Nov 11, 2018

Life after the military: Top reasons why veterans should consider truck driving

In honor of Veteran’s Day, we want to take a moment and thank those of you who have served our country in the military. You are the men and women who have made many sacrifices for our freedom and we are so grateful for your service. We know that transitioning to civilian careers isn’t always easy and we are especially thankful to those veterans who have chosen trucking as their next step.

If you’re a military veteran starting on a new career path, you might be surprised to learn that many of the skills you learned in the military transition over to the trucking industry seamlessly. Here are some of the top reasons why you should consider a truck driving career as a military veteran:

Quick transition. Once you decide to embark on a career in trucking, it won’t take long before you’re able to get behind the wheel of a truck. Programs at many truck driving schools can be completed in only a few months.

Get credit for your military driving experience. If you already have a CDL from your time in the military, many companies will factor in your driving experience to give you a higher starting pay rate. For veterans with military driving experience without a CDL, you may be eligible for FMCSA’s military skills test waiver. This program allows veterans with two years of military driving experience to waive the skills test portion of the CDL test.

Your G.I. Bill matters. G.I. Bill benefits can help you pay for driving school. It may also provide you with payments as you go through company training.

Job security. The trucking industry has a significant shortage of drivers. There are many driving opportunities available – all you have to do is choose a company that’s a good fit for you.

It’s a chance to see the country. If your job in the military gave you the opportunity to travel the world, a job in trucking will allow you to continue exploring new places. Many drivers get into trucking because they want the opportunity to visit different places across the United States.

Steady pay and great benefits. A trucking job with a reliable company will provide you with a consistent paycheck and an array of benefits, such as health insurance options, retirement planning, paid vacation and bonus pay opportunities.

Quality home time available. Truck drivers are known for being away from home for extended periods of time. While this is often true, particularly for over-the-road drivers, you’ll find that many carriers offer several home time options. Some companies can get you home every weekend while others offer regional routes to get you home even more frequently.

You already have what it takes. Teamwork. Leadership. Self-discipline. Situational awareness. All of these characteristics are ones you’ve built during your military career and they’re the same qualities that make the best drivers in the trucking industry.

As you can see, there are several reasons why many military veterans have chosen truck driving as a second career. Good luck on your journey and we hope to see you out on the road!

