In today’s economy, many people are looking at professional truck driving as a possible career.  Their first stop?  CDL truck driver training school.  Before heading to the nearest CDL school,  CDL students need to know certain, important facts before making the move to OTR trucking.

From your MVR records to filling out the truck driving job applications to choosing the right truck driving school . . . the trucking job market has changed considerably in today’s economy.

Truth About Trucking “LIVE” – Blog Talk Radio’s premier trucking talk show, discussed these facts this evening plus much more.  If you’re considering a career in over the road trucking, be sure to listen to what was appropriately titled:  What Every CDL Student Needs to Know.

This one show could save you thousands of dollars.

Our upcoming shows:

Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 at 7 PM EST – Truckers Convoy Aims to Rescue California Farmers From EPA Drought – Water restrictions that were imposed by our Federal Government in order to protect a little fish called the Delta Smelt, is putting California farmers out of business.  The situation is so bad, that a convoy of 18-wheelers are being put together in order to bring trailer loads of food to the farmers and those within the area facing the high loss of jobs and income.  Join Allen for this SPECIAL broadcast detailing how EPA regulations have made a tiny fish more important than our American farmers, and how truckers are working to bring relief to those in need.  Special guests:  JB and Fred Shaffner of The American Driver.

Thursday, September 17th, 2009 at 3 PM EST :  American Trucking and Opening the Mexican Border.   Opening Mexico’s border and allowing their trucks to run through our 48 states could prove disastrous for the American driver.  Most companies and organizations write that they are against this plan, but are they really?  Or is this a plan that has been secretly building in the background for years?  With a combined driving experience of 65 years, Allen and co-host Barry Szczucki takes a look at what opening the Mexican border could do to the American trucker.  Special guest:  Daniel Audet of The Truck Star.

Come join the conversation!

© 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: barry szczucki, california drought, California farmers, cdl students, Delta Smelt, epa, job applications, mexican border, opening, truck driver training, truck driving, truck driving school, trucking, trucking talk radio, truth about trucking live

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Truck driving jobs offer a large array of possiblities for employment.  Even with the downward turn we are noticing from the economic situation, truck driving jobs are still available.  With several large trucking companies cutting down on their offers to provide cdl training for new drivers, the economy will bounce back and truck driving will continue to be a viable employment opportunity.

When considering a career in truck driving, the first question should be “what type of driving” are you interested in?  At the start of your career, you will most likely have to drive over the road.  Most transportation companies require around one year of recent, verifiable driving experience. In order to obtain this “one year” of experience, OTR truck driving is usually the beginning route.  After that first year, all the truck driving opportunities will open up for you.

Generally, most everyone just entering into truck driving careers, will begin with, and remain with, the van division.  There is one avenue of trucking that is often overlooked: the tanker truck. Pulling tankers are one of the best jobs in trucking for many reasons:

• Lower turnover rate among drivers
• Variety of operations – local, short haul, regional and long haul
• More home time – Many tanker truck jobs will have you home every night
• Competitive pay – Tanker jobs usually pay higher wages
• Tanker division offers both Hazmat and Non-HazMat jobs
• Higher Standards for Safety – HazMat Tanker companies generally maintain a higher level for safety than the average “general freight” divisions.  They will invest much more time and effort in training and provide safer equipment, as well as adhering to the high Governmental standards set in place for the tank truck industry.
• Non-HazMat tanker companies – There are many tank truck jobs that do not require the HazMat endorsement – liquid, dry bulk, foods, cement and many others.
• Shippers and Receivers who understand the importance of the driver
• No touch freight – Product is loaded and unloaded through various means: pumps, blowers and of course, gravity
• No tarps, chains, binders or the need to hire lumpers
• Ease of Pick up and Delivery – No docks, generally, shorter trailers, easy access, less waiting time which means more hours of service time for driving.
• Regulatory compliant companies – Carriers are more focused on running legal.
• RESPECT – Tank truck drivers are respected by peers, companies, shippers, law enforcement and the public.  Expected to be the best drivers.
• More personal – Greater communication with company management and dispatchers

Most tanker truck companies require between one to three years of driving experience.  Always remember, that if that truck driving job is not working out for you at present, maintain professionalism, get the required amount of driving experience under your belt, and move on to the better truck driving jobs.  You might just want to consider pulling tankers.

