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June

The NSTS Team

2022-06-07

Adapting to a new career on the road can be a challenge. You'll have to learn a lot not only about your new job but also about your new way of life on the road. We've compiled a list of essential accessories that experienced truck drivers never leave home without!

<p>Adapting to a new career on the road can be a challenge. You'll have to learn a lot not only about your new job but also about your new way of life on the road. We've compiled a list of essential accessories that experienced truck drivers never leave home without! Each item will make your trips more enjoyable overall. Our recommended essential accessories fall into 3 categories: safety, health, and comfort. Take a look and see if your truck has everything you need!</p><h2>Your health is in your hand</h2><ul><li>USB heating pad:</li></ul><p>A heating pad can be a great help for your muscles. Sitting for long periods of time can make your muscles stiff. A heating pad can help relax your muscles before you go to bed, or before you drive home, to make the most of the time you spend not driving.</p><ul><li>First Aid Kit:</li></ul><p>You can never be without a bandage when you need one so badly. Bandages and ointments are great supplies to help prevent discomfort and infections. Make sure you have everything you need to treat minor cuts and sprains while traveling.</p><ul><li>Painkillers:</li></ul><p>It's wise to take aspirin or Tylenol with you on your trip. You don't want to be stuck on the road with a headache and a lack of any refills.</p><h2>Safety First</h2><ul><li>Leather Gloves: You never know when you'll need to check a tire or trailer. Be prepared with a set of industrial leather gloves that will protect your hands and keep you ready.</li><li>Flashlight: A bright flashlight will help you find items in the cab faster. This accessory will also help you stay safe during unexpected stops at night, whether on the road or at a truck stop.</li><li>Reflective Vest: You can never be too safe! A reflective vest can save your life while refueling, unloading, or loading. Wear the vest during unexpected stops on busy roads, so passing cars can see you.</li></ul><h2>Your comfort</h2><ul><li>Paper Towels/Napkins: Paper towels are simple items that are always needed. You can use them to wipe up spilled liquids. It is inevitable that liquids will be spilled in the booth and possibly on you! Keep paper towels handy and be prepared.</li><li>Air freshener: If you're on the road, the cab may smell like your recent food. An air freshener spray will clear the air to keep the cabin fresh.</li><li>Modern Pillow: You'll be thankful you invested in a high-end pillow when you sleep on the road. Pillow technology has come a long way. There are now cooling pillows, memory foam pillows, and even heated pillows. You can find the one that works best for you and helps you get a better night's sleep.</li><li>Seating cushion or back support: Sitting for most of the day can take a toll on your spine. Invest in an extra seat cushion or back support pillow to improve your posture while sitting. This simple thing can save you many future visits to the doctor.</li></ul><p>Proper preparation makes the difference between beginners and champions in this business: the fewer steps you have to make, the better. Before you hit the road, be sure to think about what else can keep you comfortable, safe, and healthy on the road.</p><p>And to learn even more of the cool stuff that truck drivers use, you only need one thing. That's to enroll in our NSTS school as soon as possible. Our experience knows no bounds, and the number of tricks you can't count!</p>

May

The NSTS Team

2022-05-31

To prepare for a career as a truck driver, it's important to understand the kind of work you're signing up for. While truck driving jobs can be very rewarding, they also require a lot of work to make sure you are ready to hit the road. A great way to get started is to familiarize yourself with the general duties of a truck driver.