From farm to table, truck drivers make Thanksgiving possible

Nov 21, 2018

Diabetes Awareness Month: Preventing or managing diabetes on the road Diabetes is on the rise in the United States. According to the CDC, over 30 million Americans were living with diabetes as of 2015, with that number steadily growing each year. In trucking, there’s a 50 percent higher occurrence of type 2 diabetes than the national average. Since November is Diabetes Awareness Month, we wanted to take a moment and talk about a disease that is so prevalent in our industry and affects many of our loyal readers and customers. [p]We get that it can be hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle as a long-haul driver because of the amount of time you spend on the road and the sedentary nature of the job. However, it’s important to know how to prevent or live with diabetes as a trucker so that you’re able to do this job you love for as long as you can. [p]Diabetes prevention [p]If you’re at risk of a diabetes diagnosis or are interested in taking steps toward optimal health, there are several things you can do: <ul> <li>Exercise regularly</li> <li>Cut out sugary beverages</li> <li>Drink plenty of water - at least half your body weight in ounces each day</li> <li>Maintain a healthy weight</li> <li>Practice intuitive eating based on hunger and not boredom</li> <li>Get enough sleep</li> <li>Follow a sound nutrition plan</li> <li>Prepare meals at home for the road to avoid fast food.</li> <li>Pack healthier snacks for between mealtimes, such as fruit, nuts and vegetables.</li> <li>See your health care provider regularly</li> </ul> Managing life as a trucker with diabetes [p]Living with diabetes as a truck driver can be difficult, but it’s possible to enjoy a successful driving career as a diabetic. Here are some tips for managing your diabetes on the road: <ul> <li>Use a packing list when you’re ready to get back on the road. This ensures that you have all medications, testing supplies and other essentials you might need for the entire trip. Trucking can take you into some remote areas, so it’s important that your truck is stocked for any situation.</li> <li>If you’re a team driver, make sure your partner knows what to do in an emergency and how to watch for signs of low blood sugar.</li> <li>Take your medication as prescribed by your doctor and test your blood sugar regularly.</li> <li>Don’t skip meals. Maintain a meal and snack routine so that your body gets what it needs throughout the day.</li> <li>Make healthy food choices when you’re on the road. Drink plenty of water and limit liquids that are high in sugar. Eat lots of raw and steamed vegetables and lean meats.</li> <li>Make a meal plan ahead of time so you’re not grabbing for something unhealthy in a bind.</li> <li>Get moving. Fit in exercise whenever you can, such as a short workout routine in the morning before you get on the road, walking a couple laps around your truck at rest areas.</li> <li>Wear a medical bracelet. This helps emergency professionals know what you need in the event of an emergency if you are unable to tell them yourself.</li> <li>Find a trucking company that has a health program in place to help you learn about your diabetes diagnosis, set health goals and to provide you with additional support.</li> </ul> Coping with diabetes [p]A diabetes diagnosis is serious and can certainly be more challenging as a professional driver, but it doesn’t have to mean the end of your career. It is important to remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Connect with other drivers who are also living with this disease to lean on one another for advice and support. Surround yourself with doctors and health professionals who are committed to helping you achieve your goals. Think about your long-term health, particularly the areas that may be affected by diabetes later on, such as your kidney function, eye care and blood pressure. Put yourself first and listen to your body to know what you need. It’s not being selfish - it’s making sure that you can be the best version of you. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Most importantly, remember that diabetes doesn’t define who you are. [p]Are you a driver living with diabetes? What tips do you want to share with other drivers?

Nov 08, 2018

Get ready for National Hunting and Fishing Day [p]A driver’s time off the road is invaluable. Whether you spend that time relaxing at home or working on your favorite hobby, it’s important to find something you enjoy doing to recharge. Many drivers enjoy spending their off time hunting and fishing. Maybe you love the quiet and solitude of the hunt or the rush of adrenaline you get when you snag the “big one”. National Hunting and Fishing Day, which is always celebrated the fourth Saturday of September, is the perfect time to get outdoors in the name of conservation. You can also take the NHF Day Challenge by taking someone with you and showing them what you love about hunting, fishing or target shooting. [p]If this is your first year participating, here are some tips for a successful NHF Day: [p]Hunting <ul> <li>Brush up on your shooting skills ahead of time at a range nearby.</li> <li>Review firearm safety rules as well as laws and regulations in your state. If you’ve never been hunting before, take a hunter safety course.</li> <li>Buy a hunting license.</li> <li>Plan and research the area you intend to hunt. For some of the best hunting spots near you, check out the interactive map at nhfday.org (<a href="https://www.nssf.org/hunting/where-to-hunt/">https://www.nssf.org/hunting/where-to-hunt/</a>).</li> <li>Learn more about the game animal or bird you intend to hunt. Get to know their habits and how to track them.</li> </ul> [p]Fishing <ul> <li>Decide what kind of fish you want to catch and what kind of bait you’ll need.</li> <li>Research lakes nearby that have fishing potential. This interactive map (https://www.takemefishing.org/where-to-fish-and-boat/#/) not only helps you locate bodies of water near you, but it also tells you what species of fish you may be able to catch.</li> <li>Buy a fishing license.</li> <li>Check the weather. Although you can catch fish in nearly any kind of weather conditions, an overcast sky is ideal.</li> <li>Make sure your equipment is in good, working condition, dress in thin layers and wear appropriate foot gear.</li> <li>If you’re fishing from a boat, don’t forget to pack your life jacket.</li> </ul> [p]Are you planning to take advantage of NHF Day? Let us know where you plan to spend the day and whether you’re #teamhunt or #teamfish.

Sep 21, 2018