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No Image September 29 2021 in Truck Driving

Is Truck Driving The Lifestyle For You?

If you love the idea of being paid to get out on the open road, a career as a truck driver could be ideal for you. You’d have the opportunity to see the country, clear your head, and enjoy exploring off the beaten path. However, there are a few things about trucking that some people might see as disadvantages. For example, you may need to spend long periods on the road and away from home. If you’re considering a career driving a truck, it’s essential to bear in mind all aspects of the job, the perks, and the downsides. That way, you can determine if the absolute position aligns with your priorities. To figure out whether trucking is the lifestyle for you, let’s look at a few truck driving pros and cons.  

Pros of being a truck driver:

There are many benefits of truck driving. It’s a career path that attracts people for its accessibility, salary, prospects, and overall nature of the work. For those starting, the job itself has minimal educational requirements. Then for those who want to progress in the industry, there’s the opportunity to become certified or take extra training courses in order to open new doors later on. Here are a few examples of the benefits of truck driving. 

Great starting salary

The first thing most people want to know before embarking on a new career is the financial prospects. This is one of the main advantages of becoming a truck driver. Most companies offer a great starting salary. The average truck driver can earn a very attractive salary when just starting out. At Warrior Logistics, we provide a competitive driver pay package that pays upwards of six figures. The job also often includes a number of other benefits, including paid time off, health benefits, and fuel program perks. It’s a comfortable place to start, especially when you consider you won’t need to fork over money for expensive college tuition in order to qualify for the job. 

Minimal qualifications required

This brings us to our next point. The role of a truck driver requires minimal educational qualifications. You will, however, need to apply for a commercial driver’s license (CDL-A). Once you have this, you’ll be licensed to operate large, heavy, or placarded hazardous material vehicles for a range of companies. Certain jobs may require a specific endorsement on your CDL, but in most cases, the standard license is sufficient, and training is provided on the job. The best thing about getting a CDL is that you’ll then be qualified to work as a commercial driver in a variety of fields. This could open up many doors for you in the future and will be your ticket to achieving the next step in your career. 

The open road experience

The main appeal of the job for many truck drivers is the open road experience. You’ll be getting paid to explore the country, and no day will be the same. You’ll get to travel to more locations than you would in a typical job that’s more geographically restricted, which gives you the opportunity to discover hidden gems off the beaten path. If you enjoy taking the scenic route, a career in trucking could be the perfect role for you. Not every route will necessarily take you through stunning landscapes, of course, but one thing you’ll definitely be able to appreciate is the variety. You’ll never have to worry about being stuck behind the same desk every day. 

Independence and freedom

Life on the open road can offer an amazing sense of freedom. Truck driving can give you the chance to explore new places, especially if you’re on a layover or long-distance journey. You’ll also get to work pretty much independently. If you enjoy the quiet life and appreciate a distraction-free setting, you should seriously consider if the trucking lifestyle could work for you. You’ll only need to communicate with your fleet management team, most likely via radio, who will give you instructions and updates on your route. Driving times can also be flexible, so if you need a job that allows you to plan your personal life around work, there are trucking jobs in which that is possible. The downside to this is that you may need to drive at night or for longer periods, but you can find a schedule that works for you. 

Cons of being a truck driver:

The trucking lifestyle is not without its downsides, however. The important thing is to weigh up truck driving pros and cons according to your unique preferences and priorities. Although being alone on the road for long stretches may suit some people, it may not be ideal for others. Before you decide whether you’re up for the challenge, it’s a good idea to explore additional details of the work. 

Independent Road Warrior

One of the main aspects of the job that can put people off is that it can be a solitary occupation. Driving a truck, you’ll mostly be alone on the road but have access to lots of virtual buddies, fleet managers, or a good podcast. Depending on the lane details, some routes may have you out longer than others.  Having said that, this kind of lifestyle suits many people. It’s peaceful, can be low-stress, and you can clear your headspace while watching the landscape roll by.  At Warrior Logistics, however, we are primarily a team company. Having a well-matched partner can make all the difference! 

