Category: Truck Driving

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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No Image June 14 2022 in Trucking, Truck Driving

The Future of Automated Trucking: Why Truck Drivers Will Always Be Needed

The future of truck driving is looking more and more driverless every day. With the advent of automated trucking and developments in the industry, many truck drivers wonder whether they will be replaced by automation. There are several reasons why truck drivers will always be needed in the industry. This blog post outlines the future of automated truck driving, its impact on the industry, and what this means for truck drivers. Stay tuned to learn more!

What is Truck Automation?

Automated trucks are semi-trucks that have at least some level of autonomy. Engineers delineate six levels of automation. Level 0 refers to trucks with no automated ability and need truck drivers to do all of the driving. Level 5 is a fully automated truck that is self-driving even in inclement weather without the need for driver operation. Automated trucks that offer assisted steering and warnings for lane departures are considered a level 1. Levels 2 and 3 are being implemented by some major companies in the trucking industry in controlled environments.

What Impact Does Driverless Trucking Have on the Industry?

While there is a lot of money and a growing interest in truck automation, truck drivers should know that their jobs are still secure. Smaller logistics companies also lack the resources and investor funding to implement these technologies. The impact of automation in the trucking industry means more safety for the driver, specifically during long-hauls, decreased ship times, and reduced highway traffic. While there is a lot to gain from automated trucking, the critical need for human truck drivers will never disappear.

Will Truck Drivers Be Replaced?

A common misconception is that automated trucks will replace truck drivers. Although automated trucks have been in development for the past decade and more companies have begun experimenting with this technology, truck drivers shouldn’t stress about their job security. Since companies are only testing levels 2 and 3, they cannot operate without a human truck driver. Even if the industry transitions completely into level 5 automation, professional truck drivers will still be needed to supervise at all times in the event of an error or accident. One of the key things that driverless trucks don’t have is experience. The insight to navigate difficult situations, experience on the road, and the ability for error correction. Truck drivers are the most important part of the future of truck driving, and that will always be the case.

The Importance of Truck Drivers

Truck drivers do more than just drive. Self-driving trucks cannot loan and unload freight or provide excellent customer service dispatching details about an order. This provides job security for truckers and will for the foreseeable future. Trucking experience can only be gained by putting in miles on the road. This advantage makes truck drivers necessary for the job, and apart from driving, they have the human element to delegate tasks and the ability to carry them out. There is also the issue of safety. While self-driving cars grow in popularity and can be found increasingly on the road, automated trucks are not the same. Semi-trucks are obviously larger and lack the ability to maneuver around a potential accident or roadblock. It also takes more time for a truck to come to a full stop after braking, and there is not much room to avoid cars or people on the side of the road. The potential problems with sensors being on top of a truck’s cab also raise concerns. With the sensors and cameras located at the top of the cab, there is potential for it to be blinded by the sun, have trouble distinguishing between cars and large signs, and become impaired in inclement weather. All of these factors contribute to problems for trucks in city settings where there are constant needs for stopping, turning, and tight spaces. Truck drivers need to be there to supervise these situations and navigate them if the technology fails.

Warrior Logistics understands that truck drivers are their greatest assets. It’s their core value. If you’re worried about your job being replaced, know that Warrior Logistics will always know the importance of truck drivers and their invaluable daily impact on the industry. They hire the best people and provide top-of-the-line training to create a superior environment for them to thrive. Ready to join the team? Contact us today!

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No Image May 31 2022 in Truck Driving, Logistics

7 Reasons Why Truck Drivers Have the Best Job in the World

There are many benefits to being a truck driver. Trucking is a vital part of our economy, and there will always be a demand for qualified drivers. But that’s not the only reason why truck driving is such a great career choice. At Warrior Logistics, we believe that truck drivers have the best job in the world! Here are 7 reasons why we know this is true! 

7 Benefits of Being a Truck Driver

See the Country 
  • Truck drivers get to see the country. One of the great things about being a truck driver is that you get to see all sorts of different places. You’ll never be bored on the job because you’re always going to be somewhere new. And, if you love to travel, this is the perfect career for you! 
Meet New People 
  • One of the advantages of trucking is you get to meet new people. One of the best things about being a truck driver is that you get to meet all sorts of different people. You’ll never be bored on the job because you’re always going to be meeting new people and making new friends. 
Strong Salary 
  • You can make great money. As a truck driver, you can make a very good living. If you’re willing to work hard, you can earn a great salary. And, if you’re savvy with your money, you can easily save up and retire early! 
Always Something New 
  • You’re always learning. As a truck driver, you’re constantly learning new things. You’ll learn about different places, different people, and different cultures. And, you’ll never be bored on the job, because you’re always learning something new. Truck driving is the perfect job for someone who loves to learn. 
Recession-Proof 
  • Of all the advantages of trucking, it is an in-demand profession and has proven to be recession-proof. There will always be a demand for essential truck drivers, no matter what the economy is like. Without them, we wouldn’t be able to transport the goods and materials we rely on every day. This is a vital role that comes with a lot of responsibility. And it’s a job that is always in demand! So, if you’re looking for a stable career, truck driving is a great choice. 
Great Job Benefits 
  • Employment benefits for truck drivers are well known to be generous. Many trucking companies offer their drivers excellent benefits, including health insurance and retirement plans. So, if you’re looking for a career that comes with great benefits that can change your life, truck driving is a perfect choice. 
Keep America Moving 
  • You’re helping keep America moving! As a truck driver, you play a vital role in keeping America moving. Without truck drivers, our economy would grind to a halt. You’re an essential part of the American workforce, and you’re helping to keep our country running. That’s something to be proud of! 

How to Become a Professional Truck Driver 

Now that you know all the benefits of being a truck driver, you’re probably wondering how you can become one. The process is actually quite simple! Just follow these three basic steps to get started on your way to a new career in no time. 

  • First, get your commercial driver’s license (CDL). You can do this by taking a CDL training course at a truck driving school.  
  • Next, find a truck company that you would like to work for. Once you’ve found a company that you’re interested in, fill out an application and undergo the necessary background checks.  
  • Finally, once you’re hired, complete the truck driver training program with your chosen company. After you’ve successfully completed the training program, you’ll be ready to start your new career as a professional truck driver! 

So, if you’re looking for a great career, look no further than truck driving. It’s a great way to see the country, meet new people, and make a good living. And, at Warrior Logistics, we know that truck drivers have the best job in the world! Contact us today to learn more about becoming a truck driver. We’d love to help you get started on your new career! 

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