Updated Sep. 8, 2022

It seems like every year we celebrate more and more holidays. Some are a little silly, like National Chocolate Milkshake Day on September 12th. Others, such as National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, highlight often overlooked and under-appreciated members of the workforce. This week choose to celebrate the men and women who help keep America running, our truck drivers.

Brief History of NTDAW

Since 1998, National Truck Driver Appreciation Week celebrations have put the spotlight on some of the hardest workers our country has to offer. The American Trucking Association (ATA) started National Truck Driver Appreciation Week because truck drivers were often overlooked as vital members of the workforce.

Without truck drivers, most stores and warehouses would be empty. Retail as we know it would not exist.

Through long hours and countless miles, these drivers keep the economy moving forward. The week-long celebration often stretches into several weeks or even a month for many of the companies that regularly interact with truck drivers.

Perks For Drivers

This year is no exception. Several national chain truck stops, including Love’s Travel Stops and Pilot Flying J, are extending their driver appreciation celebrations through all of September.

Loves Travel Shops will have many perks for drivers, including:

• Fresh food and drink deals September 12 — 16.
• Free hot sandwich or fresh salad with an oil change Sept. 12 — 16.
• Discounts on Amarillo Supply Co. products throughout September and October.
• Free Amarillo Supply Co. hat with the purchase of a 3-pack of gloves for $9.99, or any of the six Amarillo Supply Co. safety items promoted at 15% off, throughout the month and through October

Pilot Flying J will offer the following deals for drivers:

• Up to three free drink choices in the myRewards Plus^TM app each week (September 1 through October 31, 2022) including Pilot fountain drinks and coffee, sodas, energy drinks and waters.
• Earn up to 500 bonus points in September with new activated in-app challenges
• Discounts on various deli food items all September using the myRewards Plus^TM app, including a 50% discount during National Truck Driver Appreciation Week (Sept. 11 – 17, 2022).
• In October, earn even more points (up to 5 points per gallon) when fueling after activating PushForPoints™ in the myRewards Plus^TM app.
• Free Safe and Road Ready Checks in September by Southern Tire Mart at Pilot Flying J.  With every check completed, drivers will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win one of three sets of Bridgestone premium steer tires.

Additionally, many companies in the trucking industry across the nation are hosting events to benefit truck drivers.

How To Thank A Truck Driver

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is from September 11th to September 17th. Make sure to take the time this week to thank truck drivers for their hard work and dedication. Some simple ways you can do this is by paying for a driver’s meal, making goody bags with essential items, or posting messages on social media.

Become a Truck Driver with Diesel Driving Academy

Interested in joining the hardest working sector of American industry? Diesel Driving Academy is ready to help! DDA offers Class A CDL Training in Louisiana and Arkansas. Campuses are located in Shreveport, Baton Rouge and Little Rock. To learn more, head over to our Admissions page!

Understanding the Solar Eclipse:

By now, you have likely heard of the solar eclipse that will be occurring on Monday, August 21. For those of you that do not know what a total solar eclipse is, let us explain. On Monday, the moon will pass between the Earth and the sun, completely covering the sun’s rays. For those living in the United States, it will be darkness during the middle of the day. It will begin on the West Coast around 10:30 PDT (1:20 EST) and conclude on the East Coast at 11:50 PDT (2:50 EST). Anyone along the path from Oregon to South Carolina will be able to witness the eclipse. According to NASA, the last time the entire U.S. saw exposed to a total eclipse was in 1979. To learn more and to see eclipse maps, visit NASA’s website.

According to Quartz, in addition to an increased number of travelers gearing up to experience this occurrence, nearly 200 million people live in close proximity to the eclipse’s path. Due to this rare siting, interstate congestion is expected to be atrocious. Many states are already warning truckers to be cautious and plan ahead in their routes, because traffic jams will likely occur.

How will this Affect Truckers:

Several states and trucking companies have adjusted their freight schedules to avoid to inevitable traffic jams. Trucking companies are encouraging truck drivers to take alternate routes to avoid congested areas during the Monday solar eclipse. If there is not leeway along your suggested route and you must travel through these areas, make sure to have a full tank of gas and extra food because you could be sitting for a significant period of time.

