Trucking Advocate and Activist Allen Smith of TruthAboutTrucking.com : Articles Current News and Information for CDL Truck Drivers and Truck Driving Students…"Raising the Standards of the Trucking Industry"
For thousands of new CDL students and truck drivers, entering into an industry that they know nothing about can be devastating financially. The ever present scams of the over the road trucking industry and truck driving schools continue to ruin the lives of many wanna’ be truckers. Not fully understanding the inside workings of OTR trucking, many newcomers to the industry will fail, through no direct fault of their own. The failed success of many truck drivers breaking into the business, is simply the way a large portion of the industry is set up to be. For many trucking companies, the truckers failure is their success.
The more one understands how this corrupt industry works, the better opportunity one has to succeed in a long haul trucking career. Most often, the failure comes from simply not knowing what questions to ask or what exactly to look out for, when pursuing a career in trucking transportation.
In my opinion, there are seven big mistakes that CDL students and new drivers most often make during this time of transition into a new career change. By understanding and knowing what these mistakes are, one will be more prepared for achieving success in an industry that has been described by many veteran drivers as the “most corrupt industry on the planet.” Enough said . . .
Earlier this evening our BTR show, Truth About Trucking “LIVE” aired a 90 minute show discussing the Dan Rather interview with TruckerDesiree. Thanks to the callers and listeners and those in the chat room for tuning in . . . show has already been downloaded nearly 100 times within 1.25 hours.
I had some phone trouble during the last 5 minutes of the show and lost all connection, so was unable to “close” it out like I normally do, but the show focused on Desiree’s story and the real purpose of exposing these scams, lies and deceit within certain segments of the trucking industry.
Truth About Trucking has been working to expose these issues for nearly 5 years now, and with TruckerDesiree exposing a further hidden “secret” of the OTR industry . . . the industry is taking notice. Change for the better can happen.
I have nothing to gain from exposing these lies and scams of the over the road industry. They have been going on for years and the time has finally come that these issues are becoming known . . . CDL students and new drivers have the RIGHT TO KNOW . . . and for those trucking companies and CDL schools who participate in these scams and abuses . . . we will continue to expose them until they are changed and all drivers . . . students, new drivers and veteran drivers alike . . . receive the respect and honesty that they deserve.
Trucking talk radio, Truth About Trucking “LIVE” aired their introductory commentary broadcast this evening by Allen Smith, concerning bullying and harassment within the trucking industry and the public workplace. Part 1 of a 2 Part series, Allen set the stage for their in-depth look into the hostility many truck driving students, male and female, are facing from some driver trainers and the trucking companies that employ them.
The next show, Hostile Training and Work Environments within Trucking, will be a 2 hour show as Truth About Trucking looks at the hostile work environment within the trucking industry. From the bullying to criminal assaults targeting students and drivers, this area of trucking continues to go unreported. With a wide range of special guests, the show will reveal and discuss the motives AND solutions to one of trucking’s dirty little secrets. Showtime:Tuesday, June 23rd, 2009 at 7:30 PM EST.
With so many issues within the trucking industry today, here at Truth About Trucking, we are working on ways to better
assist students, new drivers and all drivers in general. For that, we would like to ask for your help by participating
in our “Truck Driver and Student” Survey.
The best way for us to know what you need and want in order to help you better, is to take 5 minutes and complete this
very short, 20 question survey. We will also send you a free, downloadable gift just for taking the time to do so:
Students and new drivers that are trying to break into trucking as a career, always have one question that I receive on a daily basis: “What about Swift, Werner, CR England…?” Instead of constantly answering this question one at a time, I thought it would be easier and more efficient to post about it.
The biggest obstacle for newcomers to the trucking industry is actually getting hired and to begin building that all-important one year of actual driving experience. It is an even larger obstacle today, due to the economic situation. Not all trucking companies accept students or recent CDL graduates. In fact, the companies that do can almost be counted on both hands. These are the trucking companies that I often refer to as “starter” companies.
“Starter” in this sense, does not mean that they are new companies. Swift, Werner, CR England and the others have been around for a long time and are very large trucking companies. “Starter” simply means that they are some of the few trucking companies that will accept students as drivers. Why do students always ask about these “starter” companies? Because they are the largest and most well-known trucking companies that offer student acceptance. I always make it a point to advise students and recent CDL grads that you cannot expect to receive your license and immediately land one of the really good trucking jobs. Nor can you expect to go right out and get hired driving locally. There may be a very few rare occasions, but for the most part, this simply does not happen.
