Life in the Truck Driver's Seat: Tony's Story

He isn't what most people would consider the stereotypical truck driver. Sure, he listens to country music and enjoys being out on the open road, but that's pretty much where the stereotype ends.

A former bodybuilder and self-described gym rat, Tony was looking for a career that would allow him to increase his earning potential while still being able to enjoy time with his 5, yes, FIVE boys. His goal was to eventually go from working for a company to become an owner-operator, which is what he does now. He doesn't recommend getting into it right away, though. More on that later.

So how did a bodybuilder get into trucking? Well, much like Brian, it became somewhat of a family business. Tony's older brother was already a professional truck driver, and the lifestyle appealed to him. He had previously been working in sales, but did not like the uncertainty of his paycheck, since it was totally based off commission earned. Since he has five children, he felt much more comfortable knowing how much (or at least the minimum) he would be bringing in each month.

SWTDT 2015 Trucking Wrap Up

2015 has been a wonderful year for SWTDT. Before we look ahead into what's in store for our company in 2016, we would like to stop and reflect on the blessings this year has brought.

First and foremost, we are thankful for our students. Without you, we would not exist. We would like to thank our graduates for their contribution to the trucking industry, and the U.S. economy as whole. We have been able to see more students than ever earn their CDL, and start great careers, as a direct result of attending our training.

BIG ANNOUNCEMENT: SWTDT Breaks Ground on New CDL Training Location!

Center (blue shirt): Travis Williams Director of Veterans Affairs. To his right: Sean A. Williams President of Southwest Truck Driver Training Inc. Also pictured: Sun State Builders, Winton Architects, and members of the development team

Soon, Southwest Truck Driver Training will have a brand-new campus to serve you! On December 17, 2015, we celebrated our new location with a groundbreaking. Our new, state-of-the-art CDL training facility will be located at 2323 S. 51st Avenue in Phoenix. 

This is part of SWTDTs continued effort to provide students with the best instructors and training resources available. Many thanks to Sun State Builders, Winton Architects, and members of our development team for helping us to make this happen. Stay tuned as we post updates and more details in the coming months!

2016 Trucking Industry Outlook and Projections

If you're wondering how the future trucking job market will look for you, the new CDL holder, we can confidently tell you that it looks very bright! 

Industry leaders echo our sentiments: “The outlook for all modes of freight transportation remains bright,” said ATA Chief Economist Bob Costello in releasing U.S. Freight Transportation Forecast to 2026. “Continued population growth, expansion of the energy sector and foreign trade will boost trucking.”

Life in the [Truck] Driver's Seat: Brian's Story of 20+ Years OTR

We at SWTDT are trying out a new topic series entitled Life in the [Truck] Driver's Seat, which will give people a firsthand perspective on the ins and outs of a trucker's life. Because professional truck drivers often lead very private, solitary lives, we believe this series will serve two purposes:

1. It will allow students and prospective truckers to have a more tangible vision of what their lives will be like once they get behind the wheel. 
2. It will help the general population to better appreciate the important, and oftentimes difficult and thankless, role that truck drivers play in keeping our country running.

Below is Brian's story. He's a long haul trucker and father of 6 based out of Florida. We hope you enjoy his look into the world of trucking as much as we did!

Brian

Trucking Career Advice From SWTDT's Job Placement Expert

Are you looking to enroll as a CDL student at Southwest Truck Driver Training, but haven't yet checked to see if anything might preclude you from becoming a professional truck driver? Fortunately for you, Kristi Ullery, our Job Placement expert at SWTDT Phoenix has all the answers you've been looking for. Ullery is an 8-month veteran of SWTDT, and she has been a great addition to the company! Since getting her start at our company, Kristi has already helped dozens of students find great full-time jobs after graduation.

Since her background is in HR, Kristi already had a good understanding of what employers in general are looking for in new hires. She is now able to give prospective students invaluable advice, specific to the trucking industry, when it comes to getting hired. Below, Kristi answers some common general questions related to job placement (for more specific questions related to your situation, contact us at 602-352-0704).

