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No Image August 14 2022 in Trucking, Truck Driving

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

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

How to Save Money as a Truck Driver

Tip # 1 

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

Tip # 2 

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

Tip # 3 

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

Tip # 4 

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

Tip # 5 

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

Warrior Logistics Trucking Company Budgeting Tips

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

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No Image July 26 2022 in Truck Driving

Truck Drivers Resume: How to Nail Your Dream Trucking Job 

If you’re looking for a truck driving job with a professional carrier, it’s important to have a resume that stands out. Trucking companies receive hundreds of resumes for every open position, so you’ll need to make sure yours is top-notch if you want to land an interview and secure the bag. In this blog post, we’ll outline what you should include in your truck drivers resume to help you get the truck driving job of your dreams! 

Whether you’re an established trucker with years of experience or just starting out, having an updated resume on hand will help you stay ahead of the curve. A well-crafted resume or trucker profile shows hiring managers how you are perfect for the job rather than the hundreds of other applicants. 

There are many examples and templates that you can reference online when crafting your trucker resume, but we’ll be focusing on the specific sections that you’ll need to expand on after creating the outline. No matter the job, all resumes should be clear, organized, and concise while making the biggest impact. 

Summary 

Write a few sentences about what makes you unique and why you’re looking for a new job opportunity. A summary proves your worth by highlighting your accomplishments. If you have extensive experience or endorsements from established professionals in the field, an excellent driving record, or customer service skills from a past position, this is the perfect place to feature them. Since this is the first section of your resume, it is the first thing hiring managers will read.  

Relevant Work Experience 

This includes your current and past roles that relate to the position you are applying for. Along with sharing your duties and responsibilities, this section should also include your key achievements earned while in the position. Your different jobs should be listed in reverse chronological order so that the most current role is at the top. 

Duties & Responsibilities 

Describe the relevant duties you performed during your past and present jobs. Some examples are: 

  • Ensured timely deliveries to customers nationwide 
  • Maintained log of deliveries and billing statements 
  • Held untarnished driving record with 0 accidents 

If you are speaking on behalf of your current position, it’s important to use the present tense (ensures, maintains, holds). For previous roles, go with the past tense. It’s also smart to look up the roles and responsibilities of the job you’re applying for and mimic the language or showcase similar duties that would be relevant. 

Achievements 

Highlight metrics and quantitative data to prove your worth. This component should be full of measurable achievements. Examples could be: 

  • Delivered 1,000 loads annually ahead of provided schedule 
  • Earned over 150 positive customer ratings from cultivating excellent relationships and providing quality service 
  • Worked with safety manager to create pre and post-trip inspection list that was implemented across a fleet of 250 drivers. 

If you’re new to the industry and don’t have much experience yet, make sure to underscore skills that are applicable to the driving job you’re applying for. 

Contact Info 

Only include your primary email address and phone number in this section, so you won’t miss a callback. It’s also a good idea to set filters on your email so a response won’t potentially end up in your spam folder. Lastly, ensure your reference email is professional and includes your name at the very least. 

Skills 

A list featuring your relevant skills to help you land your next gig. Customize this section to include the skills listed in the job application’s description. Examples:  

  • Detail-oriented 
  • Verbal and written communication 
  • Reliable 

Licenses  

This is critical specifically for truck driving jobs. List your CDL-A license and other classes of CDL licenses you have earned. 

Education 

This part includes where, for how long, and the date you received or expect to receive your high school, college, trade school, or any other educational/training program diploma. 

Key Takeaways 

A solid trucker resume shows proof of your skills and the value you will bring to the company you want to work for. Truck driving jobs require excellent drivers, but they also need communication, management, and organizational skills. On average, hiring managers will look at a resume for six to seven seconds, depending on the role. It’s crucial that your resume is clear, concise, and packs a punch! All the information in each section should be listed in bullet format except the summary, which should be directly below your full name at the top of the page. 

Drive with Warrior Logistics 

If you are looking for a trucking company that is dedicated to its drivers and offers competitive pay and benefits, consider driving with Warrior Logistics. Our driver-centric focus inspires a dynamic and results-driven culture empowering each of our employees to reach their fullest potential. We are always looking for experienced truck drivers to join our Warrior team. When you’re ready to take your career to the next level, upload your resume and fill out an online application. 

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No Image July 26 2022 in Truck Driving

The Truth About Truck Driving: Truck Driving Myths Debunked

Truck drivers are the backbone of America. A crucial part of our economy and its stimulation depends on drivers to transport freight across city and state lines. Unfortunately, there are many myths associated with truck driving jobs and about the truck driving lifestyle. In this blog post, we’ll set the record straight and debunk some myths and common misconceptions in truck driving.

Discover the truth about truck driving and consider exploring this secure and fulfilling career option. 

Myth #1: Truck drivers are not well paid

This is simply untrue based on the number of semi-trucks that can be found on the road at any given time. A career in truck driving means abundant and lucrative work. On average, truck drivers earn $70,000 a year and get paid by the type of route they drive. Because of this, over-the-road (OTR) drivers can often rake in six figures.

Myth #2: Truck drivers are only men

Female truck drivers currently represent 7.8% of professional truck drivers in America. While male truck drivers still make up the majority of the industry’s demographic, women make up more than 10% of OTR drivers, which is an increase of approximately 30% from 2018. Furthermore, the growing trend of women in the trucking industry doesn’t stop at the wheel! The percentage of women executives in trucking companies has increased to more than 24% year over year. Female representation is critical as we continue to debunk the common myths about truck driving and can potentially bring to light respectable career opportunities for future generations.

