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Semi Truck Driver Gifts

Top 11 Gifts For Semi Truck Drivers

Semi Truck Driver Gifts

Do you know a semi-truck driver celebrating a special occasion? Perhaps you’re looking for a great birthday gift, or a Christmas gift. Well, you’ve come to the right place!

We’ve curated a list of the top 11 gifts for truck drivers to help you find the perfect one. We’ve also included tips on selecting and personalizing the best gifts for truck divers.

These perfect gift ideas are sure to be appreciated, and will make any truck feel like a home away from home! Take a peek at this list for some top-tier gifts for the semi-truck drivers in your life.

Semi-Truck Driver Gifts That Go The Extra Mile

Our gift recommendations go the extra mile to improve the lifestyle of your trucker friends or loved ones. We’ve considered common factors that most truck drivers prioritize in their day-to-day endeavors. Some of these factors include safety, comfort, health, and efficiency.

Safety Promoting Gifts

Safety first!

This is a rule that all stakeholders in the trucking industry follow. For truck drivers, it is a guiding principle as they spend most of their time on the road. Do you want to help your favorite truck driver stay safe when traveling? Consider some gifts that can enhance their safety on the roads.

1. Hands-free Devices

Hands-free electronic devices help truckers keep their eyes glued to the road. This is essential for truckers to abide by all road safety rules and regulations. For this reason, they are our top pick for the best semi-truck driver gifts!

Wireless products

These devices help to avoid distracted driving – one of the leading causes of road fatalities. Consider a hands-free driving display that reflects critical navigation directions from a trucker’s phone onto a transparent surface. This allows drivers to see where they’re going while focusing on the road.

The best driving display devices come with high-quality non-slip materials to prevent them from sliding down. Make sure to purchase a driving display that can fit on your trucker’s instrument panel properly.

Other great gifts for truck drivers are hands-free wireless headsets. These gadgets enable your favorite truckers to do their job and stay in touch with their customers or friends.

You can also purchase a sturdy phone mount and wireless phone charger. These are regular items that most truckers require if they use their phones for E-logs or other crucial functions.

Ensure you get the best phone mounts to withstand frequent open-road traveling. These can absorb road vibrations that come with long-distance travel.

Most phone mounts are compatible with different types of phones. But, it’s always a good idea to ensure that the one you purchase as a gift works well with the phone you’re buying it for.

2. Anti-Sleep Alarms

Long-distance trucking comes with the risk of falling asleep while driving. This is dangerous for the trucker and other road users. You can minimize this risk and keep drivers safe by gifting them an anti-sleep alarm.

Man yawning

This alarm detects fatigue and drowsiness before it becomes dangerous and alerts the driver to stop and rest. It’s a life-saving gift that shows you care for the safety of your favorite truckers and think of them often! Learn more about staying safe behind the wheel to help the truckers in your life remain safe on the road.

3. Headlamps

You can never go wrong with headlamps as gifts for truck drivers. These are budget-friendly and can make routines under low-light settings easier and safer.

Consider an LED headlamp that has an adjustable beam and band. These shine brighter and fit comfortably around the head. You can customize this gift further by getting your trucker’s name, initials, or a personal message added to the band. Be as creative as you can with the messaging. It goes a long way to show your loved one that you appreciate them.

Gifts To Increase Comfort

The average over-the-road (OTR) trucker spends around 300 days on the open road yearly. That’s more than half of the year spent in transit!

Getting truck drivers gifts that increase their comfort on the road can make their entire year more enjoyable. A few items to choose from include those below.

4. Roll-up Memory Foam Mattress

Proper sleep is crucial for truck drivers to operate safely and efficiently. The roll-up foam mattress lets truckers experience the comfort of sleeping in their bed at home while on the road.

These are designed with a truck driver’s lifestyle in mind and can fit into most truck sleeper berths. Other gifts that can help drivers have a good night’s sleep include:

Pillows

  • Electric heated throw blankets: Heated blankets make long, cold nights comfortable by providing enough warmth the whole night. Consider one with different heat settings and an auto shut-off. This way, your favorite trucker can adjust the warmth according to their preference.
  • Pillows: Headrests are a great gift idea for a truck driver. The perfect ones for truckers come with specialized technology that adapts to one’s body to provide a comfortable, unmatched sleep experience.
    You can also get a seat pillow or ergonomic seat cushion for your favorite trucker.

5. Gloves & Warm Socks

Gloves are the perfect gift for a long-distance truck driver. These protect hands from rough working conditions. Two types of gloves make perfect semi-truck driver gifts! These are driving gloves and hardy working gloves. Driving gloves protect truckers’ hands whenever the steering wheel gets too hot or cold.

On the other hand, hardy working gloves protect your loved one’s hands when performing other duties such as loading and offloading goods.

Warm socks are great gifts that go well with gloves. However, if your truck driver drives a commercial vehicle for long distances, compression socks are the ideal present. These prevent pain. They also prevent blood clots from forming in one’s legs due to sitting behind the wheel for prolonged periods.

Functional compression socks are durable and have anti-itch technology. Look out for these features when purchasing this item as a gift for truckers. You want to get the truckers in your life the best compression socks that are medically proven to work.

compression socks

Gifts to Promote Semi-truck Driver Health

Apart from compression socks, you can get several other semi-truck driver gifts to help OTR truckers stay healthy while traveling.

Most of these items cater to the different health needs of truckers. Below are essential semi-truck driver gifts for health maintenance.

6. Polarized Sunglasses

Long hours on the road lead to increased exposure to direct sunlight. This can be harmful to one’s eyes and can cause permanent eye damage.

Help truckers keep their eyes healthy by buying them a good pair of polarized sunglasses. These minimize eye strain and prevent eye fatigue. This gift can also promote the driver’s visibility on the road. Your trucker friend won’t struggle to see through the glare.

7. Insulated Tumbler for Driving

Hydration is vital for the body to function properly. For any truck driver, water is important! An insulated tumbler designed for long-haul truck driving will ensure your trucker remains hydrated. This also means that they won’t need to stop for frequent sips!

The insulation helps keep water cold and coffee hot. You can customize this gift with personal messages like ‘best trucker in the world’. Who wouldn’t love that? Consider purchasing a cup holder to accompany this gift. Most cup holders are compatible with various insulated tumblers.

8. Portable Oven

Many truck drivers prefer having unhealthy, quick snacks or fast food on the go. But, this puts them at risk of various lifestyle diseases such as hypertension, obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

healthy meal

Data from the CDC shows truckers have higher rates of getting these lifestyle diseases than average U.S. adult workers. Truckers’ health challenges are largely due to their unhealthy eating habits.

A portable oven can help them eat better and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is one of the most practical and thoughtful gifts for truckers. This can also help your loved ones save money. They can prepare and enjoy a nutritious hot meal instead of buying food from restaurants.

Other great additional semi-truck driver gifts that are practical, like an oven, include:

  • A mini refrigerator is an excellent gift that lets truckers enjoy chilled drinks on hot days.
  • An electric lunch box helps to keep healthy, cooked food warm.
  • Portable coffee makers allow for fresh, hot coffee on the go.

All of these semi-truck gift ideas go a long way to ensure that your trucker friends can carry the comforts of home on the road. Gifts that help truckers to live a better life in transit are the best gifts out there!

Gifts To Make Truckers’ Lives Easier

Truck drivers appreciate items and tools that can make their lives easier. These can be anything that helps them carry out their day-to-day activities effectively.

Think about the trips that truckers make, and the duties they need to perform during these trips. Anything that can make these trips, or routines, easier – it’s a win!

Old trucker

Simple items like a bottle opener or trucker cap fit the bill. Here are a few more ideas to get you started.