Holidays on the Road: 5 Holiday Tips for Truckers and their Families

Many people work during the holiday season but, unlike truckers, most of these people have a negligible commute. For truckers, their job IS their commute. Truck drivers often have to travel far distances, which creates the very real possibility that they will be unable to make it home in time for a holiday celebration. While this isn't and ideal situation for any family, there are definitely ways to make the most of the time you do have with your trucking loved one, and create special memories and traditions that are all your own. Here are a few tips to get through the holidays when you're a part of the trucker tribe:

5 Compelling Reasons Why YOU, the College Student, Should Get Your Commercial Driver's License

If your dream career has nothing to do with being a professional truck driver, why would you even consider it? Here's why: it will pay for the schooling of your "dream" career. 'You are telling me that I should go to CDL training school, just to put myself through another school?' Yeah. Allow us to explain...

The average job for a typical college student pays about 8 bucks an hour, without benefits. Even at full time, that's barely enough to cover rent and food, much less books and tuition. Truck driving, however, has an average starting pay of about $17/hour, plus benefits if you're working full time. 

Haunted Highways in America

All ghosts and goblins 

and creatures of night

Who welcome the call 

of Halloween fright

Must join us and read 

this menacing thread

On the gravest of nights 

filled with horror and dread...

We all know many of the traditional campfire stories that get passed around every Halloween: redrum, bloody Mary, etc... But there are many stories you haven't heard. Spending many long and endless hours on the road, truckers more than anyone know about the supernatural, haunted, paranormal activities that take place on America's highways, and Halloween is the perfect time to reveal these ghostly sightings and eerie happenings.

A Must-Read for Every Trucker: How to get restful sleep in your truck

There are few things more important to the health and safety of a professional truck driver, and his responsibilities on the road, than getting adequate rest. This is especially true when you're a long haul trucker. Among all the uncertainties of life on the road, one thing is for certain; you absolutely must find a way to get restful sleep in your truck. Getting adequate rest is vital not only for safety on the road but also to maintain good health, especially with the health and safety regulations that are in place for truckers.

Sleeping in a truck can quite a challenge, especially for the newbie trucker who has not learned all the tricks of making a bunk feel like home. Some common reasons why sleep is not possible in trucks could be due to noise, light, smell, health issues, inadequate bedding, and an uncomfortable atmosphere.

On the highway, skilled truckers can save lives; learn from the best

At SWTDT, we can talk all day about our awesome truck wraps, friendly staff, and how great our instructors are. However, we also need to give our students and prospective students a reminder of why it is important to get the best, most attentive training, available to you. 

Did you know that our instructors have millions of accident-free miles under their belts? 

Did you know that, when necessary, we will take the extra time help you advance in a particular area that you're struggling with?

5 Things You Must Do While Encountering a Tire Blowout

Now that you know what can cause semi truck tire blowouts (see: 4 Causes of Truck Tire Blowouts) and how mitigate the risk of one, below are some tips on what to do when one does happen to you.

The first thing you can do to safely navigate through a tire blowout is to always be mentally prepared for one to happen. Being prepared will make you less likely to panic when the situation arises, and could even save your life. When panic sets in, you're more likely to make mistakes and do things you might not normally do. Mental preparedness can make you feel more calm and in control of the situation, and more likely to remember the right way to handle things.

4 Causes of Truck Tire Blowouts You Need to Know About

Tire blowouts are quite common while driving a truck that has 18 wheels, and it can cause panic even in the most experienced of semi truck drivers. Because a blowout results in an actual explosion of the tire, rather than just a flattening, the way the rig will react is often unpredictable.

While some blowouts aren't preventable, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the risk of this happening to you. Here are some things you can do, based on four main causes of tractor trailer blowouts:

Poor maintenance is one cause of semi truck tire blowouts that is entirely preventable by you. By making sure that you're keeping up with the regular maintenance of your truck, and that it continues to meet safety requirements, you're keeping yourself and drivers around you safer.

American Patriotism in the Trucking Community

Patriotism runs deep in the veins of American truckers, and this community has a long history of honoring the heroes of our nation: our men and women who serve and have served in the military.

One major hurdle members of the military face after leaving the armed forces is finding a job, especially in today's economy. Jobs are scarce, but this is one area where truckers have a played a major role in helping many veterans to better their lives.

The Evolution of the Semi-Truck Part 3: John C. Endebrock

In Part 1 of our three-part series on how the semi-truck came to be, we introduced you to the Winton Motor Carriage Company. In Part 2, the Fruehauf Trailer Corporation was brought into the mix. Today, we will dive into the history of a visionary of the industry, John C. Endebrock.