Tuition commitments

You’ll need a CDL for most truck driver positions. This will require time and financial commitment as you’ll be required to participate in a truck driving school program. The course takes roughly four to seven weeks and can cost anywhere from $3,000-$7,000. Many companies will offer to cover a part of your tuition fees, however. All in all, it’s a worthy investment if this seems like the right career for you, as you’ll be certified to drive commercial vehicles, which will open the door to many opportunities. 

At Warrior Logistics, we empower all our truck warriors to achieve their maximum potential. If you’re considering becoming a Warrior, our friendly team is available to provide more information about this exciting career path, along with driving details to help you decide whether it’s right for you. If you would like to learn more about the benefits of truck driving and the warrior experience, get in touch today. 

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No Image September 02 2021 in Trucking, Truck Driving

Top 5 Reality Truck Driving Shows

Do you ever find yourself scrolling endlessly through your TV channel guide, just waiting for something interesting and exciting to catch your attention? You can only watch so many repeats before you start debating whether you even need access to a television, and it would seem that nothing remotely enticing is available to stream in the modern-day. Thankfully, your search for great shows can finally grind to a halt! The genre of trucker reality shows is here to save you from your mind-numbing scroll. Trucking shows can have you riding on the edge of the seat and binge-watching one episode after another, as the nail-biting experiences that some truckers go through regularly are enough to cause even the steeliest of individuals to shake in their boots. If you’re interested in finding some of the best trucker shows available on TV today, then you’re in the right place. Read on for our thoughts on 5 amazing programs that offer the ultimate track-focused entertainment.  

1. Ice Road Truckers  

Ice Road Truckers is an American reality television series that originally premiered in June of 2007. It showcases the lives of truck drivers who operate across seasonal routes, navigating frozen lakes and rivers in remote Arctic territories throughout Canada and Alaska. During harsh winters, remote villages and work sites are totally cut off from the world. To keep them supplied with all of their most essential items, a tenacious group of truckers drives their rigs over vast distances (often hundreds of miles) on some of the scariest ice roads. Often the ice is unable to support the heavy rig, causing the drivers and their cargo to break through and forcing them to act quickly to avoid sinking to the bottom. Climb on board for a risky ride-along as they head straight into bone-chilling danger for the sake of those who cannot escape these icy landscapes.  

2. American Trucker  

American Trucker is a show on the Speed channel hosted by Robb Mariani. It has 28 episodes spanning 2 successful seasons. American Trucker results from Mariani’s desire to highlight the trucking industry and is based primarily on his knowledge and experience. The show follows him across the country as he tells the colorful stories of American truckers and their trucks. With each episode, he also shares useful tips and tricks that everyone in the trucking industry should know. Mariani and the featured guests who power the show all have a solid grasp on the many demands and difficulties that the average trucker’s lifestyle can bring, and they do their best to present these challenges honestly and realistically for their audience. If you want to find an informative and educational trucking show, then American Trucker is a great option to look into. 

3. Shipping Wars  

Shipping Wars is a popular reality television series that first aired in January 2012. The show followed a varied cast of rookie and seasoned independent truckers who make money by transporting large, bulky, or unusual items that traditional truckers cannot or do not transport. Each character competes for available shipments in timed auctions held by uShip, one of the world’s biggest online auction houses for independent shippers. In any given episode, the truckers will place bids on two separate shipments that have been listed online, and when the time limit runs out, the job is given to the lowest bidder. This is, of course, at the client’s discretion, as it could be awarded to a pricier bidder that maintains higher levels of feedback from previous clients. The winning bidder then loads their cargo and attempts to transport it to its destination in good condition before the deadline hits, aiming to achieve great feedback due to their efforts. If you like shows that feature a fierce competition to complete nail-biting challenges, shipping wars are the perfect option.   