9. Prepaid Cards

Prepaid cards are a unique gift! These make it easy for truck drivers to purchase items during their trips. These cards are also safer to carry around in comparison to cash.

10. Organizational Items

Any item that helps truck drivers save space and keep their trucks organized is a great gift. Such items make most truckers’ days go more smoothly! A good example is a seat organizer mounted on the passenger seat.

This is the best compact storage station for a trucker, providing enough space for storing required work-related items such as the following:

  • A computer or other gadgets.
  • Clipboards.
  • Registration information.

You can also get a portable clipboard case to help truck drivers organize all their paperwork in one area. These have filing pockets for different types of papers and pens, which makes handling paperwork stress-free.

Other Must-Have Items That Make Perfect Gifts

The roads are unpredictable and accidents can happen at any time. Each truck driver should have a first aid kit handy. These can save lives!

11. First-Aid Kit

An all-purpose first-aid kit is a thoughtful gift for truck drivers. It’s a must-have item that’ll help them handle any emergencies on the road promptly. These kits can also be of assistance for common issues like headaches, minor body aches, pains, or sore muscles.

first aid kit

Another item truckers should have is an extractor. This is a lifesaving multi-tool consisting of a laser-sharp blade and a glass-breaking tack.

Like the kit, extractors can come in handy during emergencies. The blade can cut any seat belt, and the tack shatters windows fast. It’s a simple yet critical tool that all truck drivers should have.

Final Thoughts

The right gift can change the life of any truck driver. It can make long hours on the road safer, more manageable, and more comfortable.

We’ve given you a list of the most practical gifts that your truck driver friends will find helpful each day. Hopefully, you’re feeling inspired!

Remember to add a personal touch to any gift you give. You can do this by engraving personal messages on items or adding a handwritten letter with each gift.
Are you looking for a specific gift? Check out this article on fathers’ day gifts for truckers.

Truck

Top 3 Best Commercial Truck Financing Reviews

Truck

 

Are you in the market for new commercial vehicles, but don’t want to make hasty financing decisions? If you’re looking for the best commercial truck financing reviews, this article is for you!

We’re going to discuss the top 3 commercial truck financing options. This way, you can make the best decision for your business. Let’s explore the pros and cons of each option, as well as expected application processes, rates, and customer service.

Whether you’re a small business owner or a fleet manager, we’ve got you covered. Sit back, and read on, to find the perfect financing solution for your commercial trucks.

3 Best Commercial Truck Financing Reviews For You

We’ve selected the top 3 options that you should consider in your financing journey. These key players were ranked using the criteria outlined below.

Here’s how we reviewed the best commercial truck financing companies:

  • Financing options: Not all truck finance companies offer the same financing options. Some only provide repair loans, while others offer direct loans. The more financing options, the better!
  • Application process: Nobody wants to sift through hours of paperwork. The easier the application process is, the easier it is for you to finance your fleet.
  • Rates: Lower rates are highly sought after. This means less cash out of your pocket when you have to repay your loan.
  • Customer service: Commercial fleet financing can be complicated and daunting. Having superb customer service helps ensure you get the loan you deserve.

If you intend on financing a semi truck, you’ll want it to be as comfortable as possible. Read these articles to make the most of your journeys:

1. Mission Financial Services

On the Road to FINANCIAL INDEPENDENCE

As the best option for overall commercial fleet financing, we have Mission Financial Services. This company is a well-known choice for semi-truck owner-operators, as well as fleet services, seeking commercial fleet financing.

Mission Financial Services aims to streamline the semi-truck financing process. When it comes to financing anything of commercial use other than construction equipment, this company is your best bet.

They also strive to help owner-operators finance new trucks, repairs, or upgrades. Although this company will assess your credit report, note that credit score is not a determining factor in approving your loan.