Myth #3: Truck automation will replace the need for human truck drivers

Despite the buzz growing around self-driving trucks, truck drivers shouldn’t stress about their job security. While automated trucks can offer several benefits, they will not replace human truck drivers in the near future. This is because even the most sophisticated self-driving truck still needs an experienced truck driver to supervise at all times. There’s also more to the job than simply driving. Truck drivers perform several tasks including loading and unloading freight, providing excellent customer service, and dispatching details about various orders.

Myth #4: The truck driving lifestyle is unhealthy

Even though truck driving requires sitting for lengthy periods of time, it doesn’t mean that truck drivers are inherently unhealthy. In fact, drivers are required to be in great physical health to ensure that they are fit to drive. Before setting out on the open road, drivers must pass the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical examination. This health exam is required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and helps to determine if a driver is in good mental, physical, and emotional condition to safely operate commercial vehicles.

Myth #5: Truck drivers are always on the road

A truck driving career presents the opportunity to stay out on the open road for days, weeks, or even months at a time. However, truck drivers will never be forced to stay out longer than they prefer. At Warrior Logistics, our drivers enjoy flexible schedules and can receive time off on a weekly basis. Some drivers go home every night while others stay out for weeks at a time. It just depends on your lifestyle and the job type you choose.

Myth #6: Truck drivers are reckless drivers

This myth is prime for debunking. Gone are the days of the stereotypical truck driver taking to the wheel and causing mayhem along the way. Professional truck drivers are not going to risk losing their livelihood by driving recklessly. To drive for professional carriers, drivers must have and maintain a great driving record. Keeping your driving record clean can be difficult for the average driver. Now think of doing that for hundreds of miles a day. Truck drivers are required to pay close attention to road signs, cannot drive in the left lane in some cases, and receive extensive training on how to navigate difficult road conditions. After all, it’s their job!

Myth #7: Truck driving is lonely

This is true if you think of truck driving as isolation rather than an opportunity. Truck driving is basically living the “van lifestyle” people dream about after retirement or during their gap year. People don’t often associate traveling in an RV after retirement as lonely, so why is this the case for truck driving? Truck drivers get to experience all four seasons, explore every state in the country, and meet new people, all while gainfully employed. What’s better than that?

Drive with Warrior Logistics

At Warrior Logistics, we believe people are our greatest assets. We strive to create a superior environment to empower each of our drivers to reach their fullest potential. Our company culture is second to none, and we always operate with a driver-centric mindset. If you are looking for a secure and rewarding truck driving career with one of the industry’s largest transportation companies, consider joining our Warrior team and apply today!

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No Image June 21 2022 in Truck Driving

What To Do After I Get My CDL Permit?

You’ve completed your CDL training. Congratulations! Now you may be wondering: what do I do after I get my CDL permit? This blog post will outline the next steps to obtaining a CDL license to begin your career as a professional truck driver. Stay tuned!  

CDL Steps  

Once you’ve gotten your CDL training out of the way, you will have to take the CDL test. This test consists of two parts: the written portion and the driving portion. After passing these exams, you’ll be officially allowed to drive a commercial vehicle on the road and become one step closer to starting your trucking career. 

Testing Time  

Written Test: this part of the exam requires you to answer 50 questions within a 60-minute timeframe. It will be multiple-choice, and you’ll have to decide between four options. They’ll cover topics like general knowledge, passenger transport, combination vehicles, hazardous materials, and tanker vehicles, to name a few. The best way to prepare yourself for this test is to take practice exams online and dedicate 30-60 minutes each day to studying the topics. This way, you won’t have to pay the testing fees multiple times.  

Driving Portion: It’s time to put the peddle to the metal! Depending on the class of the CDL license you’re trying to bet, there will be three versions. The types of licenses available consist of Class A, Class B, and Class C. Class A licenses are required to operate any combination of vehicles with a gross total weight rating of 26,000 or more pounds, provided that the towed vehicle weighs more than 10,000 pounds. Class B and Class C licenses are required to operate single vehicles weighing less than 26,000 pounds and aren’t hitched to a trailer (commercial trucks or buses) and a vehicle weighing less than 26,001 pounds (your average car). A CDL-A license is required for professional truck driving. The road test generally takes a total of two hours and will include two sections. The first is displaying the knowledge about how the vehicle operates (how to start the vehicle and how to use emergency and turn signals), and the second focuses on how to maneuver and drive the vehicle as you will on the road.   

After You Get Your CDL-A License 

After you pass both portions of the exam, you’ll earn your CDL-A license and be able to start your career as a professional truck driver. If the carrier that you were hired by requires you to complete additional training or coursework, that would have to be completed before you’re able to drive on your own. Most companies will likely have an orientation, on-boarding, or extensive training program you must complete before you can start driving on your own.  

To summarize, the CDL steps after you’ve acquired your permit are: 

  • Pay fees for application and testing 
  • Pass both the written and driving portions of the CDL test 
  • Complete additional training if it’s required by your company 
  • Complete orientation program unique to your company 

After you have completed all of these steps, you’ll be able to hit the road (officially) and start your truck driving career! 

Which Company Should I Work For? 

If you’re just starting out as a professional truck driver, you may be unsure of which company to choose. You should consider what career aspects and conditions are your top priorities and see which company is the best fit for you. Some important things to look for in a professional truck driving company are reputation, quality of equipment, freight type and driving styles, pay and benefits, and importance of safety. 

If you’re looking for a company that provides the highest quality service in a superior environment, contact Warrior Logistics to join our team! Warrior Logistics believes that people are their greatest assets and strives to empower each person to reach their fullest potential. Our utmost priority is the safety of our Warriors. We provide rigorous safety training, invest in advanced technologies, and continuously reinforce industry standards. We hold ourselves to the highest degree of professionalism, respect, and integrity. Sound like a match? Fill out an application today! 

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