Driving the hours that work for you (and your trucking company) is critical to your success as a truck driver. If you need to make the switch from daytime driving to night time, there are benefits. Driving at night means the roads are less busy and you avoid rush hour traffic or other slowdowns. It is also easier to find parking in the evening hours. To make the most out of these benefits and stay safe while driving at night, use the following guidelines.

• Know Your Route

A little advance planning makes your entire night trip much safer. During the day it is easy to see construction signs or read travel warning. Plan your route and be prepared for any road construction or changes that might be harder to navigate at night. Keeping track of the weather as you plan your trip will also help you to prepare in advance for any unexpected or potentially dangerous weather conditions.

• Keep Your Headlights and Mirrors Clean

Your headlights are your first line of defense against dark driving conditions. During the day other drivers can easily see your truck approaching, but the same is not true at night. Foggy or dirty headlights limit your visibility and make it harder for other drivers to see you approaching on the road. Along those same lines, if your mirrors are too dirty to use, you might not see approaching vehicles, which can be especially dangerous in the dark.

• Watch out for Other Drivers

As a truck driver, you’ve had a lot of experience and training that makes you a smart and safe driver. But not all drivers on the road at night will have the same level of training or experience as you. To help these drivers stay safe, always follow the rules of the road and drive cautiously when passing or approaching other vehicles. Dim your headlights as other drivers approach to help their visibility, and use your blinkers to communicate your intentions as you turn or pass others on the road. During the day it’s not possible to blind other drivers with your lights and they can see your vehicle turning or passing without the use of blinkers, but at night all of these indicators are important to avoid an accident.

• Rest Often

Getting used to driving at night is no easy task. It takes time to get used to driving at night and sleeping during the day. It is easier to stay alert during the day because your body is trained to be awake and the sunlight lets your body know that is it time to stay awake. Until you’re used to driving at night schedule times to stop and rest. Schedule rests before you know you’ll be too tired to keep driving so that you’re always alert on the road.

• Eat Consistently

Eating a big meal at supper time will make you feel groggy and tired heading into your evening shift. Try to break your meals down into smaller portions to avoid a post-meal slump. Keep lots of snacks handy to maintain steady blood sugar levels. Finally, if you do eat a large meal, try a power nap to wake up restored and ready to drive.

It is easier to drive safely at night by understanding how your driving or habits might have to change from day to night. Remember to always use caution, whether driving at night or during the day.

Have you needed to make the switch to night time driving? Share your suggestions for making the schedule change on our Facebook page!

If you have questions about driving at night, enroll in our CDL prep course! You’ll improve your driving skills, and stay sharp behind the wheel all hours of the day. Make the call today to get started! 1-800-551-8900

Truck drivers work hard to keep America moving, but the profession is often misunderstood. We’re here to clarify 3 misconceptions people often have about truck driving and the people who work in the industry.

Truck drivers are all male

False! According to Transport Topics, “what was once considered strictly a male-dominated industry is rapidly becoming extremely diversified.” The trucking industry is open to anyone wanting to put in the time, training, and effort.  Women in Trucking Association and REAL Women in Trucking are just two organizations that work with and encourage women to begin successful careers in the trucking industry.

Truck drivers are lazy

Not true! Truck driving takes a lot of work, both physically and mentally. There are driver trainers that spend weeks with brand new drivers, training and teaching them the rules of the road, and ways to safely handle their truck. Working long hours and constantly having to focus on the road can be mentally exhausting. Plus, many drivers often load or unload their own trucks.

Truck drivers never see family

Long-haul OTR truck drivers do spend a lot of time on the road, but they still don’t live a life of solitude. Truck drivers have their own language and communicate with each other through CB radios. Video calls allow drivers to stay more connected with people back home than ever before. Plus, the opportunity for local or short-haul CDL jobs means more home time.

These are just 3 misconceptions about truck drivers. The reality is that truck drivers take their job very seriously. They work hard to meet deadlines, strive to keep their driving miles accident-free, and somehow manage to find enough time to sleep, eat, and stay connected with family and friends back home.

What misconceptions do you have about truck driving? Drop us a line on our Facebook page, and we’ll help clear up any other misunderstandings you may have about the trucking industry!

Ready to start your career as a truck driver? We can help you get on the road in your new trucking career in just a few short weeks! To get started, call us today! 1-800-551-8900

Celebrating 45 Years of Success

It has been an exciting day at Diesel Driving Academy. This year, we celebrated our 45th anniversary of being a Truck Driver Training School.

