News

Trucking receiving a boost from cross-border program

As we reported last year, the United States and Mexico entered into a cross-border commercial trucking program that’s aim is to make trucking more efficient, especially as the industry is experiencing growth in both domestic shipping and international trucking to Canada and Mexico.

The new cross-border trucking program aims to encourage more commercial trucking trade between Mexico and the United States by making it easier for commercial trucks to cross the border while delivering goods. Three U.S. trucking companies, Plastic Express of California, Stage Coach Cartage and Distribution in Texas and A&R Transport Inc., in Illinois, have also been granted FMCSA authority to cross beyond Mexican commercial zones. More commercial trucking companies are expected to be issued permits in the near future.

In a statement by the Embassy of Mexico, the cross-border commercial trucking agreement was praised as a step forward for the already growing commercial trucking industry in both countries.

“Issuance of operating authority to Transportes Olympic is a positive step taken by the United States to come into full compliance with its commitments on long haul cross-border trucking services under the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA),” the release said. “This latest development in the 16 year old bilateral trucking dispute follows an agreement announced last March by presidents Calderon and Obama, and as a result Mexico will suspend the remaining retaliatory tariffs on 99 U.S. products that Mexico was forced to impose after a previous trucking pilot program was defunded in 2009.”

The release also stated that the United States and Mexico have a $400 billion annual trade relationship and 70 percent of trade between the two nations is done by commercial trucks. Mexico is the second largest market for United States exports and transportation officials predict that the amount of trade between the two nations via commercial trucks will continue to grow.

The trucking industry nation-wide is enjoying significant growth and the agreement between the U.S. and Mexico is another example of the industry’s commitment to expansion. Because of this growth many job seekers are considering a career as a commercial truck driver. Diesel Driving Academy’s truck driving program is helping students make the transition to this growing job sector by offering instruction that can lead to an individual obtaining a Class A CDL license. Courses cover all facets of commercial truck driving and are helping meet the growing demand for skilled professional drivers.

The commercial truck industry is hiring, which is why Diesel Driving Academy is the perfect place to start your return to the work force. Carriers are in desperate need for professionally trained drivers and students from Diesel Driving Academy are finding some of the best options available in the commercial trucking industry.

DDA helping job seekers find long-term career in trucking

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that the national unemployment rate dropped to 8.3 percent – a two year low – but labor officials warn that the unemployment rate could rise slightly as those that had given up their job search begin to look again following the positive economic news.

With positive employment statistics becoming a monthly norm, more people will begin looking for work, and one of the best places to begin that search for work is at Diesel Driving Academy where students are receiving professional training to become a highly sought after commercial truck driver in this growing industry.

If you are someone who had previously suspended your job search but are ready to continue the search, the commercial truck industry could be the perfect place to start. The commercial truck industry is hiring, which is why Diesel Driving Academy is the perfect place to start your return to the work force. Carriers are in desperate need for professionally trained drivers and students from Diesel Driving Academy are finding some of the best options available in the commercial trucking industry.

DDA is not just a great place to train because the trucking industry is booming, but it’s also a great school because of the mission Diesel Driving Academy has to provide the best, hands-on training available. DDA’s end goal for each and every student is to help them start a rewarding, high-paying career as a professional truck driver.

Whether you’re looking for a job over the road, or hoping to gain employment driving locally, obtaining your CDL license from Diesel Driving Academy is one of the smartest decisions you could make in your career as a professional truck driver.

CNG seen as a solution for rising fuel prices

A solution to rising fuel prices for commercial trucks may be compressed natural gas (CNG), which is increasingly being considered as a viable alternative to diesel with programs underway to convert normal truck engines to CNG.

Despite rising gas prices the commercial truck industry can’t afford to cut back on its routes as the demand for trucking services continues to grow all across the nation. The commercial trucking industry needs to be able to put more trucks and more drivers on the road in the coming years but rising fuel prices is making that more and more challenging. However, commercial trucking officials are encouraged that experiments with energy efficient engines and are beginning to believe that CNG trucks might begin to help transition the commercial trucking industry into a cheaper way to operate, especially with the recent announcement that 3M and Chesapeake Energy are working together to manufacture a variety of compressed natural gas tanks for use by commercial trucks.