<h2>What do you need to become a trucker?</h2><p>To prepare for a career as a truck driver, it's important to understand the kind of work you're signing up for. While truck driving jobs can be very rewarding, they also require a lot of work to make sure you are ready to hit the road. A great way to get started is to familiarize yourself with the general duties of a truck driver. Below we list some of those responsibilities. If you see yourself as a truck driver, check out our step-by-step guide on how to get your career started!</p><h2>Truck Driver Responsibilities</h2><p>As a truck driver, your primary responsibility is to keep yourself and others safe on the road. To achieve this goal, you must check your truck and its load frequently. In addition, you must pay attention to and obey the rules of the road. A professional truck driver is also expected to drive for long periods of time. The travel time will depend on the specific job you choose, but there are many options to explore to find the right one for you.</p><h2>How to Become a Truck Driver?</h2><p>If you think trucking might be for you, we've created an easy guide to help you get started. By following these steps, you'll quickly be on your way to a new career!</p><h2>Step 1: Fit All Requirements</h2><p>First, to begin a career in the trucking industry, you must understand the age requirements of your particular state. You must be at least 21 years old to cross state lines. However, you can get a CDL at the age of 18. If you choose this route, know that you'll have to find a job at a local motor pool before you're 21. You must also have a valid driver's license and be a U.S. citizen. If you meet these conditions, you're ready to work!</p><h2>Step 2: Complete a Truck Driving Program</h2><p>The next step is to find the right truck driving training program for you. Starting in February 2022, trucking schools must meet entry-level driver training requirements in order to be licensed to teach. You can find a certified training school on the FMCSA website. If you are not trained at an FMCSA-certified school, you will not be able to pass your CDL driver's license exam. Courses are offered across the country to help you get the education you need to advance your career as a trucker. It's important that the training is a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on learning so that you get the information you need for the job. These programs vary in length, but many can be completed in just a few weeks.</p><h2>Step 3: Pass the Department of Transportation Physical Exam</h2><p>Another important step is to get a physical examination by an FMCSA-certified medical examiner. Along with the physical exam, the Department of Transportation requires all truck drivers to submit medical records and fill out appropriate paperwork, so they can evaluate your health. If you use contacts, glasses, hearing aids, or are taking any medications, you will have to provide those as well.</p><h2>Step 4: Search for Truck Driving Job Opportunities</h2><p>Once you've completed your truck driving training and earned your CDL, it's time to start looking for a job! As the trucking industry evolves, there are many exciting opportunities in front of you. At NSTS, we offer our students employment assistance to get them started in the trucking industry. We can help you strengthen your resume, fill out applications, and network with employers. By accompanying you through this process, we will help you have a career you can be proud of.</p><h2>Step 5: Get on the Road!</h2><p>Once you get a job as a trucker, you're ready to go! Take care of your safety and focus on the road and take all your training with you. Don't forget all the hard work that got you there! Gain experience and keep working.</p><h2>How New Sound Trucking School can Help</h2><p>At New Sound Trucking School, we offer Class A CDL, Class B CDL training programs. Our high-quality, ELDT-certified curriculum, taught by our experienced staff, will equip you with the skills you need to succeed in the trucking industry. You'll get hands-on experience that you can apply directly to your new job. If you're worried about the cost of tuition, learn about our various tuition assistance programs! Take the first step to an exciting new career with New Sound Trucking School!</p>

May

The NSTS Team

2022-05-20

Most companies require their truck drivers to have a high school diploma or equivalent. All long-haul truck drivers must have a commercial driver's license (CDL). Qualification requirements for a CDL vary by state but usually include passing a knowledge test and a driving test.

<h2>How to Become a Truck Driver?</h2><p>Most companies require their truck drivers to have a high school diploma or equivalent. All long-haul truck drivers must have a commercial driver's license (CDL). Qualification requirements for a CDL vary by state but usually include passing a knowledge test and a driving test.</p><p>Drivers can obtain supplements to their CDL to prove their ability to drive specialized types of vehicles. Drivers of hazardous materials trucks (HAZMAT) must have a Hazardous Materials Driver's License (H).</p><p>Many prospective drivers attend professional truck driving schools, where they take training classes to learn how to drive large vehicles on the highway or on crowded streets. During these classes, drivers also learn the federal laws and regulations governing interstate truck driving.</p><h2>What does a Truck Driver do?</h2><p>Truck drivers transport goods from one place to another. Most truck-trailer drivers are long-haul drivers and drive trucks that total more than 26,000 pounds of cars, passengers, and cargo.Some truck drivers have one or two routes on which they drive regularly, and other drivers drive many ways across the country. In addition, some drivers have routes that include Mexico or Canada.Some long-haul truck drivers, also called owner-operators, buy or lease trucks and go into business for themselves.</p><h2>Strict requirements for truck drivers:</h2><p>Many people think that truck driving is an easy job. And the only reason people become drivers is that they lack talent. It's quite the opposite. The job of a trucker requires a lot of effort, which is why there are such strict requirements for drivers. This is one of the reasons why there is currently a shortage of drivers in the industry.</p><ul><li>Physical</li></ul><p>Driving requires multitasking, which requires alertness. To be alert, you need to be in good physical shape. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration requires all drivers to pass a DOT medical examination before obtaining a commercial driver's license. During the physical examination, a doctor checks general health and every body system, marking it as normal or abnormal. This includes checking your urine, blood pressure, eyes, and hearing. At the end of the examination, you get one of three answers - you are allowed to drive for two years, you may be allowed to drive but with periodic monitoring, or you may be denied the right to drive a truck because you do not meet health standards.</p><ul><li>Psychological stability</li></ul><p>After that, candidates undergo psychological tests that test their mental fitness for the job. Truck drivers must be patient and flexible. They can be on the road for ten hours a day, many days in a row. They may not see their family for months. It takes mental strength and adaptability. Also, unlike a regular office job, they won't be surrounded by people on the road. Drivers need to feel comfortable alone and not let loneliness overwhelm them.</p><ul><li>Mechanical knowledge</li></ul><p>Last, but not least - knowledge of mechanics. Truck drivers should have a basic understanding of the truck's engine and mechanics, so they can fix minor problems, such as changing a light bulb. In most cases, drivers don't have a manager or supervisor they can ask for advice in the event of a breakdown. They have to be on their own and find a solution on their own. The more a truck driver knows about mechanics, the better for him and his package.</p><p>These may seem like common requirements, but they are only the most basic of necessities. It's funny when you think about the fact that a huge part of the economy depends on people with these characteristics. And it has become a problem. According to various reports, the industry is currently short 50,000 to 90,000 drivers. However, according to the American Trucking Association, there will be a shortage of 175,000 truck drivers in the United States by 2026. And that shortage of drivers is already causing order delays and making goods more expensive as trucking rates rise.</p><p>If, after all, you still dream of jumping into your truck and rushing to wherever the customer tells you, then you are exactly the right person for us!Our New Sound Trucking School will properly prepare you for the challenges of being a real truck driver!</p>