Financing Options

Mission Financial Services provides professional commercial vehicle financing. They offer a wide variety of commercial and semi-truck loans, including:

  • First-time buyer loans.
  • An approved lender for 1000’s of Dealerships nationwide
  • Private party purchases
  • Truck repair loans.
  • Operating Capital.
  • Lease Purchase Buy-Outs.

Application Process

The application process at Mission Financial Services is as seamless as it gets. There are a few steps you’ll need to take to complete your loan application. We’ve outlined these below:

  • Determine eligibility: As with any loan application, your eligibility will need to be assessed. Mission Financial Services will consider your overall credit report and down payment, as well as your truck’s age and how long you’ve had a commercial driver’s license.
  • Gather documentation: The necessary documents you’ll need include bank statements, a CDL, references, cell phone contracts, and proof of insurance. Having the required documentation will help to streamline your application process.

White paper silver pen

  • Apply: Lastly, submit your documentation to Mission Financial Services. If all is in order, your new truck will be right around the corner.

Rates

Mission Financial Service offers affordable industry rates. The rates largely depend on the type of truck loan that you need. Chat with one of the friendly representatives at Mission Financial Services to determine the specific rates you’ll be liable for.

Customer Service

Mission Financial Services is known for top-tier customer service. Many customers praise their speedy application process and enthusiastic administration team. This team helps truck owners and fleet managers navigate the application process and find semi-truck loans suitable for their needs.

Summary

Applying for a commercial truck loan with Mission Financial Services is a breeze. The online application process is quick and easy, and you can complete it from your home or office.

The friendly and knowledgeable customer service team has received high praise from past customers. This team has been able to consistently help customers find the right loan deals. There are several loan options available, which makes it easy for customers to find the best fit for their needs.

2. Calfund

Screenshot

Next on our list of best commercial truck loan options is Calfund. Since 2002, Calfund has been a direct lender that provides titled equipment financing. They aim to help transportation industry customers and dealerships pursue new business opportunities through funding.

Financing Options

Whether you’re looking to acquire your first semi-truck or finance upgrades, consider looking at Calfund’s financing options.

Calfund will also assist with any maintenance or customization that could be necessar at a later stage. This financing option is available to even those with a C or D credit score. This makes it easier to receive a loan if your credit score isn’t the best.

Application Process

To apply for a semi-truck loan with Calfund, simply visit their website. All you need to apply for a quick, direct loan are key details about your vehicle and the down payment.

Rates

Since Calfund offers direct loans, their rates are higher than the industry standard. Some clients have found Calfund’s interest rates to be too high. With higher rates, fleet managers and truck owners take longer to repay loans.

Operator

Customer Service

Clients looking for a commercial truck loan have found Calfund’s customer service to be up to scratch. Customers can receive assistance through direct calls, emails, and an easy-to-navigate website. To reach Calfund, consider an immediate call. This seems to be the best way to get in touch with a friendly loan manager.

Summary

Calfund offers commercial truck loans to even those with subpar credit scores. This is a good opportunity for those looking to finance businesses that they may not be able to otherwise. Calfund’s application process is simple, and their customer service is accessible.

As Calfund is a direct lender, its rates tend to be higher than other companies in the industry. Higher rates mean that loans will take longer to repay.

3. Dakota Financial

 

Website screenshot

 

Dakota Financial is one of the oldest commercial truck financing companies around. They have over 20 years of experience in the industry and has served over 10 000 companies.

They offer great national funding programs to their clients, specifically those with prior bankruptcies, tax liens, judgments, repossessions, or slow pays.

Financing Options

This company offers commercial loans that range from smaller to relatively large amounts. Unlike bank truck loans, customers can be approved despite low credit scores. Dakota Financial’s options are geared to assist customers who have a past of bankruptcy, tax liens, or judgments.

Dakota Financial offers a custom loan solution for startups and companies with no credit record.

Application Process

This option does not offer a quick or easy online application process. Customers wishing to apply for a loan with Dakota Financial must contact the company via telephone or email to start the application process.

