How To Become A Big Rig Truck Driver

Becoming a truck driver can be a great choice for those who want a secure and well-paying job. Truck drivers travel across the country and can find security in knowing that they work in an industry that makes the economy go. Because of the level of difficulty involved in driving a big rig, you will need adequate training before you ever hit the road on your own. If you wish to become a big rig truck driver, investigate what the regulations are in your state and find a good truck driving school to attend.

Enroll in a truck driving school. The truck driving school will train you in all you need to know about driving big rigs and prepare you to get your Class A commercial driver's license. Check if the truck driving school is certified to ensure that the school is of good quality. Many schools are not certified, but you may feel better about the school if it is.

Ask the truck driving school instructors how much time you will spend behind the wheel. Many times, the schools will tell you how many hours their class is, but you want to make sure you have enough time behind the wheel to get the feel and experience of driving a truck. You don't want to finish the class and not feel comfortable behind the wheel.

If you don't have the money to attend a truck driving school, ask the schools about payment plans. Many truck driving schools will loan you the money for their school and let you make a payment plan. Inquire about this when talking to them.

After attending school, you will need to pass the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) exam, administered by the United States Department of Transportation. You'll also have to pass a physical exam. The physical exam will need to be taken every two years, and when you pass you will be given a green card to carry with you at all times when you are driving. Your truck driving school will let you know about these requirements and, when you are ready, will set you up to pass your written test and driving test for your Class A commercial driver's license.

Once you have completed your truck driving school, you will have obtained your Class A commercial driver's license. This is the license that shows that you can handle a big rig on the road and is what you need to get hired as a truck driver. Some schools will help you network with employers after you have received your Class A license.

How to Make Your Bucket Truck Eco-Friendly!

As an answer to the increasing cost of gas and the growing concern over global warming, vehicle manufacturers have been racing to provide their customers with fuel-efficient versions. Today they are being built with fuel-efficient engines, smart engine management systems, and hybrid engine technology. Some are already fully electric and no longer require petroleum-based fuel to operate.

The efforts to create eco-friendly and energy-efficient vehicles have been successful with personal passenger cars. Unfortunately, the commercial truck versions still need a lot of additional work. Not all of the eco-friendly technology available in cars can be adapted to commercial truck applications due to the demanding uses of these vehicles. Despite this, there are still ways to make bucket trucks eco-friendly.

Follow a Regular Maintenance Schedule - Following a regular maintenance schedule is one way to keep any vehicle eco-friendly. A regular tune-up will keep the engine's timing synchronized so that it can burn gas efficiently and eliminate any unburned gas from leaving the exhaust. According to the manufacturer's recommendation, the air filter should also be replaced regularly. A clogged filter can reduce the proper fuel-to-air ratio and as a result, the engine has to burn more fuel to maintain its power output. It is also important to check the wheel alignment and the air pressure of the tires regularly. Either of these problems can increase the engine's workload and reduce efficiency.

Use Bio-Diesel - The type of fuel used also affects the energy efficiency and emission of the truck. A diesel engine is already 30 to 40 percent more efficient than its gasoline counterpart; however, it is still possible to increase efficiency and reduce emissions by using bio-diesel. This fuel is derived from plants and is considered carbon neutral since the plants used for producing the gas consume roughly the same amount of CO-2 from the air as is released when bio-diesel fuel is combusted.

Reduce Drag - Another way to effectively increase efficiency when driving is by reducing the amount of wind drag on the bucket truck. Wind resistance can significantly increase the engine's workload. Two simple ways to effectively reduce a vehicle's drag is by closing the windows when driving and driving at a moderate speed.

Use Less Air-Conditioning - Air conditioning increases the engine's energy consumption. So if it is not needed, always turn off the A/C and use the vents instead. During the day, it helps to park in a shady area to prevent heat build-up inside the cab.

Go Easy on the Pedal - Avoid sudden breaking and rapid acceleration. Sudden braking will cause the tires and brake pads to wear out faster, while rapid acceleration can increase energy consumption. If possible, try maintaining a constant speed to reduce fuel consumption.

Plan a Route - Reduce energy consumption by planning a route and avoiding heavily congested traffic. If possible, drive the truck when the traffic is not heavy to avoid stop-and-go traffic, which really increases energy consumption. For unavoidable traffic delays, save energy by turning the engine off while waiting for the traffic light to turn green.

Bucket trucks are known as gas guzzlers, and although most eco-friendly and energy-efficient technologies are not yet widely available for commercial truck applications, there are still many ways to make vehicles energy-efficient and eco-friendly. Following these beneficial tips will help keep the truck in better operating condition and help save the environment!