Except, unlike most drivers, Terry already has a job. Just not in trucking.He’s a certified respiratory therapist in California, one of the first states that was reporting positive COVID-19 cases this spring. A respiratory therapist who wants to drive a semi-truck. At a time when medical professionals are desperately needed, Terry Christofferson wants to drive a semi-truck not instead of, but in addition to being a respiratory therapist. And Christofferson has the credentials to do it. Despite working a very secure job in the medical field, he made sure to maintain a CDL A license with Tanker, Hazmat, and Double/Triple endorsements for more than 30 years.
Before He Became a Respiratory TherapistTerry Christofferson grew up on a farm in a small town in North Dakota. Before he completed high school, he moved with his family to northern California. After graduating from high school, Terry started college to become a respiratory therapist. Education doesn’t come without a price tag, but Terry was no stranger to hard work. Life in a small town in the Great Plains is a strong and relentless teacher – hard work, perseverance, and grit weave the fabric of each day and toughen the hands of the people who live there.
One afternoon, a supervisor asked him to back a semi-truck up to a loading dock. Terry could have driven most agricultural machinery blindfolded, but trucks were an entirely different story. “Sure I can.” Terry confidently responded and jumped in the cab. One clean movement later, and the truck was up against the dock. His colleagues smirked appreciatively and laughed, “You obviously know how to drive a truck.” Once a Truck DriverHis humble display of skilled maneuvering quickly upgraded Terry to a job hosteling for Viking Freight. Terry’s skills driving cargo around the freight yard impressed his managers, so he quickly moved up again. Even though he had only been with the company for a few years, Viking Freight sent him to driving school through their company to get his CDL A license to drive a tractor-trailer. Terry continued driving for Viking Freight through college, and soon enough, Terry was a certified respiratory therapist with a full-time job. With the job security that accompanies the medical profession, many people might have let a truck driving license lapse. Terry wasn’t ready to do that.
I always thought, “You know, one of these days, I want to go back ‘cause I really miss working on the farm. I enjoy driving trucks… I’m going to go back and do it part-time.” Always a Truck DriverOver the years, Terry happily accepted small driving jobs from time to time. Lending a hand here and there. An errand for a friend. He continued to maintain a CDL license. His work as a respiratory therapist remained steady, and his family was close, but every so often, the undeniable call of the open road would whisper.
Speeding down the road at 70mph while maneuvering 30 to 40 tons of truck with the precision of an engineer is no small feat. Most semi-trucks weigh 60,000 to 80,000 pounds, and as a truck driver, you have to be aware of not only your truck but also all of the (often unpredictable) drivers around you. Each time Terry finished a job for a friend, he was reminded of the exhilaration of driving a semi-truck. And each time, the thought crept in, “I should just a do a little bit more of this.” Deciding to Maintain a CDL LicenseIn the state of California, to maintain a CDL license (Commercial Driving License), drivers must submit a license application, driving history clearance, a knowledge test, a background check and fingerprinting, and a renewal fee. And so, year after year, momentum carried Terry to the doctor for the requisite physical. It led him to the DMV every two years to retake the tests for his endorsements, right on schedule. In time, a few decades and a few miles slipped by. One year, on his regular trip to the DMV, Terry thought it might be time to set aside his CDL license.
