When you decide that you want to become a truck driver, the first step you'll need to take is to get your commercial drivers license (CDL). There are different ways you can go about getting your CDL, you can either enroll in a truck driving school or complete training with a trucking company. Explore the differences between these two CDL training options! Find out why enrolling in a truck driving school is ultimately a better option for your CDL training.

Why Choose a Truck Driving School?

Many choose to enroll in a truck driving school over completing company training. Enrolling in a CDL program gives you quality training and allows you to work for any trucking company after your training. By choosing a truck driving school for your CDL training, you'll enjoy the following benefits:

• Get top-notch CDL training from professionals with experience in the field.
• Many schools can cater the instruction to the needs of specific students in their class.
• Driving schools accept students whether they have previous experience or not.
• Majority of trucking school offer job placement assistance upon completion of the program.
• There are several ways to finance your CDL training. Resulting in little to no cost for you to get your CDL.

Truck driving schools are designed to teach individuals who are new to the industry, how to succeed in trucking. Choosing a truck driving school allows you to choose the employer you wish to work for after your graduation and start your career in trucking right away.

Why Choose Company Training?

Another option to get your CDL is to complete training with a trucking company. A few benefits to choosing company training are:

• You'll get to train with the same team you'll be working with on a daily basis in your new job.
• No need to look for a job after your training. The downside to this is that most companies will require you to sign a contract to stay for a while after your training.
• The training is typically free of cost to you. Cost is the main reason many choose to complete company training.

Finishing your CDL training at a trucking company can be a good option for some. The biggest downside to choosing company training is that you may be stuck with that company for quite some time. The training is "free" to you if you agree to sign a deal to work for that carrier for a specific amount of time.

Which CDL Training Option is Best?

Both training options will result in you getting your CDL. However, many choose to enroll in a truck driving school because it gives them a bit more freedom once they're finished. Nothing worse than being in a job you hate. By enrolling in a trucking school, you open up your job opportunities! Many CDL schools are also willing to "cater" their training to students if needed. They can focus on the specific skills you need to practice or help you train to get the endorsements you want. The individualized attention and personalized curriculum is an opportunity you just can't get through company training. Many people opt for company training because they won't have to worry about the cost of their training. However, there are many options to help students finance their CDL training. In addition to financial assistance and government-funded programs, Napier works with some of the top trucking companies who offer tuition reimbursement! Choosing to get your CDL from a truck driving school can get you the personalized attention you need to pass your CDL test. Napier Truck Driver Training can also provide you with job placement assistance! For more information on why a truck driving school is your best option for getting your CDL, please feel free to contact us! Napier Truck Driver Training can get you trained and ready for your new career in just 5 weeks!

When you're looking at starting a new job in the trucking industry, there are certain things you should be asking recruiters to find the best fit for you. These 50 questions will help you fully understand what you're getting yourself into before you sign a contract with the company.

1. What kinds of freight does the company haul?
2. Is the company publicly traded? This can help you understand the financial health of the company since you can easily search online for the current stock price.
3. Which state(s) does the company operate in the most?
4. How many employees does the company have?
5. Is it a team-driver opportunity?
6. How many load planners are there? What is the planner-driver ratio? 
7. What policies do they have for passengers?
8. How many drivers does the company currently have?
9. What is the company's turnover rate? A high turnover rate will tell you that this is not a company you want to work for.
10. How many empty trucks does the company have right now? If there are a lot of empty trucks, it's a red flag that drivers are quitting faster than the company can hire to replace them.
11. Can I bring my dog along with me on routes? If you want to bring your pet along, ask about their policy.
12. How many terminals does the company have? Where are your terminals located?
13. Do the trucks come with refrigerators already installed?
14. Are the trucks single-bunk or double-bunk?
15. How long does an average driver stay with the company?
16. How will the miles you drive be calculated? 
17. How much of your freight will be Drop and Hook?
18. Are most jobs single-stop or multiple-stop?
19. What is the driver load refusal policy?
20. Is there an option to stay in a single geographical area or must a driver run wherever the company runs?
21. Is the freight brokered?
22. Which system is used for e-logs?
23. Does the company pay for detention time?
24. Are you required to unload the freight?
25. What are the average freight miles?
26. What types of trucks does the company prefer?
27. What is the average age of the fleet?
28. How long is the orientation program?
29. Is there a fee for orientation?
30. Is orientation paid?
31. Is orientation on-site or at a different facility?
32. Are drivers assigned to trucks?
33. Does the fleet come with power inverters? If not, can the driver install one if so desired?
34. Are the opportunities for pay raises?
35. What benefits are included?
36. How long is the probationary period before benefits are activated?
37. Does the company offer a fuel bonus?
38. Is there a safety bonus program?
39. Is there a performance bonus?
40. Longevity bonus?
41. How are drivers expected to communicate with dispatchers?
42. Are the trucks equipped with APUs?
43. Is there an idle policy?
44. Can drivers take their tractor with them during their home time?
45. What is the policy for parking trailers during driver home time?
46. Are team drivers required to share a hotel room or does the company pay for separate lodging?
47. Is there a max pay-rate for drivers? This will help you determine if there are growth opportuntities offered to drivers.
48. Does the company offer a lease-purchase program?
49. What type of insurance are drivers required to carry?
50. Are drivers responsible for finding insurance on their own?

