Trucking Our Way Into 2016
A lot of us have heard about the trucker driver shortage and how it will only intensify over the next decade. There are many reasons for the shortage and I've blogged about a few of them. I do believe that PAM Transport and Driver Solutions are working together to do what they can to try and help alleviate some of the situation with regards to the shortage. In this blog, I will talk about why we started my blog over 3 years ago, just how far we've come, and how we want to truck our way into 2016.
How I Got Started Blogging
If you didn't already know, Driver Solutions and I came up with an idea about creating a real life and real time blog about my time in CDL school and then my journey to become a solo, front seat truck driver. 3 years ago, we didn't think that had ever been done. If it had, we all thought we could bring a new perspective to the blogosphere by giving a true and accurate account of my successes AND failures as I got into trucking. We thought, and I still believe, that when I blogged during school it would help current and future students realize the level of commitment and amount of hard work it would take to get your Class A CDL in 3 to 4 weeks.
Overcoming Failures
In case you weren't following me back then, I want to let you know that I’m not perfect. Believe it or not, I failed my first attempt when I took my state CDL test. With this failure, I learned a very valuable CDL lesson that still follows me to this day. Before my test, I was cramming information into my brain. I was worrying about the pre-trip inspection test. I was worrying about my blog. In short, when I was taking my CDL test I got behind the wheel of an 18-wheeler and I didn't put those worries behind me. I brought them along for the ride. To say the least, it didn't go very well. This is something I will never forget.
I could've given up at that time. After failing my CDL test the first time I could've very easily gotten down on myself and called it quits; however, I decided I wasn't going to let this obstacle stop me from chasing my dream. I refocused and my second attempt went much better. This time, the only thing I thought about was driving. No blog, no pre-trip questions, just driving safely for the person administering the test. I passed with flying colors. Eliminating those distractions was key for me to passing my test and doing so changed my life for the better.
Get Started Today!
Driver Solutions can help you get the CDL training you need to become a truck driver. Start your career now and you could be on the road making up to $50,000 in just the first year! Just take a few moments to complete our online driver application now.
Trucking Has Taken Me Everywhere
Now, almost 4 years into trucking, I've been all over the country and seen things with my own eyes that most people only dream they could see. Even better, I'm getting paid to do this!
I've Seen All 50 States!
I have now visited all 50 states. What a ride it has been! The things I've learned along the way, the people I've met and the adventures I've experienced are truly priceless. I really wouldn't trade it for anything.
Interested In Trucking?
Want to see where the open road can take you? Just take a few moments to complete our online driver application now.
Doing Our Part
I bring up my struggles with the CDL test, blogging and the driver shortage because I feel all of us, PAM Transport, Driver Solutions, and me blogging are doing our part in trying to help the truck driver shortage. My blog went from being about a newbie on the road just trying to get past the hardest part of trucking (the first year), to a trucker with some experience trying to blog about topics that help all types of truckers. While my main focus is to aim my blog toward newer drivers, I also share some things I have learned over the years that are sure to help seasoned truckers as well. I still believe that from the 6 month mark to the end of year one is the most crucial time in developing how you feel about an truck driving job. Will you stay around in the business, or will you become part of the ever growing statistic of "driver turnover?”
Send Us Your Ideas
PAM Transport provides truck driver jobs for both new and experienced drivers. C1 Truck Driver Training schools will help you get your Class A CDL, and Driver Solutions will make it happen with all the support you will need before, during, and even after school. Before, during and even after all of that - I hope my blog comes into the picture. It's a perspective from someone who has been through the CDL training program program. I've been there and done that so to speak. If you think my first year trucking was easy, think again. It was my toughest challenge as a trucker. I gained knowledge and I learned that things really do get easier; and then I made it a point to share with all of you.
2016 will hopefully bring new topics to the blog. You may have already noticed more videos! Behind the scenes, it has taken me maybe 3 months to make just a few working videos. Videos are tougher to make than they seem. In case you couldn't tell, I'm a talker. I can tend to veer off topic many times in a 2 minute video. That's because I have a lot to say. Stick with me though, I'm working on improving! Getting a decent selfie stick has been a challenge too believe it or not.
But the most challenging part is that I can't really do anything about what I see in the mirror everyday. My gray beard just keeps getting grayer...
Let's Make Our Voices Heard
I want to make 2016 the year the "Trucker's Voice Is Heard." Come along for the ride. Feel free to talk about topics that are important to you in my Facebook trucking group "Trucking with Wayne.” Are there certain issues you would like to read about in the blog? I’d love to hear your ideas. Happy New Year’s everyone, I wish you the best!
About The Author
Wayne got his start in trucking by going through the Driver Solutions company paid CDL training program back in 2012. Since then, he has traveled over 300,000 safe miles and counting! Join Wayne on his journey for a first hand look at life on the road.