Where: 1945 Bernice Road, Lansing, IL (click here for directions!)
When: Tuesday, March 17, 2020, from 10 AM to 2 PM.
Take advantage:
Safety isn’t just a buzzword in the trucking industry — it’s a lifestyle. It has to be, for a reason more than familiar to military veterans: neglecting safety comes with consequences. Fortunately, veterans transitioning into trucking will find a familiar — and enduring — commitment to safety. The statistics prove it.
According to the American Trucking Associations, the number of truck-involved fatalities fell 21% between 2002 and 2012 (the most recent range data is available for). The number of truck-involved injuries fell 20% during the same period. Altogether, trucks have overall crash rates almost half that of other vehicles.
The numbers are even more impressive considering in 2012 there were nearly 3 million more registered large trucks on the road than in 2002. Every day, the drivers of those trucks travel millions of miles, facing challenges like careless motorists and fluctuating weather conditions.
A combination of factors contributes to safety progress made in the industry, including better equipment and technology. Ultimately, it comes down to each driver making safety a top priority, and working for a company that never compromises that commitment.
For example, Schneider, an industry leader for 80 years and the number eight G.I. Jobs Military Friendly employer, has a core value of “safety first and always.” No freight matches the value of a human life, and Schneider’s policies reflect that.
Learn more about Schneider’s commitment to safety, see why those with a military background choose Schneider and apply to join the team by visiting schneiderjobs.com or calling 800-44-PRIDE.
A reputable trucking company has a set of core values it lives by and a track record to prove it. Anyone can claim to value safety, but what do the statistics say? Every company boasts respect for drivers, but what do the men and women behind the wheel really say? All carriers strive for excellence, but do they have decades of proven success to stand on? There are some fly-by-night operations in this industry, but you won’t regret working for a company with a reputation of integrity.
Every driver deserves to be rewarded appropriately for the hard work they do, but it isn’t all about money either. Some companies will fill your wallet but treat you terribly. Others promise hefty pay per mile but don’t have the freight to make it worth it. Still others follow through with a great paycheck but don’t offer benefits. When you pick a carrier, look into the entire compensation package, along with opportunities for bonuses and career advancement.
The trucking industry has a notoriously high turnover rate, but finding the “green grass” right away will be just as helpful for you as it will for the company you choose. The best carriers will treat you right and pay you fairly, but they’ll also provide opportunities for advancement and movement within the company that meet your work-life balance needs. Some carriers put you through their school and funnel you in the direction that helps their bottom line or fits their limited freight base. Wouldn’t you rather be able to pick your driving school, and then find a company where you can continue to pick the best driving option for your life situation?
Let’s be honest: truck driving is more than a job – it’s a lifestyle. Being away from home is simply a reality as a truck driver, but a carrier worth choosing understands how to maximize that home time. Whether it’s special programs to get over-the-road drivers home for longer periods, or regional routes more conducive to drivers supporting families, or even part-time options, the best truck driving companies will encourage a healthy work-life balance.
The trucks you drive and the technology you use aren’t just accessories on the job. They impact your quality of life and even your livelihood. If you work for a company that promises great mileage-based pay, frequent home time and steady freight, but your tractor keeps breaking down before you can rack up miles, get home or haul your next load, what’s the point? What if the poor condition of equipment negatively impacts your CSA score? Look for a company that continually invests in new equipment and has a track record of technological innovation that makes a driver safer, more comfortable and more productive.
Trucking companies are currently in a scramble to find certified truckers like those certified by Progressive Truck Driving School. There are currently thousands of openings, but not enough truckers to fill the demand. As the economy picks up speed, there’s a greater need for truckers. It’s a simple equation: when people start spending money, there’s additional freight to move. For this reason, it’s being projected that truck driver salaries will be on a steady increase over the next few years.
There are as many as 200,000 job openings nationwide for long haul truckers, according to David Heller, director of safety and policy for the Truckload Carriers Association.
Although finding certified truck drivers, like those certified by Progressive Truck Diving School, is proving to be a challenge for employers, the pay for Truckers is well above the median wage for all jobs. The top 10% truck drivers make more than $58,000 a year.
One of the reasons for the short supply of divers is simply that drivers aren’t willing to put the time into a training program, like the one offered by Progressive Truck Driving School, even though the training program could lead to a substantial salary and long-term employment. Some tenured truckers are reporting income of $150,000+ after taxes, and some trucking companies are offering signing bonuses in the thousands of dollars for new drivers to sign with them.
Several of the largest long haul trucking companies in the U.S. are currently hiring. Those companies include Swift Transportation , Schneider National, J.B. Hunt Transport Services, and Werner Enterprises – all of which are currently aggressive hiring drivers.
Call Progressive Truck Driving School to discuss how you could start a career in an in-demand field: (773) 736-5522