May

The NSTS Team

2022-05-16

Professional truck drivers are a vital part of America's economy. Not only do they transport our necessary, everyday goods, but they also complete the supply chain. The shortage of drivers in the industry has been an issue for a long time, and recent events have only made it harder for delivery companies to get the job done.

<h2>How can you take advantage of increased driver pay?</h2><p>Professional truck drivers are a vital part of America's economy. Not only do they transport our necessary, everyday goods, but they also complete the supply chain. The shortage of drivers in the industry has been an issue for a long time, and recent events have only made it harder for delivery companies to get the job done. As a result, many carriers are using this time to offer drivers record salaries and incentives to attract new drivers to the profession.</p><h2>Truck Driver Salary Overview</h2><p>According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for a professional driver in 2005 was $35,000. At that time, there were 1.625 million working truck drivers in the country. The American Trucking Association also reported that there was a shortage of truck drivers for the first time in 2005. The driver shortage disappeared after the Great Recession of 2008 when trucking volume declined and slowly began to reappear in 2011. Since then, the driver shortage has grown steadily, with the number of shortages reaching more than 60,000 in 2019. Meanwhile, the median wage has only increased by $12,400.</p><h2>Future and Salary of Drivers</h2><p>Numerous driver shortages have forced carriers to rethink their recruitment efforts. One recruitment measure that has shown positive results is increasing driver compensation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 10 percent of professional drivers earned more than $69,480 in 2020. Along with this high pay, many carriers offer additional incentives, including sign-up bonuses and local routes to get drivers home every day. The government also passed a law lowering the age of obtaining a CDL to 18, hoping to increase the number of new drivers.</p><h2>NSTS Wants You to Take Home this Increased Salary</h2><p>NEW SOUND TRUCKING SCHOOL can help you begin this new career in as little as four weeks! Our Class A CDL Training Program utilizes a balance of classroom instruction and hands-on, behind-the-wheel training. Our graduates have completed their training with their CDL and were offered job opportunities with our employment partners through our job placement assistance program. We also provide multiple tuition assistance programs to help ease the stress of beginning a new career. Let us help you earn a salary payout of up to $70,000 as soon as possible! Fill out the form on this page, or call us at 253-210-0505 to reserve your spot in our next class!</p>

May

The NSTS Team

2022-05-06

Please, check our previous article if you did not read it yet.