According to Transport Topics, many state officials are telling drivers not to stop on interstates to watch the eclipse. Truckers should also note that Oregon is prohibiting truck drivers with extra-wide loads from traveling from August 18-22.

Please continue to stay alert and in contact with your carrier for regular updates on the solar eclipse. Plan for potential traffic congestion whether you are in the eclipse’s path or not, but also remember to enjoy this siting. Stay smart, and be SAFE!

Interested in becoming a truck driver? Diesel Driving Academy offers Class A CDL Training in Louisiana and Arkansas. DDA campuses are located in Shreveport, Baton Rouge and Little Rock. Check out our locations to learn more!

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, truck driver jobs are one of the fastest growing professions not only in Arkansas, but the United States as a whole. The reason for this is the high demand for consumer goods in all fifty states. Manufactured goods and imports are hauled over the road in all fifty states. As a result of this demand for CDL drivers, accredited truck driver schools are enrolling new students at a rapid rate.

Commercial truck drivers earn a substantial income, usually in excess of $50,000 the first year. Most major carriers also offer medical, dental, and retirement benefits to drivers and their families. Some outfits even allow family trucking packages, which allow drivers to bring a spouse, children, and pets on trips. Partner driving between spouses is also encouraged at some companies.

You can’t just jump into a semi and start driving. A truck driving career begins with an education. This program will teach you the essentials of semi truck operation, pre-trip inspection, effective loading, and laws for truck drivers. Because trucks travel all over the United States, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates safety and travel laws for semi trucks. This organization makes sure truck drivers are in compliance, no matter which state the truck is traveling in.

You might be wondering how to get a CDL in Arkansas. There are several steps you must complete:

-Be at least 18 years old with a valid Arkansas driver’s license. Drivers under 21 will be restricted to driving only within the state of Arkansas. Drivers over 21 will be permitted to travel across state lines.

-Provide proof of U.S. citizenship

Allowable documents include: Valid U.S. Passport, Birth Certificate, Certificate of Naturalization

-Proof of Arkansas address including full name and address on document

-Driving record check going back 10 years

-$50 test fee

If this is the first CDL you have ever applied for, you will be issued a Commercial Learner’s Permit. Under a CLP, you will be required to pass a written test, ride with and drive under the supervision of a licensed commercial driver, then take a CDL test. The CDL test includes a pre-inspection test, a vehicle control test, and an on-road driving test. This will be easy to do if you have completed a training program with an accredited CDL preparation program.

Truck driving is a rewarding career. You get to travel the country, spend time with your family, and earn a substantial income. Call your local truck driving school to get enrolled in the next training class. Within a few weeks, you will have a new career.

When you think about a driver’s license, you might think about the standard driver’s license that gives you permission to operate your personal vehicle. However, for many, going to school to get a commercial driver’s license can be a great move. These are a few reasons why you might want to consider it.

Stay Out of a Stuffy Office

Who wants to be stuck in a stuffy office all day long, day in and day out? If you’ve got your commercial driver’s license, you won’t have to worry about sitting in a cubicle all day. Instead, you can be out and about as a part of your regular work schedule.

Explore

Depending on the type of gig that you look for when you get your commercial driver’s license, you might be able to experience new places as a truck driver. For example, many truckers drive across the country all the time or head into Canada or Mexico as a part of their jobs. It can be a great way to see things that you’ve never seen before and to really expand your horizons.

Open Up Tons of New Opportunities

Not being able to find a job can be tough. If you’ve got your commercial driver’s license, however, you can open up a ton of new opportunities for yourself. You can choose a job that requires you to simply drive around town, or you can look for a long-distance driving job. You can choose to work for a trucking company, or you can start your own business as an owner-operator. The opportunities are pretty much endless!

As you can probably see, there are many reasons why getting a commercial driver’s license can be a wonderful thing. If you’d like to find out more about going to school to get your CDL, contact us at Diesel Driving Academy today.

An Anniversary Message from DDA

Exactly four and a half decades ago we opened the doors of Diesel Driving Academy, and since then we have helped thousands of men and women begin their new careers as professional truck drivers.

