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No Image April 12 2022 in Truck Driving

Essential Laws Every Trucker Needs to Know

Driving a truck can be a great job. You choose your own schedule; you can get paid well and you become your own boss. But before you begin making the tough decisions of what trucking job to apply for, make sure you check out the list of trucking regulations and laws every truck driver should know before getting behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler. Don’t let your big dreams lead to big fines and a big-ticket.

Headlight & Windshield Wipers Law

Many states have a specific law that requires all drivers to have their headlights turned on any time that they have their windshield wipers on. This is usually so that other drivers can easily spot your vehicle as it travels down the road. It also helps prevent accidents by helping those behind see better when visibility is low—and this includes not just cars but also larger trucks like yours!

Distracted Driving Law

The laws regarding cell phone usage in trucks vary from state to state, so it’s important to know the rules for where you’re driving. In general, you can have phones and MP3 players in the vehicle, and you can use a hands-free phone device in most states (some, like Wisconsin, don’t allow phone usage at all unless it’s to report an emergency). Just be sure that your device is mounted somewhere that won’t obstruct your view.

Speed Limits

When you’re driving an 18-wheeler, it’s not just the speed limit that matters. In some states, a trucker can be ticketed for going too slow. Even though you’re hauling a heavy load, you’ll still have to pull over and let traffic pass if you’re in the left lane and moving slower than the flow of traffic. That said, if you’re on a road with a posted minimum speed limit, pay attention to it—it’s there for a reason. For example, on many highways, the minimum speed is 45 mph.

Move Over Law

This law applies on most public roads with two or more lanes going in the same direction. It means that when you see an emergency vehicle pulled onto the shoulder with its lights on, you must make every effort to move over into an open adjacent lane when passing. If you can’t change lanes safely (i.e., if it’s rush hour or there is no other lane), then you must slow down by at least 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. This law also applies when approaching a stationary vehicle with its hazard lights on, including tow trucks and construction vehicles.

The Warrior Way

No matter where your trucking journey takes you, it’s important that you understand the laws and regulations of the states you’ll be traveling through. For more commercial truck driving tips and training resources, contact Warrior Logistics today.

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No Image March 30 2022 in Truck Driving

9 Simple Tips for Passing Your CDL Exam with Ease

Congratulations on your decision to become a truck driver! Driving a big rig is a challenging but rewarding job, and it’s a great way to see the country. But before you hit the open road, you need to pass your CDL exam. Don’t worry – with these simple tips for passing a CDL exam Warrior Logistics, you’ll breeze right through the test and be on your way to becoming a professional truck driver. Good luck! 

1. Be Sure You Meet Your State’s CDL Exam Minimums 

Know and understand what you’re up against before you get started. Look over the requirements in your state for earning your CDL or Commercial Driver’s License. Make sure you meet all of the age and physical ability minimums to be sure you’re off on the right foot for your professional truck driver career! 

2. Get A Copy of Your State’s CDL Manual 

You particular state may have different rules and particulars for you to learn and pass your exam than another state, so verify you have the right learner’s manual for your state to study from. Most are available for download from each state’s DMV site, but if you prefer a physical copy, swing by your local DMV to pick up a copy that way. Read it once all the way through to start for a full overview, then hone in on the spots you need to spend extra time studying. 

3. Time to Study 

You can’t memorize it all in one go, so focus on understanding the overall concepts. You’ll be more likely to actually retain the important parts of the information, and also, you’ll be better able to answer questions should they be phrased in a different way from your learning materials.  

4. Practice Makes You Aware – Not Perfect 

The physical part is easier said than done considering commercial vehicles used by professional truck drivers aren’t exactly easy to come by, but the studying is definitely doable, especially if you plan far enough ahead. Give yourself plenty of time to review and re-review the content before your exam. Not feeling like you’re in a pressured rush will be so helpful to your ability to recall the info on which you’ll be tested. 

5. Try Some Different Approaches to Studying ‘Till You Find Your Best One(s) 

Some study methods work better for some than for others, so play around to find what works best for you (if you don’t already know, that is). It may be flashcards or practice tests or mnemonic devices like acronyms or rhyming strategies. Recruit your friends or family members to help quiz you on a few practice runs after some studying! 