Since our start, our goal has been to provide students with the skills and endorsements transportation companies look for in their drivers. The focus of our CDL Training programs has always included classroom instruction, maneuvering and driver training, as well as on-the-road experience. We have strived to establish ourselves as a leader in truck driver training and produce world-class drivers.

We are extremely proud of our 45-year accomplishment and look to the future. Our goal is to continue on and to help our past and future students reach their goals.

A Big Thank You

To our staff members and instructors that have helped us this year: Thank you for meeting with prospective students, encouraging them, and telling each of them about our strengths and our driver training programs. Thank you for instructing our students and helping them reach their goals.

To each of our many students and graduates from this yet: Thank you for trusting us to help you take the first steps in your trucking career! Each one of you has been an essential part of our successful year, and we can’t thank you enough.

Happy Holidays & a Joyful New Year

As we conclude 2017, we would like to wish all of you a very Happy Holiday. May you have a wonderful time celebrating with family and friends while reminiscing about the year. We look forward to 2018 and all that the year will entail. From all of us at DDA, we wish you a very Happy New Year!

Throughout Louisiana and Arkansas, forecasters are predicting economic growth in all industries. A whopping 4,500 new jobs are expected to be added just in Baton Rouge alone! What, then, does this mean for the trucking industry though? It means a very positive outlook with some great money to be made!

The American Transportation Institute says that there is a shortage of truckers sitting at around 35,000, eventually projecting the shortfall to reach 50,000 by the end of the year. This means that the job market is wide open for new truckers entering the field.

Why Is 2018 A Good Time To Be A Truck Driver?

• The economy is growing, especially in Louisiana and Arkansas
• There is already a shortage of truckers
• Salary for truckers, on average, is higher than it has ever been

Is Being A Trucker A Smart Decision?

Yes. Absolutely! Of every single bit of freight shipped in the United States, nearly 70% of it travels by truck for part or all of the trip. With this much cargo being hauled around on trucks and with there being a shortage of drivers already, this is simply nothing but excellent job security for those in this industry.

In fact, the federal government will even help you with the cost of tuition at a trucking school and the cost of obtaining your CDL. Financial assistance is available through FAFSA. Visit the FAFSA website or speak to one of the counselors for assistance.

Let’s sum things up, then you answer for yourself if it is a smart decision:

• There are 35,000+ jobs to fill
• Plenty of job security for reliable workers
• The pay is as high as (or higher than) other trades
• The federal government may assist with tuition

We think the answer is a no-brainer for anyone who is considering a new trade or who is looking to get into the world of trucking.

Diesel Driving Academy has locations throughout Louisiana and Arkansas. Contact us today to get started on your new career!

The holiday season is here! That means it is time for parties, gift exchanges, and the celebration of traditions handed down from generation to generation. While traditions are valuable, and the holidays are important to celebrate, those with careers that require year-round work often celebrate the holidays in different ways. Important work doesn’t stop, even on Christmas Day. However, there are still ways to enjoy the holidays even as an over-the-road truck driver.

1. There’s an App for That

One thing that most holiday celebrations have in common is that loved ones gather to talk, laugh, and spend time together. While spending time with those you love face-to-face is special, it is still possible to do so while apart. Take advantage of free applications that are designed specifically to help people connect and talk. For example: start a group chat with your friends or family members and recall old times together, use the Snapchat application on your smartphone to send funny pictures or short videos to your children or significant other, or Facetime your parents and let them know that you’re thinking of them.

2. Celebrate When You Can

Christmas always falls on December 25th and New Years Day on January 1st. However, there’s no reason that you can’t celebrate these holidays before or after the actual date. A holiday is much more than just the day of. If your schedule requires you to travel on the holidays, plan a different day with family members and friends where everyone can come to celebrate and spend time together. Take the pressure off the day itself and focus on making time for family and friends whenever you can. If you consistently work on a specific holiday, it could be an opportunity to create a whole new tradition by celebrating on a certain day every year.

3. Get the Best Gifts

Truck drivers should take advantage when shopping for gifts. Traveling to different states means having access to stores that aren’t available in your home-town. Plan out extra time when you travel to shop for the perfect gift. If you don’t have enough break time to stop and shop, order gifts online. You can do your shopping at a stop and have them ordered directly to your house to save time.

Remember, your job is an important one. While it is not always possible to spend every holiday with loved ones, you can still enjoy the holiday season by making an effort to stay in touch with friends and family. Plan time to celebrate each holiday when you can be home, and take advantage of your traveling by snagging up unique gifts. Get creative this holiday season and make sure to remember that family and friends are more important than a day, event, or tradition. Happy Holidays from all of us at Diesel Driving Academy!

