A lot of truck drivers say they’re the best at what they do. But there’s only one place where they can test that claim; The Truck Driving Championships. Every year, thousands of drivers apply to compete at the TDC, but only a select few make it. The drivers who do make it compete in a number of challenges, hoping to place first, second, or third in their respective categories. (3-axle, 4-axle, 5-axle, sleeper berth, tanker, etc.) This year, during the Florida Truck Driving Championship, two of the three podium placing drivers had more in common than the win they secured. These two drivers not only work for the same carrier, but are father and son. Richard Maylon, who came in 2nd, and his son Joey, who placed 3rd, are both auto haulers with Drive My Way client, Hansen & Adkins. We were able to talk with Richard and Joey about their experience at the Florida Truck Driving Championship. Here’s what they had to say. Can you tell us what this experience at the Florida Truck Driving Championship was like?Richard: The TDC is a great experience. I like how it brings drivers from all different companies together and challenges us by applying the daily work of being a truck driver into a competitive setting. Joey: The TDC experience is a great atmosphere filled with skilled professionals. Although we were all there to compete, there was a real sense of comradery among the drivers from all the different companies. Have you ever competed in a truck driving competition like this before? If so, did you place or was this your first time?Richard: This was my second time competing. I competed in 2019 but did not place. Joey: This was my first time competing. In your opinion, what was the most difficult part of the test?Both: The driving course was challenging for the auto haulers. Our auto haulers handle a little differently than the other trucks that compete. How did Hansen & Adkins prepare you for the competition?Both: Hansen & Adkins gave us written materials to study and allowed us time to practice on a driving course. They teamed us up with veterans that helped prepare us for what to expect at the TDC. Are you planning on competing next year?Both: Yes, we both plan to compete again next year if given the opportunity. Anything else you’d like to add?Richard: I’m truly thankful to Hansen & Adkins for giving us the opportunity to compete. Joey: Overall, I enjoyed the event and was grateful to be a part of it. Being a first-time competitor, I was unsure of what to expect, but I built many friendships at the competition that hopefully last for years to come. While this was the first time that Richard and Joey have placed in the competition, it’s not the first time a Hansen & Adkins driver has placed. Anthony Muni, Regional Manager for the Hansen & Adkins Jacksonville terminal had this to say,
For more information on the Florida Truck Driving Championship and the NTDC, you can visit their website here. If you’re interested in CDL jobs with Hansen & Adkins, you can visit this link below. Looking for a New CDL Job?Hansen & Adkins has Local and Regional Auto Hauler positions open nationwide. The post An Interview with Two Florida Truck Driving Championship Medalists appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/yglI2JS
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Working out on the road is much easier said than done. Trucking isn’t a 9-5 job where you can find ample time to exercise during the evenings and on weekends. Truckers are out on the road for days, sometimes weeks at a time, which can make finding the time or ability to exercise very difficult. That’s not to say that exercising while on the road is impossible. Just check Instagram or Tik Tok and you’ll see dozens of truck drivers sharing their workout tips. So how are these OTR and regional drivers able to work out while on the road? There are a few different options for truck driver workouts you can do. Bodyweight ExercisesBecoming a master of your own body weight is one of the best feelings out there. These exercises center around using either no equipment or the equipment around you (or on your truck) for support. 1. PushupsPushups are the most well-known bodyweight exercise and for good reason. They’ve been used for centuries to help people build up the muscles in their chest, shoulders, and arms. Pushups can easily be done in a parking lot or even in your sleeper berth. If you do plan on doing them in a parking lot, a rubber exercise or yoga mat is a good investment, so you’re not digging your hands into the asphalt. 