Even if other people don’t do it, it is courteous to get on your line and wait for him to move to his line when passing another driver. This stops some of the turbulence of passing. Many trucks have been sucked together if they don’t do this, even causing truck driver deaths. Be sure to do this to protect yourself.
Many drivers flash another driver after he or she passes. Some drivers use their brights to flash instead of turning off their lights. Don’t flash at all. If a driver is blinded and gets in an accident because your brights, you are at fault.
For new truckers looking for truck driving jobs, be careful when dealing with recruiters. They will promise you the best of everything. They are paid to be savvy trying to get you in their door. If they are promising you the world, be careful because they are spending too much money recruiting you with false promises instead of spending their money retaining drivers. Remember that you are in control of your life and you make the decisions.
Swift Trucking is the third largest trucking company in the nation. They have over 20,000 drivers, but are actively looking for more. Swift trucking jobs can provide you with a 401K and a benefits package.
If you meet the age and other requirements, you can begin training for a truck driving job today. Swift has training schools throughout the country, and will reimburse your training after you begin working for them.
Former truck driver and Overdrive magazine’s 2006 Trucker of the Year, Robert Jordan, is a semifinalist in Forbes.com’s Boost Your Business contest.
Jordan is collecting votes to win the grand prize of $100,000 for his invention that makes Class 8 tractors run similar to a hybrid. His invention stores the energy generated when the engine is in use in five sealed, glass mat batteries housed beneath the sleeper’s bunk. That reserve power can run heating and air conditioning when the truck is stopped. The reserve batteries can be charged by shore power and reefer engines as well. His invention provides a needed solution to idling.
Jordan quit driving in December 2006 to work on his business, Idle Free Systems, full time. He builds practical systems for trucking companies and works with mechanics to install and maintain the systems.
If Jordan wins, he plans to hire more employees and build a website for his business. Check out all the contestants and vote at the Boost Your Business site.
If you are thinking of becoming a truck driver, now is the best time to get started. Due to a shortage of drivers, many companies offer better benefits to new employees, including a higher salary, a flexible schedule, and more health benefits.
To qualify for truck driving jobs, you must be at least 21 years old, have a clean history of driving, and be relatively healthy (have no medical conditions that would inhibit safe driving, such as loss of limb). Check with state regulations to ensure that you pass all CDL requirements.
If you meet basic trucker requirements, you can usually find a company to pay for your CDL training. Once you are certified, you can then find a job on the open road.