Be sure to consider these 50 questions when you're on the hunt for a new job in trucking. Asking these essential questions will save you time in the long-run as you won't waste time on a job that isn't worthwhile.

It's always a good idea to improve upon your skills if you're on the hunt for a new job in trucking. Napier Truck Driver Training offers a CDL refresher program that can be customized to meet your specific needs. Contact us today to get your driving career on the road!

Everyone at Napier Truck Driver Training would like to wish you Happy Holidays! 2018 has been quite a year for the school. With so many students graduating from our training facility, we have had quite a busy year. We’ve seen veterans, wives, married couples, best friends, and more come through our doors and finish their CDL training. Every one of you has a special place in our hearts and we are so excited for you and this new chapter ahead.

New Year⏤New Career!

As for 2019, we are so excited to see what the future holds for all of us at Napier. We know it will be a wonderful year and we hope you will be apart of it. There is no better time than now to get started with your CDL training. Truck drivers are in HIGH demand. By earning your commercial driver’s license in just 3-weeks, you can be off to rewarding career with high-earning potential. Trucking companies throughout the country are looking for local, regional, and over-the-road truckers. What’s holding you back? We are located in Hamilton, Ohio. Napier offers several Tuition Assistance options to students to help pay for their training. We know money is tight after the holidays, but we can work together to find what works best for you! After your training, our Job Placement staff will help you land a job you'll love. Need to be home nightly? We’ll look at local positions. Ready to make the big bucks? Over-the-road is your best choice! We’re ready to help you make 2019 the year you begin a new career in trucking. Contact us today to get started!

As we approach 2019 it’s time to start considering what the New Year will mean for the trucking industry. The good news is that the future of trucking looks quite positive as we look toward 2019. Things are believed to continue on the up-and-up throughout the year, even moving into 2020!

Consumer Demand Continues Rising

Consumer demand looks to continue to increase modestly throughout the year. It is estimated that demand for 2019 will rise about 3-4%. As trucks are responsible for transporting about 70% of all consumer goods, this means that there will be plenty of job opportunities for everyone looking to get into the industry. As long as consumer demand continues to grow, the industry will be relatively healthy and job growth will remain largely positive.

Truck Drivers are Needed

There are currently ~52,000 vacancies in the trucking industry all across the country. That means that there is a very good chance that there are job vacancies near the area where you live. Trucking is a great industry to get into and the consistent availability of jobs provides job security for those who choose to enter the field.

Automatic Trucks Are Not Coming Any Time Soon

Many truck drivers are concerned about automatic trucks taking their jobs away. While they are working on making automated trucks, the good news is that the developments of such vehicles are in their infancy stages. These trucks are many years away from being mainstream on the roads. Challenging moves like backing in and out of tight spaces and pulling onto busy highways or interstates will still require human intervention and assistance for decades to come. This means there has to be a trained driver in the truck at all times and that driver’s jobs are very secure.

Truck Driving Proves to Be a Great Career Path

There is a variety of reason that the trucking industry makes a great, long-term career for you to go into. The average OTR trucking job will start out paying an average of about $45,000+ annually, in addition, providing paid vacation time, full healthcare benefits, and retirement plans to each driver. Many large, national carriers even have programs that assist drivers with being reimbursed for the costs of getting their CDL (usually requiring you to sign a 1-year contract) which will come to you in the form of monthly payments (usually $100 to $400) in addition to your normal monthly salary.

Begin Your New Career in the New Year

As jobs in the trucking industry are in demand going into 2019, there has never been a better time to start a new career in the trucking industry. To begin CDL training in the New Year, contact Napier Truck Driver Training. We can help you get enrolled in your classes and on your way to a new career as soon as possible!

Many people wonder what a career as a professional truck driver would look like for them. In fact, you may be curious if it's time to get your CDL license and hit the road! If you enjoy driving, are interested in new adventures, and want to see the country, then trucking might be perfect for you! Even if you're looking to be home with the family, getting a local driving job is also an option. There is a lot to consider when making a career shift into the trucking industry. Discover why now is the time to start your CDL training!