Customer Service

Dakota Financial has good customer service. Past customers have been happy with the capabilities of the team, and most have been satisfied with the level of assistance they received. This makes Dakota Financial a good option for individuals or companies who feel they will need extensive support.

handshake

Summary

Dakota Financial has been in the truck-loan industry for many years. This company is a reliable, well-known fleet financing option. Their customer service is  accessible and helpful. However, if you’re looking for the easiest application process, note that you’ll need to jump through a few more hoops with Dakota Financial.

Applying online is quick and easy, while starting an application process over the phone or by email might be a bit more staggered.

Final Thoughts

We’ve discussed the best commercial truck financing reviews for you. Each of these companies is a key player in the industry and is sure to help you finance your semi truck dreams.

Whether you’ve got one truck, or a small fleet, a loan can help you take your business to new heights. If you’re eager to start the financing process today, follow this link. Mission Financial Services promises a range of financing options, easy application processes, competitive rates, and great customer service.

5 Things Owner/Operators Should Do to Achieve Success

Trucking is an expansive and flourishing occupation—and it’s one of the industries that hasn’t slowed down during the current COVID-19 crisis. Companies and essential businesses turned to trucking, heavily relying on owners/operators to deliver their much-needed products across the nation. With this level of productivity and increased activity comes the question of success. What is now deemed “successful” in the trucking industry?

For some people, success is defined by what they have. For truck drivers, success is determined by their quality of work and the professional milestones they meet. But if you’re new to owning and operating your own business, figuring out how to measure success outside of just numbers can seem overwhelming. There’s so much more to success than sheer quantity or numerical values. In this article, we’ll break down the top five things you should do if you’re aiming for success in the trucking industry.

1. Be Positive

Trucking can be a strenuous job, but if you approach your career with set goals and a positive attitude, you’re more likely to beat out the competition and thrive as a business owner. It’s essential to consider your needs and desires to establish your short-term and long-term goals. Write out your goals and treat them as stepping stones to your future. Another tip for success: Try starting your day with “I get to” instead of “I have to.” When you work as an optimist, you can be 20 to 40% more successful than pessimists.

2. Health Matters

Successful business owners know a healthy body leads to a healthy mind, which leads to a healthy business. Researchers at the University of Georgia asked a group of people who make upward of $100,000 per year what helps them find success in their work. At least 75% credited their focus and drive to physical fitness. If your health is compromised by an unhealthy diet or lack of exercise, you’re almost guaranteed to spend more time in a doctor’s office and less time running and growing your business. An unhealthy lifestyle also leads to poor leadership skills and personal qualities, like tiredness and irritability. By staying on top of your health, you’ll be more energized, focused, and capable of taking your trucking business to the next level.

3. Focus Is Key

Business owners become successful by staying focused, committed, and driven. It’s easy to lose focus in the hustle of day-to-day operations; to grow your business, however, try incorporating healthy and productive habits. Each morning, write out your goals for the day then focus on them one at a time. When you focus on too many things at once, you lose up to 40% of your productivity. Working one goal at a time will help you hone in on the day ahead. While on the clock, eliminate distractions and stay committed to your goals. Combine your focus and commitment, and those around you will see you as a driven leader and someone they want to work with.

4. Work Harder and Smarter

Having a business means setting goals, achieving them, then working hard to outdo yourself on your next set of plans. A study from Harvard showed 3% of graduate students had written goals and plans. Ten years later, the 3% were making 10 times more than the 97% who didn’t have written goals. Make your goals achievable, then strive to achieve them. To work smarter, try placing your simple tasks and goals at the start of your day. It’ll give you a sense of accomplishment and help you conquer the more challenging tasks later.

5. Don’t Be Afraid to Fail

Finally, don’t be afraid to fail. It works exactly how it sounds. Things don’t always go according to plan. Some things are past our control, and that’s OK. Successful owners aren’t afraid to leap, even in the face of potential failure. It’s important to lose any fear of judgment and view your losses as learning opportunities. To get to your future, weigh the pros and cons of new options, accept any outcome, then strive for the next best thing.