2. Bench DipBench dips are great exercises for working out your triceps. This exercise involves placing a bench or stationary bar that can support your weight behind your back and holding on to it with your arms fully extended at shoulder width. Keep your legs extended forward as well and bent at the waist, so you’re in an “L” shape. Then, slowly lower your body by bending your elbow until your arms are close to 90 degrees. Using that same motion, bring yourself up again and repeat. In a gym setting, these can easily be done on a workout bench. For a truck driver on the road, bench dips can be done on the steps leading up to your cab or at a bench you find at a rest stop. 3. PlanksPlanking is more than a short-lived internet fad from the late 2000’s. It’s a great exercise for burning fat and stabilizing your core and ab muscles. You start by lying face down on the ground. Next, put your forearms and toes on the ground, while keeping your legs and torso in the air. Your body should be straight (like a plank). Now, you hold this position for a designated amount of time. You can start off by doing it for 15-20 seconds, and then work yourself up to a minute plus once you get the hang of it. Just like pushups, planks can easily be done in your sleeper berth or in a parking lot. You can even do a modified version called a “side plank” that works out your external obliques. 4. Shoulder ShrugsProbably the easiest exercise on this list, shoulder shrugs are great for strengthening your neck and shoulder muscles while releasing tension. Lift your shoulders up to your ears as if you’re saying, “I don’t know.” Hold the position for a few seconds then release. Perform 10 to 15 reps and repeat for however many sets you want to do. Try this exercise while stopped at a red light, waiting on a shipper, or just taking a break. 5. Running/JoggingIf your goal is to burn calories, there’s no substitute for a good run or jog. The bad news is that this isn’t always an option while on the road, since most parking lots aren’t ideal for running in. But there are ways to get around this. Check your maps app to see if there’s a nearby park or trail that’s within walking distance of the stop you’re going to. While running is great for you, it’s not the easiest exercise to get into. If this is the case for you, practice high intensity interval training (HIIT) running. This is just a fancy way of saying that you run for a certain amount of time, maybe a minute or two, then you walk for a designated amount of time. You do this repeatedly until you’ve reached your time or distance goal. As you get more comfortable, you can up the amount of time spent running and decrease the time spent walking. It’s a much easier way to start off than trying to run non-stop. Light Exercise EquipmentWhile bodyweight exercises are great, keeping a bit of spare room in your cab for some light exercise equipment will give you a whole new range of workouts to do. 6. Grip Strength TrainerGrip strength trainers are great for working out your forearms and increasing your hand dexterity. The awesome thing about grip strength trainers is that you can use them while you’re watching tv, looking at your phone, or just relaxing before bed. 7. Resistance BandsResistance bands are the Swiss army knives of working out. They can be used in any number of exercises that work out your arms, legs, chest, abs and shoulders. Resistance bands come in a few different types that are usually color-coded, with red or black usually having the hardest resistance. While there’s dozens of exercises you can use resistance bands for, some of the most common are squats, triceps extensions and chest press. 8. DumbbellsWhile you probably won’t want to put an entire set of dumbbells from 5 to 100 pounds in your cab, just having one or two can be great for drivers looking to do some light strength training while on the road. Even better, consider getting a pair of adjustable dumbbells. These lock into a base, and you can move a notch to select your desired weight. You can find more information on these here. Bicep curls, triceps extensions, lawnmower pulls, and shoulder presses are just a few of the exercises you can do with a pair of dumbbells. 9. Find a GymWhile most of the exercises you’ll see for truck drivers center around things you can do with your own bodyweight or equipment that can fit in your cab, it’s easier than you think to find a gym if you really want it. Take Planet Fitness for example. There are thousands of locations across the country, and with their black card membership, you can access any one of them. The great thing about these gyms is being able to use all the fancy exercise equipment like treadmills, circuit machines, and free weights. Now, the caveat with going to a gym is of course finding parking. If you’re going late at night, the staff may let you park in the lot, but that’s a very big maybe. Aside from that, you could keep a bike in your cab and bike from the nearest truck stop to the gym. As you can see, going to a gym as an OTR or Regional trucker isn’t the easiest thing to plan out. That’s why this option is usually better for local drivers, or drivers who have a dedicated route and have learned all the do’s and don’ts of their local gym. This doesn’t mean that OTR or regional drivers have to give up on the idea of going to a gym. There are some truck stops and rest stations that offer gyms specifically for truck drivers. Pilot Flying J and Travel Centers of America are two such companies. 