quality service in a superior environment, contact Warrior Logistics to join our team! Warrior Logistics believes that people are their greatest assets and strives to empower each person to reach their fullest potential. Our utmost priority is the safety of our Warriors. We provide rigorous safety training, invest in advanced technologies, and continuously reinforce industry standards. We hold ourselves to the highest degree of professionalism, respect, and integrity. Sound like a match? Fill out an application today! 

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No Image June 14 2022 in Trucking, Truck Driving

The Future of Automated Trucking: Why Truck Drivers Will Always Be Needed

The future of truck driving is looking more and more driverless every day. With the advent of automated trucking and developments in the industry, many truck drivers wonder whether they will be replaced by automation. There are several reasons why truck drivers will always be needed in the industry. This blog post outlines the future of automated truck driving, its impact on the industry, and what this means for truck drivers. Stay tuned to learn more!

What is Truck Automation?

Automated trucks are semi-trucks that have at least some level of autonomy. Engineers delineate six levels of automation. Level 0 refers to trucks with no automated ability and need truck drivers to do all of the driving. Level 5 is a fully automated truck that is self-driving even in inclement weather without the need for driver operation. Automated trucks that offer assisted steering and warnings for lane departures are considered a level 1. Levels 2 and 3 are being implemented by some major companies in the trucking industry in controlled environments.

What Impact Does Driverless Trucking Have on the Industry?

While there is a lot of money and a growing interest in truck automation, truck drivers should know that their jobs are still secure. Smaller logistics companies also lack the resources and investor funding to implement these technologies. The impact of automation in the trucking industry means more safety for the driver, specifically during long-hauls, decreased ship times, and reduced highway traffic. While there is a lot to gain from automated trucking, the critical need for human truck drivers will never disappear.

Will Truck Drivers Be Replaced?

A common misconception is that automated trucks will replace truck drivers. Although automated trucks have been in development for the past decade and more companies have begun experimenting with this technology, truck drivers shouldn’t stress about their job security. Since companies are only testing levels 2 and 3, they cannot operate without a human truck driver. Even if the industry transitions completely into level 5 automation, professional truck drivers will still be needed to supervise at all times in the event of an error or accident. One of the key things that driverless trucks don’t have is experience. The insight to navigate difficult situations, experience on the road, and the ability for error correction. Truck drivers are the most important part of the future of truck driving, and that will always be the case.

The Importance of Truck Drivers

Truck drivers do more than just drive. Self-driving trucks cannot loan and unload freight or provide excellent customer service dispatching details about an order. This provides job security for truckers and will for the foreseeable future. Trucking experience can only be gained by putting in miles on the road. This advantage makes truck drivers necessary for the job, and apart from driving, they have the human element to delegate tasks and the ability to carry them out. There is also the issue of safety. While self-driving cars grow in popularity and can be found increasingly on the road, automated trucks are not the same. Semi-trucks are obviously larger and lack the ability to maneuver around a potential accident or roadblock. It also takes more time for a truck to come to a full stop after braking, and there is not much room to avoid cars or people on the side of the road. The potential problems with sensors being on top of a truck’s cab also raise concerns. With the sensors and cameras located at the top of the cab, there is potential for it to be blinded by the sun, have trouble distinguishing between cars and large signs, and become impaired in inclement weather. All of these factors contribute to problems for trucks in city settings where there are constant needs for stopping, turning, and tight spaces. Truck drivers need to be there to supervise these situations and navigate them if the technology fails.

Warrior Logistics understands that truck drivers are their greatest assets. It’s their core value. If you’re worried about your job being replaced, know that Warrior Logistics will always know the importance of truck drivers and their invaluable daily impact on the industry. They hire the best people and provide top-of-the-line training to create a superior environment for them to thrive. Ready to join the team? Contact us today!

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No Image May 31 2022 in Truck Driving, Logistics

7 Reasons Why Truck Drivers Have the Best Job in the World

There are many benefits to being a truck driver. Trucking is a vital part of our economy, and there will always be a demand for qualified drivers. But that’s not the only reason why truck driving is such a great career choice. At Warrior Logistics, we believe that truck drivers have the best job in the world! Here are 7 reasons why we know this is true! 

7 Benefits of Being a Truck Driver

See the Country 
  • Truck drivers get to see the country. One of the great things about being a truck driver is that you get to see all sorts of different places. You’ll never be bored on the job because you’re always going to be somewhere new. And, if you love to travel, this is the perfect career for you! 
Meet New People 
  • One of the advantages of trucking is you get to meet new people. One of the best things about being a truck driver is that you get to meet all sorts of different people. You’ll never be bored on the job because you’re always going to be meeting new people and making new friends. 
Strong Salary 
  • You can make great money. As a truck driver, you can make a very good living. If you’re willing to work hard, you can earn a great salary. And, if you’re savvy with your money, you can easily save up and retire early! 
Always Something New 
  • You’re always learning. As a truck driver, you’re constantly learning new things. You’ll learn about different places, different people, and different cultures. And, you’ll never be bored on the job, because you’re always learning something new. Truck driving is the perfect job for someone who loves to learn. 
Recession-Proof 
  • Of all the advantages of trucking, it is an in-demand profession and has proven to be recession-proof. There will always be a demand for essential truck drivers, no matter what the economy is like. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to transport the goods and materials we rely on every day. This is a vital role that comes with a lot of responsibility. And it’s a job that is always in demand! So, if you’re looking for a stable career, truck driving is a great choice. 
Great Job Benefits 
  • Employment benefits for truck drivers are well known to be generous. Many trucking companies offer their drivers excellent benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans. So, if you’re looking for a career that comes with great benefits that can change your life, truck driving is a perfect choice. 
Keep America Moving 
  • You’re helping keep America moving! As a truck driver, you play a vital role in keeping America moving. Without truck drivers, our economy would grind to a halt. You’re an essential part of the American workforce, and you’re helping to keep our country running. That’s something to be proud of! 