What Does Trucking School Cost?

The total cost of getting your CDL will vary from school to school. At Napier Truck Driver Training we do our best to help students finance their CDL training. There are loans, grants, and scholarships available to help with finances. We also have special programs available to veterans who are looking to enter the workforce again. In fact, trucking is a great transition for military veterans! In addition to a variety of government-funded programs, Napier also works with some of the top trucking companies to offer employer tuition reimbursement. With this option, you can pay for your CDL training now and then get reimbursed when you start working!

How Long Does CDL Training Take?

Trucking school can usually be completed in 5 weeks if the course is taken full-time. Part-time courses can be taken on the weekends which will take about 10 weeks to complete. The course will require a total of 80 hours of classroom instruction and 120 hours of on-the-road, behind-the-wheel, hands-on training to complete your Class A CDL license.

What Do I Get When I Am Done?

When you get your CDL you have a whole new field of opportunities and jobs available to you. Napier Truck Driver Training offers job placement assistance to help you find a job that fits your needs. You are in a growing industry that is going to need to recruit 100,000s of workers in the coming years and already has employee shortages. This provides job security and assurance knowing that you are a vital part of what keeps the consumer economy in America moving forward.

How Much Money Do Truckers Make?

Many truck drivers earn the upwards of $50,000+ in their first year driving. Along with more experience comes higher pay. There are plenty of companies that will pay over six figures ($100,000+) for experienced drivers. Professional truck drivers also have access to full benefits including health care and retirement savings plans. Many trucking companies will also give paid vacation time as well. Some companies also might be willing to pay back part of or all of your tuition costs if you are willing to agree to work with the company for a specific period of time. If you're still considering entering the rewarding world of trucking, consider Napier for your training. Contact us today to learn more or get started!

Many members of the military come home from the service and are wondering what the next step in their career is. Veterans may also be feeling anxious about finding work immediately as they know they have families to support and bills to pay. Good news⏤the trucking industry has a lot to offer for military veterans!

Veterans Benefits

Trucking has a lot more to offer than just job security, especially for military veterans. The trucking industry gives back to veterans for their service in a variety of ways. CDL Schools like Napier Truck Driver Training offer financial aid designed to assist both active duty and military veterans get their Class A CDL. Napier works with programs such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill®, Montgomery GI Bill®, Chapter 30 and many more! Moreover, you may already have driving experience. Many military members will have the opportunity to operate heavy military equipment which can make the transition into trucking even easier. The Military Skills Driver Waiver allows anyone who has military experience to have the driving portion of the skills test waived meaning they only have to pass the written part of the test in order to be able to hit the road.

Transferable Skills

As a veteran, you already have a lot of the skills needed to be a successful truck driver. Truck drivers must be responsible and reliable in order to make their deliveries on time. Communication is key when others are relying on you. If you know you are going to be late, communicate this with everyone involved so there are no surprises. Depending on the specific job, truck drivers sometimes need to spend a lot of time alone. Long-haul drivers may be on the road alone for weeks at a time. Because of this, it helps to be a self-starter that will do their work without being monitored. Veterans have all served in an environment where they had to be responsible and reliable. Veterans are used to taking care of more than just themselves. The military also teaches veterans to be punctual in all they do. Everything in trucking depends on a schedule and people being on time. Just as military veterans have once communicated with supervisors, sergeants, and lieutenants, they will now be communicating with the dispatchers who will help keep them on schedule. Driving a truck in a war zone is a skill you may have acquired, and even excelled at.  And even if you didn't serve in a war zone, driving a truck for the military gives you all sorts of strengths that employers in the trucking industry are looking for.  You have the know-how of hauling everything from tanks and ordinance to construction equipment and hazardous material.  You have likely done it all and seen it all.  So why not apply those skills you learned in the military to a new career in the trucking industry?

Competitive Pay and Benefits

The trucking industry is one of the most in-demand job markets today. There is currently a rising shortage of truck drivers as the current population of drivers retires. Moreover, the pay and benefits are competitive with other industries. Trucking positions start around $40,000+ per year and some senior positions can pay much as $100,000+ annually. These positions also come with paid vacations that many drivers use to spend time with their families. Health insurance and 401k retirement savings plans are also benefits offered at most trucking companies. You have selflessly served our country, now it is our turn to take care of you and your family. The trucking industry can offer a quality job with flexible schedules and complete benefits⏤ensuring a secure future for you and your family. Ready to get started on your new career in trucking? Napier Truck Driver Training can get you on the road in just 5 weeks! Contact us today if you're ready to learn more. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.