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Over-the-road (OTR) driving is one of the most common career options for truckers. This involves spending a few weeks at a time on the road and making deliveries across any combination of the continental United States. OTR jobs give you the opportunity to enjoy the freedom of the open road. However, it isn’t the only option. If you enjoy the open road but prefer a bit more time at home compared to OTR, you should consider regional trucking. DSW now has regional routes available in addition to our OTR routes.

OTR vs Regional Routes

In many ways, OTR and regional driving are similar. However, there are some key differences. If you aren’t sure which will work best for you, we are happy to give you more specific information about our routes and home time policies.

Similarities

Your day-to-day life on the road will be very similar between a regional route and a longer one. You’ll be transporting freight in a semi-truck and will spend most of your day behind the wheel. During your time on the road, you’ll sleep in your truck and will have to keep track of your hours of service (HOS) to ensure you stay compliant.

Differences

The main difference between regional and OTR trucking is the length of the route. Long-haul routes can go from coast-to-coast and can travel through any combination of states. These drivers tend to have a variety of different routes that they travel and spend multiple weeks at a time on the road.

Regional routes, on the other hand, cover a smaller portion of the country. In our case, this is the southwest region. Time on the road varies, and we are happy to provide details if you are interested in one of these positions.

Our home time policies are excellent for both OTR and regional, but regional routes do typically allow you to get home more frequently.

Benefits of Regional Trucking

The major reason why truckers would choose a regional route is the opportunity for more home time. If you enjoy some aspects of OTR trucking (such as the freedom of the open road and the independence of being in control of your semi-truck), but want to get home more often, regional driving may be a great opportunity for you. It’s similar enough to OTR that it’s not as big of a change as local driving, while still offering more potential home time.

Additionally, regional driving allows you to become more familiar with the routes and customers within your region. As a result, it’s easier to prepare for any changes in weather, traffic, or other factors. These can be tougher to get used to if you are travelling through multiple different states.

When to Choose OTR Instead

Pay for regional trucking compared to OTR varies. In most cases, it’s a middle ground between OTR and local jobs. At DSW, we consider a variety of factors for our pay scale. It’s also important to keep in mind that the pay you take home depends on the number of miles you can drive, which will vary depending on your experience and the specifics of the routes you drive. However, OTR does generally pay more, so it’s important to keep this in mind if you are considering a regional route.

Another thing to consider is that regional routes tend to have less variety than OTR routes, since you are only travelling in one area of the country. Some drivers prefer this, whereas others find it repetitive. You should think about your personality and preferences when deciding whether you will prefer the variety of OTR or the familiarity of regional driving.

OTR and Regional Driving Jobs Available

DSW is currently hiring for regional and OTR jobs. We offer competitive pay, excellent home time, and a variety of other benefits.

To learn more about our OTR and regional trucking positions, contact us today.

If you choose to become an over-the-road (OTR) driver, you’ll be able to choose between team trucking and solo driving. There are pros and cons for both types of trucking and at the end of the day, which is best for you will depend on your personal preferences.

Team Trucking Overview

Team truckers alternate who is driving the vehicle. This allows them to stay in compliance with hours of service (HOS) regulations, which limit the number of hours a trucker can drive, while still keeping the truck moving. Some team drivers pair up with someone they already know, such as a spouse, family member, friend, or trucking school classmate.

In other cases, you can take advantage of team matching that will pair you with another driver based on your professional goals and preferences. This is available with many motor carriers, including DSW.

Pros of Team Driving

• Higher Earning Potential: Team drivers can keep their trucks moving and this is valuable for motor carriers. As a result, they are willing to pay more for trucking teams. This translates into higher earning potential for you.
• Company on the Road: Trucking is often a solitary job and many drivers appreciate the opportunity to have some company with them on the road. Team trucking is a great option for spending time with a family member or friend while making money, which is one reason why husband-and-wife trucking teams are common.
• Split Up Tasks: Team truckers split up driving time and can also divide and conquer for non-driving tasks. This makes it easier to get things done quickly and efficiently.

What to Consider

Team drivers have to be comfortable sharing the relatively small space inside a semi-truck with someone else. This is why these arrangements often work best for drivers who already know and are comfortable with each other. Whether you are driving with someone you know or not, it’s important to practice good communication.