Now that you have the tools for success, it’s time to get to work.

Interested in learning what it takes to become a successful owner/operator? Check out our post, How to Succeed as an Owner/Operator. For more industry news and content, stay up to date with our blog. Ready to begin your career as a trucker, but need some financial guidance? Visit our website to view our list of services, and contact us with any questions.

How Working from Home is Affecting the Transportation Industry

COVID-19 changed just about every aspect of American society, including our work lives. Earlier this year, many offices and places of business transitioned to a remote work structure with a majority of employees working out of their homes. One of the results of this change is some people no longer have a daily commute. The initial lack of commuters on the road drastically impacted traffic patterns and the transportation industry as a whole. While traffic patterns are increasing again, the transition continues to impact truckers—who are now in higher demand. Keep reading to find out exactly how remote work impacts traffic patterns, demand, and the day-to-day lives of owners/operators.

Truckers Have the Roads to Themselves

While some U.S. cities are seeing lower traffic levels—a decrease by up to 63%—trucking continues to be steady. The pandemic increased trucking activity and boosted cargo volumes since the shift in March. For truckers, large chunks of time can be spent battling gruesome traffic, drastically lowering the productivity of the entire supply chain. In 2016, the American Transportation Research Institute determined an estimated $74.5 billion in excess operating costs could be blamed on heavy traffic. This impressive figure speaks to the extent to which traffic determines the effectiveness of the entire supply chain.

Peak traffic hours in the mornings and evenings can almost entirely be contributed to commuters. Without them, those hours don’t bring the same congestion. Trucking companies used to have to completely change their routes in order to avoid high traffic areas. Many companies even planned the locations of their facilities in order to avoid trucks having to cross through metropolitan hubs. With lighter traffic than usual in some areas, many truckers can now take more direct routes and get to their destinations much faster.

Less Traffic Equals Less Liability

Having fewer drivers on the road makes traveling safer for owners/operators. By having fewer cars on the road, there is a smaller margin of error when it comes to accidents and collisions. Busy roads and traffic have been linked to increased rates of reported low-speed accidents. A study conducted by the Department of Transportation in the state of Maryland confirmed a positive correlation in the frequency and severity of collisions in high congestion lanes. When there are more cars on the road, it adds an elevated level of unpredictability. When accidents do occur in heavy traffic, that collision is much more likely to reverberate and cause pile-ups.

Streamlining the Supply Chain

The work-from-home structure also necessitates additional supplies. Since people are in their homes all day, they’re using delivery services more frequently, thus boosting business for truckers. Because of this increase in demand, trucking companies are rapidly adapting to make it all work. As mentioned earlier, many owners/operators are trying to plan routes for more direct travel. Additionally, warehouse reconfiguration allows truckers to spend less time at inventory facilities, and more time getting everyone the supplies they need to thrive from home.

Getting Back to “Normal”

Studies by StreetLight Data note that traffic is returning to its previous levels, particularly in rural areas, at a quicker pace than originally expected. As more motorists return to their daily commute, truckers might see a return to pre-COVID conditions. Fortunately, the transportation industry as a whole has evolved during this period. Even after traffic picks back up, the industry has found new and creative solutions—such as redesigned routes, streamlined loading procedures, and overall supply chain optimization—to make the entire supply chain more efficient and profitable. Additionally, as the disruption continues, more and more people will remain in their homes, amplifying the demand.

While traffic may be starting to increase again, getting up to 90% of the pre-pandemic levels, most metropolitan areas are still reporting lower congestion rates. The advancements made during this new period will have ripple effects that remain far past this period of uncertainty.

Going forward, many companies are discovering that remote work is productive, and as everyone settles into working from home, it might remain that way. If working from home becomes the new standard, the benefits it’s had for the transportation industry can be further capitalized upon in the months, and possibly years, to come.