Good Luck,

Allen

3 BOOK SPECIAL

© 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: otr, tanker truck, tankers, truck driving, truck driving careers, truck driving job, Truck Driving Jobs, trucking, trucking companies

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As 2008 comes to a close many people will be faced with yet another New Year’s resolution – a career change. During a time of layoffs and bail outs, many will look at professional truck driving as a possibility. The open road, the freedom, the “money”…all of the regular “same old same old” will come into play. There will be successes and there will be failures. Following the same old path, year after year, will most surely result in failure. As more and more information hits the internet highway, more and more questions will arise from those considering a career in trucking. As 2009 comes screaming in, you can be certain that one thing will not change:

The first and original, Truth About Trucking and AskTheTrucker…will continue with providing the truth. No sugar coating the issues…no slipping by the myths…no saying what you want to hear…no writing what you want to read…we will meet 2009 head on with our mission to “Raise the Standards of the Trucking Industry.”

As the most recognized advocate for assisting students and new drivers, Allen will continue in providing the Truth About Trucking and work in changing the industry for the better.  By leading newcomers away from the “same old” trucking companies that are the problem or by letting your voice be heard through his online talk radio show, Truth About Trucking “LIVE” – his goal remains intact…to provide you with the best truck driving jobs and trucking information available, through an unbias perspective.

As more “authorities” jump on the band wagon, the First and Original continues on its goal to “Raise the Standards of the Trucking Industry” and to help in making 2009, “your” year for trucking success.

Our Special Thanks to all of you who allow us to be a part of your lives….

Donna

http://www.truthabouttrucking.com
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http://www.truthabouttrucking.com/BTR/blogtalkradio.html
http://www.aubreyallensmith.com

Preview the Truth About Trucking – Chapter Six – The Driver Shortage-A Myth

© 2008 – 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: 2009, ask the trucker, career change, truck driving, trucker, trucking, trucking companies, trucking information, truth about trucking

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Trucking can be a rough lifestyle. One way or the other, everyone has to do what they need to do in order to provide for themselves and their family. Over the road trucking can be fun at times, but the difficulties from this style of living can also take its toll.

We all know the hardships that the trucking life can bring, but for me, the hardest part of trucking was saying goodbye to my kids. They understood that I needed to make a living, but the time away from home was the roughest part of OTR truck driving. 

When you are young, time seems to go by so very slow … but we know now, as we get older … time really does go by so very fast.

As you begin your career in OTR trucking, your main goal is to provide for your family. If the company you are with is not doing that, then don’t be afraid to move on until you find one that does. Trucking companies need to understand that you are not out there for the joy ride, but the need to provide. You are putting out the sacrifice, so never feel obligated to a company that does not have your best interests in mind.

Those kids waiting back home for you to return, grow up so very fast.

© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: otr, over the road, truck driving, trucking, trucking companies

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Had a fun show tonight on Truth About Trucking “LIVE” with quite a few guests and loyal listeners in the Chat Room.  Had a little fun discussing various myths, legends, jokes and strange stories.  Special “Thanks” to everyone who joined us and be sure to take advantage of the “Special” bonus offers for all our Blog Talk Radio listeners.

I’m happy to report that as of tonight, our show’s statstitic report shows that we have reached 5000 listeners!  WOW!  Thanks to everyone.  In case you missed it, here is our show from tonight:  Truck Driving Myths and More.

Be sure to catch our show on December 9th and the 16th!  Check out our shedule at Truth About Trucking “LIVE.”

© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: myths, online radio, Talk Radio Show, truck driving, trucking, truth about trucking

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Independent Realist had a good show today on Blog Talk Radio, about the gas hauling business.  If you missed it, just click on the play button below.  Since it is internet online radio, sometimes problems can arise, such as today when the connection was lost about 2 minutes before the show’s end . . . but the majority of information was completed be then, anyway.  It was a good show and gives some insight into this aspect of trucking, that perhaps you have considered.  30 minute show…

Also, be sure to join me tonight at 8:00 PM EST for our show, Truth About Trucking “LIVE” . . . Topic – Truck Driving Myths and More - Hope to “see” you there!

Allen Smith

© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: blog talk radio, driving, gas hauling, myths, online radio, truck driving, trucking, truth about trucking

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by Allen Smith

As the Nation continues to become more fearful about the present day economy, more than ever there are those investigating trucking as “the career of choice”. The number 1 question that arises is: ” Is Truck Driving a Stable Career?”

The number 2 question is: ” What are the Best Trucking Companies to work for?”

The number 3 question is” What are the Best Truck Driving Jobs?”