Solo Driving Overview

Solo trucking is pretty self-explanatory. Instead of sharing responsibility with another driver, you are solely responsible for operating your vehicle. You will need to take regular breaks due to HOS regulations and must keep track of your driving hours to ensure you are in compliance.

Pros of Solo Driving

• More Control: As a solo trucker, you have more control over where and when you stop, what music you listen to, how you organize your truck, et cetera. If you are a very independent person, you will probably prefer to be able to make all of these decisions yourself.
• Sleep in a Stationary Truck: Team drivers need to be able to sleep while the truck is moving and the other trucker is driving. This can take some getting used to. Solo drivers, on the other hand, park when it’s time to rest.

What to Consider

As we mentioned previously, team drivers have higher earning potential. Additionally, spending time on the road by yourself can affect your mental health if you are normally an extroverted person. It’s important to consider your personality and earning goals when deciding between team and solo trucking.

Team and Solo Opportunities at DSW

At DSW, we are currently hiring OTR and regional truckers. We have team matching available or you can choose to work with someone you already know if you both become DSW drivers.

To learn more about our team and solo trucking jobs, contact us today.

One of the top safety tips for truck drivers is to always drive defensively. You’ve probably heard this advice even before you entered the trucking industry since it applies to drivers of passenger vehicles as well. But what does defensive driving actually mean, and how can it help you stay safe on the open road?

Defensive Driving Basics

The National Safety Council (NSC) has a course about defensive driving and defines it as “driving to save lives, time, and money, in spite of the conditions around you and the actions of others.” Defensive drivers should always consider what hazards could arise and anticipate what others on the road may do in order to prevent accidents.

Key Behaviors for Safe Trucking

What sort of behaviors are included in the definition of defensive driving? In short, anything that keeps you aware of the road and helps you react quickly is a part of safe trucking.

Some key actions related to defensive driving include:

• Maintain a safe speed.
• Don’t drive distracted (while texting, eating, talking on the phone, et cetera).
• Scan the road for possible dangers, focusing on the area directly around you while also being aware of conditions 12 – 15 seconds ahead of you.
• Maintain a safe following distance.
• Watch other vehicles and adjust your behavior accordingly. For example, if you see a driver texting next to you, maintain a safe distance from them and leave more room if you merge into their lane.
• Take weather considerations into account.

The Importance of Defensive Driving for Truckers

The basic principles of defensive driving are the same whether you’re driving a compact vehicle or a semi-truck. That being said, commercial drivers face different challenges and have a heightened responsibility to others on the road.

Some of the reasons defensive driving is even more essential for truckers include:

Large Vehicle Size

Semi-tracks are massive compared to the standard passenger vehicle. This means they have the potential to do significant damage in an accident. Vehicle size also increases the necessary stopping distance, meaning there is less time to make a correction in the case of an unexpected hazard.

Lack of Awareness Among Passenger Vehicle Drivers

Many drivers aren’t aware of the challenges involved in operating a semi-truck. They may cut off an eighteen-wheeler, not realizing just how dangerous this sort of behavior is. While it’s unfortunate, the reality is that commercial drivers often need to pick up the slack by being even more cautious and aware of their surroundings.

Time on the Road

Truckers spend a lot more time on the road than the average driver. This means that the potential risk increases significantly. It’s important that commercial drivers don’t become complacent and instead strive to maintain safe practices at all times.

DSW Is Hiring Drivers

If you are interested in a truck driving job, DSW is currently hiring regional and long-haul drivers. We support our drivers and have a small company atmosphere with big company freight.

To learn more about our trucking job openings, contact us today.

Before hitting the road each day, you need to complete a pre-trip inspection. Although it can start to seem repetitive to do this every day, it is absolutely essential for your safety and for Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) compliance. A thorough pre-trip inspection can help prevent accidents and save you time and trouble later on.

FMCSA Pre-Trip Inspection Requirements

Section 392.7 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) states that a driver must be satisfied that their vehicle is “in good working order” before driving it.