6. Don’t Forget to be Mentally and Physically Ready, Too

This one might not be such a hot tip, but we at Warrior Logistics think it still should be said – get plenty of rest the night before and be sure to have some breakfast that morning. It’s so hard to focus when you’ve got the yawns draining your energy while the sounds of your stomach rumble on. 

7. Keep in Mind the Automatic Fails

There’s a pretty hefty list of what are considered to be automatic failures, but if you’ve gotten your non-commercial driver’s license, there is a lot of overlap of what’s considered poor driving for both.  

  • Rolling through stops
  • Not noticing road signs such as lane endings, highway exits, etc.
  • Using a cell phone while driving
  • Stopping while crossing a railroad track 
  • Taking hands off the wheel while in motion 
  • Forgetting your turn signals
  • Speeding more than 5 miles over the posted limit 
  • Causing another driver to drive evasively
  • Not checking mirrors before switching lanes 

Pretty basic, right? One potential catch we want to mention, though, is that practicing at a CDL test site is entirely forbidden! 

8. Know That They Don’t Expect Perfection 

You want to do well on your exam – which is good! – and that can end up feeling like a lot of pressure for perfection. Remember that they know you’re human. The test administrator is looking for clear safety risks, not a single missed shift when changing gears. Give yourself a little grace, and odds are so will the admin. 

9. Show Confidence (Even If You Don’t Really Feel Confident) 

Fake it ‘till you make it, right? Like we said earlier, test admins know you’re relatively new to this set of skills and that you’ll continue learning and improving even after you’ve started running your first routes. Stay cool and calm. Put your mind in the mode of familiarity as much as sharpness. It’s perfectly okay to make a little conversation where you’re comfortable and then turn it off when you need to focus on the task at hand. If something goes wrong, it’ll count that you’re able to keep your composure – even if you don’t necessarily pass this go-around. No matter what, you got this! 

So, there you have it – our top tips for passing your CDL exam with ease. Of course, every person is different, and some people may find some techniques more helpful than others, but we hope that at least a few of these ideas will be useful to you. If you’re looking for help getting started on your truck driving career, reach out to us at Warrior Logistics. We’re here to get you through those tough exam tricks and onto finding a fulfilling job in the industry. Best of luck on your upcoming exam! 

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No Image March 10 2022 in Truck Driving

7 Essential Unwritten Rules for Truck Drivers

If you’re new to the trucking industry, there are a few things you should know. Trucking can be a tough business, and there are certain unwritten rules that everyone is expected to follow. In this blog post, Warrior Logistics will give you a rundown of some of those rules – everything from how to behave on the road to what to do (and not do) at truck stops. So read on and learn the ropes of one of America’s most essential industries. Welcome to the world of trucking! 

First rule of hauling…Don’t talk about your haul 

It’s easy for anyone to overshare when they feel they’re amongst friends (as we hope our WL drivers feel), but always remember to stay buttoned up and professional at least when it comes to what you’re carting around in your truck. Be aware of other people you don’t know who is asking suspiciously about your cargo or maybe oversharing about their own in hopes you’ll let down your guard. 

Plan ahead for where you’ll park your truck overnight 

Long haulers, this one’s for you… You don’t want to get stuck somewhere you don’t really want to be or end up having to push your daily limits trying to find a good place to stop and rest for the night. If you’re new to the profession or just new to the route, we recommend you pro-actively ask around to find where others who are more familiar with your route suggest you pull over.

Get Your Diesel and GO! 

You remember how irritating it is when you can see that people are just sitting in their car while you’re also sitting there, waiting for a parking space to open up? same kinda thing.

If you’re done fueling up, be courteous and move away from the diesel pump before getting settled back in with your GPS or popping in the convenience store for that snack you’ve been craving. It may only take you a minute or two to go inside, but that added time could end up cutting into another trucker’s schedule and/or, even worse, their paycheck. 

Keep Your Distance When Passing 

It’s bad enough that the average car driver on the road cuts off a truck driver without a second thought; so don’t do it to another truck driver. 

Keep at least 200 or more feet of space between the front of their cab and the back of your trailer/bumper before passing. A shorter distance between may prevent the driver you’re passing from having a safe, full view around them. 

Remember the Golden Rules of Lot Courtesy 

  • Mind your headlights.  

If you’re getting situated in a lot at night, think about where your lights are shining in relation to where other truckers may be trying to get some shut-eye. 

  • And don’t block anyone in. 

Think about it logically – if you pull in in front of someone who is already there, their break will very likely be over before yours and they will need easy access to pull out around you.  