Terry renewed his licenseIs truck driving a job or a way of life? Driving is certainly one way to pay the bills, but so is being a mechanic or practicing medicine or starting a business. For many drivers, especially those long haul truckers who drive OTR (Over The Road), the open road is ingrained in the core of their identity. It’s the freedom of open roads and a clear sky. The precision and finesse of mastering a vehicle with immense power and knowing how to handle it, just so. For Terry, each drive in a big rig is also personal. It’s a bond back to his childhood on a North Dakota farm. Agricultural work, in particular, has always connected him through years and miles to the small North Dakota town he once called home. Two Essential ProfessionsWhen 2020 started, cheerful New Year’s parties rang through the country. Blissfully unaware of the months to come, no one in the United States rang in the decade with even the shadow of a global pandemic. By March, COVID-19 was sweeping from the ports of the coasts to the center of the heartland leaving sickness and death as unwelcome guests in big cities and small towns alike. Storefronts stand empty and the number of Americans filing for unemployment applications steadily climbs. Millions of Americans are suddenly working from home, and we’ve become acutely aware of the essential professions that are keeping this country moving forward. Medical professionals and truck drivers are at the top of the listFour years from now, Terry Christofferson will be happily retired and traveling the world with his wife. But before then, he wants to join his fellow drivers on the road. “Truck drivers are one of those backbones of society that are really being highlighted right now. Absolutely amazing. I mean, every truck driver out there right now should pat themselves on the back… And when I watch it, even though I’m not actually out there doing it with them right now, I still feel pride hearing that on the news.” Time to DriveFor Terry, it’s time to hit the road. He’s not leaving his job as a respiratory therapist—instead, he’s planning to drive on his days off. After decades of working to maintain a CDL license with several endorsements, Terry is in conversation with a California freight company. In a perfect symmetry that calls back to his Great Plains childhood, he’s hoping to haul agricultural products. As we wrap up the call, Terry tells me about his wife, children, and grandson. He has a daughter who is becoming a nurse and a son in the construction industry. It’s clear he couldn’t be prouder of them. Their chosen lines of work stand as a living testament to his own duality. Before we hang up, he reiterates his appreciation for all the drivers who are working and delivering essential goods during the COVID-19 crisis. “Definitely proud of all the truckers out there. It’s been awesome to listen to them getting interviewed in a profession that doesn’t get recognized enough. And it’s really nice to see them getting recognized.” STAY UPDATED ON INDUSTRY TRENDS AND BEST PRACTICESJoin our community of over 150,000 drivers who receive our updates. The post 3 Unique Reasons to Maintain a CDL License appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct
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The Pros1. Turnkey ProgramsBy enrolling in a CDL school, you are opting to pay to get everything you need to pass the required exams. And basically learn everything you need to know about driving a truck. All in one place.
They are structured in a proven way to give you a great start to getting your CDL license. In just a few weeks, you could graduate and ready for your tests. 2. Many Locations for CDL SchoolsThere are CDL school programs located in all 50 states. Depending on the type of school you’re looking to attend, you might find a more specialized program best suited to your needs a little further away than a more general program nearby.
And that might mean looking around to find the best fit for you. There’s plentiful training options available for you. 3. Accepted EverywhereIf you graduate from a program, that means you’ve got the required amount of training. And it’s likely that you’ll be ready to get your license and drive just about anywhere. You can get a license without going to school. However, it’s likely that you won’t find a driving job without graduating from a program. Many carriers aren’t interested in hiring those who don’t have the appropriate hours of qualified training and have insurance requirements that necessitate it. So graduating from a CDL school makes you a more attractive candidate to many carriers. The Cons1. Not a RequirementNowhere in the requirements for getting a CDL license does it say you must enroll and graduate from a CDL school. There are other options out there for inexperienced drivers. You can take private lessons or study and prepare for the exams on your own. There may be better options for a prospective driver’s schedule, and a full training program might not be the right things for everyone. 2. Cost ProhibitiveMoving into a new career usually means stepping away from your old one. Or it might mean moving into a full-time job for the first time. If you need to pay to go to a specialized school for this new career, you will be paying for that. And also missing out on a paycheck in the meantime.
3. Time ConsumingSome CDL school programs might take months to complete. Not every prospective driver has the time to afford dedicating that much time away from working to going to school. On the other hand, some schools might have programs that are just 2 weeks to complete. Those programs probably aren’t the best choice to give you proper instruction preparing you for life on the road.