The new CNG tanks developed through the 3M and Chesapeake partnership will work to reduce costs while increasing performance by making the cost per mile much lower that with traditional diesel engines. Plus, the CNG tanks are also less expensive than traditional commercial tanks, according to CNG officials.

“This partnership brings together two leading companies from different sectors, both committed to advancing the natural gas transportation fuel market,” Aubrey K. McClendon, Chesapeake’s CEO, said in a statement. “We applaud 3M for recognizing the future of natural gas as a low-cost, cleaner alternative to gasoline, and for creating innovative tank technology that will make natural gas vehicles more affordable and accessible to fleets and individual consumers nationwide.”

McClendon said that Chesapeake has pledged $10 million toward design, market development support and a commitment to use the new tanks for its own corporate fleet of trucks.

Trucking officials are welcoming any news of energy efficiency developments in the commercial trucking industry as shipping demand continues to grow and the need for more trucks is also growing.

During a presentation last year, American Trucking Associations President Bill Graves spoke about the government’s desire to see fuel efficiency standards increased and he warned that is alternative fuel sources are not found, these standards are going to be costly for commercial truck carriers. CNG might be one solution to meeting increased fuel efficiency standards, while offsetting the high costs.

These solutions are being sought because more and more trucks are going to be needed in the coming years to help meet rising demands and that means more and more professionally trained truck drivers are going to be hired. At Diesel Driving Academy’s CDL training program, students are being trained to enter this growing career field and help meet the high demand carriers have to hire more professionally trained drivers.

With the right preparation, trucking is an ideal career choice

If you want a great job, look no further than the commercial trucking industry. However, preparation is the key in order to have a long-term and successful career in this growing industry. Driving a truck can be a challenging job, especially as business continues to grow in the commercial trucking industry, but training programs like the one at Diesel Driving Academy are helping to produce some of the nation’s best truck drivers and helping students start their journey to a long and fulfilling career as a trucker.

Demand for commercial truck drivers is up but even in today’s tough job market truck carriers are finding it hard to meet the demand with the right candidate for the thousands of trucking jobs available across the nation. However, if a person is willing to complete a quality-training program, such as the one at Diesel Driving Academy, a great career can be found in the commercial trucking industry for people of all backgrounds. Carriers are also attracted to the best applicants, which is why graduates of Diesel Driving Academy are some of the most highly sought after driver around, especially from some of the nation’s top trucking carriers.

According to a report by the Global Insight firm, the demand for commercial truck drivers is pushing salaries up, especially when compared to other industries.

“It has become common for industry analysts to comment that wages must go from the current $40,000+ a year to $65,000 to solve the driver shortage problem,” the firm said about pre-recession periods.

There is good pay in this profession, especially as commercial truck carriers attempt to meet rising demands. However, carriers are becoming more selective on drivers they hire as they look for those that have professional training and experience. Carriers want to know that the driver they hire will be able to meet the challenges they face on the road and understands the importance of safety, especially as new regulations hold carriers more accountable for unsafe driving practices reported from their own drivers. Possessing a CDL is the minimum requirement to driving commercial trucks and a person that simply has a CDL will find it hard to find a quality job as a professional driver.

The CDL training program at Diesel Driving Academy prepares students for good paying careers in the commercial truck industry and works with commercial truck carriers to help students transition into their ideal job.

Experienced instructors work closely with students and help them establish a great living as a commercial truck driver. Good preparation is the key to success in almost every walk of life, and the same is especially true in commercial trucking. If this is a career field you want to enter than beginning your journey at DDA is one of the best first steps you can take.

Truck sales expected to remain high in 2012

Commercial vehicle sales are predicted to remain high in 2012 as the demand for commercial trucking services continues to grow, especially as the economy continues to recover.

Commercial vehicle sales, which include commercial trucks, were slightly down in February but industry experts say the overall market is still very strong as the commercial trucking industry continues to grow in an effort to meet rising demand. In order to meet the current and future demands for trucking services, more commercial trucks will need to be purchased and more professionally trained drivers will need to be hired.

