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.