If you’ve made the decision to become a professional truck driver, going to CDL school is a great option to get you the training you need to get started. Once you’ve learned to drive and have your license, Drive My Way can help you find the best fit job for you. Find a CDL Driver Job You’ll LoveWe match you with a job based on your personal preferences and qualifications. The post Pros and Cons of Earning Your License through a CDL School appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct Cleaning supplies are hard to come by these days. Go to most grocery stores, and you’ll have a hard time finding disinfecting wipes, hand sanitizer, or protective face masks. For Americans staying home, that’s inconvenient, but soap, water, and some good old’ fashioned elbow grease will do the trick. For essential workers like truck drivers, going without these supplies is a significant health concern. Now, in some states, it’s also illegal. There is a lot of conflicting information being shared among the trucking community about face masks for truck drivers. When in doubt, the best thing you can do is to ask your company about their policies and what resources they offer. However, especially if you are driving OTR, it may be helpful to be familiar with the policies in multiple states. Here’s what you should know about face masks for truck drivers during COVID-19. When to Wear a Face MaskCOVID-19 spreads most dramatically through person to person contact. Any time you are near other people, try to put 6 feet of distance between yourself and the other person. In any situation where it is difficult to maintain socially distancing practices, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends wearing a face mask. For most truck drivers, that means that your risk when you’re alone in your cab is low, but a mask may still be required. Whenever you make contact with others, a mask is a must. That includes pumping fuel, going into a truck stop or gas station, picking up food, and being at a shipper/receiver. Geographies with Specific RulesThere are some situations where you are required by law to wear a face mask. International border crossings are one of those times. If you are traveling between the United States and Canada or between the United States and Mexico, you are required to wear a mask for border crossings and while in transit. If you do not show any symptoms, you will typically be able to continue your route. However, if you display any symptoms, you may be required to stay in quarantine for 14 days. Similarly, in many of the states in hard-hit regions, truck drivers are required to wear a non-medical face mask. The penalties for failing to wear protective face equipment range from large fines to imprisonment.
States with at least one region requiring a face mask include North Carolina, California, Texas, Florida, Hawaii, Michigan, Oklahoma, and Massachusetts. As we understand more about COVID-19 and ways to reduce spread, mask regulations are becoming stricter. The list of states who legally require a face mask is likely to grow. To be confident that you are always within regulations, follow the CDC recommendation to wear a mask at all times when you are in public. Types of Face MasksWhen face mask regulations are passed for truckers, you don’t need a medical-grade face mask. In fact, you’re expected not to. The best types of face masks are N95 respirators and surgical masks. Both of these types of masks are currently in short supply and are reserved for medical professionals. As a driver, you have a few other options that will help keep you safe and healthy. Bandanna or Similar Face CoveringsThis is a great quick-fix option for drivers. A bandanna is easily folded and tied to cover your mouth and nose. It’s not medical quality, but it’s better than nothing and will slow the virus transmission. DIY MasksYou’ve probably already seen people wearing DIY face masks in everything from plain colors to crazy patterns. The beauty of a DIY version is that there are many effective ways to make one, and most people already have the materials needed. Cotton is the recommended material for face masks because it is a tight-knit fabric that reduces virus transmission. You can get cotton fabric squares, but an old t-shirt will also do the trick. The key to a good mask is multiple layers. The face mask should fit snugly but allow breathability. You can make a no-sew mask following this video from the U.S. Surgeon General, Dr. Jerome Adams. The CDC also has recommendations and instructions for a sewn version of the mask. Get the most out of your face maskWhen used correctly, a cloth face mask can help reduce the spread of COVID-19. In order to make sure you get the maximum benefit, wash your mask regularly. A washing machine is effective in sterilizing the fabric. Wash your hands before and after you put on or take off a mask, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth in the process. The Bottom LineThe regulations for face mask requirements are changing rapidly. At a minimum, the CDC recommends that all Americans wear a mask in public. As a truck driver who travels between several locations, it’s best to be prepared. Keep a mask in your cab and plan to wear it when you go outside. STAY UPDATED ON INDUSTRY TRENDS AND BEST PRACTICESJoin our community of over 150,000 drivers who receive our updates. The post The Rules on Face Masks for Truck Drivers During COVID-19 appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct Today’s job of the day comes from FoodlinerFoodliner, Inc. is one of the largest bulk food carriers in the country and a Transport Topic Top 100 carrier. We are looking for Professional Class A CDL truck drivers to join our team. In this fast paced, high-tech world, Foodliner takes the time to make our drivers feel like the valued team members they are. We treat each truck driver like a person, not a number. Be part of a growing transportation organization that goes the distance for customers and is committed to the careers of its employees. While you “Go The Distance” for our customers, we “Go The Distance” for you! We offer a variety of opportunities to support your growth and changing lifestyle needs throughout your career Job Opportunities:Liquid/Dry Bulk Regional Truck Driver Local Liquid/Dry Bulk Driver
Interested in applying?Learn more about the job requirements, benefits, pay and more. The post Job of the Day: Foodliner appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct Today’s Job of the Day comes from Maybach International GroupMaybach International Group is a Chicagoland-based logistics company that delivers thousands of goods across the country to local communities. Their goal is to do their best in strategic problem solving to get products moved safely and cost-effectively. Since they established, they maintained an open and transparent relationship with their staff and drivers. They want to be fair when it comes to booking loads and getting the best possible rates for our hardworking drivers. They provide each employee with training to maximize their skills before they start. At Maybach, they form relationships with brokers and customers to deliver on time, cost-effective services with a smile. Also, they understand that being compliant and following the rules and regulations of the road can bring them a long way.
Interested in applying for these opportunities?Learn more about the company, the job requirements, compensation, benefits, and more. The post Job of the Day: Maybach International Group appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct Today’s Job of the Day is from DuBois ChemicalsDuBois Chemicals develops, manufactures, distributes and supports proprietary chemical and equipment products for a broad range of industrial and commercial applications, fulfilling mission-critical customer needs. DuBois Chemicals is hiring Dry Van, Tanker, and Flatbed Local Drivers in Shelbyville, IN.Drivers transport various goods from warehouse to customer’s locations using various sized power units ranging from class A to one ton flat bed and goose neck trailers. This transporting follows DuBois policies and DOT guidelines for the safe operation of a motored unit. Following safety procedures to transport hazardous materials is a must for DuBois Target Zero safety initiative, for driver and for public safety. Position Details:
DuBois offers Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, and Disability. In addition, drivers receive PTO and 401K effective after 90 days. Hazmat, Tanker, and Doubles endorsements are required for hire. Interested in applying?Learn more about the job requirements, benefits, pay and more. The post Job of the Day: DuBois Chemicals appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct Most drivers will put in their fair share of night truck driving at some point in their careers. Depending on what you drive, night shifts might be your normal routine, or you might drive them only once in a while. There are several perks to night driving, but it also can be more dangerous. Three times more crashes happen at night than during the day. If you’re headed out for a late shift, here are 7 things you need to know about night truck driving. 1. Your body’s natural rhythms are at a lull in the middle of the night.Typically, your energy and alertness will drop in the early morning hours. This is particularly true for drivers who don’t typically drive at night.
If you need a good audiobook to keep you alert on the road, check out our top 10 list. 2. Your visibility is weakened at night.Unfortunately, humans just don’t have amazing night vision. At night, your peripheral vision will not be as good, and you can’t see as far ahead of you on the road. That makes it hard to see animals who jump out at the last minute. It also means your response time to other drivers and events on the road is likely to be a little slower. Leave yourself extra space whenever possible. 3. Traffic is usually lighter.Much of the world works a 9-5 job, so if you’re night driving, you will rarely have a problem with traffic. Even congested urban areas are often not a problem when you’re night driving. That said, the other drivers who are out are also at a low point of alertness. Keep your distance and drive defensively. You never know what other kinds of drivers are on the road. 4. Deliveries can be more dangerous.At night, there are fewer people around, and you’re more likely to run into bad characters. Some drivers say this is especially true in urban areas when you’re making a delivery. Use your street smarts and if you’re traveling to a new area, try to learn what you can about the drop before you go. 5. You’re on your own when night truck driving.Most dispatchers and customers aren’t operating 24/7. Typically, that means less after-hours assistance if you run into trouble or need last minute directions to your client.