10. Bonus Tip – Healthy EatingIf you’re really looking to change your lifestyle and get in better shape, you can’t overstate the role healthy eating plays. You can have the best workout regimen around, but if you’re still eating poorly, getting fit is going to be an even bigger uphill battle. Simple changes like packing your own healthy lunches before hitting the road, and limiting the amount of sugar you take in will work hand in hand with exercising to help you see results quicker While exercising as a truck driver isn’t the easiest thing to do, it’s by no means impossible. Whether you’re looking to get in better physical shape, lower your risk of disease, or just feel better about yourself, there’s nothing stopping you from doing it while on the road. Looking for a new CDL Job?Drive My Way matches you with a job based on your preferences like pay, home time, touch level, and more. The post Looking for a Good Truck Driver Workout? Here Are 9 Ideas appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/JUygznO There are three options when getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL): the CDL A, the CDL B or the CDL C. Each class has its own training requirements and testing procedures, and there are pros and cons to explore for each type. Your lifestyle and career plans dictate which license will be the best fit for you. The Class A CDL is the most widely obtained CDL, as it allows you to drive the most vehicles. On top of that, there are 6 types of additional endorsements you can get for it as well as 7 restrictions that can be placed on it. The Basics of a Class A CDLThe Federal Motor Carrier Association defines CDL A trucks as, “Any combination of vehicles which has a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight of 11,794 kilograms or more (26,001 pounds or more) whichever is greater, inclusive of a towed unit(s) with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross vehicle weight of more than 4,536 kilograms (10,000 pounds) whichever is greater.” 6 Types of CDL Class A EndorsementsOnce you have your CDL A license, you can get additional endorsements to allow you drive more specialty vehicles. These endorsements require extra written and sometimes, skills testing to obtain the endorsements. 1. (H) Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)A HAZMAT endorsement opens the doors to hauling hazardous materials over the road. These jobs are often higher paying and there is usually a larger pool of jobs available. Once you have your CDL A, you can obtain a HAZMAT endorsement passing the required TSA background checks, written test, and medical exam by a DOT doctor. In many cases, having your HAZMAT license is a requirement for getting the X endorsement which will be described shortly. 2. (N) Tanker VehicleThe tanker endorsement allows a driver to haul a tank or “tanker” full of liquid or gaseous materials. These jobs are often higher paying and usually are local or regional runs, so you’d have more home time than some other jobs. This endorsement does require an additional written test. A tanker truck driver needs to be able to adjust to having his cargo constantly moving around if the tank is not full. Dealing with the “surge” caused by the movement of the liquid in the tank while driving takes some practice and skill development. 3. (P) Passenger TransportPassenger transport endorsement is pretty straightforward. It allows a licensed driver to drive a vehicle which carries more than 16 passengers, like a city commuter bus. This endorsement requires an added written and skills test to obtain. These jobs are great for people who want to drive a set schedule and be home every night, or for seeing the country driving for travel companies across country. One thing is certain, you will interact with passengers all day long, so this is not the job for someone who likes being alone. This endorsement is usually required to subsequently obtain the “S” endorsement to drive children in a school bus. Usually these two endorsements go hand-in-hand. 4. (S) School Bus/Passenger TransportSchool bus endorsements are required to drive children in school busses. Like the “P” endorsement just discussed, this also requires an additional written and driving skills test. But for the “S” endorsement, there are also background checks, criminal history checks, physical fitness tests, and they usually require more frequent supplemental training and testing when the school bus rules change. And these drivers should have a little more patience and certainly must be able to tolerate driving boisterous children. 