<p>Please, check our previous article if you did not read it yet.</p><ul><li>Fact #11: Semi Trucks Can Cost Up To $200,000</li></ul><p>All the engineering and power which go into making a great semi truck doesn’t come cheap. Not many people can afford to buy a semi to work as a freelance trucker, which is why so many people who work in the trucking industry are signed up to work for logistics companies.Brand new big rigs will cost a minimum of around $80,000 but can be much more expensive, up to $200,000 for the top-of-the-range trucks.And that doesn’t even take into consideration the often prohibitively high cost of insurance for truck drivers and the high fuel costs involved in operating an 18-wheeler.</p><ul><li>Fact #12: Truck Driving Is One Of The Most Dangerous Jobs</li></ul><p>Driving commercial trucks isn’t just expensive if you decide to go down the freelance route, it is also one of the most dangerous professions out there, regardless of whether the driver is working for themselves or for a larger company. In 2017, 852 truckers lost their lives in road accidents while they were at work. It isn’t just the risk of serious injury from collisions which threaten the health of truckers, their sedentary lifestyle and tendency to eat junk food means that they are also more likely to be obese, and suffer from diabetes, heart disease, and other serious diseases.</p><ul><li>Fact #13: Takes Two Football Fields For A Semi To Come To A Stop</li></ul><p>Heavy vehicles aren’t just tricky to handle, they also carry a great deal of forward momentum which makes coming to a sudden halt difficult and dangerous, even with the mandatory ABS brakes rule.A fully-loaded semi truck, weighing in at 80,000 pounds, and traveling at 65mph will take 525 feet to come to a complete stop – that’s the equivalent of the length of two football fields, and twice the distance it takes cars to come to a halt.Drivers should remember that next time they are driving near a semi truck on the highway or interstate, and make sure that they give truckers the room that they need to stop safely.</p><ul><li>Fact #14: Semi Trucks Are Fitted With Speed Limiters</li></ul><p>As well as ABS brakes being mandatory on trucks built after 1997, many 18-wheelers are also fitted with speed limiters, which makes it impossible for the drivers to go over the speed limit, even accidentally.These speed limiters are mandatory on trucks in Europe, but are not yet enforced across the US.The domestic trucking industry is in favor of using these limiters, which would stop commercial vehicles going over 65mph, as they have been proven to help keep their drivers and other road users safe, and ensure that truckers don’t get into trouble with the law for speeding.</p><ul><li>Fact #15: Only 6% Of Truckers Are Women</li></ul><p>A lot of professions which were traditionally dominated by men are becoming more gender-balanced, but trucking isn’t one of them. Of the 3.5 million truckers working in the US, just 6% of them are women, and this has only increased by 1.5% in the last 15 years. There’s no physical reason why women can’t become truckers – they are perfectly capable of managing even the largest 18-wheelers – and yet the trucking industry is having trouble persuading more women that driving semi trucks is the right career for them. Trucking is a well-paying job, but women still don’t like being away from home for days or weeks at a time.</p><ul><li>Fact #16: Many Semi Drivers Also Live In Their Trucks</li></ul><p>The US is a big country, even bigger when you take cross-border journeys to Canada and Mexico into consideration. Driving a truck from the east coast to the west coast could take several days, and drivers need to make sure their journey is as efficient as possible. That means sleeping only when they are legally required to, and keep moving the rest of the time. The best way to save time when it comes to resting up is to sleep in your vehicle at truck stops up and down the country. Modern trucks can actually be quite luxurious, with proper beds, kitchenettes, and even a small bathroom.</p><ul><li>Fact #17: Why Are They Called Semi Trucks?</li></ul><p>Considering that semi trucks are so big – up to 61 ft in length for some larger models – “semi” doesn’t seem a very appropriate name for them.Not many people know where the name semi truck comes from, and even some truckers don’t know from where the term actually originates.The name "semi truck" actually comes from the type of trailers these trucks tow all over the country, which are semi-trailers in the sense that they only have wheels at one end, and need to rest on the chassis of the cab unit at the other end before the truck can get underway.</p><ul><li>Fact #18: Semi Trucks Require Special Driving Skills</li></ul><p>Many motorists are under the impression that driving a semi truck is just like driving their regular car, only on a larger scale. While there are similarities – both cars and trucks have steering wheels, brakes, and transmission sticks – there are too many differences to allow motorists without the proper training to just jump into the driving seat and start towing loads all over the US. Before you can start work as a trucker, you need to undergo proper training, both in the classroom and behind the wheel with an instructor in tow, and then pass a driving test to get your hands on a commercial driver's license.</p><ul><li>Fact #19: Responsible For Transporting The Majority Of Goods In US</li></ul><p>To some people, the idea of transporting goods by semi truck probably seems old-fashioned. A very 20th century way of doing things in this era of electric vehicles and self-driving cars. And yet the logistics industry has simply not been able to find an alternative to semi trucks which works as well or as efficiently. In 2017, trucks transported nearly 70% of domestic freight, as well as the majority of imports from both Canada and Mexico. Truck freight amounted to an impressive $676.2 billion in 2016, with semi trucks and other commercial vehicles transporting a whopping 10 billion tons of freight that year.</p><ul><li>Fact #20: Semi Trucks Are Gas Guzzlers</li></ul><p>We may still rely on semi trucks to get goods from A to B, but in some respects, these valuable vehicles are a little out of date.In an era when more and more consumers are turning to hybrids and even electric cars for their own vehicles, semi trucks have continued to unapologetically guzzle gas.Semi trucks run on diesel, which is at least a little better for the environment than gasoline, but their fuel economy figures would make an environmentalist weep. Big rigs make up just 7% of the vehicles on America’s highways, and yet they consume 25% of the country’s oil.</p><p>Our students' first step toward becoming professional truck drivers is to enroll in a high-quality truck driving school. You will develop skills and learn the techniques needed to become a safe, competent, and productive commercial truck driver with NSTS. Making a new career option in this competitive employment market is a life-changing experience for the majority of people who take the plunge.</p><p>Join Us Immediately! For additional information about acquiring your CDL, call our Admissions Department at 253-210-0505.</p>

April

The NSTS Team

2022-04-27

When it comes to what people know about semi-trucks and the lifestyles of the truckers who drive them, most people have got the bulk of their information from the movies. However, films are not always exactly true to life and give viewers a rather inaccurate idea of what life on the big rigs is all about.

