News

Trucking industry putting Americans back to work

The Diesel Driving Academy is helping to put Americans back to work as the need for professionally trained commercial truck drivers continues to grow.

Millions of Americans are out of work and many are not just looking for a job, they are looking for a career. The difference is a career offers long-term stability, a change to advance with a company and the opportunity to make a good income. All of that and more is found in the commercial truck industry where carriers are desperately seeking more drivers to help them keep up with growing demand.

The demand on the commercial truck industry continues to grow and carriers are becoming flooded with business, but many are having a hard time keeping up as there are too few professionally trained workers than can help meet the demand. In fact, there is a competition among carriers for professionally trained drivers, making the jobseekers with professional training a hot commodity in today’s employment field.

The CDL training program at Diesel Driving Academy can be completed in a matter of months and recruiters help students find the perfect truck-driving job that meets their needs.

Diesel Driving Academy offers a CDL training program that is helping job seekers start a long-term career as a professional commercial truck driver, which is especially needed in today’s era of high unemployment. Carriers all across the country are experiencing a shortage of qualified drivers, which makes professional training from a respected school like Diesel Driving Academy the logical first step in getting work in this growing industry.

The commercial truck industry has been expiring rapid growth for the past few years and the future looks even brighter. Even before the economy began to show signs of improvement, the commercial trucking industry was already growing. Now that sectors like manufacturing and construction are starting to slowly grow, the truck industry is experiencing even more growth. The growth in the commercial trucking industry is causing many truck carriers to hire thousands of new drivers every month, but it is professionally trained drivers who are in the highest demand by carriers desperate to find more drivers.

Jobs may seem scarce across the country, but the commercial truck industry has more open positions than there are qualified drivers to take them. If you are one of the millions of Americans who are looking for work, especially a position that pays well and offers job security, then the commercial truck industry might be the perfect place for you.

Import cargo expected to grow in coming months

The headlines haven’t reported great news from the nation’s largest cargo ports as strikes and potential strikes have dominated the news cycle. But in terms of the actual cargo coming through, it has been a good year and December’s cargo shipments were expected to grow.

Growing cargo at ports is good for the commercial truck industry, which ships nearly 80 percent of all cargo that comes into the United States. The commercial truck industry has already been experiencing a rise in demand – which has led to a higher demand for professionally trained truck drivers – but the news that cargo imports are growing means even greater demand for the trucking industry in the months to come.

Import cargo volume is expected to increase 3.9 percent in December, even though a strike closed the nation’s largest port for the first week. The expected increase was reported by the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates. The cargo increase is partly credited to strong holiday shopping that had retailers placing orders for even more product.

“After a strong kickoff on Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the holiday season is looking good and these numbers reflect that,” NRF Vice President for Supply Chain and Customs Policy Jonathan Gold said in a statement about the report. “Nonetheless, we narrowly avoided what could have been a long-term disruption with the strike in Los Angeles and Long Beach and don’t want to run that risk on the East Coast and Gulf Coast. NRF is continuing to urge labor, management and lawmakers to do whatever is necessary to keep our nation’s ports running smoothly.”

U.S. ports followed by Global Port Tracker handled 1.39 million 20-foot Equivalent Units in October, the latest month for which after-the-fact numbers are available. That was up 5.2 percent from October 2011.

December is forecast at 1.27 million TEU, up 3.9 percent from last year, with January forecast for a 2 percent increase from January 2012. Other future estimates for cargo imports are February at 5.9 percent higher; March at 2 percent higher, and April at 3.2 percent higher.

If you are one of the millions of Americans looking for work – or have given up looking for work – the commercial truck driver industry may be a great option. Carriers all across the country are desperately looking for more commercial truck drivers, but they especially need those drivers with professional training and those that have completed a respected driver’s training program, like the one at Diesel Driving Academy.

Drivers with professional training are also more likely to be paid higher salaries as companies are willing to pay good money for a truck driver they believe will be a long-term employee.

If you are considering a job as a professional truck driver don’t make the mistake of attending some fly-by-night program or jumping into the field without the right skills and experience. Investing in a professional training program like Diesel Driving Academy offers will definitely payoff.

As the economy continues to grow, demand for truck shipping increases and manufacturing output rises, which also means the demand for professionally trained commercial truck drivers will remain high, making now the perfect time to start a new career as a truck driver. Diesel Driving Academy is the best place to launch that new career and take advantage of the growth taking place in the trucking industry.

Turnover rate high, trained drivers in demand

Why is the turnover rate in the commercial truck industry so high when the nation continues to be plagued by high unemployment?

It’s because there are not enough professionally trained drivers to take the number of driving jobs currently available. Driving a commercial truck can be a great career, but for those with out training, it is a difficult line of work and those that enter without the right set of skills don’t last long.