5. (T) Double/TriplesDouble or triple trailers require their own endorsement. The “T” endorsement allows drivers to tow more than one trailer on the back of their truck. This endorsement requires an additional written test as well. The “T” endorsement is especially valuable, as it allows drivers to haul two or even three-times the amount of freight, while driving the same amount of time over the road as with a single trailer. These are often higher-paying trucking jobs, due to the added skills and driving ability the driver needs to have. 6. (X) Tanker and Hazardous MaterialsFinally, the “X” endorsement allows a driver to haul large loads of any type of liquid or gaseous HAZMAT cargo inside of a tanker. Having this “X” endorsement even further separates these drivers and their skill sets. This endorsement requires an additional written test. If a driver has any plans to be in the gas and oil hauling business, an “X” endorsement will certainly be required. 7 Types of Class A RestrictionsJust like obtaining CDL A endorsements lets you legally operate more CMVs, restrictions limit the ones you can operate. The good news is that these restrictions can be lifted once you meet the necessary requirements. Here are the 7 types of CDL A restrictions. 1. (L) Air Brakes RestrictionThis restriction is pretty straightforward. If you didn’t pass the air brakes portion of your CDL test, you’ll get an “L” restriction. This means that you won’t be able to operate any semi-truck that uses air brakes, which could be a problem since the majority of trucks do. The good news is that you can take this test as many times as needed to get that “L” lifted. 2. (Z) Air Brakes RestrictionJust like an “L” restriction, a “Z” prohibits you from driving a truck with air brakes. It just means that instead of failing this portion of the test in a vehicle with air brakes, you passed it in a vehicle with hydraulic brakes. It’s the same process to get this restriction lifted as well; just take the test again in a vehicle with air brakes. 3. (E) Manual Transmission RestrictionThis restriction is placed on a CDL if the driver passed their test but took it in a vehicle with automatic transmission. This isn’t an issue if your current employer uses automatic transmission trucks, but you may want to take your test again in a manual if you plan on moving to a different carrier in the future. 4. (K) Interstate Travel RestrictionThe “K” restriction means that you’re not allowed to travel to other states while driving a CMV. This restriction is placed on drivers who are under 21 as they’re not allowed to haul freight across state lines, although that could be changing soon. 5. (O) Fifth-Wheel Connection RestrictionIf you take your CDL test in a vehicle that doesn’t use a fifth-wheel connection, and instead uses a pintle hook or some other type of connection, you’ll get an “O restriction. How do you get this reversed? You guessed it. Just retake the exam with a truck that has a fifth-wheel connection. 6. (M) Class A Passenger Vehicle RestrictionThe “M” restriction is one of those very unique (and confusing) restrictions that you probably won’t run into during your trucking career. It means that you have your CDL A and can drive all CDL A vehicles but took your “P” or “S” endorsement test in a CDL B vehicle. You can drive all CDL B passenger vehicles (typically buses) but can’t drive any very large bus that falls under the Class A weight limits. 7. (V) Medical Variance RestrictionThe “V” restriction is put on your CDL if you have a medical issue that would somehow impact your ability to drive. These variances could include vision impairment or high blood pressure. Unlike the other restrictions, a “V” doesn’t affect your ability to drive certain types of vehicles. When it comes to CDL A restrictions, the best advice is to take your CDL A test in the appropriate vehicle so you can avoid getting any of these restrictions placed on your CDL in the first place. If you’ve just got a new CDL endorsement or restriction lifted and are looking for a new CDL job, let Drive My Way help you out. Make a free, secure profile below and get matched with your next CDL job. Looking for a new CDL Job?Drive My Way matches you with a job based on your preferences like pay, home time, touch level, and more. The post 13 CDL Class A Endorsements and Restrictions appeared first on Drive My Way. https://ift.tt/a4sp2TG