The section lists the following parts that drivers must check, at a minimum:

• Service brakes, including trailer brake connections
• Parking  brake
• Steering mechanism
• Lighting devices and reflectors
• Tires
• Horn
• Windshield wiper(s)
• Rear-vision mirror(s)
• Coupling devices
• Wheels and rims
• Emergency equipment

A pre-trip inspection checklist can be helpful to ensure you thoroughly examine all necessary parts of your vehicle.

Why Do Pre-Trip Inspections Matter?

Some of the reasons it’s important to inspect your vehicle each day:

Safety

First and foremost, the major reason for pre-trip inspections is safety. Completing these inspections properly helps protect you as well as anyone else on the road. Vehicle malfunctions have the potential to cause accidents. Since semi-trucks are so much larger than passenger vehicles, accidents are often severe. The time it takes to inspect your truck is well worth it to help reduce the risk of an accident.

FMCSA Compliance

The FMCSA requires you to verify that your vehicle is safe to operate before you start your driving for the day. If you are not logging this time, a law enforcement officer or inspector can see this when reviewing your electronic logging device (ELD) record.

Additionally, any violations that are found during a roadside inspection can negatively affect your motor vehicle record (MVR). Checking before you start the day prevents this from happening.

Saves Time

If you don’t fix a mechanical issue right away, it can cause a breakdown later on. Although it can seem like getting an issue fixed will take longer than you would like, it actually saves time compared to needing to stop on the side of the highway. Roadside repairs are likely to leave you unable to drive for longer, increasing your downtime and reducing your earning potential.

Even if the issue doesn’t cause an accident, it could still result in being put out of service if an official finds it during a roadside inspection.

Additionally, keep in mind that the sooner you notice a problem, the easier it is to fix in most cases. Something that may take a short amount of time to repair now could easily become a large issue if you don’t address it.

We Are Committed to Driver Safety

At DSW, we are committed to safety and give our drivers the tools to stay compliant. We have 24/7 support available should you ever run into an issue while out on the road.

To learn more about our openings for regional and over-the-road (OTR) truck drivers, contact us today.

Your semi-truck is your home away from home in addition to being your workspace. During hauls, you will spend the majority of your days in your truck. Keeping your cab clean and organized can help you feel more comfortable on the road. Cleaning your semi-truck interior is fairly simple and by keeping up with small tasks on a regular basis, you. can keep the area looking great.

Here are some tips for semi-truck cleaning:

Change Your Cabin Air Filter Regularly

A dirty air filter can circulate dust throughout your cab. This can impact your health by lowering the air quality. The manufacturer will have a recommended timeframe for replacement and you should follow this for the best results. If you are trucking with a pet, you may need to change your filters even more frequently.

A small air purifier can be helpful if you are consistently noticing air quality issues or if you have allergies. Many of these are small enough to fit in a semi-truck, depending on which model you purchase.

Test Products Before Using Them

Some cleaning products can damage your truck’s interior, especially if you have leather seats. Test any products you use on a small area first to make sure they won’t cause any issues.

Keep Cleaning Wipes Available

Disinfectant wipes are a great item to keep on your truck at all times. They make it easy to handle small messes right away. If anything spills, you can wipe it away before a stain sets in. You can also use wipes for any dust you see or just to tidy up before a day of driving.

If you are part of a trucking team, you can use wipes to quickly disinfect surfaces when you switch with the other driver.

Stay Organized

Organization and cleaning are not the same thing, but staying organized can help you keep your truck clean much more easily. This way your cab won’t be cluttered and you’ll know where everything belongs. You can experiment with different ways of organizing until you find one that works for you.

Make a Cleaning Schedule

If you wait to clean until your semi-truck is a complete mess, it’ll be overwhelming and take more time. On the other hand, tackling small tasks as they come up is a lot more manageable. Making a schedule can help you stay on track.

You should do some tasks every day, such as taking out any trash. In other cases, you’ll only need to handle a task weekly or monthly. Make a list of all of the chores that keep your semi-truck cab tidy and determine how often you need to do them. Hang this list up or keep it accessible on your phone so you’ll remember when it’s time to clean.

Are You Looking for a Trucking Job?

If you are interested in an over-the-road or regional truck driving job, DSW is currently hiring. We offer competitive pay, great benefits, and the best home time around.

To learn more about available trucking jobs, contact us today.

