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Most dictionaries define the word “discernment” as a quality that assists an individual to comprehend something.  There is an obvious connection between safe driving habits and discernment.  The level of discernment one possesses may vary based on how someone processes information and by how they choose to react and apply what they learn.  As we consider a few examples, pay close attention to the situation being described and use them to evaluate or even “grade” your personal driving behavior based on what you discern and how it may affect your decisions.

Situation 1          Most people have busy schedules and juggle many different responsibilities and obligations.  If you regularly find yourself running late or begin to feel strong emotions such as anger or frustration while driving; how may you choose to respond?

Response 1         Driving aggressively or faster than the speed limit may reduce the time needed for travel.  Will this increase driving risk for yourself and others?

Response 2         Changing the time allotted for travel time budgeting additional time to travel and allotting time for unexpected delays.  Will this reduce driving risks and perhaps help to avoid becoming aggressive or frustrated while driving?

Situation 2          Inclement weather is affecting driving conditions and visibility.  Heavy rain is making the roadway reduce the quality of tire traction and stopping distance.  The rain is also making it more difficult to see the roadway lines or to clearly see pedestrians or cyclists.

Response 1         The speed limit signs do not state a speed limit when it is raining.  I can drive legally at the speed limit.

Response 2         Deciding to slow enough to allow proper time to stop proportionate to visibility, reaction time, and braking ability will reduce the risk of striking anything that appears suddenly.  Paying closer attention to the road will reduce the likelihood that other internal or external factors will affect driving safely.  Having the discernment to allow additional time for any drive also helps to prevent our view of time adding to the factors that influence driving behavior.

At CDL Direct, our goal is to provide online driver education courses that equip all drivers with what they need to be safe drivers.  Commercial vehicle drivers have more weight, size, and force while driving commercial vehicles.  We desire to educate and assist all drivers to make smart choices that reduce risks for themselves and others.

CDL Direct is committed to providing a high quality, highly flexible, and highly effective educational tools to assist individuals who are seeking a commercial drivers license.  We are so confident in the quality of our training courses that you are guaranteed to pass!

Let us explain a bit.  Many people have limited free time and do not have the ability to easily take time off of work to begin the process of getting their CDL.  We have already helped over 25,000 students meet the FMCSA guidelines set in February of 2022 in the most convenient way possible.  When you purchase our course, you have the ability to use your phone, tablet or computer to take in the "classroom" side of Entry Level Driver Training at the time, pac, and location of your choice.

Most prefer their own couch rather than a classroom.  We understand that and make that possible for you.  You will see that the quality of instruction is more effective in that it allows you to control what your time and attention permit.  This causes the learning experience to be more user friendly and thus more comfortable.

As you take quizzes throughout the course you will see how well you competence and confidence levels will grow.  You may retake all quizzes and even the final test as many times as you desire.  Many students benefit from reviewing more difficult points which helps them to more effectively learn them well.

After you pass the course we can help you along the way with additional guidance and assistance to complete your training with behind-the-wheel courses to put what you learned in "class" into action in the real world.  For these reasons tens of thousands have chosen CDL Direct as their "classroom", we look forward to having you as a student as well.

Supply chain issues are not what they were in 2021, however, there are many factors that are influencing Texas residents to get a commercial driver’s license, (CDL), in 2023.

Data collected from the American Trucking Association reports that nearly         1 trillion dollars of gross freight revenue were shipped in the United States in 2021.  In addition, there are over 1 million different carriers, so yes, freight is on the move and there are considerable opportunities for those considering pursuing a career driving commercial vehicles.

According to statistics compiled by Indeed, the average truck driver salary in 2023 with less than one year of experience is over $72,000!  It is no surprise that many who are in need of a new career are seriously considering truck driving for a living.  In years past, it was far more difficult to start out in the trucking industry with competitive pay because most carriers want to see experienced drivers who have shown that they can drive safely and efficiently before qualifying for top salaries.

You may be surprised to know that you can begin your steps in obtaining your commercial driver’s license online.  Since February of 2022, the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration, (FMCSA), has required specific Entry Level Driver Training, (ELDT), for all seeking a new CDL going forward.  The theory side of ELDT can be taken online nationwide at CDLDIRECT.COM.  The convenience of starting online is proven by the over 25,000 students who have taken this online ELDT theory course since February 2022.  CDL training involves classroom and behind-the-wheel training.  Why take more time off work to spend time in an actual classroom?  Why add time to the length of your in-person training if you don’t have to?  Our online ELDT theory course can be taken from home or on the go!  It Is mobile-optimized, so you can learn wherever you are at whatever convenient time you need it.

It is important to know that obtaining your commercial driver’s license in Texas requires several steps in addition to the ELDT theory course.  See the requirements listed by the Texas Department of Public Safety HERE.  We are ready to help you along the way!

CDL Direct is committed to providing the highest quality Entry Level Driver Training course available online.  We also provide ongoing safety tips for truck drivers through our blogs.  If you are considering getting your commercial driver’s license or would like to benefit from the safe driving tips that we provide then check us out at CDLDirect.com today!