Endebrock started from the ground level at Sechler & Company- a company that produced all types of horse-drawn carriages, started by a man named Daniel M. Sechler. After the company's formation in 1879, it became the number one producer of all styles of horse drawn vehicles, and eventually became the export leader in auto carriages in America. Sechler & Co. shipped products as far as South Africa, and was a major player in the larger European markets.

The Truck Wrap Trend: How Truck Wraps are Created

Over the last decade, the use of truck wraps has been more widely used as a creative way to advertise businesses of all types. Whereas in the past, companies may have featured their business name, and maybe a logo, on their vehicles, this is now the lesser of the two options. Truck wraps, and the dynamic collage of images they usually display, is a fun way of getting a potential customer's attention in any type of business.

Why Semi-Truck Drivers Should Consider Team Driving

With any new profession, it's difficult to enter into it feeling completely alone. In trucking, you don't just feel alone, you are alone. This means that if you need on-the-road advice or mentoring, there aren't many ways to readily have access to it. Even for an experienced driver, this can be difficult. It is for this, and many other reasons, that we recommend you take a look at team driving as an option for after you graduate from SWTDT and earn your CDL. 

The Evolution of the Semi-Truck, Part 2: Fruehauf Trailer Corporation

In our first post discussing the evolution of the semi truck, we talked about Alexander Winton and the Winton Motor Carriage Company. Today we will talk about the Fruehauf Trailer Corporation came to be.

The Odds Are in Your Favor With SWTDT Las Vegas

When you think of Vegas, you may think about the lights, the shows, and the sound of slot machines jingling wherever you go. More often than not, natives and tourists alike will gamble away the money they brought with them, giving meaning to the phrase, "What happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas." People head to The Strip, hoping to win big. Little do they know that if they just kept traveling north for about 15 more minutes, they would have a lot more luck.

There is a little place, away from The Strip and all the noise, that you can come to turn your money into an investment, and that place is Southwest Truck Driver Training. Here, we will give you the tools you need to be a proficient, professional, truck driver. Earning your CDL is not a temporary gamble with your money, but instead a permanent solution to solving money problems that will pay off for the rest of your life.

The Evolution of the Semi-Truck, Part 1: Winton Motor Carriage Company

When looking into the history and evolution of the semi-truck, or tractor-trailer, credit must be given to more than one individual. There were many who contributed to the creation of the various big rigs we use today. One such person is Alexander Winton.

Alexander Winton was a Scottish immigrant and bicycle shop owner living in Cleveland, when he started Winton Motor Carriage Company in 1897. In 1898, Winton sold 22 of his automobiles to various customers throughout America. At this time, he needed to figure out a better way to distribute the motor cars to his customers, without causing any wear and tear on the product. This was when he came up with the concept of what became the very first tractor trailer, which became then-known as an "automobile hauler".

It was such a success that Winton began making these for his own use, as well as manufacturing them for distribution. His very first semi trailer had an engine on the back, of which the platform (flatbed) sat on top. It was only able to haul one automobile at a time, and the car was wheeled onto the platform using a retractable ramp. The modern-day RGN (removable gooseneck) flatbed trailers use the same basic concept as this original "automobile hauler".

Up Next: Detroit businessmen create the semi-trailer.

You Need a Job, America Needs Truck Drivers

In America, we take for granted the fact that the things we need are readily available. Food is on your grocer's shelves, your trash gets picked up on Tuesdays, and it's rare for a restaurant to run out of an ingredient. Having just about anything we want right at our fingertips at nearly all hours of the day is like breathing: we don't give a second thought to how it got there or who brought it. It's there, and that's all we care about.

Trucking Industry Outlook, Careers in Trucking Offer Bright Futures

Are you getting tired of earning barely above minimum wage, with no benefits to speak of, and zero potential for growth? Maybe it's time to think about getting your commercial driver's license and becoming a professional truck driver. 

If you're wondering whether or not it's a smart move to get into the trucking business, recent numbers and trends all point towards a resounding, "Yes!!" Can you imagine how it would feel to never have to worry about whether you'll ever be out of a job? You don't have to imagine it anymore, because with the economy improving, the demand for truckers is going up. In addition, the industry is already experiencing a shortage of drivers. We believe this is because potential drivers simply don't know about the benefits that being a truck driver has to offer. 

