Tag: Truck driving

No Image September 23 2022 in Trucking, Truck Driving

Do I Need a CDL License for Commercial Truck Driving?

If you’re looking for a stable and lucrative career, commercial truck driving may be the perfect choice for you. It offers many benefits like job security, great pay, and a unique opportunity to explore new places and meet new people. However, the first step in starting your truck driving career is getting a CDL-A license. In this blog post, we will discuss what a CDL license is, why it’s required for truck driving jobs, and the requirements for getting a CDL-A license in Texas. So, if you’re ready to hit the open road, keep reading! 

What is a CDL License? 

A commercial driver’s license, also known as a professional driver’s license, is a credential needed to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) on public roads in the United States. You can get many different types of CDLs based on the types of vehicles you’re looking to operate. You can also earn endorsements on your CDL, allowing you to drive specialized vehicles or haul specific types of cargo. Since we’re aiming to provide information on commercial truck driving, we’ll focus on the Class A CDL license. 

CDL-A License 

A Class A CDL License is required to operate any vehicle with a gross combination weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, as long as the towed vehicle (truck) is heavier than 10,000 pounds. 

CDL trucks you can drive include: 

  • Tractor trailers (semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, or big rigs) 
  • Truck and trailer combinations 
  • Tanker vehicles 
  • Flatbed trucks 
  • Livestock carriers 
     

Why Do I Need a CDL-A License for Commercial Truck Driving? 

Trucking licenses certify that you have been trained, tested, and are qualified to safely operate a CMV on public roadways in the United States. The federal government regulates the laws for these licenses, which are required in all 50 states. Since commercial truck driving is a profession that requires rigorous safety training and experience, obtaining a CDL-A license proves that you understand specific safety procedures, how to handle and maneuver a 10,000-pound vehicle, and can comply with federal regulations for commercial trucking. 

How is Commercial Truck Driving Different Than Driving a Car? 

Commercial trucking can be challenging and demanding, but truck driving can be a rewarding and fulfilling career with a supportive environment and adherence to standards. Not everyone with a driver’s license can get in a semi-truck and drive it like they usually do. CMVs are heavier and more challenging to maneuver than standard passenger cars. Since truck driving jobs often require long periods on the road, specific safety measures must be addressed, like the driver’s well-being, regular maintenance, and more.  

Some reasons why truck driving differs from driving a car are: 

  • Parallel and regular parking takes patience, skill, and experience. 
  • Passing on the road can be very difficult and dangerous depending on the number of cars on the road and the truck’s blind spots. 
  • Truck drivers can drive thousands of miles weekly, making exhaustion a serious concern. 
  • Turning a commercial truck requires much more space and consideration for other vehicles on the road. 

Texas CDL License Requirements 

Before you get a CDL-A license, you must have a CDL permit. The application requirements for permits in Texas include:  

  • Individuals wanting to obtain a CDL in Texas must have a clean driving record. 
  • A suspended license in any state will make you ineligible to apply. 
  • You must be at least 18 years of age to drive within Texas state lines. 
  • You must be at least 21 years of age to drive across state and international borders. 
  • Once all the requirements to apply are met and you have passed the written test, you will receive your CDP or Commercial Driver’s Permit. 
  • The permit allows you to practice driving under the supervision of a CDL holder for at least 14 days. After that, you can take your CDL skills exam, the final requirement for getting your CDL and becoming a licensed truck driver. 

Drive With Warrior 

Warrior Logistics requires one year of verifiable tractor-trailer experience in the past three years or five years in the past 10. Only six months are needed with an approved FedEx driving school, or you can join our Entry-Level Driver Program (ELDP) after successfully completing an approved CDL-A driving school. 

Why Warrior Logistics? 

Warrior Logistics believes all individuals are called to a higher purpose. We strive to create an environment that empowers each Warrior to achieve their full potential, invest heavily in the latest advancements in equipment and trucks, and provide rigorous safety training to ensure all our drivers have everything they need while on and off the road. 

If you’re ready to grow your career with one of the largest transportation companies in the industry, join Warrior by applying online or give us a call at 562-DRIVERS. We would be thrilled and honored to welcome you into the Warrior family! 

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No Image September 15 2022 in Trucking, Truck Driving

Are You Looking for a CDL-A Truck Driving Job? – Benefits of Driving With Warrior

Whether you’ve just received your CDL-A License and are ready to start your truck driving career or are a seasoned trucker looking for a change, Warrior Logistics is one of the best trucking companies to work for. We offer a variety of benefits that are unmatched in the industry. From safety and support to equipment and competitive pay, we have everything you need to be successful on and off the road. Consider joining our team and discover the Warrior difference!

What Makes a Great CDL-A Truck Driving Job?

When deciding on any career, it’s important to consider what you want from the job. Whether that’s pay, flexibility, or benefits, you should list your priorities and research companies to find the one that best suits your needs.

Some of the top things to keep in mind for trucking jobs are compensation, safety, home time, equipment, and the environment. In this blog post, we’ll dive into some of the benefits of driving with Warrior and what makes us one of the industry’s most reputable and fast-growing trucking companies.

Warrior Logistics Truck Driving Benefits

Pay

We believe in treating our employees with respect, integrity, and fairness. Part of that means offering competitive pay and compensation. Since our founding, Warrior has had steady pay increases every year, and we offer many bonuses to all drivers.

The weekly rate for our truck drivers is 52% above the national average and 32% above the average for CDL driving jobs in Texas, according to Zip Recruiter.

Home Time

Our drivers enjoy flexibility and autonomy when it comes to their truck driving career. A typical weekly schedule is five days on and two days off. If the team wants to stay out longer, they can work with their manager to take more consecutive days off at a time. We encourage time off to ensure your work-life balance is healthy and that you feel supported.

Safety

Safety is Warrior’s top priority. Our safety policies are put in place to protect our drivers and operations, which is something other trucking companies don’t stress enough. We provide rigorous safety training and continuously reinforce standards, and our three-tiered maintenance program ensures your truck is always ready.

Equipment

We know reliability, quality, and efficiency are key components of superior service, and we constantly strive to improve our processes and equipment. Our state-of-the-art fleet is second to none, expertly designed for safety and comfort, and our massive continuous investment in the most advanced technologies ensures that our drivers have all the tools they need to set them up for success.

Benefits

The full Warrior experience means we’ve got you covered. Some of our benefits include: 

  • Subsidized medical, dental, and vision insurance through United Healthcare.
  • Safety bonuses- cumulative cash rewards for safe driving miles.
  • Paid time off.
  • No-touch freight.
  • Driver rewards, bonuses, and gifts.
  • Reward points earned through our private Warrior Fuel Program are yours to use as desired. 

Reputation 

Customers are at the heart of our dedication to world-class service delivery, and we never compromise. As one of the leading linehaul contractors for FedEx ground, we set the gold standard in customer partnership, and leading a culture of excellence where people are our priority and safety-first is non-negotiable. These core principles enable us to be one of the fastest-growing trucking companies in the industry. 

Environment 

Warrior Logistics is a veteran-owned company that serves drivers and the community. Our driver-centric focus inspires a dynamic and highly results-oriented culture. We value your experience, knowledge, and opinions and treat everyone with the same degree of professionalism, respect, and integrity. Every team member is valuable, and each is responsible for owning their performance.

Join Warrior Logistics

Driving with Warrior means joining our mission of driving excellence. We believe that all individuals are called to a higher purpose, and we strive to create an environment that empowers each Warrior to achieve their full potential. No matter where you are on your truck driving career path, we are thrilled and honored to welcome you to our family. 

Move your CDL career forward with one of the industry’s largest transportation companies. Give us a call at 526-DRIVERS or apply online today! 

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No Image August 14 2022 in Trucking, Truck Driving

Truck Driver Budgeting Tips: 5 Ways to Save Money While on the Road

If you’re a truck driver, then you know that budgeting is key. The cost of living on the road can add up quickly, so it’s important to find ways to save money. In this blog post, we at Warrior Logistics are sharing 5 truck driving tips for budgeting while you’re on the road. By following these tips, you’ll be able to stretch your paycheck further and keep more money in your pocket!

How to Save Money as a Truck Driver

Tip # 1 

One way to save money as a truck driver is to plan your meals in advance. Meal planning can help you save money by preventing you from spending money on impulse purchases or eating out at restaurants. When you plan your meals, be sure to include healthy and affordable options that will fill you up and keep you going throughout your day. 

Tip # 2 

Another way to save money as a truck driver is to take advantage of discounts. Many truck stops and travel centers offer discounts to drivers who are members of their loyalty programs. These discounts can add up quickly, so be sure to ask about them when you’re making purchases on the road. You may also be able to find discounts on hotels, restaurants, and other businesses by doing a bit of research in advance. 

Tip # 3 

If you’re looking for ways to save money on fuel, one option is to idle less. Idling your truck uses up fuel without getting you anywhere, so it’s important to be mindful of how much you’re doing it. If you can, try to park in areas where you won’t need to idle for long periods of time. You may also want to consider using a fuel-efficient driving technique, such as hypermiling.

Tip # 4 

One expense that truck drivers often have to deal with is the cost of truck repairs. To save money on repairs, it’s important to stay up-to-date on the maintenance of your truck. This means performing regular inspections and keeping your truck clean. Additionally, you may want to consider investing in a roadside assistance plan. This can help you save money if you ever have to deal with a breakdown or other emergency while on the road.

Tip # 5 

The last tip we have for saving money as truck drivers is to be mindful of your spending. It can be easy to spend money on unnecessary things when you’re on the road, but it’s important to be aware of your spending habits. If you find that you’re spending too much money on non-essential items, try to cut back and focus on only buying what you need. Once that’s under your control, you’ll be able to save money and have a better handle on your budget.

Warrior Logistics Trucking Company Budgeting Tips

By following these budgeting tips, you’ll be able to save money while you’re on the road. At Warrior Logistics, we understand the importance of being mindful of your spending. That’s why we offer a variety of services designed to help truck drivers save money. To learn more about our services, contact us today! We’re here to help you budget and save money so that you can focus on what’s important – driving!

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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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