Seeking a Commercial Driver’s License is a popular idea in Florida.  To understand each step a prospective truck driver must take it is wise to become familiar with CDL requirements and standards for the state of Florida.  See everything you will need to do on the Florida Highway and Motor Vehicle Safety website HERE.  To summarize the requirements for simplicity you must pass three basic tests.

You must pass a knowledge test.  This can be described as the CLASSROOM section that covers the practical and general information related to commercial vehicles and specific topics that the FMCSA requires a commercial vehicle driver to comprehend.  This part of training can even be done online.

You must pass a physical.  There are specific requirements that can vary slightly depending on which state you are seeking to obtain your CDL.  Florida requires commercial vehicle drivers to be at least 18, to pass a vision test, and to meet certain physical standards to confirm there is no serious health condition that could affect one’s ability to drive safely.  Enclosed is a link to see a list of the PHYSICAL requirements.

You must pass a skills test.  This is the behind-the-wheel portion of CDL training.  Obviously, one can meet the classroom and physical requirements already yet gripping the wheel, sitting in the seat, shifting gears, and gaining real-world experience of what is involved in driving the truck is essential.  The average cost for behind-the-wheel training in Florida in 2023 is about $3500 and may take about 2 weeks depending on how fast a student progress.

It is highly common for behind-the-wheel schools to either have direct connections with companies that can help CDL school graduates to find employment.  In addition to those contacts, many trucking companies will send recruiters to talk to CDL students to explain what options may be immediately available based on the student’s needs and circumstances.  With supply chain issues and the pressing demand, there are many opportunities for those seeking a career as a commercial vehicle driver.

CDL Direct is committed to providing the highest quality Entry Level Driver Training course available online.  We also provide ongoing safety tips for truck drivers through our blogs.  If you are considering getting your commercial driver’s license or would like to benefit from the safe driving tips that we provide then check us out at CDLDirect.com today!

The costs associated with transporting goods across the country continue to rise.  For some carriers or customers, this may increase the desire to maximize load size in order to reduce the overall cost.  However, this may increase the temptation to overload.

Aside from the risk of having your vehicle put out of service and being fined for overloading, you might have other issues to deal with even before you reach the weigh station.

Overloading can have bad effects on steering, suspension, braking, and speed control.

Overloading can void your vehicle warranty.

Overloaded vehicles will require increased stopping distances.

Brakes can fail when they are forced to work too hard.

CDL Direct is committed to providing the highest quality Entry Level Driver Training course available online.  We also provide ongoing safety tips for truck drivers through our blogs.  If you are considering getting your commercial driver’s license or would like to benefit from the safe driving tips that we provide then check us out at CDLDirect.com today!

Hitting overhead objects is a real danger for truck drivers.  For example, roadways often take you under overpasses.  Make sure you are aware of your vehicle’s height and that you always have sufficient overhead clearance.  Don’t assume that the heights posted at bridges and overpasses are correct.

A road that has been repaved or has firmly packed snow on it may have less clearances since the heights were posted.

The weight of your cargo affects your vehicle’s height.  An empty container sits higher than one that is loaded.  Just because you got under a bridge when you were loaded doesn’t mean that you can pass safely when empty.

If you doubt you have enough clearance to pass under an object, go slowly.  If you aren’t sure you can make it, take another route.

Warnings are often posted on low bridges or underpasses, but sometimes they are not.  Some roads can cause a vehicle to tilt.  There can be a problem clearing objects along the edge of the road, such as signs, trees, or bridge supports.  Where this is a problem, drive a little closer to the center of the road.

Before you get back into an area, check for overhanging objects such as trees, branches, or electric wires.  It’s easy to miss seeing them while in reverse.

CDL Direct is committed to providing high-quality online Entry Level Driver Training.  We not only partner with many behind-the-wheel truck driving schools but can provide job placement services to help get our students on the road and provide for their families right away!

Brake failure is probably one of the most terrifying possibilities for commercial vehicle drivers.  However, proper vehicle maintenance, driving at safe speeds, and braking properly will almost always prevent brake failure on long downgrades. 

Proper commercial vehicle maintenance which includes regularly inspecting brakes is of the utmost importance, and it is the law!  This significantly reduces the risk of brake failure.  Improper maintenance that contributes to a commercial vehicle accident can even result in criminal charges and jail time! 

But what if it still happens?  Your best option is to use an escape ramp.  Escape ramps—also called runaway truck ramps—are made to stop runaway vehicles safely without injuring drivers and passengers.  If there is one, there will be signs indicating the location of the entrance to the ramp. 

Ramps are usually located a few miles down from the top of the downgrade.  Some escape ramps use soft gravel that will assist in bringing the vehicle to a stop more quickly.  Others turn uphill to stop the vehicle and let the soft gravel keep it in place.  If no escape ramp is available take the least hazardous escape route you can, like an open field or a side road that flattens out or turns uphill.  Make the move as soon as you know your brakes don’t work!  The longer you wait the more momentum will build thus making it hard to stop.