4. World’s Toughest Trucker 

World’s Toughest Trucker is a TV show originally broadcast on Channel 5 in the United Kingdom and Discovery Channel in the United States. The show pits eight seasoned truck drivers against one another in a series of different challenges that aim to test the true skill set of each. The winning trucker will receive a whopping sum of $150,000 (US) as well as the title of ‘The World’s Toughest Trucker. The truckers who enter into the show are totally fearless, and they’re more than ready to showcase their abilities in some of the world’s most feared locations.  When the show first aired, more than 60,000 hopefuls applied to participate in it, proving just how interesting and exciting the program really is. Who will come out on top as the world’s toughest trucker? Tune in to find out!  

5. Highway Thru Hell 

Highway Thru Hell is a documentary TV series based in Canada that details the day-to-day life of those who work for Jamie Davis Motor Trucking, which is a heavy vehicle rescue and recovery towing company. The show describes the hardships and difficulties that you can expect to face when operating along the dangerous and risky highways of the BC Interior. The show was created by Neil Thomas, who met one of Jamie Davis’ heavy rescue operators after his own large moving truck fell into difficulties along Highway 5. Neil posed the idea of a show that features heavy recovery to Jamie, who expressed a strong desire to change the public perception surrounding his industry and help people understand what it takes to be a rescue and recovery trucker. Those on the show get themselves into some seriously tricky situations, but Davis’ team has the right experience and expertise needed to provide the most productive solution every time.  

Each of these truck driving shows will give you a glimpse into the trucking industry as you’ve never seen it before, so there’s no time like the present to get lost in the enthralling stories featured in each of these exciting shows. Settle in from the comfort and safety of your own home and watch some of the world’s top truckers expertly perform risky maneuvers to overcome impossible odds.

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No Image August 20 2021 in Truck Driving

How Much Does the Average Truck Driver Make?

Is the road calling your name? If you’ve been considering a career as a truck driver, you’ll be happy to know that trucking is one of the most accessible careers out there. And at Warrior Logistics, we do everything we can to make it a fun career. But you have questions as well, like what is the income of a truck driver? Or is driving a logistics truck worth it? Below is a guide to help you understand the salary and potential bonuses to expect from a truck driving career.

How Much Money Do Truck Drivers Make?

So how much money does the average truck driver make? Although the question is simple enough, unfortunately, the answer is not so straightforward. That’s because truck drivers don’t receive a regular paycheck. Instead, commercial haulers pay by the mile or charge by the mile if they work independently. So, the amount that a truck driver gets paid relates directly to the amount of work, meaning the miles they drive.

The average pay for truck drivers depends on your experience, what company you work for, your licenses, and what area you drive in. Some areas pay more than others.

Many companies, such as Warrior Logistics, invest heavily in their truck drivers to ensure that they can earn a good trucking salary while still providing excellent value. The goal is to allow each driver to share in the culture of excellence, developing them into truck warriors who fully understand how the industry works. This method helps everyone involved, including clients, since truck drivers are committed to their work and apply the highest standards to distribute goods around the country.

The good news is there are many opportunities for truckers to increase their pay. For instance, sometimes, there are bonuses for hauling specific materials or driving through a unique territory. Drivers can also increase their income through specialized training and by earning specific certifications. Some companies, like Warrior Logistics, provide attractive OTR opportunities enabling drivers to maximize their potential by driving thousands of miles coast to coast weekly at a desirable pay rate. Furthermore, wages are rising due to high demand as competition increases for each truck driver’s time.