Getting your CDL is an investment that pays off right away

How to Pay for Truck Driving School with the GI Bill, Grants, Scholarships, or Payment Plans

By making the decision to attend truck driver training school and earn your CDL, you have just made an important and life-changing decision to expand your horizons, and your paycheck. If you're like many students who attend Southwest Truck Driver Training, or one of the numerous other CDL training schools around the nation, you're probably thinking that you just don't have the cash to pay for school outright. Don't use money as an excuse to put off getting your career going, anymore! There are so many options available to students looking to obtain training and improve their lives through education that perhaps you didn't even know about. Whether you're able to get the entire cost of your CDL schooling covered through scholarships, or you find a payment plan that works for you, attending truck driving school provides great returns on this small investment of your time and money. Below we will go over the most common means by which we assist our students in obtaining funds.

Meet the Team: Southwest Truck Driver Training, Tucson Campus

Do you have kids or friends that are heading back to school this August, and has it gotten you thinking about doing the same thing? Earning your CDL is an excellent option because the training does not take long, and the return on your investment in truck driver training is very high. Maybe you know all of this, but you're still not ready to dive in. For those of you who like to start by dipping your toes in the water, let us put you at ease by introducing you to our awesome Tucson team and campus. 

How to Earn Your CDL in Nevada in 6 Steps

Are you a resident of Nevada and entertaining the idea of studying for your CDL? Every year, thousands of men and women go through truck driver training programs across the United States, earning their commercial driver's license to start their careers as professional truck drivers. While the specifics of obtaining a CDL can vary slightly between states, just like a regular driver's license, it is good in every state. Great! So how exactly do you go about getting a CDL in Nevada? Keep reading to find out!

5 Steps to Earning Your CDL in Arizona

Every year, thousands of men and women go through truck driver training programs across the United States, earning their commercial driver's license to start their careers as professional truck drivers. While the specifics of obtaining a CDL can vary slightly between states, just like a regular driver's license, it is good in every state. Great! So how exactly do you go about getting a CDL in Arizona? Keep reading to find out!

7 Questions to Ask a Truck Driver Training School Before Enrolling

So, you're thinking about starting a career as a professional truck driver. You've probably searched the Internet to find out how to go about doing just that, and now you're at the point where you're deciding which truck driver training school is best for you. At first glance it may seem that, from the outside, they are all pretty much the same. However, if you're sure to pay close attention and ask the right questions, you'll quickly come to learn the differences. If you ask these 7 questions, you'll be able to separate the good from the bad.

Everything You Need to Know About the DOT Physical and CDL Medical Card

Any driver on the road takes their life, as well as the lives of drivers around them, into their hands. This is especially true for professional truck drivers who, at a minimum, can cause monetary losses for the company they're driving and delivering for, should a health-related delay or accident occur... And of course a worst-case scenario being a loss of life. For this reason, you are required by the Department of Transportation in most states to obtain a CDL Medical Card before you can receive your CDL learner's permit. This card is given after you "pass" a DOT Physical, given by an approved DOT Medical Examiner. The DOT medical exam has the following minimum requirements for medical clearance to hold a CDL in non-exempted situations:

• 20/40 correctable vision in each eye
• Diabetes, if controlled through diet, may be approved. Diabetics requiring needle-injected insulin is more likely to be a disqualification from being an interstate driver, but some states do have Insulin-Dependent Intrastate Waivers.
• Hearing: a) Must first perceive forced whispered voice > 5 ft., with or without hearing aid, or b) average hearing loss in better ear < 40 dB
• Blood Pressure:
• 140/90 or below, for a 24-month certificate
• 140-159/90-99, for a 12-month certificate
• 160-179/100-109, for a 3-month temporary certificate
• Anything higher than the above will disqualify you from receiving your DOT CDL medical card.
• Blood sugar must be under 200.
• Use of narcotics will not be approved
• Heart disease or other heart issues may require an additional doctor's note.

The following may affect the outcome of a DOT CDL physical:

• Sleep Apnea
• Recent back injury
• Recent major surgery
• Current hernia

For more detailed requirements, view the form: Medical Examination Report FOR COMMERCIAL DRIVER FITNESS DETERMINATION

Most medical certificates are valid for 2 years, unless you have a medical condition that requires more frequent monitoring. If you are working on your CDL with Southwest Truck Driver Training, the following links provide CDL medical card information specific to the states of Arizona and Nevada:

ADOT CDL Medical Certification
DMVNV Do I need a medical certificate?
DMVNV Requirements for Medical Certification

Keep in mind that although you may not be required by some states to have a DOT Medical Card prior to validating your CDL, many employers will still require you to have a medical exam before you can get behind the wheel. It is probably best to just get the medical exam out of the way, no matter what your state requires, so you can get to work right away.