The firm ACT Research recently reported that preliminary net orders in North America were down from January. The firm also reported that 22,500 Class 8 trucks and another 12,800 medium-duty Classes 5-7 vehicles were sold in January. Another research firm, FTR Associates, reported that Class 8 truck net orders were 11 percent below January’s total.

The commercial truck news website Truckinginfo.com, said both companies say the drop in numbers is not something to worry about as demand is still high for commercial trucking services.

“February net orders were incrementally below expectations,” says Kenny Vieth, president and senior analyst at ACT. “However, healthy backlogs and strong orders over the previous four months continue to support our forecasts for 2012.”

Jonathan Starks, FTR’s Director of Transportation Analysis, said demand for new trucks “remains robust as fleets continue to replace aging equipment.”

TruckingInfo.com also reported that driver supply was moderately tight and freight demand healthy.

The demand for more trucks also means a demand for more drivers. According to the American Trucking Association, freight transportation revenue will grow by 69 percent over the next 10 years as the commercial trucking industry’s role in shipping goods and products will only get bigger. The growth in trucking revenue is projected to come from a 25 percent growth in freight tonnage, the ATA’s U.S. Freight Transportation Forecast reported. That growth in freight tonnage, which will average between 1.3 and 2.6 percent per year, will require a significant increase in CDL trained drivers to meet the demand. That has made the trucking industry one of the fastest growing job sectors as the economy rebounds.

In fact, the ATA reports that the commercial trucking industry needs an additional 539,000 drivers to meet current and future demands. The Diesel Driving Academy truck driver and CDL training program is helping to meet that demand for more drivers by training students to obtain their CDL and possess the skills and experience that will put them on the fast track to securing a high paying job in the growing commercial trucking industry.

The large demand for commercial truck drivers is one reason many people are considering this as a career. Trucking companies are desperate to hire but they are also looking for the best drivers possible in an effort to keep turnover rates low and insure that their cargo is being transported by the best drivers available. At Diesel Driving Academy students are receiving hands-on training and experience that will lead to obtaining a CDL and becoming some of the best commercial truck drivers available. Students are prepared to drive both long- and short-haul routes and are given experience on a variety of different equipment.

Truckers are moving America forward

No other industry plays as important a role in American than the commercial trucking industry, or at least the trucking industry is among the leaders. America moves by truck – literally – and truck drivers play such a crucial role in driving the American economy. If you are looking for a career that is fun, rewarding and makes a difference, then look no further than the commercial trucking industry.

Commercial trucks are by far the highest use form of shipping in the nation, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. The U.S. Freight Transportation Forecast claims that there are more than 3.5 million commercial truck drivers on the road and that 70 percent of all goods are delivered by trucks.

The forecast also claims that almost 7 percent of all American workers are employed in a field directly related to the commercial trucking industry. For those employed as a commercial truck driver the average salary is near $50,000.

Not only does the importance of the commercial trucking industry directly impact the shipment of goods, it also provides a major boost in the areas of employment and tax revenue, both key factors in an economic recovery.

The commercial trucking industry isn’t recession proof as the industry had its share of challenges during the economic collapse of 2008. But trucking is often the first industry to rebound – as is the case now – and because of its importance there will always be a demand for commercial trucking services. As the economy experienced a boost over the past few months the demand for commercial trucking services also increased. In fact, the demand for commercial truck drivers has never been higher as commercial truck companies are frantically looking for professionally trained drivers to help meet demand.

Maybe you are looking to change careers to an industry that offers a better future. Or maybe you were recently laid off and you need a job that can not only offer stability but a strong salary. If that’s the case then becoming a commercial truck driver might be your best option as the future is bright and the income is often higher than many other professions.

Companies are desperate to hire more drivers, but they are also desperate to find professionally trained truckers that not only possess a CDL but also have a wide variety of training. The best way to become a professional truck driver is to complete a training program, such as the Diesel Driving Academy training program. Through the help of experienced instructors and hands on training, students receive some of the best commercial truck driver training in the nation and are put in a position to secure a long-lasting career in this growing – and important – industry.