Look Out for Each Other, Too 

No one understands the trucking life better than other truckers. When there’s an issue, odds are you’re not the first to experience it, nor will you be the last.  

Extend a helping hand or even just advice or a listening ear to your fellow truck drivers wherever possible. Pass along tips you’ve learned, warn of bad weather or traffic to those on the same or similar routes, and especially if you see a truck on the side of the road in distress, pull over (only if it’s safe to do so) and make sure they have help on the way. 

And finally… 

Honk That Horn! 

It’s a time-honored tradition to honk your horn when signaled by a kid in the minivan or school bus beside you. A bit of harmless fun makes everyone’s day better, and you can’t tell us you don’t love seeing the smiles your honk elicits. Don’t let ‘em down! 

How Can Warrior Logistics Help You? 

The trucking industry is full of unwritten rules that help keep everyone safe and moving along. As a new driver, it’s important to be aware of these rules so you can avoid any penalties or dangerous situations on the road. At Warrior Logistics, we want to make sure our drivers have all the information they need to stay safe and successful while hauling freight. If you have any questions about the rules mentioned in this post or anything else related to truck driving, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always happy to help out our drivers! 

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No Image February 23 2022 in Truck Driving

Tips for Better Sleep While on the Road as a Truck Driver

Can’t sleep while traveling? It’s hard enough as it is to get the right amount of sleep as a modern adult, then factor in the endless hours of being out on the road as a truck driver. So how can you possibly get quality sleep in order to stay alert and focused when on the move? We’ve gathered some of our favorite sleeping tips for truck drivers to help ensure a good night’s rest wherever you are on your route! 

Park your truck in an area that’s both quiet and safe 

Safety is always ALWAYS our #1 priority at Warrior Logistics. Ideally, you’ll be able to find available space to park at a truck stop or rest stop that is well lit yet secluded enough to not be too noisy for you about an hour or so before your body typically needs to start winding down to sleep. If all these conditions are not available to you at once, we recommend that you of course prioritize safety first.  

Meditate before bed 

It’s hard to sleep anywhere if you’re still feeling stressed and cognitively active when it’s time to snooze. Meditation is a proven method for relaxation that can be done literally anywhere. It can even help you improve your focus and mental clarity during the day by helping to combat anxiety and naturally lower blood pressure. Never meditated before? There are many apps, podcasts, and resources for a guided meditation to get you started. The Headspace app and The Mindful Minute podcast are some of our favorites! 

Block out all light 

Making your sleeping quarters as dark as possible will help encourage your body’s natural production of melatonin. Blackout all incoming light as best as possible with a sunshade at your windshield, all truck shades are drawn, and a mask covering your eyes. Curtains can be made of material specifically designed for blocking out any light, especially helpful for truck drivers who drive at night and thus need to sleep during the daytime. 

Use earplugs or a “white noise” machine to block out noises 

If you are not able to find a quiet space to park your truck overnight, invest in a quality pack of foam earplugs or a white noise source such as a fan to help create a peaceful environment. Just make sure not to forget to set your alarm at a volume loud enough to keep you from oversleeping in the morning! 

Be mindful of timing naps and caffeine 

While caffeine can be a very useful tool when you’re needing a little help getting through a day of driving, be wary of its often lasting effects. Take note of your particular sensitivities to caffeine. If you’re not sure of yours, remember that it can stay in your system five or more hours, so start tracking by planning not to consume coffee or caffeinated tea and sodas for at least six hours leading up to when you intend to fall asleep for the night and adjust from there! 

Other great drink options that contain no caffeine to enjoy are: 

  • Juice 
  • Carbonated water with flavoring 
  • Ginger ale 
  • Milk 
  • Decaf coffee 
  • Good ol’ fashioned still water 

But what about how to get just a quick sleep in? If an occasional nap helps you stay focused and safe during your drive, do your best to keep them to only 30 to 40 minutes at a time. That way, you’ll ease your fatigue but not impact your body’s regulated signals for bedtime later on in your route. 

Maintain posture while driving 

Easier said than done, we know! But keeping our bodies healthy during the drive starts a healthy cycle that supports easier sleep when it’s time for resting. If you need a little extra help in achieving good posture while in the driver’s seat, consider adding a supportive lumbar pillow or more ergonomically designed seat cushions. Many of these products come with a massage option these days, too! 

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