More information:

FMCSA CDL Medical
State-by-State Instructions for Submitting Medical Certificates to the State Driver Licensing Agencies

In Celebration of July 4th, 2015: Southwest Truck Driver Training's Veteran Truck Wrap

If you've been following us on Facebook or Twitter lately, you have seen photos of our recent truck wrap designed with veterans in mind. We feel that the photos of this incredible work of art need to be collected all in one place, and what better time to do so than right before this 4th of July weekend! Given the nature of the designs, pulling them together now is a great way to reflect on what makes America special: the men and women serving in uniform who work so hard to sustain our freedoms. We hope you take a few extra minutes this weekend to enjoy these images and get in the spirit of the holiday. Happy Independence Day!!

Getting Your CDL Endorsements: HazMat, Tanker, and Doubles and Triples

Have you already received your commercial driver's license, and are now looking for ways to broaden your job opportunities while also increasing your earning potential? The best way to do this is by having endorsements. These may be earned after you complete the requirements to obtain your CDL. Truckers who have been in the field for a while will tell you that you might as well get all of your endorsements up front. The cost is minimal to take each exam, and your ROI is very good, even if you only end up using one of them. Plus, you never know what roadblocks might appear years later. You might say now that you would never want to have to transport hazardous materials, or navigate the road with two trailers in tow, but there may be times when one of these loads is available and you need the work, but are passed up for the job just because you weren't properly certified.

At Southwest Truck Driver Training, we can help you obtain your HazMat, Tanker, and Doubles and Triples endorsements at the Arizona and Nevada campuses. Each endorsement exam is optional, and does cost extra ($86.50 / test). In addition, the background check for the HazMat endorsement will cost anywhere from $80 - $110. General information towards each endorsement is covered in class. Should you decide to take one or all of these additional exams, we do have study guides that are more specific to each test.

How OTR Truckers Successfully Maintain Relationships Long Distance

If you are a trucker (or a trucker's loved one), you know the sting of having to spend a holiday apart. While a holiday like the 4th of July may not be as tough to get through as Christmas, it still isn't easy to mark off those dates alone. If you're creative, however, you can still find ways to feel connected over holidays, as well as any regular day, enough to where you feel as though you are right there with your favorite people. Thanks to modern technology, we are fortunate enough to have many different options for keeping in touch with those who matter.

Top Blogs and Forums that Truckers Love

Being a trucker is a unique but often lone-wolf occupation. Some days you may feel like Rambo, trying to navigate your way through your route, defeating all the obstacles that come up along the way. Believe it or not, there are lots of people just like you who can relate, and a few of them are sharing their stories along the way. There are also forums available that allow fellow truckers to ask each other questions, rant about traffic, and rave about restaurants or truck stops on their routes. We have scoured the internet and found some of the great forums and blogs that we think you'll find entertaining and useful. So next time you're stuck waiting on a load, you won't lack for something to do.

How to Safely Share the Road with a Semi Truck

Just as big rigs are a staple of our nation's economy, they are also a staple of its roads. It is difficult to avoid sharing highways, freeways, and even city streets with them, since their contents are what keep businesses stocked with the things we need. It may help to keep the latter in mind next time you get stuck behind one. Lots of space, and patience, are key to safely maneuvering the road with an 18-wheeler around.

Trucking Industry, Professional Truck Drivers Imperative to U.S. Economy

Have you ever heard the phrase, "If you bought it, a trucker brought it"? Well, what happens when a trucker is delayed, or can't move the product at all? This is what the trucking industry, and and every industry it touches, faces when inclement weather prevents truckers from making their deliveries.

Your New Career as a Trucker: What to Expect the First Year

It's like being a freshman all over again. As a newbie trucker on the CB airwaves, a bunch of old veteran truckers may or may not have the patience for doe-eyed green-eared drivers like you. While it may seem a little nerve-wracking navigating heavy traffic or coming up on the radio for the first time, hopefully we can quash some of your fears about making your first run.

Your New Career as a Trucker: What to Take on the Road

Sure, you've taken road trips before, but chances are you've never lived on the road before obtaining your CDL. While there are many comforts of home that you may be able to live without on a short road trip, you may find it more difficult to live without certain things if you're on the road more than you're home. And even if you're a regional or locally-based trucker who is home more often than those with over the road positions, there are still things you'll want to have in your kit of essentials. We have searched the various websites and compiled a list of the most common items truckers need to have when they're out on the road for weeks at a time. Even if you're a locally-based driver, there are still certain essentials that you'll want to keep in your arsenal. We have bolded the ones we feel fit that bill.