Driving a car has its challenges. Driving a semi is even more challenging. The size and length of your truck can make it hard to safely share the road when driving next to other big vehicles and cars. Check out this list for tips to safe road sharing with cars and other semis.

Challenges

• Size: The size of your truck makes driving harder than normal, especially on busy roads, when making turns, or when sharing the road with other semis and trucks.
• Speed: Because your truck is so large, you already know that it can take longer to stop, slow down and react to road conditions in a semi. Even seasoned drivers face these challenges when driving semis and other large trucks.
• Vision: Blind spots in any car make seeing other cars more difficult, but blind spots are worse in semi trucks because of their size and length.

Tips

• Keep Watch: When you drive for long stretches of time, it’s easy to forget to stay sharp and look out for dangers on the road. Stay alert at all times and make sure to take breaks when you start to feel exhausted or drained. It’s especially important to keep an eye out for other semi drivers who might be exhausted and in need of rest. Remember to always check for blind spots to avoid any accidents.
• Be Prepared: If you see an accident or something happens on the road, make sure that you know how to respond. Stay safe by knowing who you’re going to call and have an emergency kit in your truck at all times. If you drive a consistent route, make sure you know where emergency services are.
• Follow Rules of the Road: Because you’re a professional driver and you’ve had a good share of training and practice, you probably know the rules of the road. Make sure to stick to those rules and other safety precautions every time you step into the cab. For example, keep at least four seconds of distance between your truck and other drivers on the road and make sure that you always pass on the right.

If you have any questions about safety or driving contact us to learn more. Diesel Driving Academy proudly provides Class A CDL Training in both Louisiana and Arkansas.

Congratulations, you’ve earned your CDL! The hard part is out of the way. Now you need to get a job. Here’s a few tips to remember when you head out to those interview. Don’t forget to breathe, you got this!

1. Realistic expectations

Do your homework. Having realistic expectations about how much money you can expect to earn, how often you can expect to be home, and the demands of the job, are critical to your career success. If any of these things are a surprise to you during the interview, it will send up red flags. Take not if you have a preference of the type of trucking that you are most interested in, or a type of work you don’t want to do.

2. Honesty

You’ll be asked about your driving and criminal history – be honest. The carrier will check your driving and criminal history as required by law and if you weren’t honest about it you might be disqualified.

3. Research

Learn about the carrier you are interviewing with. What type of trucks do they have? Which states do they operate in? What kinds of technology do they use? How large of a carrier are they and who are their competitors? What is their mission statement are core values?

4. Dress for the Interview

You are interviewing for a trucking job, but you should still dress for an interview. Showing them how you will represent their company each time you visit a customer to pick up or deliver freight, is very important. You are a professional driver, and you could interview again soon to become a fleet manager or driver trainer.

5. Bring a Resume

You might be thinking that your new CDL is the only relevant qualification, but think about your experience and how it will make you a great driver. Military experience shows that you are no stranger to demanding hours far from home. Retail experience means that you know that the customer is what keeps the wheels turning. Kitchen experience means that you can adapt to a rapidly changing environment.

6. Prepare a list of Questions

After doing some research on the carrier you are interviewing with, prepare a list of questions you can ask during the interview. By showing your future employer that you are interested along with invested in their company, will help you stand out. They will definitely appreciate it if you show you’ve done your research!

Diesel Driving Academy is proud to off Class A CDL training. DDA campuses are located in Shreveport, Baton Rouge and Little Rock. To learn more, head over to our Truck Driver Training Program!

Over-the-road trucking isn’t for everyone. It requires long hours, night driving, and long periods of time away from home. Some drivers want to work regular hours and be home every night. Once you have your CDL, there are options than just long-haul trucking.

• Local: Known as intrastate, local truckers stay within state boundaries. These drivers can work in the community where they live and make it home every night. Depending on the job and company, local drivers can expect standard time off (days off between weeks of work and vacation time) and may even have weekends off.
• Regional: Regional drivers may cross state lines (interstate), but stay within a certain designated area. These drivers aren’t too far from home and can often go home every night. Regional drivers usually have standard break and vacation times; depending on company policies.
• Over-the-Road (OTR): Also known as long-haul truckers, these drivers travel across the country and even into neighboring countries. Long-haul truckers are away for extended periods of time and, because of this, may have longer rest periods between jobs. Extended layovers can be a part of OTR trucking.

Many companies need CDL drivers for a variety of functions. Depending on your CDL class and your endorsements, you could be a:

Regional or local delivery driver

• Work for any number of local businesses, government entities, and organizations including: restaurants, vendors, construction companies, hospitals, mail service companies and more.

Limo driver

• Also known as a chauffeur, limo driving isn’t all about celebrities! Limo drivers can work at airports and even drive for popular winery tours and events such as weddings and proms!