It’s on you to solve your own problems and get the job done. Keep a few essential tools in your cab, and you’ll be good to go. 6. Parking options are better.Night drivers aren’t competing for parking in the same way that other drivers have to in the day. Most of the time, you won’t need to dock early or plan your route around the places you know you can stop. That can be a huge time saver (not to mention the headache you avoid!). If you do need to look for parking or gas, try TruckerPath or GasBuddy to get you where you need to go. 7. Keep your windshield, headlights, and mirrors clean.Glare can be a big problem for night truck driving. Luckily, a little glass cleaner and elbow grease usually does the trick.
Similarly, try not to look closely at oncoming traffic. The bright white lights will temporarily impair your vision. Look slightly down and to the right (or at the white road line) to avoid the negative effects. STAY UPDATED ON INDUSTRY TRENDS AND BEST PRACTICESJoin our community of over 150,000 drivers who receive our updates. The post 7 Things to Know About Night Truck Driving appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct No one understands the joys and pains of regularly coming home and turning right around and leaving again like a truck driver with a family. Life as a parent and a truck driver is a challenging but rewarding combination. For regional and OTR drivers, a few days of time in person has to sustain drivers through days or weeks away. Even when you’re home, as a long haul trucker, the transition home can take its toll. Make time for yourself and your family while you’re on the road and when you come home. Here are a few parenting tips to help you make the most of your family time. 1. Master Good CommunicationFacetime, Skype, and Zoom are all great video calling platforms that have a free plan for users. Especially with younger children, being able to see and hear each other is huge. Even when you’re away, your kids will know your voice and be excited to see you when you walk through the door. Connect with your children in a way that works for them. If you have small kids, read them a bedtime story every night. Or, have a family movie night once a week. If you have older children, they might not want to video chat. Instead, send them messages throughout the day. Find out what’s going on in their lives and stay on top of the little things as well as the big ones. 2. Make the Most of Home TimeEven superhero parents can’t do everything. When you come home, you’re probably sharing time between a partner, your kid(s) and trying to rest up for your next shift.
When you make that schedule, there’s one very important rule. Be realistic, even when it’s hard. Kids will be disappointed if you can’t make it to an event. But, they’ll be devastated when you say you’ll be somewhere or do something and then cancel last minute. If you do have the energy to squeeze in an extra little league game or dance recital, they’ll be thrilled when you surprise them and show up. 3. Involve Your KidsOne of the best ways to be a part of your kids’ lives is to let them be a part of yours. If you have a take home truck program, show them your truck. Let them ask questions and sit behind the wheel. As they get older, tell them about the places you go and what it really means to be a truck driver. Before you leave for your next load, let your family help plan your time away. Even if you don’t follow it exactly, they’ll love mapping your route and know where you are when you next call. You can even give each person a special job for while you’re out. It’s a great way to start conversations and connect. We spoke to Marion, a truck driver who shared her parenting tips from driving OTR with 3 children and 6 grandchildren.
She continued, “Teenagers are difficult no matter what. Don’t let things go by because you might have a bad conscience not being there. Stay in touch, let them know they can talk to you. Be a parent, even when you’re not physically there. It’s hard at times, but they will thank you later.” 4. Don’t Forget about Your PartnerNot all parenting tips are about the kids! As you share time with your children, don’t forget to make time for just you and your partner. It’s important time for both of you, and it’s good for your kids in the long run. Set honest expectations about the shortcomings of trucking jobs. Your partner is sharing in the good, the bad, and the ugly, so be frank about what you both need. A key part of your communication is conflict resolution. Establish a healthy way to discuss conflicts before you need it. That way, you won’t spend your time at home solving all the problems you didn’t want to talk about. 5. Be Kind to YourselfTransitions are hard and you’ll be making a lot of them. All the parenting tips in the world won’t help if you aren’t taking care of yourself on the road and when you’re home. Be kind to yourself and your family.
