Drivers Central

Healthy Trucking

2007-11-08T10:34:00.000-08:00

Truckers are more at risk for obesity and other health problems because of their profession. Many truckers are obese, eat unhealthy fast food, half of them smoke, and 1 in 4 have sleep apnea. To combat this, many drivers use energy drinks on a frequent basis to avoid being tired on the road. This dangerous profession accounts for 15 percent of all work related accidents in the nation.

With these statistics in mind, a recent report may help the government change regulations for truck drivers’ health. Although truck drivers are tested every year, restricting those who have high blood pressure or heart problems to maintain their licenses, other aspects of drivers' health, like weight and smokers, aren't regulated. However, many companies are already stepping up their efforts to improve employees’ health.

An Associated Press check of companies revealed these programs:

-Celadon Group Inc. encourages its 3,200 drivers in the U.S. and Canada to get blood pressure and cholesterol checks with the stationed nurses at its main facility in Indianapolis. Doctors are on call if needed, and Celadon pays all expenses. The company says the program has helped trim its $10 million annual health care bill.

-Melton Truck Lines Inc. replaced sodas in the Tulsa, Okla., headquarters offers a 12-week weight loss program. They also replaced sodas in vending machines with water, green tea, and diet drinks.

-Con-way Freight of Ann Arbor, Mich., implemented a trial wellness program two years ago. As a result, they saw annual workers compensation claims plunge 80 percent and lost work days drop 75 percent in Los Angeles. Now the leaders of the programs are being hired at other hub offices.

-Schneider National Inc. of Green Bay, Wis., attacked the common problem among truckers, sleep apnea. They screened 10,000 of its 15,000 drivers for apnea, a disorder that interferes with breathing during sleep and can leave the sufferer groggy and exhausted. The 10 percent who had the disorder were supplied with special air masks to help them sleep.

As a result of the health incentive programs, some drivers are responding by working out at loading stations, lifting weights in their trucks, eating and stocking healthy food in mini-fridges in their trucks, looking for healthy food alternatives on the road, cooking for themselves, and walking laps around their rigs (32 times around an 18 wheeler is a mile).

Remember to stay healthy by participating in these programs and help replace the unhealthy stereotype of truckers everywhere. And if you must have an energy drink to keep you going, at least go with a healthier energy drink that will give you the energy you need and still allow you to maintain a higher level of health while on the road.

Drivers Central Experiences Rapid Growth

2007-11-08T09:05:00.000-08:00

Drivers Central has postioned itself as a leading recruiting company for several of the nations most recognized trucking companies. What sets Drivers Central apart from other 3rd party recruiting companies and what is the source of their success?

Our commitment to three principals that are largely overlooked within the recruiting industry.
1. We strive to be as honest as possible with the drivers we work with.
2. We utilized a two-stage verification process to ensure that the drivers information is accurate.
3. We work with truck drivers and the trucking companies we represent very closely to make sure that everything is complete.

From the initial drivers application to the verification and submission of that information, Drivers Central works hard to provide honest, accurate, and complete information to both parties (truck driver and trucking company) that we work with.

America's 10 Most-Wanted Workers

2007-09-07T13:30:00.000-07:00

As more workers from the baby boomer generation retire, millions of jobs are opening up across a variety of industries; unfortunately, hiring managers are having trouble filling these vacant positions.

The reason? In some instances, there is simply a lack of interest in certain industries, such as manufacturing. Many of today's young professionals are focusing on jobs that require computer and analytical thinking skills, rather than ones that require working with their hands. In many cases, however, especially for hiring managers looking to fill management positions, the problem isn't a lack of candidates, but a lack of qualified candidates.

In order to resolve this problem, some employers are offering incentives to older workers who are willing to delay retirement for a few years. Others are offering hiring bonuses to attract new, more-qualified workers. Still, other companies are going right to the source of the problem, setting up courses with colleges and universities that train skilled workers or to pay students' tuition to prepare them for specialized work. Companies like Exelon and General Electric are providing research grants and scholarships for power engineering programs at four-year colleges. And the Natural Association of Manufacturers recently established the "Dream It. Do It." program to train young professionals and garner interest in manufacturing careers among students.

According to Manpower, Inc.'s 2007 Talent Shortage Survey, the following jobs are most in need of qualified workers right now. Due to high demand, pursuing a job in one of these fields could mean increased pay and more benefits for those willing to take the plunge.

1. Sales representatives
Qualifications: A four-year college degree with courses in marketing, leadership, communication, business and advertising, or a high school degree and a proven record of successfully selling other products. Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills are just as important as education and training.
Average salary:* $40,868

2. Teachers
Qualifications: Educational qualifications for postsecondary teacher jobs range from expertise in a particular field to a Ph.D., depending on the subject being taught and the type of educational institution.
Average salary: $45,281

3. Mechanics
Qualifications: Complete a formal training program in high school, or in a postsecondary vocational school or community college. Some service technicians, however, still learn the trade solely by assisting and learning from experienced workers.
Average salary: $43,760

4. Engineering technicians
Qualifications: An associate degree in engineering technology from a technical institute, vocational school or community college, creativity and good communications skills.
Average salary: $47,759

5. Management/Executives
Qualifications: Vary widely, depending on the size of the organization, but usually include several years of experience within an organization, a bachelor's degree and, oftentimes, advanced degree.
Average salary: $90,913

6. Truck Drivers -- Freight
Qualifications: Valid driver's license, clean driving record and demonstrated ability to handle machinery.
Average salary: $43,053

7. Drivers -- Delivery
Qualifications: Valid driver's license, clean driving record.
Average salary: $29,870

8. Accountants
Qualifications: Professional certification or licensure, a master's degree and proficiency in accounting and auditing computer software.
Average salary: $52,940

9. Construction Laborers
Qualifications: On-the-job training or completion of a formal apprenticeship programs.
Average salary: $40,658

10. Machine Operators
Qualifications: Completion of an apprentice program, on-the-job training or participation in a vocational school, technical school or community college program.
Average salary: $30,176

This atricle was written By Mary Lorenz, CareerBuilder.com writer.