The cab of a semi-truck is a relatively small space and figuring out how to organize everything you need on the road can be complicated. Good organization will help you find the room for all of your supplies while also ensuring your cab doesn’t look cluttered.

Step-By-Step Organization Process

Everyone’s ideal organization process will look a little bit different and you should adapt it to fit your needs. The steps below give a general overview of one way to go about this.

1. Make a List Of What You Need

Making a list of everything you will be taking with you is a good first step to help you get organized. This way, you will know every item you need to store.

At first, stick to the essentials. Trying to take too much along with you on your hauls can quickly become overwhelming. You can always add more to your list once you’ve gotten used to storing and organizing the must-haves.

2. Categorize Your Items

After you’ve listed out everything you are taking with you, try splitting this list up into categories. For example, you will likely have essential documents, clothes, food, cleaning supplies, et cetera. You may also need a miscellaneous category for any items that don’t quite fit with the others.

Some categories may need to be broken down further based on available space or storage requirements. Food is a good example of this. Some items will need to be refrigerated, others should be easily accessible for snacks, and so on. Keep this in mind when you are categorizing your list of supplies.

3. Store Similar Items Together

Once you’ve listed the different categories of items, try to keep each group together for storage. Consider ease of access and the amount of available space when deciding where to put each group. For example, your important documents should be easily accessible from the driver’s seat in case you need them for an inspection.

4. Buy Organization Supplies as Needed

After you’ve completed the steps above, you should have a good idea of where everything fits in your truck and what additional supplies you may need to help you keep everything organized. By doing this later in the process as opposed to at the beginning, you avoid a situation where you have extra organization supplies just taking up space. Instead, you can tailor what you buy to your actual needs.

Some supplies that may be helpful:

• A small file cabinet or folder for documents
• Plastic drawers for clothing or food storage (Tip: make sure to measure the area first to be sure they’ll fit.)
• Plastic bins for under your bed
• Velcro or command strips so you can hang items on the walls

5. Reevaluate Every So Often

As you get used to life on the road, you will likely find new ways to improve your organizational system. Continue to reevaluate and adjust over time to keep your semi-truck neat and minimize clutter.

Looking for a Trucking Job?

If you are currently looking for a trucking job, DSW is hiring for both over-the-road and regional positions. We offer competitive pay and excellent benefits.

To learn more about our current job openings, contact us today.

Trucking accidents are more severe than those involving passenger vehicles only. This is due to the large size and weight of tractor-trailers. As a semi-truck driver, you play a key role in keeping roads safe. Being aware of the most common causes of truck accidents and how to prevent them can help you be a safer driver.

1. Fatigue

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), driver fatigue was a factor in 13% of commercial vehicle accidents. Driving while you are too tired can result in a loss of focus, increasing the risk of a crash.

Tip – Get Enough Rest

During your required breaks, make sure you are getting enough rest. Sleeping in a semi-truck can take some getting used to, but over time you will find what works best for you.

If you are too tired to drive safely, stop and take a short nap. Safety is essential and if you know you are too exhausted to be able to focus on the road, you should communicate this with your dispatcher.

2. Distracted Driving

When you are driving, you should be giving your full attention to what is going on around you. Anything that distracts you from that increases your risk of getting in an accident. It takes time to react to changes in road conditions, and distracted driving can cause you to not notice a hazard until it is too late to avoid it.

Tip – Don’t Drive Distracted

Never text while you are behind the wheel. This is dangerous for passenger vehicles as well but is even more of a concern in such a large vehicle.

Phone calls are also a distraction, even if you are using Bluetooth or another hands-free method of talking on the phone. Even though you can keep your eyes on the road, your focus is split and this can increase the risk of an accident.

3. Speeding

When you are going too fast, you don’t have as much time to react to hazards. Speeding in a semi-truck can also make it more likely that you will lose control of the vehicle during sharp curves and can damage your tires.

Tip – Slow Down

Keep in mind that the posted speed limit may be too fast in a large tractor-trailer. Always adapt your speed to the road conditions. It’s better to slow down and take a little more time to get to your destination safely rather than driving recklessly.