Trucking Community to Honor Fallen Soldiers on Memorial Day

Memorial Day, which falls on May 25th this year, became a federal holiday in 1971. It was enacted by Congress in order to honor men and women who died while serving in our nation's military. Across the U.S., people celebrate Memorial Day in different ways, from barbecues to parades. There are many ways the trucking community celebrates Memorial Day and honors fallen soldiers as well. 

One company, TQL, each year donates a portion of every load they arrange throughout a certain week in May (this year it's May 11 - 17) to an organization called the Yellow Ribbon Support Center. This foundation was started by the parents of fallen soldier, Matt Maupin, after he was captured in Iraq. This fundraising campaign, now called Hauls for Heroes, contributes to Yellow Ribbon Support Center and has raised more than $72,000 since 2009. Learn more here.

Trucking companies have other creative ways of honoring our fallen heroes. Last year, Volvo and Mack honored fallen soldiers for Memorial Day by designing custom trucks, and then having these trucks participate in a Memorial Day rally that started at their respective locations in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, and ended at the Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C. You can view these incredible truck wraps here.

Professional Driver was on GIjobs.com's 2015 list of Top 20 Hot Jobs for Veterans, specifically big rigs. This industry heavily caters to veterans, especially since the passing of the Military Commercial Driver's License Act of 2012, which allows veterans to pursue trucking jobs straight out of the service. The law allows active duty military personnel to obtain a CDL in either the state where they serve or received their military training, regardless of whether it is their state of permanent residence. It also allows CDLs to be issued to active duty military personnel. Needless to say, honoring fallen soldiers is very important to the people who work in the trucking industry. After all, many of them are veterans, and even personally knew someone who lost their life in the line of duty. 

Before we go, we want to mention that we at SWTDT also want to serve those who have served, which is why we created www.swtdtveterans.com. As Memorial Day approaches, we honor and remember these fallen heroes. Our hearts and thoughts are also with the families of these men and women, and we express our gratitude.

How will you honor these men and women this Memorial Day?

Tips for Truckers: How to Stay Fit While On the Road

The list of pros of being a trucker is long: you get paid to take in the beauty of our vast nation, there's no boring office environment, etc. One downside to being a professional truck driver, however, is the potential risk to your health, if you aren't making a conscious effort to take care of yourself. According to a 2014 survey done by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 69% of long-haul truckers are obese. In addition, a Gallup-Healthways analysis found that transport workers have the highest risk for chronic health problems of any other occupational group. We at SWTDT want our graduates to not only move on to long and happy careers, but also to have healthy lives. We feel that the latter is key in achieving the former. Below we have outlined some of the best nutrition and fitness tips that are relevant to the trucker lifestyle, but these can also be applied to anyone who travels for work. 

While this health advice was provided to us by an experienced certified personal trainer and weight management specialist, it is not intended to serve as medical advice. As always, consult with your doctor before starting any new diet or fitness routine. 

Start on Your Road to Success, with Southwest Truck Driver Training

The argument for starting a career as a truck driver is a pretty easy one to make. The trucking industry is expected to grow by 11% through the year 2022, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In addition, the U.S. is experiencing a shortage of professional truck drivers. This adds up to job security for current professional truck drivers, and basically ensures that newly-licensed CDL holders will find employment very quickly after trucking school. Then, once you're on the road, you'll find that you very much enjoy the feeling of having more control over your time, vs. the typical job where a boss is looking over your shoulder most of the day. So yeah, the argument for why you should begin a career in tucking pretty much makes itself. You'll find that the same goes for why you should choose Southwest Truck Driver Training as your CDL training academy.

What Should a Trucker Do When... Pulled Over by a Cop?

**Disclaimer: We want to begin by saying that, while there is some great advice
to be considered here, this is in no way legal advice, and should not be taken as such.**

Whether in a personal or professional capacity, we are all bound to get pulled over by a cop at some point. The best thing you can do as a trucker is to prepare for when, not if, you get pulled over in your 18-wheeler. This way, when it does happen, you won't be caught off-guard.

Ok, let's start at the beginning. You just checked on with dispatch, and you're headed on your merry way down I-10, when you see the familiar red and blue lights flickering in your rearview mirror. You safely pull off to the side of the road and the officer approaches. Cue scene...