Local Bus System Driver

• Most urban areas have an extensive bus system that operates within city limits. There are also companies that do city to city human transport, rural transport, and single/multi-day bus tours.

Company manager

• Every company is different and you may have to pay your dues (by driving for the company) to gain the insight necessary for a management post. For some, mangement is a long-term goal. For others, it can be an option to stay in the company when they are no longer able to drive.

If you have the right qualifications, Diesel Driving Academy prepares you for any type of CDL job that you desire! You may even qualify to get pre-hired; even without any experience! Contact us today for more information!

A few years ago, we stressed the importance of going above and beyond the CDL program when applying for jobs after graduation. Now more than ever, this is important for students because of the competitive nature of jobs and growing concern for safety that trucking companies have. Make sure you’re prepared before you apply:

A lot of people are moving towards a career as a Commercial Truck Driver due to the growth the industry is experiencing and the shortage of professional truck drivers across the country. But many people incorrectly assume that the only thing necessary to becoming a successful Commercial Truck Driver is getting a Commercial Driving License (CDL), which experience shows is simply not the case.

Companies are looking for the best drivers possible that have the right combination of experience and knowledge. Driving commercial trucks can be a rewarding career with good pay and benefits, but the job is also demanding and requires much more than simply passing a CDL test.

“A lot of people can get a CDL, that doesn’t necessarily make them a professional truck driver,” Jim Runk, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association told CBS News 21 in Pennsylvania last month in a news release. “They have to have the skills to handle the equipment.”

Possessing a CDL is the minimum requirement necessary for prospective Commercial Truck Drivers, but many of the country’s top commercial trucking companies are also looking for truck drivers that have been taught the skills necessary to handle a commercial truck on long hauls and are able to handle a wide variety of challenges that might come up. There is a shortage of truck drivers in the country, but there are also a lot of people attempting to enter the field, which means trucking companies can be selective about the drivers they hire. A major reason for the growing shortage of truck drivers today is that many are entering retirement. That means the industry is not only losing drivers, but is losing skilled drivers that have a lot of experience on the road.

Trucking companies are unlikely to fill those lost positions with inexperienced drivers that just have a CDL. The most attractive drivers will be those that receive training from a top trucking career program, such as the Diesel Driving Academy, where students not only learn how to successfully meet CDL requirements but also understand the extra skills to safety handle commercial trucks and help companies continue to maintain a high level of trucking service.

Like any industry, truckers have to pay their dues and work their way up to more desired positions. But, as is the case in other industries, the truck drivers with the best experience and training will be the ones that have the most success in working their way up. Commercial trucking companies consider a lot of factors when hiring drivers, including safe driving habits and experience. However, being able to put a quality commercial truck driver training program, such as Diesel Driving Academy, on your résumé is also a highly important factor in helping you get your desired job.

Ready to take the next step?

Diesel Driving Academy is ready to help you earn your CDL. Contact us for more information on our CDL training program. DDA campuses are located in Shreveport, Baton Rouge and Little Rock.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA), “Driving a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) requires a higher level of knowledge, experience, skills, and physical abilities than that required to drive a non-commercial vehicle.” A driver has to pass both skills and knowledge testing in order to obtain a CDL license. There are many benefits to attending a truck driving school (academy) to learn to drive a CMV.
 

A driving school can prepare you for all aspects of CDL license testing, including:

• vehicle inspection
• basic controls exam
• road test

 
A fully licensed driver may be required to obtain additional training permits, known as endorsements, to haul specific materials. Academy training specialists at a truck driving school, can teach you about the complex rules and current regulations of the CMV industry.

A truck driving school has the resources and knowledge to help you get what you need to obtain and to keep your CDL; things such as:

• Medical requirements
• Endorsements
• Legally required paperwork
• Electronic logging devices

So why choose Diesel Driving Academy (DDA)?

• DDA is a truck driving school that specializes in training drivers to obtain a Class A CDL license.
• DDA is accessible with multiple locations in both Louisiana and Arkansas.
• At Diesel Driving Academy, specialized staff can offer assistance entering the workplace after you obtain your license.
• DDA provides veteran-specific and other financial aid assistance.
• Diesel Driving Academy is fully accredited by Commission of the Council on Occupational Education (COE), and licensed by the State of Louisiana Board of Regents.

 
Let DDA help you earn the skills and gain the knowledge to achieve, use, and retain your Class A CDL! Diesel Driving Academy offers truck driver training in Louisiana and Arkansas. Check now to see if you possess the requirements needed to apply. Our admissions team can answer any questions you may have during your journey to a new career!