So, where does this leave the student? A newcomer to trucking must have between six months to one year of verifiable driving experience before a company will even look at them for the possibility of being hired. For the most part, one year is the magic number. So how do you receive this one year of experience? Through attending an accredited CDL school, you will meet the regulatory mandated hours required for the minimum driving “experience” trucking companies need before they can place you behind the wheel. From there, you will begin building the real time driving experience through the trucking company and continue on with one year of driving, thus building the driving experience that the trucking insurance carriers require.
So who will you most likely be placed with? Swift, Werner, CR England, USA Truck, PAM, Lisa Motor Lines, FFE and Covenant or the few other known “starter” companies. You have no other choice, because these are the companies that accept and/or will train students. This is the only way to obtain the one year of verifiable driving experience, period. To begin a career in trucking, you are going to have to begin with OTR (over the road), 99% of the time. So, what is my answer to the question, “What about…?”
No matter who the trucking company is, you will always hear both good and bad things about them. This is just the nature of the business. No company can make all 100% of their employees “happy.” This is just human nature. The bottom line is this: if you are wanting to make trucking a career, then you are going to have to begin with one of the “starter” companies, again, 99% of the time. These trucking companies do provide important facets to the trucking industry … (1) they offer training for newcomers to trucking who may not have the up-front money needed for CDL training and (2) they provide the means for students to achieve the actual driving experience required by the insurance carriers.
Nobody can tell you that whoever you decide to go with, that it is all going to work out just as you planned. This is OTR trucking that we are talking about. In today’s economic situation, if trucking is what you want to do, then grab on to one of the “starter” companies and get going. You are not ever going to get started in your trucking career if you constantly spend your time asking, “What about…?” The situation that comes is out of your hands, except for one thing: attitude.
Attitude plays a major role in how your trucking career plays out. You are going to have to accept what comes in trucking. There are going to be good days, and there are going to be bad days. It’s all about individuality. Go into trucking with a positive attitude. Work professionally and act like a professional. Pick up and deliver your loads on time, submit legal, well written paperwork, speak to the dispatcher, load coordinator and everyone else professionally. Do not worry about the “bad” things that will surely come…this is OTR trucking. When they happen, deal with it and move on.
Understand, that driver turn-over will continue. The key, is sticking it out and getting that one year of driving experience under your belt. After that, if the company you are with is not working out, then move on to something better. You now have the experience that the insurance carriers are seeking. The biggest obstacle standing in your way could, very possibly, be you. If you begin with a company with the attitude or fear that they are going to treat you badly, then most likely, they will. These “starter” companies, as I call them, could turn out to be a very good trucking job for you. Who knows? Alot of
it will be based on your attitude and professionalism.
I know that many of you have read and heard the “horror” stories about many trucking companies. On the other hand, I know many drivers who have driven for “starter” companies for years and are very happy being there. Could it be attitude? Could it be accepting the good with the bad? I believe it is. Over the road trucking is a tough vocation. You are never going to find a trucking company where there are no problems. Problems are a part of trucking.
As a newcomer to trucking, you first have to stop looking for that perfect company. There are very good trucking companies out there, but many are not “starter” companies. If they are, they may not be accepting students due to the economy. Companies such as Roehl Transport and Millis Transfer are excellent companies that offer training.
Do not let the term “starter company” keep you from beginning a truck driving career. These are big companies that have been in business for many years and they provide a much needed service to students. Accept this as the way things are. Many drivers and trucking sites are coming together now more than ever, working to bring change to the trucking industry. If a company treats you poorly, then report it. Post it in the trucking forums, post it on the blogs…let the world know. Help to bring about change.
If you are having problems getting hired by one of the better known trucking companies, this is to be expected and you need to go with one of the starter companies. It is the only way you are ever going to begin building the experience that is required. Again, just because they are known as a “starter” company, does not mean that it will be a “bad” experience. There are thousands of drivers very contented with many of these companies. Attitude means a lot.
One thing I do know is that you will never begin your trucking career if you never take that first step.
Truth About Trucking “LIVE” focused on the current state of economy and the impact it’s having on CDL students and recent CDL graduates. The radio show which aired this evening at 7 PM EST welcomed the expert advice from SilverSurfer of The American Driver and Ken Bons, Vice President of Eagle Training Services, Inc., a highly rated CDL truck driving school based out of Illinois.
