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Professional truck drivers have many diverse career options. For example, they can become a regional or over-the-road driver. They can also choose between dry or refrigerated freight. One path that has become increasingly popular in recent years is the owner-operator or O/O role. An O/O is an individual who owns and operates their own trucking business. Some lease onto a motor carrier while others work under their own authority. There are currently 350,000 to 400,000 owner-operators in the United States, according to the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association. However, a report by TheStreet suggests that the country was short 60,000 drivers…

Many truck drivers and other transportation professionals experience frequent soreness, tightness, and pain caused by hours behind the wheel. While this might not seem like a serious problem, lack of blood flow can cause major health problems down the line. Luckily, with a few simple stretches, you can keep yourself healthy and comfortable on the road.  5 Stretches for Truck Drivers to Increase Blood Flow and Mobility 1. Neck Rotations Driving for hours on end leaves many people with a stiff neck, which can lead to back pain, sleep problems, and distracted driving. Work out the tension in your neck…

If you’ve been a truck driver for a few years already, you may be looking to branch out, broaden your skillset, and make yourself more marketable. The most common way to do this is by obtaining certifications for your CDL. Hazmat and passenger certifications are popular, but more and more drivers are also getting their tanker endorsement. This brief guide outlines the details of this endorsement to help you decide if it’s the right option for you. A Truck Driver’s Guide to Tanker Endorsements What Is a Tanker Endorsement? A tanker endorsement is a certification a trucker driver can earn…

Truck drivers across the country have been driving trucks with manual transmissions for years and years. But with newer cars phasing out manuals, few new drivers have experience with anything but automatic transmissions, and the industry could be on the verge of a major change. There are advantages to both transmission types, and ultimately the decision comes down to what’s best for the individual driver and the fleet. Here’s a brief breakdown of the differences to help you understand what best suits your needs.  What a New Truck Driver Needs to Know About Transmissions Manual For decades, manual transmissions have…

Over the years, individual states have been in charge of mandating the requirements for local CDL training programs, while the federal government chose not to make any rulings on the matter. This all changed in February of 2022 when the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) instituted the Entry-Level Driving Training program to standardize training and safety procedures across the country. This action may be a good thing in the long run, as it will streamline the CDL training process, but in the meantime, it has left a lot of aspiring drivers unsure of what step to take next. This…