Since the beginning, our goal was to provide students with the skills and endorsements major transportation companies are looking for in their drivers.

The focus of our CDL training programs has always included intensive classroom instruction, maneuvering and driver training, and on-the-road experience.

We have strived to establish ourselves as a leader in truck driver training, and continually update our driver training programs to grow and change with the trucking industry.

We Can’t Thank You Enough

To our staff members and instructors: Thank you. 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 sharing your many years of experience in the trucking industry, and continually networking and sharing job listings so that our students and graduates are able to make connections and launch their new careers.

To each of our many students and graduates: 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 great success story, and we can’t thank you enough for that.

You have all been a very big part of our extended family and you are instrumental to our success as a school. We hope to see you back on campus soon!

We are also thankful to each of the communities we have been – and are – a part of. We look forward to future generations who will be part of the institution’s continued growth. Again, congratulations to all!

Looking Backward as We Look Ahead

As we look back on the past 45 years, we are filled with many emotions. We are proud of the past 4+ decades well spent being dedicated to making good basic drivers of the men and women who wish to make a career in this field.

And remember: when you can drive a truck, you’ve got a job, my friend!

Thank you to everyone who submitted photos for our anniversary video. We had a great time reminiscing! if you didn’t get a chance to submit photos from your time at DDA, feel free to post and share your story on our Facebook page!

Why We’re Celebrating “National ‘Read a Road Map’ Day!”

These days, professional truck drivers have many highly advanced pieces of technology at their disposal. Of course, they have access to GPS technology, which is one of the most commonly used technologies for many drivers. Truckers also have cell phones with which they can contact their dispatcher and request guidance.

GPS and cell phones have changed the way truckers operate. However, some things have remained the same. A good, reliable road map is still an absolute necessity for any professional trucker. GPS devices and cell phones may break or run out of battery power, but road maps will not.

Read below to see why, on April 5th, we are celebrating this obscure day know as “National ‘Read a Road Map’ Day!”

Road maps are reliable

One of the main advantages of road maps is that they don’t break or run out of power. These problems commonly affect GPS devices and cell phones. Many truckers carry chargers for their devices, but these chargers are easy to forget. A trucker that has a cell phone with a dead battery and no charger is in big trouble if they don’t have a paper road map. Such situations are why every professional trucker should have a comprehensive set of road maps with them at all times.

Road maps are easy to read

GPS devices and cell phones can be difficult to read. Sometimes the screens are too dim, or they reflect too much sunlight. Paper road maps don’t present this problem. They are always easy to read. Also, paper maps are much bigger than the screens on cell phones or GPS devices.

Good road maps are waterproof

Professional truckers can, and should, buy waterproofed paper maps. These maps are usually laminated for protection against the elements. Electronic devices are very susceptible to water, but laminated maps are not. Such maps can be incredibly important if the truck breaks down in a rainstorm, which many truckers will tell you happens fairly often. Rand McNally even prints maps specific for motor carriers with updated restricted routes, low clearance, and weigh station locations.

At Diesel Driving Academy, we pride ourselves on our service, and know that the right training makes all the difference in your success as a truck driver. Enroll in any of our CDL training programs, and you’ll get trip-planning knowledge from instructors with miles of experience!

If you are interested in learning more about the importance of road maps, and other fundamentals of trucking, contact us today to learn more!

According to the American Trucking Association, for-hire trucking companies had about 50,000 fewer drivers in 2015. The shortage continued in 2016 and the ATA expects this trend to continue for years to come. Truck drivers across the nation are retiring or shying away from the profession because of the demands of the job.

A recent story by KTBS3 shows why truckers quitting means more jobs in the ArkLaTex.

“There is a population of workers that will tell you their job is to move the world. We’re talking about truckers and a number of these “world movers” across the nation are calling it quits. That means there are lots of jobs up for grabs right here in the ArkLaTex.

In our great country people don’t realize everything is moved by trucks and because of that truckers are really needed,” said 62-year-old truck driver Alonzo Brown.