For those who missed the live broadcast, you can catch it here:
Next show is scheduled for Monday, April 13th, 2009 at 7:30 PM Eastern Standard Time. Owner Operator and the Lease Purchase Programs – Only on Blog Talk Radio. Look forward to seeing you there!
Who says that there are no trucking companies hiring drivers? There are still thousands of companies looking for truck drivers all over the United States. Company drivers, Owner Operators, Students, Recent Graduates, Local, Regional, OTR … trucking companies still have freight, and they need drivers to move it!
There is no doubt that we are in a recession. Never forget, however, that the media only tells you what THEY want you to believe. Trucking is the backbone of our country. Alot of trucking companies have fallen, but there are still alot of companies out there . . . and they are hiring. Looking for a truck driving job? Find one here . . .
Hello everybody . . . I wanted to let you know about a new show on Blog Talk Radio, hosted by 20 year trucking veteran, Larry Stafford out of Arizona. His new show – Independent(R)ealist, will give quick talks to enlighten people on the trucking life, and the many opportunities and challenges of truck driving. He will be broadcasting every Monday at 10:00 AM – MST.
As you know, our main goal here at Ask The Trucker and the Truth About Trucking, is helping to assist students and new drivers with the information they need in order to be successful in a trucking career. Mr. Stafford’s show is another avenue you can utilize to learn more about the in’s and out’s of trucking. Let’s show him our support! Check out the Independent(R)ealist talk radio show…..
If you missed his show today, you can give it a listen right now:
Truck driving schools are plentiful through out the United States. Some good….some bad. We’ve all heard the stories from students and new drivers revealing their experiences with some of the not-so-good schools. In any industry, there will always be those businesses’ that bring about sour feelings onto the other “good” businesses’. Those companies that are doing a good and honest job are also hurt by these “bad apples.”
As a student, how do you know the school is what it says it is? How can you be sure you are going to receive the training you need in order to be a professional, safe driver? What seperates a “good” school from a “great” school? What questions should you ask and what should you look for in choosing a truck driving school?
Ken Bons is founder of Eagle Training Services, Inc. out of Illinois. He and his staff have built Eagle Training Services into one of the best and most highly regarded truck driving schools in the nation. How? What does he do differently from the others?
Truth About Trucking is on a mission to find such schools and companies. . . another way of “helping” students and new drivers. Are you considering a career in trucking? Are you looking for a truck driving school that you can believe in and trust?
Ken Bons will be my special guest on our internet talk radio show, Truth About Trucking “LIVE” – Monday, September 15th, 2008 at 7:00 P.M, Eastern Standard Time. Be sure to tune in and learn exactly what to look for when choosing a CDL school. But, do more than just listen…CALL IN!
Ken Bons will be glad to take your questions and give you the answers you’re looking for when considering a career in trucking or choosing the right truck driving school. This is a MUST show for students and “newbies.” Brought to you by Truth About Trucking “LIVE.”
Ken Bons with Eagle Transportation Services . . . Monday, Sept. 15 at 7 PM EST . . . mark your calender and come and be a part of the show!
Years ago, while I was working in the oilfields of Oklahoma, I decided to start another business. Since trucking was in my blood, I chose to open a hot shot service. Though there was “talk” about an oilfield crunch, I estimated that I could still have a viable business for the next three to four years. There were several very successful hot shot services in the town, and plenty of room for one more. I purchased a nice dually with a trailer, capable of pulling 16,000 pounds. After establishing all the required business red tape, my newly formed hot shot business was up and running. For the first several weeks I was nearly worn to exhaustion by the constant need of pipeline, fittings and various oilfield supplies. However, it was a “good” exhaustion, even though like many in the oilfield, it was keeping me running seven days per week.
In my fourth month with the business, suddenly things changed. In 1982, President Reagan was talking about something called “Deregulation.” Two weeks later, the oil boom of Elk City, Oklahoma had literally disappeared. Oil rigs that had darted the horizon were gone. The big oilfield money was gone. I had gone from making a very large amount of monthly income to a “new” job that only paid $740.00 per month! Needless to say, things were bad. But, who or what was at fault? Looking back, all the signs were there. Eventually, I was able to come to terms with what actually had gone wrong . . . I had been driving with blinders on.
There are always two sides to a story. Several people around town had voiced their opinions about this as “not being a good time” to start an oilfield business. My banker had asked me, “Are you sure you want to do this?” A close friend who owned a hot shot service at the time, casually stated, “Just be careful.” On the other hand, there were those business owners who could not stop talking about how great things were. They were always there to tell you their success stories. There were even those who could not stop talking about how their business just kept growing and they were expanding! I took all of this information in, but I never really processed it. Why? Because I had made up my mind that I was going to start a hot shot service, and that was all there was to it!