The saying “everything gets moved on a truck” isn’t much of an exaggeration. Dry goods, farm animals, propane, ready-mix concrete, and just about anything else you can think of gets loaded onto a truck trailer at one point or another. Over time, people have figured out the best way to haul these different kinds of freight, and there are now specializations for each one. Each of these specializations have different CDL requirements and afford different home time for the driver. Here are the 13 main types of truck driver hauls along with the CDL needed for each one. The 3 Types of CDL
Before you get any type of trucking job, you’ll first need a CDL. Here are the three classes of CDL and what you can drive with each. CDL AThis is your standard CDL that lets you drive a semi-truck with a trailer in tow. Here’s the official definition from the FMCSA of what CDL A holders can drive,
This means that anyone with a CDL A can drive a truck with a GVWR greater than 26,000 pounds and a trailer weighing more than 10,000 pounds. CDL A drivers can drive any CMV, including class B and C vehicles, provided they have the appropriate endorsements. CDL BA Class B CDL is a restricted license as you are not allowed to drive large tractors that tow 10,000 pounds or more. This eliminates the ability to drive your standard 53’ trailer. So, what can you drive with a CDL B? Think of dump trucks, delivery trucks, and city buses. Two huge benefits to CDL B jobs are that most positions will be local, and the age requirement is 18 since you won’t be moving freight between state lines. CDL CA Class C is the most unique type of CDL and for good reason. Besides being able to drive a shuttle bus or limo, there’s very little someone can do with a CDL C without the necessary endorsements. Even with those endorsements, most drivers consider it better to just go ahead and get your CDL B or A instead. The 3 Types of Runs
OTR, local, and regional are the three main types of trucking runs you’ll encounter as a driver. Here are the differences between each one. OTROTR stands for “Over the Road”. OTR drivers go all across the country and are usually out for a few weeks at a time. This type of trucking is for someone who really loves the trucker life and doesn’t mind being away from home for long periods of time. Because of the nature of this work, OTR drivers, especially the more experienced ones, tend to make more than regional or local drivers. LocalAs the name suggests, local drivers stay close to home and are usually off on the weekends. A few tradeoffs are that local drivers on average make less than regional or OTR drivers, and the work may be more physically demanding (think delivery and final mile jobs). But if you’re a driver with a family and are looking for steady pay and a set schedule, local jobs are hard to beat. RegionalRegional trucking is the midway point between OTR and local. Regional drivers will run routes across a specified region, usually a few states covering 1,000 miles. This means that regional drivers are home every few days. Just like with local jobs, there’s also a level of predictability with regional work, since you’ll likely have a set route you run. 13 Types of Trucking Hauls
Auto HaulingAuto haulers are some of the most recognizable trucks on the road. As you could guess, auto haulers are responsible for transporting new and remarketed vehicles from manufacturing plants, ports, railheads and auctions to retail dealerships and auction sites. These jobs can be local, regional, or OTR and require a CDL A. Building ProductsBuilding products hauling is often a local position where drivers deliver roofing and other building products to customer’s homes and job sites. This type of work is for drivers who don’t mind splitting time between driving and doing manual labor like unloading and loading building products and working in the warehouse. The good news is that these positions are usually local and only require a CDL B. Concert TruckingConcert truckers haul stage and lighting equipment, instruments, and anything else needed for concerts and shows. Drivers will go on tour with bands or acts for a few months at a time to support an entire tour or a leg of it. Concert trucking jobs pay very well, and you build a level of camaraderie with other drivers you’re on tour with, but they’re definitely not for someone who needs a lot of home time. Dry VanDry Van trucking is what you think about when you hear “semi-truck”. Dry van truckers haul a 53’ trailer filled with pallets or loose cargo. “Dry Van” can also mean a straight truck or PUP trailers, though that’s not what we usually think of with Dry Van. These jobs are usually OTR or Regional and require a CDL A. Final MileFinal mile is any time that all-important last step of the logistics chain is completed, when the product goes from the warehouse to the customer’s