4. Passenger Vehicle Driver Errors

There’s only so much you can control on the road and sometimes other drivers are not as cautious as they should be. A trucking accident is not always due to an error on the part of the commercial driver. Passenger vehicles can also make mistakes or drive recklessly and cause accidents with semi-trucks.

Tip – Drive Defensively

Unfortunately, you can’t change the way others on the road drive. The best you can do to avoid an accident when possible is to drive defensively. Follow the other tips above, stay aware of your surroundings, and be ready to adapt to changing conditions.

Drive With DSW

If you are interested in working with a trucking company that values your hard work, DSW is currently hiring over-the-road (OTR) and regional drivers.

 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry. As a commercial driver, you will need to be aware of and follow all guidelines from this organization. Your motor carrier should keep you informed about relevant FMCSA regulations and assist you in staying compliant.

Some regulations truckers need to know:

Drug and Alcohol Testing

You must pass a drug test before you can start driving a commercial vehicle. You will also need to undergo random drug and alcohol testing and there are other circumstances when the FMCSA requires tests as well.

Failing or refusing a drug test will result in you being immediately removed from safety-sensitive duties.

Hours of Service (HOS)

Hours of service (HOS) regulations govern how long truckers can drive at a time before they must rest. These guidelines help prevent truck driver fatigue.

Key HOS rules to remember:

• The maximum driving time is 11 hours before you must take 10 consecutive hours off-duty. If there are unforeseeable adverse driving conditions that make it impossible for you to park for your 10-hour break, you may extend your maximum driving time to 13 hours.
• There is a maximum on-duty time of 14 hours before you must take your 10-hour break. Driving time occurs within this window.
• After 8 consecutive hours of driving, you need to take a 30-minute break.
• There is a maximum driving time of 60 hours in a seven-day timeframe or a maximum of 70 hours in an eight-day timeframe. A 34-hour break resets this.

Keep in mind that these are the most basic guidelines, and there are other rules you will need to know. It’s important to plan your trips with HOS regulations in mind.

The FMCSA has an educational tool on its website that can help you better understand how HOS works. Keep in mind that this is not meant to screen for compliance.

Inspections

The FMCSA requires drivers to check that their vehicles are in good working order before driving. To do this, you must complete a pre-trip inspection each day before you hit the road. This is to ensure the vehicle is safe to operate. If there are any issues, you need to let your dispatcher know and address them promptly.

You may also be stopped for a Department of Transportation (DOT) inspection during your trip. Completing pre-trip inspections helps ensure that every part of your truck is functional in case you are subject to one of these inspections.

Understanding FMCSA Regulations

It’s important to keep in mind that the regulations in this article are just a brief overview of what you should know as a trucker. If there is anything you are not sure about, you should ask your supervisor. Your motor carrier’s compliance team should support you in understanding and following all trucking rules and regulations.

Become an Over-the-Road or Regional Driver

At DSW, we strive to work as hard for our drivers as they work for us. We currently have openings for over-the-road (OTR) and regional routes.

To learn more about driving with DSW, contact us today.

Fuel is one of the biggest expenses for a trucking business. Semi-trucks average around 5.6 miles per gallon (MPG). For reference, the average fuel efficiency of a passenger vehicle in 2019 was 24.9 MPG according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The difference in fuel economy shouldn’t be too surprising since tractor-trailers have a lot more weight than other vehicles on the road. However, there are some things you can do as a driver to help improve your semi-truck’s fuel economy. Even a small difference can translate into significant savings considering how many miles a long-haul trucker travels – often more than 100,000 miles each year.

Some tips for your improving your fuel efficiency:

Slow Down

Speeding in a semi-truck is dangerous and in addition to the safety risk, it also reduces your fuel efficiency The exact drop based on your speed will vary depending on your particular truck. Studies have demonstrated that vehicles traveling 75 MPH burn up to 27% more fuel than those traveling at 65 MPH. Other data indicates that there is a 0.1 MPG drop for every 1 MPH over 55 MPH.

Avoid Idling

It’s best to keep idling to a minimum to avoid wasting diesel. If you are going to be parked for more than five minutes, turn the engine off. At DSW, all of our trucks are equipped with auxiliary power units (APUs), so you can still keep the cab at a comfortable temperature for sleep and use your electronic devices without idling. It’s also worth noting that idling your truck when you are not in it is dangerous and is also illegal in many jurisdictions.