<p>Check out the list below for some surprising facts that most people don't know about semi-trucks.When it comes to what people know about semi-trucks and the lifestyles of the truckers who drive them, most people have got the bulk of their information from the movies. However, films are not always exactly true to life and give viewers a rather inaccurate idea of what life on the big rigs is all about.</p><p>If you want to know amazing and intriguing facts about semi-trucks, try talking to a trucker - or check out the list below. These are truly impressive pieces of equipment, capable of covering huge distances over a long career on the road. Not only that, but many serve as temporary homes for their drivers, who may spend days or even weeks away from home.</p><p>And if you've never thought about trucks before, now is a good time to think about how different your life would be without their national and even international distribution network, bringing food and other goods from the other side of the country to your local store. Without trucks, our grocery store shelves would be empty!</p><ul><li>Fact #1: The Engine Can Last For One A Million Miles</li></ul><p>Most cars can drive an average of about 200,000 miles before they need serious maintenance on the engine and other parts. For most drivers, this is equivalent to about 11 years of driving. For truckers, however, 200,000 miles will be covered in just a couple of years, so truck engines are designed to be stronger and more durable and last much longer. In fact, the engines in the new semi-trucks can last up to a million miles, which is a serious number for the truckers who work on these 18-wheelers.</p><ul><li>Fact #2: Semi Trucks Have Up To 18 Gears</li></ul><p>As we've heard before, there are some significant differences between driving a passenger car and a semi-truck, even if the basic engineering is the same. Perhaps the biggest difference is in the transmission. While most cars in the U.S. have automatic transmissions, semi-trucks have manuals, and some large models can have up to 18 gears. It can take a lot of practice to get used to operating all these different gears, especially since some trucks have more than one lever, and to learn to understand when it is best to use each gear offered.</p><ul><li>Fact #3: Semis Were Initially Created To Transport Cars</li></ul><p>In the early days of semi-trucks, no one saw their potential for transporting goods around the country. Those first truck cabs were designed to transport cars from the manufacturing plant to the dealership or local garage, and only later did some bright spark realize that other loads could be transported in exactly the same way. Modern car carriers still use the same truck cab, but they are now capable of transporting many more cars at a time, all of them apparently precariously balanced on a specially designed trailer section.</p><ul><li>Fact #4: Most Trucks Registered In Three States</li></ul><p>Semi-trucks travel long distances during their journey, traveling from coast to coast and from border to border. Therefore, we can expect these trucks to be registered all over the country, since there is no one place where they logically begin their journey. And yet, the vast majority of U.S. semi-trucks are registered in just three states: Florida, California, and Texas. In 2015, more than 14 million trucks were registered in California, while nearly 13 million were registered in Texas and 7.7 million in Florida.</p><ul><li>Fact #5: Semi Trucks Drive 140 Billion Miles Each Year</li></ul><p>As you can see from the number of trucks registered in just three states, there are plenty of 18-wheelers driving on American highways and interstates, as well as in our cities and towns. In fact, in 2015, there were 140 million trucks registered in states across the country, each making weekly long-distance trips. Thus, trucks travel a huge number of miles each year: 140 billion miles, to be exact. It has been estimated that the U.S. semi-truck fleet travels an average of 140 billion miles annually on domestic trucking alone.</p><ul><li>Fact #6: Each Semi Drives An Average Of 45,000 Miles Peach Year</li></ul><p>But how many of those 140 billion miles does each trucker drive himself? The U.S. trucking workforce is thought to consist of about 3.5 million drivers (although this figure does not include all the mechanics who keep the trucks in good condition and the valuable administrative staff who keep the loads moving. So 3.5 million drivers and 140 billion miles driven means that each truck driver drives an average of 45,000 miles per year. Some, of course, drive well over 45,000 miles, depending on which routes they choose, while others may prefer to stay closer to home.</p><ul><li>Fact #7: Average Weight Of A Semi Truck</li></ul><p>Not only are semi-trucks much longer than regular cars, but they are also much heavier. In fact, the average weight of a loaded semi-truck is 80,000 pounds. However, some commercial vehicles can be much heavier, including semi-trucks used for trucking in South Dakota. There are no weight limits on out-of-state roads in the state, which means companies can attach as many trailers as they want to their trucks as long as they have the proper license. These South Dakota mega-trucks can weigh up to 170,000 pounds.</p><ul><li>Fact #8: Top Selling Semi Brand Is Freightliner</li></ul><p>Several companies produce semi-trucks for sale in the U.S. domestic market and export overseas, but the sales leaders are the trucks produced by Freightliner.This company is a division of Daimler Trucks North America, which bought Freightliner in the 1980s.However, the history of Freightliner goes back long before the deal with Daimler: the first trucks were developed back in the 1930s, but large-scale production did not start until the 1960s. In 2015, Freightliner Trucks held 37.5% of the semi-truck market, well ahead of second-best-selling Peterbilt, which had a mere 15.9% share.</p><ul><li>Fact #9: Anti-Lock Brakes Have Been Required Since 1997</li></ul><p>In recent decades, the trucking industry has seen many changes to improve the safety of semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles. One of the most significant changes came in 1995, when the Department of Transportation announced new regulations making anti-lock braking systems mandatory for trucks built after March 31, 2017. ABS brakes made trucks much safer for drivers and other road users because they could help prevent rollovers if truck drivers had to brake sharply. The industry initially opposed the measure because of the extra cost, but now such safety changes are widely accepted by drivers and supervisors alike.</p><ul><li>Fact #10: First Semi Truck Created In 1898</li></ul><p>Semi-trucks have a longer history than most people think: they date back to 1898. The invention of the semi-truck belongs to Alexander Winton of Cleveland, Ohio. He was a car manufacturer and wanted to find a way to transport his cars to new owners without subjecting them to wear and tear along the way. Eventually, Winton began manufacturing these semi-trucks/vehicle transporters to sell to other automakers. This first semi-truck was not much like today's big trucks: first, the semi had only two wheels, not 18 wheels like today's trailers.</p><p>Read about the other 10 facts in our next blog article…</p>