CDL Direct is committed to providing the highest quality Entry Level Driver Training course available online.  We also provide ongoing safety tips for truck drivers through our blogs.  If you are considering getting your commercial driver’s license or would like to benefit from the safe driving tips that we provide then check us out at CDLDirect.com today!

Cargo theft has become a big problem in the United States, costing companies $15 to $35 billion annually.  These steps will help to reduce the likelihood of you suffering loss.

• Communicate well with your carrier.  All involved in the process should know the name of the driver and the vehicle number for the vehicle that will be picking up the load.
• Check your paperwork.  The problem with cargo theft starts at the dock.  Make sure that your cargo matches your bill of lading in both commodity and quality.  Do not sign any paperwork until you have verified that all of your cargo is accounted for.
• Be aware of vulnerable areas.  These include truck stops, parking lots, drop lots, and other areas where cargo could be left unattended, especially in store parking lots or empty lots on weekends.
• Do not leave your trailer unattended at any moment.  If you must walk away for some reason, make sure to lock the doors and take the keys with you.
• Park in well-lit areas.  Avoid dark isolated areas.
• Place the most valuable cargo in the nose of the trailer as far away from the doors as possible.
• Do not accept last-minute cargo that does not include paperwork.

CDL Direct is committed to providing the highest quality Entry Level Driver Training course available online.  We also provide ongoing safety tips for truck drivers through our blogs.  If you are considering getting your commercial driver’s license or would like to benefit from the safe driving tips that we provide then check us out at CDLDirect.com today!

While most of the risks of being a truck driver are faced while you are driving your CMV, you must be aware of potential dangers when the truck is being loaded or unloaded.  In some situations, you may be loading the cargo yourself, perhaps using a hand pallet jack, a powered pallet jack, or a forklift.  The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires that anyone using a forklift or a powered pallet jack complete a training program, so do not use these unless you have been properly trained and certified.

Hand pallet jacks do not need special certification, but you still need to use them safely.  Make sure that the load on the pallet is properly balanced and that you have positioned the forks far enough under the pallet before raising the load.

If you are not loading or unloading the truck yourself, take the following precautions:

Stay clear of the forklift (or any other loading devices).

If you have to provide any guidance to those doing the work, stay within the visual range of the forklift driver to make sure he sees you at all times.

Be aware of forklift movements at all times.  Don’t assume he can see you!  There are always blind spots on a forklift.

If you have a flatbed trailer and cargo is being loaded onto your truck via a crane, stay well clear of the space and do not stand under the load.

CDL Direct is committed to providing the highest quality Entry Level Driver Training course available online.  We also provide ongoing safety tips for truck drivers through our blogs.  If you are considering getting your commercial driver’s license or would like to benefit from the safe driving tips that we provide then check us out at CDLDirect.com today!

Do immigration and employment assistance hold the key to solving the truck driver shortage and supply chain issues?

Cheer up! It’s only going to get worse.  At least that is what it feels like when reflecting on the long-term effects of a pandemic-induced supply chain crisis.  A crisis worsened by soaring inflation in part due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the ripple effects felt in each corner of the world.  While we are not suggesting we have all the answers, let’s see if we can nudge things in the right direction.

According to the Center for Immigration Studies, November of 2021 saw a peak of 46.2 million individuals residing in the US who were born outside of the United States.  This is a sizeable percentage of the US population and has an enormous impact on driving the economy forward.  In addition, each year more than 1 million more individuals immigrate to the US.  What if there was a concerted effort to assist such ones to get training to be commercial vehicle drivers?

I know what you’re thinking.  Maybe you have heard comments from those who feel that people entering the US are taking jobs away from Americans.  Interestingly though, a survey taken during the pandemic concluded that 77% of Americans believe immigrants both legal and undocumented fill jobs that American citizens do not want!

Truck drivers are in higher demand than ever, and even with average starting pay of $45,000 per year, and the ability to make over $100,000 per year with experience, the shortage of commercial vehicle drivers continues to worsen.  CDL Direct offers online CDL courses to assist individuals to take the first step toward pursuing a career in truck driving.  Our courses are available in English, Spanish, and Russian.  You can focus on CDL A, CDL B, Hazmat, or Passenger endorsements depending on what commercial vehicle you seek to drive. US immigrants could provide a helping hand to the supply chain shortages.

Where else may there be a potential helping hand?   Career Centers and Departments of Labor in each state assist those seeking employment.  Many states even have apprentice programs or tuition grants that allow individuals to get training in a new field of employment.  CDL Direct is working on partnerships with these centers that will make it easier to take our training courses and be able to get back to work.

The bottom line is that the supply chain issue will not fix itself.  But perhaps immigration and unemployment hold the key to moving in the right direction.  If you would like to discuss how you can partner with us to assist people to get training at CDL Direct, please contact our marketing manager, Mark Wetzler at mwetzler@usnhsa.com.