OTR Driver Salaries

2007-06-27T11:07:00.001-07:00

Average OTR drivers salaries for job postings nationwide are 4% higher than average salaries for all job postings nationwide.

Window of Opportunity

2007-06-14T14:40:00.001-07:00

There are only a few jobs in the nation where you be on the open road and be able to take in the beautiful countryside while earning a great living at the same time. Truck driving jobs have become more popular while the demand grows greater every day. The American Transportation Association estimates there are at least 20,000 open jobs right now and that number is only getting bigger. This huge shortage of much needed drivers has opened a window of opportunity for those who would like a new career, or those thinking about a change of pace.

It is not difficult to become a professional driver. You really only need a good driving record, no drug usage, and the desire to work. You also need a Class A CDL license, which you can receive in driving schools throughout the country. Many carriers provide training for you when you hire on with them. The schooling is a great opportunity to learn the ropes of driving as well as make new friends.

The trucking industry is changing, and many new faces are joining the ranks of OTR drivers. Whether solo or team you can see the country in a new light while driving yourself into a great career.

Welcome to Drivers Central

2007-05-30T09:25:00.000-07:00

This area has been developed as a place for people to read articles, post comments, and share experiences related to the trucking industry and driver jobs.

Our main areas of focus will include:

Trucking Jobs
Career Opportunities
Trucking Companies
Transportation News
Driving Regulations

We will be updating this area frequently so please visit again soon. If you have any suggestions of things you would like to see added to this blog please let us know.

Truck Driver Shortage

2007-05-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

The truck transportation industry in the U.S. is experiencing a national shortage of truck drivers that has become a limiting factor in the operations of many transportation companies.

The imbalance between the demand for and potential supply of truck drivers widens from 20,000 in 2004 to 45,000 in 2009 and then accelerates to 111,000 by 2014.

If job security is what you want, trucking is a choice field. The American Trucking Associations reports a serious shortage in some segments of the industry that could disrupt the US distribution system. It's not a shortage of freight or equipment; surprisingly, it's not enough men and women qualified to drive trucks.

Tips for Drivers

2007-05-04T12:32:00.000-07:00

Mike Gaffin works as a long-haul truck driver and hauls freight throughout the Northeast. During his career, he has been through almost every major city in the continental United States. Here are a few tips that he gives to new drivers who are just getting starting with their driving careers.

Attend a reputable driving school not only to learn how to drive a truck, but also to get an understanding of the laws, regulations and safety issues involved with the job.
Get used to irregular sleep patterns, and don't expect to always get eight hours of sleep at night. Sometimes you have to go when the traffic is less congested and the road conditions are better, especially if there is a storm forecasted.
Watch what you eat. So many truckers are overweight, because they are always on the go and have to stop and eat whenever the time allows, and that usually means eating fast food.
Commit to a company for at least a year. Like in any industry, some companies are better than others, but it's important to learn as much as you can at one job before moving on. You'll likely have to pay your dues before finding the company and driving opportunity that is right for you.

Class A Driving Types

2007-05-02T14:01:00.000-07:00

Class A Driving Types

Over the Road (OTR)
Over the road driving positions, commonly known as OTR, provide the most opportunity to get into a great driving job. You'll be able to make great money and take advantage of unmatched benefits as you drive for one of the Nations top trucking companies.

Regional
A regional route is a run that keeps you in an area close to your point of origin. It may cover a few states and will generally provide more home time. Regional routes are more difficult to obtain due to the high demand and limited availability

Dedicated
A dedicated run generally serves a specific client base that requires regular runs to and from specific locations. These runs allow drivers to perform the same driving run week in and week out. Although they do not provide the diversity and flexibility as an over the road run, but they do make it so drivers know exactly what to expect, where they are going, and when they will return. Dedicated runs consist of daily runs that get drivers home nightly or longer runs that get drivers home weekly.

Local
A local route is usually completed in the same state as your point of origin and you are rarely gone at night. These provide the most home-time and are often the most desired routes, but they are the hardest to get because they are very limited. Local routes are not impossible to get, you just have to spend a few years in the industry first and build your driving experience.

Driver Statistics

2007-04-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

Shares of the Truck Driver Workforce By Age

Average Age of the U.S. Labor Force and of Truck Drivers in
the Truck Transportation Industry

Shares of the Truck Driver Workforce By Demographic Groups

Black, Hispanic, and Female Shares of the
Truck Driver Workforce

Drivers Central

2007-03-19T14:11:00.000-07:00

Truck driving is in more demand than ever! Whether you are familiar with the transportation industry or just want to explore the career opportunities available as a truck, Drivers Central is the connection to your new driving job.

Apply for a trucking job on our site today and get driving!