Training can make all the different in a trucking career

Commercial trucking companies are looking for professionally trained drivers but they are finding it hard to find applicants that meet this need as many drivers are entering the field just a bit too quick without the right kind of training. That large number of inexperienced drivers is causing the turnover rate to be relatively high in the commercial truck industry.

According to an American Trucking Associations report released last year, the turnover rate for commercial truck drivers rose to 79 percent in the second quarter of 2011, making it the third quarter in a row that the turnover rate has raised for truck drivers.

“Even though the increase was small, we still believe the market for quality drivers is getting extremely tight and fleets are aggressively recruiting to fill their openings,” ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello said in a press release about the recent report. “The slowdown of the economic recovery has affected the turnover rate, but if the economy continues to improve we’ll see further tightening in the driver market and a renewed risk of a severe driver shortage.”

The need for truck drivers with professional training is so great that students who complete the Diesel Driver Academy’s truck driver program are some of the most sought after drivers. Diesel Driving Academy provides the best hands-on truck driver training available and gives students the skills necessary to meet the growing demand for drivers. Diesel Driving Academy also works closely with recruiters across the country to help students secure employment as a professional commercial truck driver as quickly as possible.

Drivers that enter the trucking industry without professional training usually don’t last long. They can quickly become overwhelmed and are unable to meet the daily challenges that a truck driver faces. However, those with training from Diesel Driving Academy are fully prepared to meet those challenges and are given the skills necessary to find long-term and satisfying employment as a commercial truck driver.

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 and proven training program like Diesel Driving Academy is the smart choice.

Drivers of all ages needed to start long-term career as trucker

The commercial truck industry is need of more professionally trained drivers but the industry is especially in need of younger drivers to help offset the growing number of drivers entering retirement in the coming years. As reported before on this site, a large number of drivers are expected to retire from the profession, but even if those drivers were to remain, the growing demands for more trucking services would dictate a need for more drivers to help meet demand.

More than 22 percent of America’s commercial truck drivers are aged 55 or older, and another 25 percent are at least 45-years-old. In fact, more than a third of all truck drivers on the road today are at least 50 years of age, according to estimates from the American Trucking Associations.

The commercial trucking industry is one of the fastest growing employment sectors in the nation, but with so many older drivers preparing to retire that means many carriers are desperate to find drivers of all ages, especially those that are prepared to start a long-term and stable driving career. A new generation of commercial truck drivers is needed and trucking companies are ready to fill positions immediately with the right candidates who have the right training.

A job as a commercial truck driver can be a steady career for drivers of any age, but there is a particular interest by many companies to find younger drives. However, trucking companies want drivers that have proper CDL training, putting students of Diesel Driving Academy of Little rock at an advantage when it comes to meeting the demand for commercial trucking jobs.

Currently less than 10 percent of commercial truck drivers in the United States are under the age of 30, and less than 20 percent of drivers are younger than 34 years of age. The industry needs new drivers of all ages and Diesel Driving Academy of Little Rock is helping to meet that demand.

Diesel Driving Academy specializes in providing the best hands-on truck driving training available. Students are put in a position upon completion of the program to enter the commercial truck driving job field and secure employment in some of the industry’s best positions.

Students of Diesel Driving Academy also have the advantage of training at a school that works closely with recruiters from most all of the major trucking companies across the nation. These companies are looking for drivers that have the best skills and experience and Diesel Driving Academy is producing students to meet that need.

Students are also prepared to obtain their CDL and gain the necessary skills to become a local driver or drive for long hauls.

The commercial trucking industry is desperately looking for a new generation of drivers that have training in the areas of maintenance, safety and driving that will help trucking companies meet the growing need for domestic and international trucking services.

Students looking to be a part of that next generation of commercial truck drivers should strongly consider Diesel Driving Academy’s truck driving program.

Truck officials call for more truck-friendly policies as industry continues to grow

Some big names in the American trucking industry are teaming up to put pressure on policy makers to take steps to increase commercial trucking productivity.