The turnover rate for commercial truck drivers remained over 100 percent for the second straight month in November, reaching a five-year high for smaller truckload carriers, according to American Trucking Associations Trucking Activity Report. It was the first time since the first quarter of 2008 that the turnover rate has pierced the 100 percent barrier in consecutive months. The turnover rate continues to grow even though the demand for commercial truck drivers also continues to rise.

In response to the turnover rate announcement, American Trucking Associations Chief Economist Bob Costello said increasing competition for quality drivers and growth in demand for trucking services continues to put pressure on the driver market. Carriers are seeing a growth in orders but are challenged by the fact that not enough professionally trained drivers are available to help ship those new orders.

“These numbers continue to reflect a tight driver market, and an actual shortage for drivers,” Costello added in a Trucking Info article about the report. “We believe the industry is actually short between 20,000 and 25,000 drivers, but if freight volumes were to accelerate, I would expect that number to grow and grow rapidly.”

ATA estimates the current shortage of drivers to be in the 20,000 to 25,000 range in the for-hire truckload market. At the current trends, the shortage could balloon to as much as 239,000 by 2022.

The turnover rate actually indicates a high demand for truck drivers. But the demand is really for professionally trained drivers from a respected CDL program like the one at Diesel Driving Academy.

If you are looking for work or a change in careers, then the commercial truck industry might be the right fit for you. Truck carriers have more jobs than they do drivers to fill them and those with professional CDL training from a respect program like Diesel Driving Academy are finding many employment options when they complete the program.

Diesel Driving Academy is creating the next generation of commercial truck drivers and students are finding a new career as a professional truck driver in an industry that shows no signs of slowing down. As millions of Americans continue to look for work and economist search for answers to high unemployment, the commercial truck industry is doing its part to put Americans back to work in an industry that is vital to the national economy.

Truck sales could grow 5 percent in 2013, according to industry expert

Trucking offers a bright future, which is evident from the prediction that commercial truck sales will increase this year.

Sales of class 8 commercial trucks in the United States could increase by 5 percent in 2013 compared to 2012, according to W.M. Rush, president and CEO of Rush Enterprises, which owns the largest chains of Peterbilt and Navistar dealerships in the nation.

During an interview with reporters at Navistar’s annual technician skills rodeo, Rush said that most of those sales should occur in the back-half of next year and total between 190,000 to 210,000 units for 2013, continuing the trend of growth in the commercial truck market.

Rush also said that his company is still working to finalize a deal started during the third quarter of 2012 to acquire the assets of a Navistar dealership group in Ohio that sells International, IC Bus, and Isuzu trucks – along with an Idealease franchises – in eight locations, including: Akron, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Findlay and Lima. Rush said that Navistar dealership acquisitions – expected to close in early in 2013 – provide a good opportunity to expand the ability of the company’s Rush Truck Centers division to serve customers better.

“This acquisition is really customer driven,” he said in his meeting with reporters last month. “We need to keep riding the service side of this business; that’s what our customers are asking us to do and what we’re trying to do. Being in Ohio expands our service footprint; it gives us more ‘dots on the map’ so if a Rush customer is in Ohio, they know we can take care of them.”

Rush also said truck demand was rising in part because of oil and natural gas production in the southwest.

“We do a lot of business with customers working in the shale fields of Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico,” Rush said. “So we believe if they’ve liked doing business with us in those states, they may want to do business with us in Ohio.”
The demand for commercial truck drivers is being experienced in almost every part of the country as carriers are looking to meet growing demand for trucking services.

Commercial truck carriers want quality drivers and Diesel Driving Academy is helping to produce them. If you are looking to start a new career that is challenging and rewarding, then a profession as a commercial truck driver might be the right fit for you. There is no better time to start this career and there is no better school to receive your training from than Diesel Driving Academy.

The demand for commercial truck drivers will only get larger and carriers will continue to look towards DDA for the next generation of professional truck drivers.

Truckers take time to honor fallen heroes

Commercial truck drivers play an important role in the American economy as they ship nearly 80 percent of cargo. But, on Dec. 15, over 5 trucking companies hauled some of their most important cargo of the year as over 610,000 wreaths were transported to the graves of more than 800 veterans’ cemeteries across the country.

The deliveries were made as part of Wreaths Across America Day, held annually each December. Wreaths were delivered across the country with the largest group going to Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, VA. More than 34 truckloads of wreaths (over 110,000 wreaths) traveled to Arlington on Dec. 15.

On their way to Arlington, the trucks stopped at schools and monuments to remind people of the importance of honoring veterans. A rally was held one night for the drivers and volunteer personnel coordinating the event in Arlington, according to the official spokesperson of Truckload Carriers Assn’s (TCA) Highway Angel program.

According to Chris Burruss, president of TCA, “trucking industry involvement in the Wreaths Across America Day initiative has grown steadily over the years, from just a few carriers participating on their own to this year’s sizable fleet, requiring an all-new system for coordinating logistics managed by TCA.

“As needs increased, the association went to its membership for help, and the members “responded with unprecedented enthusiasm,” Burruss added. “This project is a natural fit for TCA members and the trucking industry in general, since so many veterans choose to make their careers in trucking after serving in the military. All of us feel it is our honor and privilege to be able to show our respect by hauling the wreaths for those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.”

According to a Fleet Owner magazine article, the tradition of laying wreaths at Arlington began in 1992 when the owner of Worcester Wreath Co. found a surplus of leftover wreaths available near the end of the holiday season. “With the help of Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-ME), arrangements were made for the wreaths to be placed in one of the older sections of the cemetery,” the article said.

The annual event is a great way for the trucking industry to honor those who have fought for America and it is a symbol of the family environment that the truck industry often embodies.

In addition to honoring veterans with the wreath laying, the truck industry has also become a great career option for those returning from war. Many truck carriers are eager to hire returning veterans, especially those who receive professional CDL training from a respected school like Diesel Driving Academy. If you are a jobseeker looking to start a new career, the truck driving profession offers a lot of advantages, including job stability and higher that average starting pay.

As truck orders rise, demand for drivers will increase

Demand for commercial truck services continues to rise and so does the number of professionally trained truck drivers needed by carriers all across the country.

Now is the perfect time to start a new career as a commercial truck driver, especially as several report show that the truck industry is preparing for even more growth in the future.

Truck carriers are preparing for more growth by ordering more trucks, which means even more drivers will be needed. ACT Research has reported that order for medium- and heavy-duty trucks in November were better than average in 2012. ACT Research presented the data in its State of the Industry report, which covers Class 5 through 8 vehicles.

“Looking below the surface of November’s orders, the U.S. and non-NAFTA exports were the two market segments most responsible for the pullback,” pointed out Kenny Vieth, ACT’s president & senior analyst. “In November, Class 8 orders from outside of the NAFTA zone fell to their second lowest level in three years.”

If you are looking for a new career, the commercial truck industry might offer the opportunity you are looking for. For those looking to enter the commercial truck industry as a professional driver, a CDL training program is the best place to start.

The commercial truck industry has been seeing rapid growth for the past few years and the future looks even brighter. Even before the economy began to show signs of improvement, the commercial trucking industry was already growing. Now that sectors like manufacturing and construction are starting to slowly grow, the truck industry is experiencing even more growth. The growth in the commercial trucking industry is causing truck carriers to hire thousands of new drivers every month, but it is professionally trained drivers who are in the highest demand by carriers desperate to find more drivers. As regulations increase and safety becomes even more important, carriers want drivers with relevant training and experience, including those from schools like Diesel Driving Academy.

Diesel Driving Academy offers a CDL training program that is helping job seekers start a long-term career as a professional commercial truck driver, which is especially needed in today’s era of high unemployment. Carriers all across the country are experiencing a shortage of qualified drivers, which makes professional training from a respected school like Diesel Driving Academy the logical first step in getting work in this growing industry.

If you are looking for a new job then the commercial truck industry might be the right fit for you and Diesel Driving Academy is the place to start that new career. A new career as a commercial truck driver could be just a few months away.

Truck industry benefits from growing economy

It’s hard to find positive economic news these days, but the reality is America’s economy is growing, especially in some key areas that are benefitting the commercial truck industry.

America’s economic recovery has been slow but over the past few years the commercial truck industry has been exploding with growth. In fact, that growth has left the commercial truck industry with thousands of vacancies for professionally trained drivers. The commercial truck industry offers one of the hottest career fields in America as professionally trained drivers are in demand and many find a bright future and higher than average starting pay as a CDL trained driver.

Construction, manufacturing and auto sales are all growing and that is good news for the commercial truck industry. Materials used at construction sites, items coming off a manufacture’s assembly line, and new cars are all primarily shipped via commercial trucks. As these industries show signs of growth, it means an even brighter future for the commercial truck industry, which has already been experiencing its own growth in recent years.

The demand for trucking services over the past few years has put many commercial truck carriers in a tough spot of having to put more trucks on the road while not having enough drivers for them. Carriers all across the country are looking for professionally trained drivers who have completed a CDL training program at a respected program like Diesel Driving Academy. Students of the CDL program are put in a great position to obtain a long-term career as a professional truck driver. Diesel Driving Academy works with students to help them receive the best CDL training available, while also helping students meet with recruiters. In fact, many students who complete the CDL training program find multiple job offers waiting for them.

The commercial truck industry has a direct relationship with the larger economy, as it is the nation’s primary form of transport for cargo of all types. The economic growth figures may seem small, but any growth right now is good news following years of decline and stagnant growth. Carriers are looking for continued economic growth as they purchase more trucks and look to hire more drivers.