Use Cruise Control

Aggressive acceleration and braking both negatively affect your semi-truck’s fuel efficiency. Using cruise control keeps your speed steady and helps you avoid these two issues. It also makes it easy to ensure you stay at a safe speed at all times.

However, there are some circumstances when cruise control is not safe. If the weather is bad or the roads are slippery, you should control your speed manually. The same goes for winding roads with lots of curves. In any situation where road conditions can change rapidly, it’s best to avoid cruise control.

Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations require you to perform a pre-trip inspection each day before you start driving. During this time, make sure all of your tires are inflated properly. According to the EPA, this can improve the mileage of passenger vehicles by an average of 0.6%.  There isn’t as much data for semi-trucks specifically, but it is still a beneficial practice. Beyond fuel efficiency, proper tire inflation can prevent blowouts and reduce your risk of getting in an accident.

Other Maintenance

In addition to checking your tires, you should also address any other maintenance issues promptly. This ensures your truck is running at its best. Depending on the repair, it may not have a large impact on fuel economy. However, there are several other benefits, including staying compliant with FMCSA regulations.

Become a DSW Driver

At DSW, 90% of our trucks are less than four years old and we ensure our drivers have access to up-to-date technology. We aim to work as hard for our drivers as they work for us.

To learn more about open positions with our Tucson trucking company, contact us today.

Safety is essential for truck drivers and helps protect you and everyone else on the road. Unfortunately, truckers sometimes feel pressure to maximize efficiency at all costs. While making deliveries on time is definitely important, driving safely is the most important responsibility you have as a commercial driver. This includes not driving too fast, as speeding in a semi-truck is even more dangerous than speeding in a standard passenger vehicle.

At the end of the day, speeding actually isn’t more efficient. You reduce your fuel economy, increase the chances of a costly mechanical issue, and, most importantly, put yourself and others at risk.

Here are some of the dangers of speeding in a tractor-trailer:

1. Increased Stopping Distance

It already takes a longer distance for a semi-truck to safely stop compared to a passenger vehicle. On average, a fully-loaded tractor-trailer has a stopping distance of 200 yards or two football fields at 65 MPH in ideal conditions. This is almost twice the stopping distance of a standard passenger vehicle traveling at the same speed. This data comes from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

If you are going faster than 65 mph, the distance it takes to bring your truck to a stop increases even further. This reduces the chance that you will see a hazard in time to stop.

2. Less Time to React

In addition to the physical stopping distance, you should also keep in mind that it takes time to notice a hazard and react to it. Your reaction time doesn’t change based on your speed, but the distance you will travel while you are still trying to react does, on top of the already increased stopping distance.

3. Difficulty Controlling the Truck on Curves

Curves and turns require care even when you are traveling at a reasonable speed. If you are going too fast, the situation can quickly become hazardous. This is true for passenger vehicles, but the risk is even greater for semi-trucks.

Tractor-trailers can be prone to jackknife. This is when the trailer swings into a V shape relative to the cab. A rollover can also occur if you take a curve at too high of a speed. Both of these issues can cause serious and even fatal accidents.

4. Tire Issues

Semi-truck tires generally have a maximum safe speed. This is typically around 75 mph. Going any faster than this increases the risk of a blow-out or of the tires separating. The risk increases if your tires aren’t filled properly or if it’s during the summer.

What is a Safe Speed?

You may think that you are safe as long as you are going under the posted speed limit, but this is not always the case. It is essential to adapt your speed to the road conditions. Adverse weather conditions can obscure your visibility and moisture on the road increases the risk of hydroplaning. In these situations, a speed that would be safe during ideal conditions may be hazardous.

In many areas, law enforcement can cite you for speeding if your speed was inappropriate for the road conditions, even if it was lower than the posted speed limit. It’s better to be safe than sorry and to use your best judgment to determine a safe speed.

Drive With DSW

At DSW, we support our drivers and prioritize safety in every aspect of our operation. Our management is made up of former drivers and we know what life on the open road is like. You will have access to 24/7 support and we offer competitive pay.

To learn more about our regional and over-the-road opportunities, contact us today.