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23
Mar
How Do Truck Weigh Scales Work?
Truck weigh stations are something you were probably already aware of long before deciding to become a professional truck driver. You see them all the time along the freeways of California. Whether you are just starting your schooling at America Truck Driving School or are a seasoned long hauler, it is good to know why weigh stations exist and how truck weigh scales work. (more…)
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11
Mar
A Truck Driver’s Complete Packing List for the Road
Life on the road as a commercial truck driver can be demanding. You want to make the journey as comfortable as possible and you want to make sure your job gets done right. Before any long haul, it’s a good idea to have your packing checklist ready so you can have everything you need along the way. (more…)
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15
Feb
Are You a Veteran? Consider Becoming a CDL Truck Driver.
If you’re a veteran looking for a new career path, life as a commercial truck driver to be the perfect fit. Many veterans are ideal candidates to earn their commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and pursue careers in trucking. The values instilled in the military apply directly to professional truck driving. Whether you drove trucks or heavy machinery during your service, you may be perfectly suited to get behind the wheel of a big rig.
Here are some of the traits that are often behind a great truck driver: (more…)
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08
Feb
Taking Your DOT Physical Exam? Here’s What You Can Expect
In addition to completing driver training and earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL), you will also be required to pass a Department of Training (DOT) physical exam before becoming a professional truck driver.
The DOT performs this exam to make sure you meet the basic physical and mental health standards it takes to handle this job. Any recent or ongoing medical conditions or surgeries will be reviewed along with several other tests, as listed below. When you pass, you will be issued an official medical card. Like your CDL, it will need to be renewed from time to time.
America Truck Driving School has put together some of the standardized tests you can expect as part of your DOT physical exam: (more…)
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21
Jan
Feeling Sleepy on the Road? Here’s How to Catch More Z’s
Ask any long-haul truck driver about driver fatigue, and you’ve probably heard them tell you about their battle with it behind the wheel. Some try to load up on caffeine, while others blast their music. Regardless of how it’s dealt with, drowsy driving is a big issue and any mistake can be extremely dangerous, if not deadly.
Feeling overly tired while driving is generally a result of not getting enough sleep and many new truck drivers struggle to catch the appropriate amount of sleep on the road. America Truck Driving School has put together a few tips to help you get more sleep and make sure you’re awake and alert on the road: (more…)
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