April

The NSTS Team

2022-04-13

You may ask why we are so confident of this? It's because consumer demand is expected to return to normal in 2022, which will increase the need for trucking jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 231,100 trucking jobs in 2022.

<h2>Why should you become a trucker as soon as possible?</h2><p>You may ask why we are so confident of this? It's because consumer demand is expected to return to normal in 2022, which will increase the need for trucking jobs. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 231,100 trucking jobs in 2022. That's what makes 2022 the perfect year to start a new career in the trucking industry. Don't you think so?</p><h2>A Rise in Trucking Demand</h2><p>According to the American Trucking Association, as supply chains return to normal, the amount of freight transported will increase by 22%. This will lead to a 66% increase in trucking industry revenues. Drivers can expect to benefit from this increase as rates paid for work increase per load. In addition, many trucking companies are offering fringe benefits such as sign-up bonuses and tuition reimbursement programs.</p><h2>Your Truck Driving Career In 2022</h2><p>The truck driver shortage that consistently affects the trucking industry will continue into 2022. To help combat the shortage and ease the burden on the supply chain, the White House has unveiled a new action plan. Some steps taken include helping states to speed up the licensing process for CDL drivers, implementing a registered apprentice program for truckers, expanding coverage and recruiting veterans, and launching a pilot program for 18- to 21-year-olds. The main goal of these programs is to shorten the time it takes for those over 21 to obtain a CDL, while at the same time allowing those under 21 to cross state lines through the apprenticeship program.</p><p>In addition, the ELDT Mandate, which sets new CDL training standards for all schools and students, goes into effect on February 7. The purpose of the Entry Level Driving Mandate is to make drivers safer by standardizing training and requiring all schools to register with FMCSA.</p><h2>Benefits of a Truck Driving Career</h2><p>Truck driver efforts are attracting more and more public attention, which increases the expected benefits for drivers. Driver salaries and benefits increased steadily throughout 2021 and will continue to grow in 2022. The starting average salary for truck drivers has risen to $60,000+, and benefits now include expanded health care options, additional vacation time, and retirement options.</p><h2>Conclusions</h2><p>As you can see, everything in 2022 screams for you to become a trucker. And the number of perks is far from the number described in this post. That's why we're waiting for you at our NSTS school. We'll do everything to make you change your life for the better, and start traveling and earning more money ASAP! And all thanks to the work of a trucker.</p><p>As for us, there's nothing to think about! You should just do it!</p><img src="blog_img/2022-04(Apr)-13_1-min.jpg">

February

The NSTS Team

2022-02-14

As a truck driver, you will use navigation apps or GPS systems to help navigate you on your journey, short or far. GPS systems for drivers who operate commercial vehicles are similar, but not the same as regular GPS systems in normal everyday vehicles.