At Diesel Driving Academy, we offer different CDL programs to suit individuals at various skill levels. Our school also partners with trucking companies that send recruiters in to meet with students, and most students accept a job offer even before graduation.

DDA student Alvin Breedlove has already signed up to get in on the available jobs and live the dream of moving America.

“I’ve never been out of the state of Louisiana so I wanted to travel a little bit and see what it feels like to actually get around and see nicer things because it’s a beautiful world,” said Breedlove.

We also have Financial Aid assistance programs to help cover training costs. New drivers who want to travel and are willing to put in the work will likely have a job after completing about 20 weeks of training.

Article reposted with permission from Devon Patton, Anchor KTBS3
Read the full story at KTBS.com – Shreveport, LA News, Weather and Sports

It’s exciting to be a female trucker! The freedom, your favorite music, getting the job done well- there are plenty of perks to being a woman on the open road, but there are also precautions to take to ensure your safety. Check out these tips:

Be aware of your surroundings

Keep your head up and don’t stare at your phone. When walking to your truck, be sure to walk around the end of the parking spaces, instead of walking between trucks. If you feel uneasy, don’t be afraid to ask an employee at the rest stop to walk you to your truck. If someone walks up to your truck window while you’re sitting in the parking lot, wave them on. Consider taking a self-defense class to keep yourself safe. Walking through parking lots at night can be scary, and it’s important to know that you’re physically capable of fighting off someone who tries to bother you. Many community centers offer these classes for free. If it’s legal in the states you drive through, carry pepper spray and learn how to use it properly.

Woman’s Best Friend

Do you drive for a pet-friendly carrier? Consider rescuing or adopting a dog! When walking your canine companion, be sure to do so in well-lit areas. In addition, a reflective vest for both you and your furry friend helps you remain visible to drivers. Lastly, be sure to keep plenty of water in your truck for both you and Fido.

Nighttime

When it’s time to sleep, be sure the doors are locked. Go the extra mile to secure your doors by using a ratchet strap or looping the seatbelt through the door handle. Keep an airhorn nearby so that you can alert others if someone is trying to open your door. Your CB radio makes you easy to track when you’re parked- for this reason, don’t use your radio unless you’re moving. Lastly, if you break down at night, put our your triangles and then get back in your truck, and lock the doors until help arrives.

Being a female trucker has some unique challenges, but it can be incredibly rewarding. Stay safe!

Going through CDL training gives students the skills, knowledge, experience and confidence needed to be successful in their new careers. Let Diesel Driving Academy show you firsthand what it takes to be a reliable and safe truck driver! Contact your local DDA campus today for more information. 

Source:
http://www.truckingtruth.com/truckers-forum/Topic-9072/Page-1/safety-tips-for-women-truckers
http://www.truckingtruth.com/trucking_blogs/Article-38/safety-on-the-road

For this article, we welcome guest blogger Joe G. to our site. We asked Joe to write for us because of his unique experience getting into the truck driving industry. For those considering a trucking career “later in life,” we hope you enjoy! ~ DDA

When I was a kid, we would head out to a popular local truck stop after Friday night football games. They had great food, and we were always ready to eat a lot. I especially enjoyed the time there at Kelly’s because of the drivers who were always there, stopping to eat and refuel as they crossed the country time and again.

The Modern Knights

For me, these guys were like the knights of old, riding on their armor-clad steeds. Okay, so it’s not the same, but for more than 50 years since I would be driving down the interstate and checking out the many different trucks and slogans they would have painted on. More than once I got left in daydreaming about what it would be like to be in a different part of the country every day, living out of a great setup in one of the modern cabs. I even picked up trucking magazines every once in a while at the major fuel stops.

When I finally retired, I really didn’t need to work or do anything to earn income. In fact, the wife and I looked at a number of RVs to buy. I saw that as a way to finally address my wanderlust. However, I got to be good friends with a truck driver in our church – 10 years older and well past retirement age. When he talked about his love of trucking he made it clear he wasn’t going to stop driving until he physically couldn’t. He also kept telling me there was a real need for older truckers and even for team drivers.