Know that you’ll make mistakes sometimes. Decide what you can do differently next time, sincerely apologize if you need to, and then move forward. Make sure you do what you can both on and off the job to be the partner and parent you want to be. Single Parent OTR TruckingIf you’re a single parent ready to start driving, you have a few extra considerations. It is definitely possible to work OTR, but it’s important to consider preparation and timing. All long haul families need a good support network, and that is particularly true for single parents. Both you and your kids will need help from others sometimes. Have those people in place before you get started and know who you can count on in any situation. You should also think about the timing of your decision. Older kids can be involved differently than young children and may be more understanding and supportive of your decision. Separated Families with One OTR ParentAs with single parenting while an OTR driver, life over the road as a divorced or separated parent has unique challenges. No matter what, the most important thing you can do is prioritize your child. That also means working to maintain good communication between parents (even when it’s not easy). As much as possible, strive to be consistent in your home time.
At the end of the day, make sure you weigh the cost of an OTR vs. a local job. OTR jobs typically pay more, but you give up a lot of time in your child’s life. If OTR is still the right decision for you, be prepared to work closely with the stay at home parent and use these parenting tips to find creative ways to connect with your child both on and off the job. STAY UPDATED ON INDUSTRY TRENDS AND BEST PRACTICESJoin our community of over 150,000 drivers who receive our updates. The post 5 Parenting Tips for Truck Drivers appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct Today’s Job of the Day comes from Multi-Channel LogisticsMulti-Channel Logistics is a third party logistics group that provides quality transportation and warehouse solutions, tailored to accommodate the needs of our customers. We offer a competitive advantage by utilizing multiple transportation services and warehousing options. Multi-Channel Logistics LLC is seeking full-time professional and experienced CDL A OTR Dry Van Drivers for Semi-trucks 53ft Trailers in Texas. Getting home is important. We work with our team to get you home with your loved ones. Job highlights include:
Job qualifications include:
Interested in applying?Learn more about the job requirements, benefits, pay and more. The post Job of the Day: Multi-Channel Logistics appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct Today’s job of the day comes from Button TransportationButton Transportation is a family-owned and operated business in California and has been thriving for over 40 years. Their fertilizer and harvest transportation work is the backbone of their business. At Button Transportation, “we help farmers reap what we help them sow.” Button is currently hiring CDL A Seasonal Local Cargo Tank Drivers near Sacramento, CA and Chico, CA. As a seasonal driver for the agri-business support team, you will deliver liquid and dry fertilizer products to farms during planting season. These positions run Mid-March to June 2020.
Button will hire out of school! Given their highly diversified service offerings, entry-level drivers can expand their skills throughout the year. There are opportunities to carry a variety of products with different equipment to accelerate your career. Button requires drivers to have their Tanker and Doubles endorsements. The company will pay for a driver’s Hazmat endorsement if completed by 3/16/2020. Button offers great benefits, competitive pay, and a wonderful company culture. Why drivers love working for Button:Johnny Green
“I started working for Button the day after I obtained my CDL. It’s very difficult to find a good job when you’re new to the industry but at Button I found a GREAT job and was welcomed with open arms and treated with respect.”
Eduardo Felix
“From day one it been great, wonderful people and staff to work with. Bob Button is a class act, active, interested owner that is only a phone call away. Dispatchers Dan, Gene and Jeff are the best. Highly recommend company to work for.”
Interested in applying?Learn more about the job requirements, benefits, pay and more. The post Job of the Day: Button Transportation appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/39Jh0Ct |
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