<p>As a truck driver, you will use navigation apps or GPS systems to help navigate you on your journey, short or far. GPS systems for drivers who operate commercial vehicles are similar, but not the same as regular GPS systems in normal everyday vehicles. As a person driving a regular car, you will not need to worry if your car is too heavy to pass over a bridge or if it is too tall to pass under one. As a truck driver, you will need to plan your routes ahead of time and always be extra attentive on the road. One small distraction could be fatal. There are GPS systems specific to the needs of truck drivers to minimize distractions and maximize efficiency. </p><p>There are many factors that determine what the best GPS app is for CDL drivers. Truck drivers need the most information to plan their travel effectively. As a person driving a commercial vehicle, you will need to be up to date with the traffic conditions, weather conditions, and all factors regarding the roads you will be driving on. Below is a list of top-rated apps for truck drivers:</p><h2>TOP-RATED APPS FOR TRUCK DRIVERS</h2><ul><li>TRUCKER PATH</li></ul><p>Trucker Path is among the most popular mapping and navigation apps for truck drivers. With Trucker Path, you can enter the dimensions of the commercial vehicle you are driving to get safe navigation and routes that are catered to your vehicle. Additionally, you will get extra information such as where you can purchase the cheapest gas as well as live reviews from other truck drivers, so you know the features are suitable for you. New Sound Trucking School students have the opportunity to win a brand-new iPad with Trucker Path downloaded on it to make their drives as smooth as possible. Find more information at <a href="https://truckerpath.com/">truckerpath.com</a> .</p><ul><li>GOOGLE MAPS</li></ul><p>Google maps is well-known among all regular drivers. For truck drivers, Google Maps is familiar, easy to manage, and offers many useful resources for people who are driving commercial vehicles. You will be able to locate hotels, restaurants, and rest stops near you. This app is available on all platforms.</p><ul><li>WAZE</li></ul><p>Waze is a free app, accessible on both iOS and Android while connected to the internet. With Waze, you will stay up to date with road and traffic conditions since the app uses crowdsourcing, or live updates from real drivers, to keep all information as fresh as possible. While using Waze, you will be able to get live updates on accidents, police surrounding your route, road closures, gas prices, and much more.</p><ul><li>COPILOT GPS</li></ul><p>For $9.99 on all platforms, the Copilot navigation app works very similar to Trucker Path, allowing drivers to submit all their vehicle’s dimensions as well as weight to find routes that are easily accessible and perfect for the size and weight of your vehicle. The app introduces navigation specific to truck drivers and is designed to be non-distracting in the cab so that drivers are 100% focused on the road. Find more information at <a href="https://copilottruck.com/en-us/">copilottruck.com</a> .</p>

February

The NSTS Team

2022-02-07

EDLT, or Entry-Level Driver Training, will be required on a federal level for all incoming CDL students as of February 7th, 2022. The FMCSA set the EDLT requirements to prevent road mishaps and improve highway and road safety.

<p>EDLT, or Entry-Level Driver Training, will be required on a federal level for all incoming CDL students as of February 7th, 2022. The FMCSA, or Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration set the EDLT requirements to prevent road mishaps and improve highway and road safety. Any person striving to operate a commercial motor vehicle must follow FMCSA regulations and complete any entry-level driver training that is listed on the FMCSA’s training provider registry (linked at the bottom of this page).</p><h2>What does this mean for me?</h2><p>If you receive your Commercial Learners Permit after February 7th, 2022, you will need to complete the entry-level driver training requirements before taking your final CDL skills test. If your CLP was obtained before February 7th, 2022, then you are exempt from the ELDT only if you receive your CDL before your permit expires. If you hold a CLP that was issued before February 7th, 2022, but it expires before your scheduled CDL skills test or before receiving your CDL, then you will be required to complete the entry-level driver training. You will not, however, need to complete the ELDT if you completed your CDL training and applied your CDL or P, S, H endorsements before February 7th, 2022. On the other hand, if you received your CDL before February 7th, 2022, but apply for a more advanced CDL (Class C to B, Class B to A, or Class A Automatic to Class A Manual) or add any endorsements to your CDL (H, P, S) then you will need to complete the entry-level driver training before making any changes.</p><img src="blog_img/2022-02(Feb)-17_ELDT_1.jpg"><h2>Are there any exceptions?</h2><p>There are a few instances in which you could be exempt from the ELDT requirements. If the state has waived your CDL skills test, then you are not required to take the entry-level driver training. If you are military personnel who meets all the requirements and conditions of 49 CFR part 383 of the FMCSR.</p><h2>What topics will the ELDT cover?</h2><p>The entry-level driver training will cover a variety of topics to ensure that all incoming CDL drivers are set at the same baseline of knowledge to further improve road safety conditions nationwide. Some of the topics that will be covered in the entry-level driver training include:</p><img src="blog_img/2022-02(Feb)-17_ELDT_2.jpg"><p>For more information on exemptions or if the ELDT applies to you please visit the <a href="http://tpr.fmcsa.dot.gov">FMCSAwebsite</a> .</p>

January

The NSTS Team

2022-01-01

Trucks mediate for about 90% of total commodities turnover. This fact causes a special sensitivity of the industry to fluctuations in market conditions, which in the period 2020-2021 is significantly affected by coronavirus pandemic. In this article we would like to share our own opinions on the state of wages in the transport industry.