As the larger economy shows growth, so does the commercial truck industry. In fact, the demand for trucking services is larger than the supply of drivers currently employed across the country. Drivers with professional CDL training are in demand by carriers and the commercial truck industry offers job stability and starting pay that is higher than the national average.

The economy may be growing but unemployment remains relatively high. It can be tough finding a stable career in today’s job market, but the commercial truck industry is one place where jobs are available. If you are looking for a new career, completing a CDL training program like the one at Diesel Driving Academy could be the start you are looking for.

Truck industry offers solid career options

Different people have different desires and goals when choosing a career field. Some are looking for good pay and stability, while others want to work a job that will leave them feeling satisfied. Different people are cut out for different jobs, but the commercial truck industry is one place where thousands of jobseekers are finding the answers to their job search.

The commercial truck industry has become one of the best places to start a new career because thousands of professionally trained drivers are needed right now for vacant positions all across the country.

The commercial truck industry is a place where professionally trained drivers are finding a good paying career that also offers a sense of fulfillment. Driving a truck is one of the most important jobs in American because nearly 80 percent of all goods are shipped via a commercial truck. Because of the high demand for drivers, this career field also has thousands of vacancies for jobseekers with the right training and experience.

There are currently millions of Americans who are out of work and while it might not be difficult to find a simple job that brings in a few bucks, finding a long-term career has been extremely challenging for thousands of jobseekers.

The demand on the commercial truck industry continues to grow and carriers are becoming flooded with business, but many are having a hard time keeping up as there are too few professionally trained workers than can help meet the demand. In fact, there is a competition among carriers for professionally trained drivers, making the jobseekers with professional training a hot commodity in today’s employment field.

The CDL training program at Diesel Driving Academy can be completed in a matter of months and recruiters help students find great truck-driving jobs that meets their needs. Many students complete the program with multiple opportunities from some of the best truck carriers in the country.

Diesel Driving Academy offers a CDL training program that is helping job seekers start a long-term career as a professional commercial truck driver, which is especially needed in today’s era of high unemployment. Carriers all across the country are experiencing a shortage of qualified drivers, which makes professional training from a respected school like Diesel Driving Academy the logical first step in getting work in this growing industry.

Jobs may seem scarce across the country, but the commercial truck industry has more open positions than there are qualified drivers to take them. If you are one of the millions of Americans who are looking for work, especially a position that pays well and offers job security, then the commercial truck industry might be the perfect place for you.

Truck drivers play important role during high holiday traffic

Commercial truck drivers have a lot of responsibility, not only to safely transport their cargo to its point of delivery, but to also help keep those motorists around them safe.

Driving a commercial truck for a living can be a rewarding career that offers long-term stability and higher than average starting pay. But it is also a challenging job, which is why carriers are seeking professionally trained drivers for thousands of openings across the country.

The need to practice safe driving is no more evident than over the Christmas holiday as millions of Americans ventured out on the nation’s highway system. According to AAA, nearly 93.3 million Americans traveled 50 miles of more for the holiday season, an increase of 1.6 percent from 2011. AAA defines the holiday travel period as Dec. 22 through Jan. 1.

Ninety percent of holiday travelers will travel by automobile, according to AAA, which represents 26.7 percent of the entire United States population.

“The year-end holiday season remains the least volatile of all travel holidays as Americans will not let economic conditions or high gas prices dictate if they go home for the holidays or kick off the New Year with a vacation,” said AAA President and CEO Robert Darbelnet in a press release about the holiday travel figures. “Primary economic indicators all show modest improvement from last year and AAA is projecting an increase in the number of Americans stuffing their stockings with airline tickets and hotel reservations.”

In an effort to help motorists stay safe on the highways during their holiday trips, the American Trucking Associations released travel tips that include warning motorists about cutting in front of commercial trucks and staying out of a truck’s blind spot. The ATA also warned motorists to be aware of possible winter weather conditions.

“The holidays are a challenging time on the highways,” said Share the Road Professional Driver Dion Saiz as part of the American Trucking Associations tips. “Between motorists visiting families or finishing up last minute shopping, there is nothing better than patience and safe driving practices behind the wheel,” he added.

Safe driving is important year round, but it is highlighted during the holidays as more motorists venture out on the highways. Truck carriers are looking for drivers who can safely handle a commercial truck and those that have received professional training from a respected CDL training program like the one at Diesel Driving Academy.

Diesel Driving Academy offers a CDL training program that is helping job seekers start a long-term career as a professional commercial truck driver, which is especially needed in today’s era of high unemployment. Carriers all across the country are experiencing a shortage of qualified drivers, which makes professional training from a respected school like Diesel Driving Academy the logical first step in getting work in this growing industry.