American Van Lines
So I kind of browse the Craigslist transportation section where most of the trucking jobs are and I was amazed when I seen a company called “American Van Lines” was offering a driving position where their drivers average $300k-$450k annually. The highest salary I’ve ever seen was $145k annually hauling fuel so I was a little surprised by this. The company is based in Southern California so I called thinking it was a mistake, but there was no mistake. The only catch is it’s a moving company and drivers are only home 1 week out of the month. In order to qualify for this driving position you’ll need two years driving experience and a clean driving record. 🤑
This kind of job is not for me, but if you meet the requirements and enjoy being on the road, you might want to consider applying at this company. You’ll literally make more than most Doctors and Judges just to drive a semi. 🚛💰
(FN) Click on the image for more details about this position.
Tractor & Trailer Parts Identification
Here’s a YouTube video for anyone that is considering getting a CDL. This video demonstrates on how to identify tractor & trailer parts for the DMV pre-inspection test. This test is broken into three sections which are A,B, and C. The instructor in the video goes through all A,B, and C sections, but you’ll only have to identify parts on one section which will be random. You will need to learn every nut and bolt on both tractor and trailer. ✅
I actually quit my job for two months to study for this test. There’s a ton of information to familiarize yourself with, but the trucking school will give you a booklet and practice this with you repeatedly. Although there is a lot of information to remember, the skills and road test are the most difficult from my own personal experience. 🚛
Any questions about this test feel free to drop a comment. 🙋♂️
Offset Back Maneuver
Here is another skills test called “Offset” that will be on the DMV test. This is can be either “Offset” (Right) or (Left). This skills test is fairly easy and you shouldn’t have a problem passing it. This video gives an excellent demonstration of how this DMV test is conducted and even provides an example of how to get out of the tractor and check the position of the vehicle. 🚛
If you have any questions about this test feel free to drop a comment. ⤵️
Alley Dock Backing
A few days ago I posted about parallel parking a semi-truck. Today i’m posting about “Alley Dock Backing” which is part of the DMV skills test. This is the test I actually failed the first time and it can be a little nerve racking if you’re not used to driving enormous vehicles while everyone is watching. 🚛
This video is an exact demonstration of what the DMV skills test is like and it even shows you how to use one of your pull-ups to correct the tractor. I can tell you from the moment you take the knowledge test down to taking the road test everything is intense. There is so much information to take in you feel like you’ll never pass it. But believe me when I tell you, it’s worth the studying and sacrificing to get that CDL. After 2-4 weeks on the road, driving will come second nature and you’ll be handling it like a pro. 😎
Any questions about getting a Class A feel free to drop a comment. 🤔
Parallel Parking a Semi-Truck
Here’s a parallel parking demonstration of what a DMV skills test looks like. I failed my alley dock parking the first try, but my second try I was able to pass this parallel park. Trucking school prepares you for all skills and driving test and they go over it with you until you get it right. If you’re interested in getting a CDL, I recommend watching this video. 🚛🪪
Electronic Log Book
The maximum amount of time a Class A commercial driver can drive on the road in the United States is subject to regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Electronic Log Books (ELD’s) keeps track of a truck driver’s hours of service so they don’t go over the 11 hour drive limit. At my company we actually use an app called SamSarah to keep track of our time. I’ve actually heard of drivers getting caught falsifying their times and it goes on their record. But here’s a breakdown down of how the drive time works.
1. 11-Hour Driving Limit: A Class A driver can drive a maximum of 11 hours after being off-duty for at least 10 consecutive hours.
2. 14-Hour Limit: Within a 14-hour window after coming on duty (including driving and non-driving tasks), a Class A driver can’t drive after reaching the 11-hour driving limit. The remaining hours can be used for non-driving duties.
3. Rest Breaks: Drivers must take a 30-minute break if more than 8 hours have passed since their last off-duty or sleeper berth period.
4. Weekly Limits: Drivers are subject to weekly and bi-weekly limits, which restrict the total number of hours they can drive and work over a 7-day or 14-day period.