Mission Financial is your all-in-one resource for trucking financing and industry news. Check out our comprehensive blog for updates on the transportation industry.

Everything You Need to Know About the Fiscal 2021 Transportation Funding Bill

At the end of July, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a package of fiscal year appropriations bills for 2021 with a 217 to 197 vote. The six bills address urgent national priorities and supply funding for federal agencies, including the departments of Commerce, Defense, Energy, Education, Health and Human Services, Housing and Urban Development, Justice, Treasury Labor, and Transportation. The $1.3 trillion bill package still needs to survive the Senate, but the overall goal is to provide funding for “96% of the government for the fiscal year 2021.”

The portion of the package for the Department of Transportation includes a request for a $107.2 billion budget for 2021. This amount will be broken down and allocated to various sub-departments within the DoT. In this article, we’ll go over what you can expect to see in 2021 if the bill passes through the Senate and how it will affect the trucking industry.

DoT Bill Breakdown

For the 2021 fiscal year, the DoT would be allotted $21.1 billion more than it received in 2020.

If the bill passes in the Senate, it will include:

  • $62.9 billion for the Federal Highway Administration
  • $18.1 billion for the Federal Aviation Administration
  • $1.3 billion for the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration
  • $3 billion for the Federal Railroad Administration
  • $18.9 billion for the Federal Transit Administration
  • $1.2 billion for the Maritime Administration

Aside from the $107.2 billion budget, the Department of Transportation hopes to receive an additional $26 billion “to strengthen and make more resilient our nation’s aging infrastructure” in light of the current economic climate. This amount would include National Infrastructure Investments and a budget for the DOT Office of Inspector General, to name just a couple.

To see the budget highlights in its entirety, click here.

What This Means for the Trucking Industry

The trucking industry is rapidly expanding, and there has been an extensive amount of care when it comes to growing and improving the trade. Earlier this year, the DoT announced its plans to add more upgraded truck stops across the nation. And while this may feel like a minor change, it will ultimately provide comfort and be a convenient perk for truckers conquering longer hauls.

The 2021 budget for the DoT would also be used to expand and rehabilitate the communities that serve the trucking industry. House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Chairman David Price said:

“Our nation is facing an infrastructure crisis, with crumbling roads, aging transit and rail systems… Meanwhile, COVID-19 is ravaging communities, revealing and deepening existing disparities… [This bill] continues to build on bipartisan progress in recent fiscal years to increase funding for all modes of transportation—highways, aviation, transit, bike and pedestrian projects, rail, and ports—while improving safety and focusing on resiliency across all programs.”

As mentioned above, a significant plan for improvement is constructing and reconstructing infrastructures. Improving infrastructure in rural areas (where a majority of trucking fatalities occur) can lead to a safer work environment. Bettering foundations in urban areas also has its benefits. It could ultimately lead to less work-based hazards, reduced traffic, and fewer accidents, which leads to greater efficiency and steady economic growth. The increased funding for state and local governments also allows them to improve their local transportation systems and safety; this could boost public relations and enable lower-income communities to rehabilitate their areas. These changes will culminate in growing our nation’s communities and paving the way for more trucking companies to open up, create more jobs, and expand our nation’s economy.

What Can We Anticipate For 2021?

As of right now, the bill isn’t officially passed, and therefore we cannot say for sure what is to come, especially in light of COVID-19. The energy surrounding this bill is hopeful, though. House Appropriations Committee Chairwoman Nita M. Lowey said:

“This bill represents a forward-looking vision to rebuild our nation and strengthen our communities. Together, we can modernize our transportation systems, expand access to safe, affordable housing, and support our most vulnerable neighbors… With this bill, we are laying the foundations for sustained economic growth and expanded opportunity for every American in every corner of our nation.”

If the Senate passes the bill, you can anticipate positive actions for not only the trucking industry but the communities that benefit from it as well. Check out our blog to stay up-to-date on the latest developments for this story. If you want to kickstart your trucking career, contact us today to see how we can help you.