How to Become a Professional Truck Driver 

Now that you know all the benefits of being a truck driver, you’re probably wondering how you can become one. The process is actually quite simple! Just follow these three basic steps to get started on your way to a new career in no time. 

  • Next, find a trucking company that you would like to work for. Once you’ve found a company that you’re interested in, fill out an application and undergo the necessary background checks.  
  • Finally, once you’re hired, complete the truck driver training program with your chosen company. After you’ve successfully completed the training program, you’ll be ready to start your new career as a professional truck driver! 

So, if you’re looking for a great career, look no further than truck driving. It’s a great way to see the country, meet new people, and make a good living. And, at Warrior Logistics, we know that truck drivers have the best job in the world! Contact us today to learn more about becoming a truck driver. We’d love to help you get started on your new career! 

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No Image May 26 2022 in Truck Driving, Logistics

How to Successfully Recruit Millennial Truck Drivers: Tips from the Pros

The trucking industry is facing a major challenge: recruiting enough truck drivers to keep the nation’s supply of goods moving. A recent study by American Trucking Associations revealed that the truck driver shortage could reach as high as 175,000 drivers by 2024. So, how can your business successfully recruit millennial truck drivers? In this blog post, we will share tips from the pros at Warrior Logistics! 

How to Hire CDL Drivers

First, it is important to understand that millennials are not a monolithic group. They are the most diverse generation in history, with members of this cohort coming from all walks of life. As such, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to recruiting millennial truck drivers. However, there are some best practices that any trucking company can follow.

Millennial Truck Driver Recruiting Ideas

Here are some tips for filling young trucking jobs from the pros at Warrior Logistics:

Social Media 

Use social media to your advantage. Social media is a powerful tool that can help you reach a larger audience of potential truck drivers. Use platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to share information about your trucking company and job openings. Be sure to use hashtags and target your posts to truck drivers in specific geographic areas. 

Easy Application

Make the application process easy and convenient. Millennials are used to being able to apply for jobs online with the click of a button. Make sure your trucking company’s website is up-to-date and that job postings are easily accessible. You may also want to consider developing an online application process. 

Competitive Pay & Benefits

Offer competitive pay and benefits. Truck drivers are in high demand, so it is important to offer compelling pay and benefits. Make sure your trucking company’s compensation package is attractive to Millennials. In addition to competitive wages, consider offering health insurance, retirement savings plans, and other perks like paid time off.

Highlight Purpose

Emphasize the greater purpose of the job. For many Millennials, finding a job that has meaning and purpose is just as important as earning a paycheck. When recruiting truck drivers, be sure to emphasize the importance of the trucking industry in keeping the country’s economy moving. You can also highlight the company’s commitment to social responsibility, such as environmental sustainability or supporting local charities.

Share Interview Questions Beforehand

Find people who are genuinely good for the job, not just good at interviewing, by sending your list of interview questions ahead of time. This will give potential truck drivers the opportunity to thoughtfully prepare for their interviews and will help you weed out those who are not truly interested in the job.

Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance has never before been more important. The trucking industry has a reputation for long hours and being away from home for extended periods of time. While this may be true for some trucking jobs, it is not necessarily the case for all positions. When recruiting Millennials, be sure to highlight the company’s commitment to work-life balance. You can do this by offering flexible scheduling options, telecommuting opportunities, and other perks that allow truck drivers to have a better work-life balance.

Training & Development

Provide training and development opportunities. Many trucking companies require drivers to have a certain amount of experience before they can be hired. However, this may discourage Millennials from applying for truck driving jobs. To attract Millennial truck drivers, consider offering training and development opportunities. This will show that you are invested in their success and provide them with the skills they need to be successful truck drivers.

Wellness Perks

Wellness is a buzzword for good reason with Millennials, so reflect that in what perks your company offers. In addition to traditional benefits like health insurance and retirement savings plans, trucking companies should also consider offering other perks that appeal to Millennials. These might include flexible work schedules, on-site childcare, and student loan repayment assistance.

Company Culture

Finally, don’t forget about culture. Millennials value a company culture that is collaborative, innovative, and socially responsible. When recruiting truck drivers, be sure to highlight your company’s culture and values.

By following these tips, you can successfully recruit Millennial truck drivers to join your trucking company. For more information on recruiting truck drivers, contact Warrior Logistics today! We are dedicated to helping trucking companies find qualified drivers and qualified drivers find the right trucking company to keep America’s supply chains moving. To join our team, contact us here today!

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