Steps to get a Class A CDL
If you’re interested in getting your Class A but you don’t know what steps you need to take. Here are the exact steps I took to obtain my CDL. Follow these instructions and you’ll be able to avoid any delays like I did. Please keep in mind these directions must be followed exactly the way I am explaining them or you’ll be forced to reschedule DMV appointments. 🪪
The first thing you need to do is study for the CDL. Download the DMV study guide from their website. I also recommend downloading the CDL prep app. It’s free and it has the same questions as the DMV test. When you are ready to take the air brake and knowledge test, make a DMV appointment. Before your appointment you’ll need a DOT physical from an urgent care. Not all urgent cares offer DOT physicals, so call and find out which ones do. They are generally $100 for a medical certificate. When your DMV appointment arrives, take your birth certificate, ID, medical certificate, and two utility bills that prove you live at your residence. 📲
After passing your test you’ll receive a Class A permit and you can either pay $3,000 to enroll in trucking school which is 27 courses 1 hour each course, or you can apply for a trucking company that will provide paid training. This process takes around 2-4 months to get your CDL from start to finish depending on the pace you set for yourself. Any other questions feel free to ask. 🚛
#jobcase #commercialdriver #truckdriver #advice #motivation #career #jobsearch
Automated Ports
Here’s a glimpse of a Los Angeles/Long Beach automated port where I haul loads out of. There are two fully automated ports and I can say the transaction is really smooth as compared to ports with longshoremen workers. I was able to speak with a longshoremen about the automation, and he said they are not entirely fully automated. He said there are at least 8 operators controlling the automation and there are times when the automation malfunctions and the longshoremen have to step in and correct the issues. The automated ports will most likely not replace all jobs, because new jobs will be created when the machines need to be controlled or repaired. Any jobs that are replaced, the union and the ports have agreed to compensate the longshoremen until they retire. 🚢
If you are interested in obtaining a CDL and you live near a port, I highly recommend getting your (TWIC) card and find a carrier that hauls out of the ports. Port drivers make 6 figures, the work schedule is Monday-Friday, 10-12 hour shifts, home every night, no touch freight, and depending on your carrier all work is local. It’s the easiest money I’ve made as a blue collar worker. If you have any questions about getting a CDL or port work, feel free to ask away. 🚛
https://youtu.be/HkauiGYT6YY?si=pSTAJBJzMgn5RTyO
#jobcase #truckdriver #trucker #cdl #bluecollar #hiringnews #motivation #ports #automation #ai #losangeles
How long it takes to stop an 80,000lb semi-truck
This is an excellent video to watch for anyone interested in getting a CDL. This video demonstrates the stopping distance of a semi-truck when it’s loaded versus when it’s not. The braking distance is on the DMV test so it’s a good idea to start getting this information in now to increase retention. This will also give a good understanding to non CDL holders of how long it takes for a truck driver to stop. 🛑
Any questions on this topic or in general, feel free to drop a comment. 🤔
Speed Limit Proposal by the FMCSA
Apparently the FMCSA has submitted a proposal to limit the speed of heavy commercial vehicles. As a truck driver myself here in California, any vehicle with 3 axles or more must adhere to a (maximum) 55mph. Although this new proposal will not affect me, there are some states like Wyoming that allow truck drivers to go 75mph. I personally feel that speed limit is dangerously high and I wouldn’t go that fast even it was allowed in California. 🚛 💨
In the video, the gentleman claims it’s not about safety and more of a control issue. He states that mega carriers like Swift are in favor for this proposal because they are trying to slow the competition with the owner operators. I highly doubt this is the case because mega carries have achieved an “economies of scale” that no owner operator cannot compete with anyways. I know at my company we rely on owner operators to haul loads we can’t. Far as this speed limit proposal goes, I feel it’s a good idea for safety. I read articles every day about semi’s being in accidents. I actually got hit my a semi truck 3 weeks ago so from my personal experience this speed limit law should be implemented.
What are your thoughts on this proposal? 🤔