What it means to be a Professional Truck Driver

At SWTDT, we love our CDL students and graduates. What we don't love, or think is fair, is the negative image that many non-truckers often have of truck drivers in general.

When you get CDL training from us, you not only learn how to safely drive and maneuver an 18-wheeler, but you also learn how to be a professional. We do this not only because it makes you more marketable and approachable to trucking companies, but it also aids in removing the negative stereotype that many hold towards truckers.

Below, we have outlined a few of the tips that we like to teach our students for how to conduct oneself professionally as a driver.

5 of the Best Truck Stops in the Western United States

Once you graduate from SWTDT with your CDL and hit the road, it may take you a while to figure out which places you like to stop most on your route, so we decided to help you out. Below is a list of some of the most popular truck stops in the Western United States.

© avamarie / Dollar Photo Club

Alamo Petro Travel Center

Located off of I-15 in north Las Vegas, the Alamo Casino and Petro Stopping Center makes work feel like play, thanks to its on-site casino.  Other services include:

• 24-hour restaurant
• Dunkin' Donuts
• Travel store
• Business and mail services
• Driver's lounge
• Laundry
• Showers
• Fitness room
• TV room
• Wi-fi
• 24-hour emergency road service
• Semi-truck fueling, service, repair and lighted parking

Tucson Truck Terminal

Located in Tucson, AZ off of I-10, Triple T is the ultimate, classic trucker hub. Still independently-owned, this truck stop gives an old-school feel with its diner's decor and menu, but also has all the amenities the modern-day professional driver needs, including:

• 24-hour restaurant, which was featured on Food Network as the #2 truck stop in the country.
• Motel
• Free Wi-fi
• Business and mailing services
• Gift shop
• Convenience store
• Beauty and Barber shop
• CB Shop
• Truck Shop
• Truck and RV wash
• Truck services, repair, fueling, and parking

Johnson's Corner Truck Stop

Johnson's Corner is located on I-25, just south of Loveland, CO, and has been open 24/7 since 1952. If you're looking for an old-fashioned truck stop with a great nostalgic feel, this is it. This stop is known for its world-famous cinnamon rolls (which you can even order online!) and friendly hospitality. Their goal is give truckers a home away from home. Some other professional truck driver amenities include:

• Laundry facilities
• Shower facilities
• Overnight parking
• Handicapped trucker parking
• On-site physicals
• Convenience store
• Chapel
• Banquet and conference room
• 24-hour restaurant
• Gift shop
• Free wi-fi
• Truck accessory and supply shop
• TV lounge
• Business services

Little America Flagstaff

If you didn't know better, you wouldn't even think that Little America was a truck stop. Located in Flagstaff, AZ, it is known for its annual Christmas-themed "North Pole Experience," where families travel from all over to take their kids on a tour of Santa's workshop. However, Little America also has fantastic amenities for the professional driver. Those amenities include:

• Private shower facilities complete with granite countertops and over-sized tubs
• 24-hour Travel Center
• 24-hour convenience store with all the supplies you might need and want
• Semi-truck parking, fueling, and service
• Scales
• Driver lounge
• Laundry facilities
• Wi-fi
• Special room rates for drivers with valid CDL
• Business services and mail center
• Restaurant

Jubitz Travel Center

Jubitz is celebrating 60 years of serving the professional driver. We chose this stop because of the wide variety of amenities that are located on its sprawling location, just off of I-5, in Portland, OR. It was also named "World's Classiest Truck Stop" by the Fox Travel Channel. On its sprawling acreage, Jubitz has:

• Inn (deluxe and economy rooms)
• 24-hour restaurant
• Shoe repair shop
• Barber shop
• Post office
• Insurance agency
• Chiropractor
• Live music
• Dance lessons
• Arcade
• Pool tables
• Video poker and slot machines
• Movie theater
• Plenty of truck parking
• Truck fueling, service, repairs, and tires

© il-fede / Dollar Photo Club

Have you been to any of these truck stops? Do you have anything to add? Let us know in the comments section!

Tips for Truckers: Last-Minute Tax-Related Stress Management

Are you a truck driver that hasn't yet found time to do your taxes, because your hands have been too busy steering the wheel to fill out forms? Maybe you haven't even been home long enough to sit down and think about getting them done. Instead of letting your stress go into overdrive, keep reading to find out how to survive tax season as a trucker.