Most people don’t think about how department and grocery stores keep their shelves stocked with the necessities of everyday life. But if it wasn’t for men and women working in the trucking industry and spending long hours on the road transporting food, clothes, and other merchandise important to sustaining the normal operation of people’s existence, we wouldn’t have these things so readily available. Truckers and their freight carriers have been hard at work providing people with items we take for granted since the early 1900′s and without them, we would probably be paying more for these items on which we have come to depend.

Truck Driving Terms

The truck driving industry is more than just driving a “big rig” across country. There are many different freight carriers and goods which they transport that are referred to by different types of terms, such as:

• dry van–freights that contain non-perishable goods and are transported over highways

• reefer drivers–these drivers haul frozen goods in refrigerated trucks

• bullrack drivers–livestock is carried either locally or regionally in a double-deck trailer

• dry bulk pneumatic–transportation of bulk cement, sand or salt in specialized freights which permit utilization of pressurized air to aid in unloading the product

• tanker drivers–also known as “tanker yankers”, these drivers carry diesel fuel, gasoline, crude oil and other liquids. Tanker drivers possess unique driving skills because liquid tends to move unpredictably and may cause imbalances in the freight weight.

Not an Easy Job

Besides sitting a truck cab for long hours at a time driving endless miles of highways, being away from home all week and eating at fast food places, a truck driver’s weekly paycheck is based on how many miles they drive rather than a regular salary. This means that when a trucker is waiting for his freight carrier to be loaded or unloaded, which sometimes takes several hours, they are not being paid. Typically, a driver earns approximately 19 cents to 45 cents a mile but this depends on the company they work for and what they are transporting. While most truck drivers make well over $400 a week, this does not account for personal expenditures while on the road, as well as time spent away from family.

So the next time you go shopping for food or some new clothes, remember to thank a trucker and all the hard work they put into getting those good to you and your family.

Technology has experienced tremendous growth in the past 30 years but the trucking industry still remains a major aspect of the American business landscape. Because trucking companies need to be properly insured or order to protect their investments, they should be completely aware of the ins and outs of auto insurance for truckers. Many insurance agencies offer commercial trucking insurance for any size business which utilizes trucks or other vehicles in the daily operation of their company. Some smaller, independent business owners may only need personal vehicle insurance but in other cases, extra commercial insurance for trucks is suggested.

Reasons Behind Obtaining Auto Insurance for Truckers

Individuals who drive classes of vehicles considered to be trucks for a specific company may need to be insured by specific types of auto insurance for truckers. Certain companies may use trucks to transport people, which will necessitate purchasing commercial auto insurance with at least liability coverage. Liability coverage should also include the items are routinely transported by the truck in the form of cargo insurance. Equipment/tool insurance provides protection against any loss or damage of tools used inside or on the vehicle during working hours. In addition, agencies offer crime insurance coverage which will compensate you even if it is a burglary committed by an employee. Also, in the event that some trucks are being repaired, a rental reimbursement insurance policy will permit you to rent another truck or car for a certain period of time.

Medical Payments Insurance

Because truckers spend so much time driving, the need for some type of medical payments insurance is imperative and could keep a business from going bankrupt in some circumstances. Also referred to as MedPay, this insurance will take care of medical expenditures for the driver and passengers in the vehicle who are injured in an accident. This also protects the driver and the business regardless of whose is to blame for the accident. Some states enforce medical payments insurance by making it mandatory, while others do not offer it at all. You will have to choose a limit for your medical coverage, which will set the maximum amount the agency will pay for each individual riding in the vehicle at the time of the accident.

Since states differ in their requirements for auto insurance for truckers and the companies for which they drive, it is best to consult with a professional agent in order to discuss the details of auto insurance for truckers.

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Going to trucking school is an important investment if you want to be a professional truck driver. Choosing the right trucking school can make all the difference in the companies that hire you, whether or not you are an independent trucker or one that works for another company, and how much money you will essentially make due to a portion of your income used to pay yourself back for the cost of the school. There may also be other factors that go into your choice as well – including the location of the school, its credentials and the people who teach there as well as the students. The following five factors are important to consider when choosing a trucking school:

Factors to Consider

• Know the requirements for obtaining a CDL in your state, and make sure the school you will attend meets these requirements.

• Think about how you want to learn. Some schools focus more on observation, whereas others allow more behind-the-wheel, one-on-one instruction.

• Choosing a school that has a job placement program is especially useful for pointing you in the right direction after graduation. Find out if the school has one and ask about how successful it is. Most schools can provide information on the percentage of the graduates working in the field.

• Ask about a school’s accreditation also. Find out whether or not it is accredited through the Department of Education and/or certified through the Professional Truck Driver Institute.

• Consider the cost and financing of the school, including hidden fees. Remember, it’s not just the classes you will have to pay for – you also need to obtain a permit, insurance, get a drug screen, perhaps a physical exam as well and learn supplies, such as generic 108r00607. You should also check to see how long the program is.

Narrowing Down Your Options

Once you have found a few schools that you’re interested in, it may be helpful to visit them and take a tour around the campus. The more up-to-date the equipment and trucks are in the school, the better prepared you will be to handle technology changes in the future. You can also meet the instructors and see whether or not you feel comfortable asking questions and get a feel for their teaching abilities. Choosing a school is the most important part of beginning your career – so take your time, do your research and choose it well.