Getting Paid to Fulfill My Dream

One day I stopped in at a local CDL school just off the interstate. Before I knew it, I was sitting at the kitchen table with my wife and going over the brochures and discussing the opportunity. I shared that we could:

• Drive together as a team
• Get trained and receive our CDL in just a few months
• Drive someone else’s rig to see how we liked it, and then invest in our own specialized truck if we like it
• Choose the type of loads we wanted to carry, what kind of routes we wanted to drive, and pretty much design our own trucking career
• Eventually travel to all the places and sights we were planning to visit anyway

We agreed right then that this was worth checking out, and our journey began. I spent a few weeks checking out things like insurance, driver benefits, and types of commercial trucking we could consider. I was pleased to consider that we would be enjoying our form of retirement while adding to our nest egg, not drawing it down. So, we made the leap and signed up.

While we were going through training we met some couples who were a bit younger than us, but just as excited. One guy had decided he was through traveling in his sales job by himself, and another prospective driver was the victim of downsizing in the energy business. Of course, there were other individual students – from young guys just out of the military to some others looking to increase their income. There was even one kid that reminded me of those early days – he just thought he’d rather see the country than sit in a classroom.

We have just put the first 10,000 miles in our log books, and Sheila already has 35 magnets in her cities and states collection. We think it’s going to be great – even if I only imagine myself being Sir Lancelot.

Whether you are just starting out, or are changing careers later in life, if truck driving is something you’ve wanted to do for years, go for it! Why not have an adventure? Contact your local DDA campus for details on our CDL training courses, financial assistance, and job placement programs.

If you are looking for a new career, and you don’t want to spend your life stuck behind a desk all day, you might be one of those people with a more adventurous personality. That’s a great thing, and you should use it. In fact, you have options you might not have considered. Everyone is probably telling you to get a corporate job, but there are fun, well-paying choices that are never going to involve a suit and tie, or 8am meetings every Monday morning.

One of those choices is getting your CDL and starting a great new job as an over-the-road (OTR) truck driver. You can see all the great beauty this country has to offer, and get paid for it.

Can You Really Get Paid to Travel the Country?

You can definitely get paid to drive a semi around the country, and there are jobs that need filled right now. According to CNN Money, there were more than 200,000 open truck driving positions available in 2012, and more were coming open all the time.

Four years later, in 2016, the shortage numbers were still very similar. Why? Because it’s not a job for everyone. A lot of people want to be home on the weekends, or they have family obligations. They may just not be the adventurous type, or they get bored driving. If you enjoy driving and don’t mind having adventures away from home, though, trucking can be a great choice.

That same CNN article goes on to say that the median salary for a truck driver is just over $37,000 per year, with the top 10% of truck drivers making $58,000 or above. Some become owner operators, and they have the potential for six-figure incomes.

Truck drivers who are committed to what they do take it seriously, and they enjoy it, as well. Yes, the hours can be long and the schedule can be erratic, but those are just a couple of the reasons that people who aren’t looking for a desk job do so well as OTR truck drivers. There’s always something new to see or do.

Do You Really Want to Sit Behind a Desk All Day?

This could be your office.

You could sit behind the wheel, instead, and enjoy ever-changing scenery instead of staring at four walls, a tiny cubicle, or a computer screen. Whether you get hired on with a big, nationally known company or you choose a smaller local option that will keep you a little bit closer to home, companies are looking for good drivers.

Getting your CDL will take some time and effort, along with a little bit of money, but once you have it you can go anywhere. It’s like a ticket to freedom. Don’t spend your life behind a desk, feeling bored and not getting to have fun. Get behind the wheel instead, so you can see the country, meet new people, travel around, and really appreciate all the great things that working as an OTR truck driver can offer.

If you’re ready to get on the road, let us know! The right training makes a world of difference. Plus, getting your CDL training from Diesel Driving Academy means you’ll benefit from our full time Job Placement assistance – for life! Classes are starting soon, make sure you register today! Give us a call at 1-800-551-8900.

Sources
http://money.cnn.com/2012/07/24/news/economy/trucking-jobs/
https://www.indeed.com/salaries/Owner-Operator-Driver-Salaries