front door. Final mile drivers can drive anything from a straight truck down to a sprinter van. This means that to drive for some carriers, you won’t even need a CDL, and at most will need a CDL B. The biggest benefits to final mile driving are the home time and consistent shifts, since these positions are typically local. The downside is that final mile driving is fast-paced, with a lot being expected of these drivers. FlatbedFlatbed drivers are some of the most in-demand drivers in the trucking industry today. Why? Flatbed driving is a highly skilled position that not every trucker can do. Many times, these drivers carry oversized loads and need to know how to secure them properly and how to drive very carefully to avoid mishaps or accidents. Because of this, flatbed jobs tend to pay better than most CDL jobs. These positions are typically reserved for CDL A drivers but can be local, regional, or OTR. HazmatHazmat drivers haul any type of hazardous materials from one place to another. A hazardous material is anything that could harm a person, animal, or the environment when it mixes with other things like air, fire, water, or other chemicals. Because of this, these drivers need to have a special endorsement before they can start hauling hazmat. Like flatbed driving, hazmat jobs are in-demand right now, so it’s a great time to get your endorsement. These jobs can be local, regional, or OTR and typically require a CDL A. LivestockLivestock hauling is defined as hauling any freight that’s alive. While we usually think of cows, pigs, and chickens, livestock hauling encompasses everything from horses to bees. With livestock hauling positions, there’s more to it than just the driving. Drivers must completely sanitize trailers after every load, or they could infect the livestock in their next load. All this extra work does pay off though. Livestock hauling is considered a specialty position, so drivers are well compensated for their work. Livestock hauling can be local, regional, or OTR and typically requires a CDL A. Ready MixReady mix drivers work with concrete and spend most of their days outside. The main job of a ready mix driver is to deliver concrete or cement to a job site. In most cases, drivers will be responsible for loading and unloading, so this is a labor-intensive job, but don’t let that scare you away. Ready mix jobs typically pay well. This is particularly true considering that many positions are local and only ask for a CDL B license. One drawback is that this line of work is highly seasonal and dependent on weather. ReeferRefrigerated (or reefer) drivers haul a specialized trailer that keeps cargo at a certain temperature, like frozen food, produce, and medicine. Reefer jobs can be CDL B, but typically require a CDL A. They can also be local, regional, or OTR. TankerTanker drivers haul gasses or liquids. These positions are seen as more dangerous and skilled than your average CDL position, so the pay reflects that. If you’re driving a tanker, there’s a good chance you’ll be hauling hazmat, so it’s a good idea to get your necessary endorsements before looking into this kind of work. Tanker drivers are needed for all sorts of runs, so as long as you have your CDL A and the necessary endorsements and experience, you’ll be able to find local, regional, and OTR work as a tanker driver. Team DrivingTeam driving is when two drivers share a cab and driving duties. Some special types of hauling require team drivers, usually when cargo is time sensitive or very valuable. But team drivers are more common with owner operators. Many times, a husband-and-wife team will be partners on the road, each taking a share of the driving. The biggest advantage of team driving is that you’re able to cover much more ground than you would as a solo driver, since team drivers can switch off between driving and sleeping. Just make sure you get along with your co-pilot, otherwise team driving can be more of a headache than it’s worth. Most team driving positions will be for CDL A drivers running OTR or regional. Waste ManagementWaste Management truck driver jobs can be a great fit for new and experienced drivers alike. They’re also good for drivers who like to stay on the move throughout the day. One thing to keep in mind is that these jobs require a lot of physical labor. Waste management jobs are typically local and only require a CDL B. Interested in any of these positions? Drive My Way has hundreds of open CDL positions with industry leading carriers in many of these categories. Make a free, secure profile below and find your next CDL job. Looking for a new CDL Job?Drive My Way matches you with a job based on your preferences like pay, home time, touch level, and more.
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