The Truckload Carriers Association and the American Trucking Associations, the two largest trucking industry trade groups, announced at the American Trucking Associations Management Conference and Exhibition that they were calling on elected leaders to do more for American trucks.

“The trucking industry, like any family, sometimes takes a while to reach a consensus, but we’re happy that we have been able to bring our respective policies on truck productivity in line,” ATA President and CEO Bill Graves said in a release. “It is critical that we petition our elected leaders with one voice and this brings us closer to our industry unity.”

TCA President Chris Burrus said working together would be a major component in spurring commercial trucking growth.

“Considering all of the challenges we face as an industry, it should always be our priority to find common ground on as many issues as possible,” Burruss said. ”I applaud the leadership of TCA and ATA for finding common ground on this difficult issue.”

Specific issues cited by the trucking trade groups include cuts to hours-of-service and technology requirements and regulations.

“With possible hours-of-service changes threatening to limit capacity, congestion choking our highways and the driver shortage worsening, we need to find ways to improve our industry’s productivity in order to continue delivering the nation’s essential goods,” ATA Chairman Dan England said in a release. “Studies have shown that more productive trucks are safer, more efficient and greener than conventional combinations without causing more wear and tear on our roads, and now that we and TCA have come together on this issue, we’re in a better position to continue to make that case to policymakers.”

TCA Chairman Gary Salisburry also added that advances in brake technology will allow commercial trucks to meet new federal rules limiting commercial vehicle stopping distance. “By amending our policies and compromising, TCA and ATA have set the trucking industry on the road to success,” Salisburry said.

Trucking officials said part of the reason for encouraging more truck-friendly policies is because the demand for commercial trucking services continues to grow. As the economy rebounds more manufacturers are turning to trucks and trucking officials worry unwise policies could stunt further growth.

Trucking officials are also looking for ways to encourage more people to consider a career as a commercial truck driver because the need is growing each year for CDL trained professionals that have the right kind of training to drive both short and long hauls. CDL training programs like the Diesel Driving Academy are equipping students with the right training to enter this growing market and meet the demand for more drivers.

Officials look to improve fuel efficiency as more trucks hit the road

Improving fuel standards for commercial trucks is a priority of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in an effort to cut down on emissions. For commercial trucking carriers improved fuel standards mean less money spent on fuel and higher profits.

Simply put, fuel efficiency is a priority of transportation and trucking officials alike, especially as the demand for trucking services is growing and expected to do so for many years to come.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is preparing an Environmental Impact Statement that looks to create new fuel standards for new trucks beginning in 2016, with voluntary compliance even sooner.  Increased domestic production and other factors are leading to increased demand on medium- and long-haul trucking, which has put higher interest on issues related to trucking.

However, as the government looks for new regulations to increase fuel efficiency, carriers are experimenting with a new generation of fleets that have higher miles per gallon and produce fewer emissions. Carriers are also looking for drivers that understand how safe and careful driving can cut down on fuel costs.

Carriers are looking for drivers with professional training in a wide variety of areas, including how to operate a vehicle in a way that maximizes fuel consumptions. Maintaining steady speed, not jack rabbiting at stop lights and taking the best route are all ways professional truck drivers can play a part in increasing fuel efficiency, which is especially important in a time of rising fuel costs.

With a strong future in trucking, many job-seekers are considering a career as a CDL trained truck driver.  With more trucks and drivers expected to hit the road in the near future, the government is looking for ways to adapt to the increase in traffic and offset the amount of emission that will be produced with so many new truck on the road.

According to the NHTS, long haul and heavy duty trucks account for 20- to 30-percent of fuel consumption in the United States. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s goal is to increase fuel efficiency by 25-percent for these trucks as more drivers hit the road over the next several years.

If you are looking for a new career and want a profession that is challenging, rewarding and offers good pay, then becoming a professional truck driver might be the right fit for you. Truck carriers are desperate for more drivers, but they want drivers that have professional training and more than just a CDL. At the Diesel Driving Academy students of the CDL training program are equipped to take the jobs available for professional truckers and are taught the skills that can lead to a long lasting and satisfying career in the trucking industry.