The Types Of Bonuses Available To Truck Drivers

While truck drivers receive basic pay for the miles they drive, they also have opportunities to earn even more from the companies that hire them. A Class A CDL-trained truck driver, for instance, can earn the following types of bonuses:

  • Referral pay: Trucking companies love it when they get business from trucker referrals. Not only does it show the driver’s commitment, but it can also bring in a lot of extra cash. Therefore, companies will regularly pay drivers commissions or bonuses each time a referral joins the company.
  • Onboarding bonus: Some haulage firms will offer a kind of “golden hello” to drivers who sign up to work for their company. In some cases, they may pay a lump sum, while others will spread out bonus pay over several months or years.
  • Safety bonuses: Carriers will often offer safety pay as part of truck drivers’ jobs. For instance, they may provide drivers who never get involved in accidents or receive violations for unsafe driving a higher wage than those who have a history of collisions and errors.
  • All-clear Department of Transport (DOT) inspections bonus: DOT inspections typically check that carriers and drivers comply with all regulations. Therefore, carriers will often offer drivers bonuses as a reward for following the rules.
  • Long-distance bonuses: Carriers will sometimes show their appreciation for drivers who go above and beyond when it comes to total miles driven. Often, driving longer miles means that the driver is actively helping the company meet the needs of its clients.
  • Layover bonus: Some carriers will pay drivers compensation if circumstances prevent them from carrying on with their work and making a delivery.

What Are The Benefits That Come With Being A Truck Driver?

Money is not the only compensation that companies offer their truck drivers. We also offer many other rewards and benefits that make your work considerably more enjoyable and improve your work-life balance.  

For instance, some companies offer total job security; at Warrior Logistics, this is a big focus of our company. Truckers know that they can get work whenever they want it without worrying about the carrier going bankrupt. Warrior Logistics has been around for seven years and has been scaling every month.

Companies may also offer rewards, such as paid vacation and sick leave. Benefits like these prevent truckers from feeling like they must work all the time to make ends meet. And it encourages regular vacations to make the work more manageable.

Many companies also offer flexible schedules and healthcare benefits. Truckers can, therefore, better organize their lives around their work.

How Do Trucking Jobs Compare?

The average pay for truck drivers depends on their specific roles. Entry-level drivers, for instance, can earn slightly less than their team trainer or an experienced driver until they gain a few months of hands-on experience. This varies from company to company, but the more substantial companies that put people and safety first ensure the appropriate investment in the new driver is made to guarantee a successful start. After this initial training period, new drivers transition to the same rate as other company drivers.

Dedicated drivers, meaning drivers who run the same route every day or week, have a predictable weekly pay as the miles driven from one week to the next don’t vary. The reward is the predictability, unlike “Wild/OTR,” which has a high-potential upside that depends on the drivers’ desire to get out and get as many miles as possible each week.  This is great for the company, but a driver has the opportunity to earn as much as $100,000 per year or more. This attractive salary is very doable with reliable companies like Warrior Logistics.

If you have qualified experience, you can apply to become a lead driver or trainer. You can earn an increased rate per mile as you are being paid to take on additional responsibility to develop new drivers. Many companies are willing to pay substantial sums of money for anyone with the needed skills. If you are interested in learning more about starting an exciting new career in truck driving, reach out to Warrior Logistics and apply here.

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No Image August 05 2021 in Truck Driving

What to Expect When Getting Your CDL-A License

Getting your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is essential to become a professional truck driver. Having this allows truckers to access the highest levels of pay, which is what we believe truck drivers deserve for the hard work they do. If you’re considering getting your CDL, here are some things you should know about what to expect:

UNDERSTANDING THE COMMERCIAL DRIVER’S LICENSE

There are several types of CDL licenses that you’ll need to know about as a logistics driver. Authorities break these down into A, B, and C.

A CDL-A license allows drivers to pilot vehicles weighing up to 26,000 pounds total or tow vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds.

A CDL-B license keeps the same total vehicle weight, but drivers can only tow trailers with less than 10,000 pounds total weight. A license of this type allows drivers to drive many vehicles without trailers, such as dump trucks, box trucks, buses, and straight trucks. However, this type of license is not the best option for drivers seeking employment at major haulage companies that need people with licenses to drive articulated vehicles.

CDL-C allows drivers to pilot vehicles weighing less than 26,000 pounds and permits them to transport hazardous materials. It is a popular choice among people looking to drive HazMat vehicles.