There are many factors which are associated with this question, therefore, I think it best to direct you to a post I recently wrote for HubPages. I will be writing more posts on this topic, as there will be many subtopics that you will want to know about which will directly effect the stability of trucking in general. So, for all you possible truck drivers, cdl drivers, and truck driving students ….here is the post…

Trucking Career and the Economy

© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: economy and stable careers, truck drivers, truck driving, Truck Driving Jobs, trucking, trucking career, trucking careers, trucking companies

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Thanks to all who tuned in and listened to our DUI’s, FELONIES and Other VIOLATIONS show on Truth About Trucking “LIVE.”   Our contest which was to give away FREE copies of our upcoming new book – “The BEST Truck Driving Jobs – A State By State Guide” resulted in 109 freebies.  For those who won, you will be receiving your copy within the next several days.  THANKS! for participating!

I would like to invite everyone to tune in for our next show, Monday, 11-17-08 at 7:00 PM EST – Truck Driving Overseas  . . . hope to “see” you there! 

Also, on Monday, 11-17-08 at 12:00 PM EST – tune in to the new show hosted by Independent(R)ealist entitled – Trucking – Teamsters or Non-Union?   All good and valuable information you can utilize in your trucking career decisions, and the best part is . . . it’s all a freebie!

Mark your calendar and time and we hope to see you all there.

Thanks,

Allen

© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: best truck driving jobs, non union, overseas, Talk Radio Show, teamsters, truck driving, trucking, trucking talk radio, truth about trucking live, union

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We are very excited about the success that our internet talk radio show, Truth About Trucking “LIVE” is producing.  Now, being picked up by various sponsors, listeners are showing up from around the globe – North America, South America, England, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Kuwait, Lebanon and even Japan!  Be sure to follow our show for upcoming “live” broadcasts at : Blog Talk Radio.

Invitation to Join Host Allen Smith at : Truth About Trucking “LIVE”

Be sure to join us for our next show : DUI’s, Felonies and Other Driving Violations – Tuesday, November 11th, 2008 at 7:30 PM – EST . . . AND . . . on Monday, November 17th, 2008 at 7:00 PM – EST for : Truck Driving Overseas.    We would like to extend our “THANK YOU’s” to everyone who has helped make Truth About Trucking “LIVE” a great success!

Thanks Everyone!

Allen & Donna

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© 2008 – 2009, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: blog talk radio, driving violations, dui, felonies, overseas, talk radio, truck driving, truth about trucking blog talk radio show, truth about trucking live, truthabouttrucking

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If you are considering a career in professional truck driving, you have undoubtedly come across ads and articles stating that you can make as much as $100,000 per year. Although this can be true, let’s put this bitter sweet statement into perspective.

These are the kinds of claims that cause students and new drivers to jump on board with a carrier without giving it the thought that needs to be applied before joining. This is also another reason why so many newcomers to trucking fail. There are simply too many statements like this one floating around all over the internet. Many times, by those who have never even driven a big rig.

There are those making good money with a truck driving career. But what is good money? The facts are, as a new driver you can expect to earn between $35,000 and $45,000 per year as a company driver. Owner Operators can gross $100,000 per year and then some, but keep in mind that this is gross income. After tax right offs, personal taxes, expenses, etc., the final income (net) can easily be cut in half if not more. Now, that is still a net income of around $50,000 per year, which is very good.

Just understand that not all Owner Operators are making this alluring $100,000 per year. Successful Owner Op’s have spent years of hard work, educating themselves on business finance and management, and have “paid their dues” so to speak, in order to rake in this sum of gross income. It does not happen over night for the majority of drivers.

Leasing programs through trucking companies are the best way for a new driver to “purchase” a truck in order to become an “owner operator.” It is also the best way for a new driver to fail. Studies show that drivers that “buy” a truck through one of these leasing “scams” experience an 87% failure rate. Let’s talk about the truth when it comes to these leasing programs. Studies show that the carrier will decrease the driver’s mileage to prevent them from being able to make the payment . . . studies show that companies will add on so many deductions that they were actually receiving 90% of the driver’s income!

Now is not the time to become an owner operator. Fuel is too expensive, maintenance is still too high and there is still an influx of too many drivers and not enough freight. When you find these articles and ads claiming you can earn $100,000 per year driving a truck, just be careful. There are simply too many avenues that can take you down the wrong road.

Allen Smith

© 2008, AskTheTrucker. All rights reserved.

: career, driver income, leasing, owner operator, owner operators, truck driving, trucking

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