Today, I relate this story to the trucking industry. As in any industry, there will always be those who are doing well. If everybody failed at an industry, there would be no such industry. For one driver to tell a “newbie” to trucking that there is big money to be made in OTR driving, only because he or she is successful, is very misleading. For 500 drivers to tell a “newbie” to trucking the same thing, is also misleading. How can that be? Because there are eight million CDL drivers in the United States today . . . will all eight million tell you the same thing? “Success” stories can always be found in any industry, does that tell the entire story about that industry? Are you hearing the “other side” of the story?
For my hot shot service, I chose to “listen” to the success stories, and decided to ignore the “failures.” Within the trucking industry, there is a 128% driver turn over rate with the OTR companies. This clearly shows that for every one “success” story, there are 128 “dissatisfied” stories. I want to reiterate my belief that you can make a decent living with over the road trucking . . . there are those making a very good living at it, and yes, there are success stories. However, you MUST keep in mind that there are MANY others who are not successful when they first start out.. You have to know the entire picture . . . you have to hear both sides of the story . . . any story. It is the only way you will be able to come through with a clear and accurate decision process when choosing schools and jobs.
For those who want to let their success stories be known, they fail to understand that by only giving their “good” side of the story, they could be leading you down a road that you do not want to travel. What works for one person, does not mean it will work for everyone. By having both sides of the issue out in the open, it can only help in making the right choice. Take for example, these trucking companies that experience a high turn over rate. Why? Do you think that maybe there is something wrong with them? If there was nobody willing to give the “other side” of the story, what would ever change? If students and new drivers are aware of any scams and lies practiced by a company, this will bring about two things:
1. The student or new driver will not bother applying for a job at that particular company . . . and
2. The trucking company will either go out of business or better yet . . . CHANGE!
Would it not be best to bring about “change” to these companies and schools which would benefit all drivers? Or should we all remain silent and pretend that all is well within the entire trucking industry? The problem lies with people who take every “negative” thought, opinion or comment to mean that ALL companies and schools are “BAD.” They are still missing the picture . . . they are missing the message. That message is to provide the entire truth about the trucking industry . . . the OTR industry. All one has to do is check the trucking forums on the internet. Sure, you will find “success” stories . . . but DO NOT overlook the thousands of “negative” stories. They are not negative . . . they are truth . . . they are the “other side” of the story! Many of them do eventually make it all work, but not until they’ve had to learn some rough lessons, which could have been avoided.
If all drivers just sat back and never said anything “bad” about trucking, then thousands of students and new drivers will come into the industry expecting success at ANY company or school. How is that helping? But, by voicing the truth about the problems drivers face on the road, with their particular carrier, with the truck driving school they attended, and so forth, things can change. Those companies who abuse drivers by adding false information on their DAC report . . . those companies that promise .34 CPM and then only pay .24 CPM . . . those companies that say you will be home every weekend, but you’re out for three weeks on your first run . . . those schools that give a price of $3500, and then in the end hands you a bill for $7000 . . . those schools that promise guaranteed employment, and then fail to deliver . . . all of this can change. If both sides of the story are known, it can force change by exposing wrongful tactics and practices.
We can all sit around and “talk” and complain about the poor practices within OTR driving . . . we can all lean back and tell a “newbie” that, “Yea! Trucking is great!” …..or . . . we can all send a message to those companies and schools that practice poor policies “that we are going to educate newcomers to the industry” . . . we are going to tell them the good side of trucking AND the bad side of trucking . . . we can all let these students and new drivers know what to look out for and which companies and schools have a great reputation and those that have a terrible reputation. Hopefully, they will take notice and either change their ways or we will close them down.
For thousands of new CDL students and truck drivers, entering into an industry that they know nothing about can be devastating financially. The ever present scams of the over the road trucking industry and truck driving schools continue to ruin the lives of many wanna’ be truckers. Not fully understanding the inside workings of OTR trucking, many newcomers to the industry will fail, through no direct fault of their own. The failed success of many truck drivers breaking into the business, is simply the way a large portion of the industry is set up to be. For many trucking companies, the truckers failure is their success.
: cdl, cdl students, mistakes, students, truck drivers, trucking, trucking companies, trucking industry, trucking transportation