<img src="blog_img/2022-01-26_Truckers Salary_1.jpg"><p>Are you thinking about becoming a Commercial Truck Driver? Then the first step would be to analyze the supply and demand in the trucking industry. Since 90% of all consumer products and food in the world are transported by a truck to their final destination, a truck driver is very much needed for the growth of an economy. The salary of a truck driver is dependent on various factors such as where they are based, the distance traveled, the size of the vehicle, the hiring company size, seniority, driver qualifications, working conditions, pay structure etc. This comprehensive guide analyzes what you can make as a truck driver based on our own company statistics.</p><p>NSTS is a Commercial Driving School founded by New Sound Transportation and HaulCars.com, therefore the data used in this analysis is based on our current data of the drivers’ wages for our companies.</p><p>Our trucking companies operate in several industries, specifically, car hauling and cargo transportation. The demand for such services is variable, with peaks and periods of recession, but the most important thing is that recession periods do not coincide in time, and this provides companies like ours with financial stability, and our drivers with constant income.</p><p>It is probably clear that pricing in the car hauling, and cargo transportation industries are different, and depend on the destination, time of year, season, and competition. Here are our statistics:</p><img src="blog_img/2022-01-26_Truckers Salary_2.jpg"><p>So, our truck companies in 2021 (through November) earn an average of 3.6 dollars from a mile. This is 45% more than in 2020, the year the pandemic began. Costs have risen proportionately, mainly due to rising fuel prices and higher wages (due to driver downtime during the pandemic), but profits have also risen. Until 2019, the entire truck industry earned more, but due to the fact that in 2019 an embargo was introduced on certain imported goods and import substitution was actively promoted. This had a sharp negative impact on states with a developed transport infrastructure, such as, for example, the state of Washington, in where we live and work. Due to a sharp drop in demand for freight and a sharp decrease in the volume of goods transported, many transport companies closed in 2019. Even with this, experienced drivers continued to be in high demand.</p><p>As for the driver's earnings, this amount is always proportional to the average income per mile. This is true for both W2 and self-employed drivers filing 1099. So whether you are an employee driver or self-employed status, you will earn about the same in the truck industry. This is due to expenses such as repairs, etc. as some drivers are take better care of their vehicles than others. The proportion of repair costs for car haulers is higher due to increased operation, but on average it is 11-15% in the total costs of our trucking companies. And the average growth is the same. For comparison, the share of wage costs is 32-35%.</p><img src="blog_img/2022-01-26_Truckers Salary_3.jpg"><p>It is interesting to note that wages are growing, our transport companies in 2021 amounted to 35%, while in 2019-2020 it did not exceed 31%.</p><p>The beginning of an increase in demand for transportation services began in 2021, so we tend to consider this at least in the state of Washington.</p><img src="blog_img/2022-01-26_Truckers Salary_4.jpg"><p>The table data is the real data of our trucking companies for the period 2019-2021. The dynamics of drivers' wages is positive. So at the beginning of the pandemic, the level of wages for Car Haulers drivers first decreased by 8.1%, but in 2021 it increased by 48.7% to 7.3K per month. We attribute the decrease in 2020 to travel restrictions due to the pandemic as the demand for vehicle transportation services decreased. The decreased sales of new cars also reduced the demand for their transportation across the United States.</p><p>Regarding the transport of food and household goods, the demand for such services was less affected by the pandemic and depression in the industry due to commodity embargoes, which increased the growth of drivers' wages by 7.7% in 2020 to 15.3% in 2021.</p><img src="blog_img/2022-01-26_Truckers Salary_5.jpg"><p>Of course, this analysis is local, because it analyses the trends and market restrictions in the state of Washington in terms of classic cargo transportation, but for car haulers, our company provides services almost throughout entire United States, and this is also not the last argument in terms of a significant increase in the level wages of car haulers drivers.</p><p>Future CDL Drivers: Remember that the cost of repair and maintenance for one truck can reach up to 40K per year (30% of its average cost), and this is with normal operation of the track without major repairs. You can reduce these costs by learning to drive a truck properly, this is also the key to a stable and good income.</p><p>In conclusion, in 2020 local trucking companies did not set themselves the task of obtaining excess profits, as most of them attempted to retain staff. However, in 2021, we not only maintained, but also managed to increase our drivers' wages. As of November 2021, our drivers earn between 80K/Year for Cargo Transportation to 88K/Year for car haulers, excluding bonus payments. The Washington state average ranges from 80K per year to 100K with bonus payments.</p><p>If you’re unhappy with your current truck driver salary, or are considering a new career as a trucker, it’s important for you do some research. While moving across state lines isn’t achievable for everyone, it could make a huge difference in how much you’re paid and knowing where your state’s trucker salary stands in relation to others is key to understanding how well you’re compensated.</p><p>The demand for professional truck drivers is growing faster than the number of new drivers entering the field. By receiving your commercial driver’s license today, it’s almost certain there will be a job available to you tomorrow. Contact us at 253-210-0505 for more information today.</p>