Even if you pass your CDL exam, many drivers must also supplement with endorsements. While not all trucking jobs require them, they can help make you more attractive to carriers and haulers. Getting a “T” endorsement, which allows drivers to haul double or triple the freight, makes people more confident in hiring you for difficult jobs. It also helps get a passenger transport endorsement, an endorsement for carrying hazardous materials, and a tank vehicles endorsement, as carriers often want to offer more flexible services to their clients at short notice.

WHO CAN START PROFESSIONAL TRUCK DRIVER TRAINING?

In terms of federal law, virtually anyone who meets the age requirement can become a truck warrior. To drive within the same state, you need to be at least 18 years old. If you want to go across state lines or carry hazardous materials, you must be at least 21 years of age. Regardless, you can’t have any criminal offenses that disqualify you from earning your CDL.

If you meet those requirements, you’ll need to jump through some hoops to satisfy the local state laws. Keep in mind that these can vary considerably from state to state, so there isn’t necessarily a one-size-fits-all approach. However, they will likely ask you to do the following:

  • Pay a CDL license test fee
  • Provide proof that you’ve completed a professional training course
  • Pass a skills test
  • Prove that you’re medically fit
  • Provide valid identification
  • Provide details of your driving records from the last ten years

BOOK A DRIVING SCHOOL

Once you find out which certification rules apply in your state, the next big decision is choosing a driving school – and don’t take this task lightly. You’ll need to put considerable effort into this because the school you choose for CDL training can substantially impact your future work.

Although you can technically obtain a license through self-study and then pass a CDL test at the end of it, the best option is to go through a verified trucking school because most companies will ask you where you studied and require a “qualified” school.

Do your research and look for evidence of quality when searching for a school to attend. How? Check that the Department of Education accredits its program, and also determine if the school has the certification from the Department of Transportation.

Beyond that, you’ll want to check what else the training school includes in its price. Most offer learning materials and on-road training at the basic rate. They may also offer additional classes and catch-up lessons for those prone to falling behind or needing refreshers.

HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?

Even though it takes more money and effort upfront, getting a CDL license from a truck driving school is substantial value for your money. Most institutions will charge between $3,000 and $7,000 to take you through an entire course. Generally, the more you spend, the higher the level of qualifications and endorsements you will receive.

CDL training is comprehensive. Program length varies; however, the DOT requires a minimum number of hours in order to be certified. If you have any questions, you can reach out to us here.

PASSING A CDL TEST

At the end of professional truck driver training, you’ll need to pass a final test. Schools divide this into both written and practical components.

For the practical part, you’ll drive with an instructor on the road who will judge your skills and ability to follow the highway code as a truck driver. Truckers can only pass the practical exam if fewer than 30 points are deducted from their score for errors.

The written component requires taking a multiple-choice test. Drivers must memorize various rules and regulations and get more than 80 percent of the answers correct to pass.

It’s a good idea to take a free CDL practice test beforehand to know the format of the written component of the exam. This way, you can get more familiar with the controls. It would help if you also spent as much time driving a big rig as you can before the practical segment of the exam. Most drivers log more than 100 hours in big rigs before attempting the practical exam, and your school may have set minimum driving hours you must complete in advance of your test.

Getting a CDL-A license requires a lot of commitment and dedication. However, just like so many other educational programs, there are big payoffs in the end. If you pass a truck driving school course, it will open the door to higher-value work.

WRAPPING UP

Once you pass the tests and get your commercial driver’s license, you’ll then be able to start looking for work. Carriers, like Warrior Logistics, regularly have job openings that new drivers can fill.

When searching for companies after CDL truck driving school, look for those that offer a good basic rate of pay and perks. This way, you can maximize your career success and meet your personal goals. Quality firms offer vacation pay and bonuses for things like safe driving. If you are interested in learning more about starting an exciting new career in truck driving, reach out to Warrior Logistics and apply here.

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