Pros and Cons of Employer-Paid CDL Training

Believe it or not, it’s both legal and entirely feasible for anyone in the U.S. to receive a Class A Commercial Driver’s License without any help from a private trucking school. This information can be hard to come by, however, as there are dozens of private trucking schools in most states who make a profit by convincing greenhorns the best way into trucking is through their particular programs.

What You Need to Get a CDL

That being said, there’s a lot of information and many steps required for anyone looking to acquire a CDL. As a result, going the lone-wolf route might not be in the best interest of someone looking for step-by-step assistance. If you’re attempting to get the license alone, you’ll have to do a great deal of research in order to learn what’s needed to pass the written test and then pass the truck inspection that’s required for acquiring a CDL in most states, which can be a challenge for some. The process of obtaining a CDL shares similarity with the process of attaining a regular driver’s license, with different requirements to qualify. Federal regulations require you to be at least 18 years of age before attaining a CDL. But, in order to drive a commercial vehicle across state lines (interstate travel), or haul hazardous materials (HazMat), federal regulations require you to be 21 years of age. To apply for a CDL, you must have a Social Security number assigned to you to verify your citizenship, a conventional driver’s license from your local Department of Motor Vehicles, one year of driving experience, and a good driving record.

Depending on the state where you’ll apply for your CDL, it’s possible your DMV has already published a guide to getting your CDL, like this one created by the state of Texas. Make sure to check your DMV web page concerning CDLs to see if it’s published a similar resource for your state.

To make a long story short, the cheapest way to get your CDL will always be to do it yourself, without putting money down on a private program. On the other hand, there are still potential benefits to the other two options available to new drivers, which are to: 1) Attend a private CDL training program, or 2) Participate in Employer-Paid CDL Training.

The Potential Benefits of Private CDL Training Programs

Many CDL training programs have connections in place that can make it easier for recent graduates of the program to get jobs with carriers. There’s also a very high demand for truck drivers in most states, so most individuals who receive a CDL shouldn’t have too much trouble finding employment in general. With that in mind, tuition for driving school can range from $3,000 to $6,000, making it a significantly larger investment than applying for a CDL on your own, and the most expensive way to get into trucking on average. While many students find it relatively easy to get student loans for their CDL program, interest rates in America have been on the rise in recent years, making private programs a pretty large price to pay for the convenience.

Employer-Paid CDL Training

These programs are more difficult to generalize about, as they’re slightly less well-regulated when compared to true-to-form private driving schools and can differ widely when it comes to day-to-day life in training. While you won’t have to put any money down up front in order to get your CDL, in most cases, receiving training from an employer comes with a requirement that you work for that same company for a minimum amount of time, and being terminated from that position or accepting another can come with financial penalties. If you begin, and then fail to complete Employer-Paid CDL training, it’s likely you’ll have to pay whatever amount that company values the cost of training.

The long and short of this is Employer-Paid CDL training can be an inexpensive and efficient way to get into trucking, but it also carries a great deal of risk. Prime Inc. is a huge trucking company in America that trains thousands of drivers every year; recently, it had to pay $28 million to drivers who participated in their paid apprenticeship program as a result of unfair underpayment to new graduates of their program.

Lawsuits like this aren’t overwhelmingly common, but participating in Employer-Paid CDL training programs inherently gives a lot of power to the employer and can make it difficult for new drivers to have a good understanding of what employment could look like with other companies, essentially reducing their access to the financial cushion afforded by the free market. In general, if you’re seriously considering Employer-Paid CDL training, it’s highly advised that you get a hold of someone who’s participated in that same program before you enroll.

How You Can Get Started

If you need private financing for a truck after you’ve finished your CDL program, consider contacting us at Mission Financial, where we can offer you a direct loan at a competitive rate. Make sure to visit our blog to keep up with recent trucking news as well.

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