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: