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Knowing what you can do to help yourself succeed is one of the most important things that will influence your driving career. If you avoid unreasonable expectations and focus on doing a good job, you will find that things usually work out for the best. Following these simple steps can help you set yourself up for success as a CDL driver.

Find your Niche

There are many different ways to make a living as a CDL driver. Choosing the right type of trucking that will fit within your lifestyle is important to finding a job that you truly enjoy. You will need to choose the type of truck you want to drive, the freight you want to haul, and the distances you want to cover.

Each of these decisions comes with its own challenges, perks, and pay. This is not to say that once you have made that decision you are locked into it for life. CDL jobs come in all shapes and sizes and because of this you do not have to give up your career to be happy. Instead you can modify it to fit your needs.

Your Attitude Matters

Everyone wants to be happy in their job and truckers are no different. We have found that one of the biggest factors in determining your happiness is your own personal attitude and work ethic. As a truck driver you will need to wear a lot of hats and experienced trucking companies take the time to determine which drivers are cooperative, hard-working, reliable, and resourceful. The drivers who get tons of freight, enjoy the company they work for, and are happy in their career are often the ones with the most disciplined and responsible work ethic. Your trucking company wants a driver that will get the job done safely and efficiently.

Learn About Your Company

Another factor for determining job happiness is how well you fit within your company. No carrier is perfect, so it is important to have realistic expectations. It is also helpful to take time to understand the company you work for and the trucking industry in general.

Practicing good communication skills is one way to accomplish this. Get to know those you work with and surround yourself with the right people. Once you have done this, you need to communicate with them in a positive way. Patience will go a long way in your day-to-day interactions. Learning to take the good with the bad will help keep you focused on the right path.

Continue to Learn Every Day

Every day at your job is an opportunity to learn and the most successful drivers never stop educating themselves. As a CDL driver, you will need to learn how to handle your truck skillfully. You will also be responsible for staying up to date with all the changes in trucking regulations.

You should also know the factors that go into determining what type of freight you will be hauling. These include the economy, the time of the year, the region you are in, your ability as a driver, and your company’s freight lines.

Become a CDL Driver for DSW

At DSW, we are always looking for top-quality CDL drivers. We provide our truckers with excellent equipment, great weekly pay, and benefits like health, dental, and vision insurance. You get big freight while enjoying the atmosphere of a family-owned company. Whether you are a recent CDL school graduate, experienced truck driver, or are looking to become or already are an owner-operator, we have the right placement for you. We provide tuition reimbursement for those who qualify, paid training, team matching, and express orientation so you can get on the road and start earning right away.

If you are a CDL driver, call us today for more information about working with DSW.

As a truck driver, some hauls may be drop-and-hook. This means that you will not be responsible for securing freight. However, others may require you to place cargo. In these cases, it is important that you closely follow all regulations to ensure the safety of yourself, others on the road, and the materials you are transporting. Even if you do not load your vehicle yourself, you are still responsible for inspecting the cargo, making sure it has been loaded safely, and ensuring that your truck is safe to drive.

Here are some tips for securing freight in a traditional tractor-trailer:

Balance Freight Properly

When you are loading cargo, it is essential to consider the center of gravity of your vehicle. A high center of gravity can increase the risk of the truck rolling over. This occurs when you stack freight too high or when you place heavier materials at the top. The safest way to load your trailer is by putting cargo as low as possible and placing the heaviest items at the bottom.

You should also take care to distribute weight evenly. If there is too much or too little on the axles, it can lead to poor traction, tire damage, and increased risk of rollover. Position cargo in the middle of your trailer and block/brace it so it does not shift during transit.

Know Weight Limits

It is important to know what the legal weight limits are for the states you will be driving through. Within the National Network (NN) of highways in the United States, federal regulations apply. However, if you drive on any smaller state highways, you will need to know the specific limits for that region. This includes the gross vehicle weight (GVW), gross combination weight (GCW), and axle weight.

Beyond legal considerations, driving an overloaded truck can be dangerous and can negatively affect steering, braking, and speed control. Weather or road conditions may also impact how much weight is safe to haul. For example, if you are driving on a mountain road or during a storm, being under the legal weight limit may still be unsafe.

Inspect Your Semi-Truck

Pre-trip inspections are necessary to make sure your vehicle is safe to drive. You must check for a variety of issues before starting your route. This process includes inspecting cargo, even if you did not load it yourself. During your inspection, make sure weight is evenly distributed and check that the freight does not block your access to emergency equipment.

Re-Checking Cargo

In addition to an initial inspection, you will need to continue to check your load during your trip. Regulations for this may vary, so be sure to check what is required for the areas you will be driving through. In general, you will need to inspect every 3 hours or 150 miles. You will also need to do an inspection after any breaks you take while driving.

Drive With a Company That Values Your Safety

At DSW, we value our drivers and make sure they are safe on the road. In addition to excellent training for new drivers, we offer 24/7 support so someone can answer any questions you have during your route.

Contact us today to learn more about our openings for new and experienced truck drivers.

The COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has introduced a great deal of uncertainty into our daily lives. This extends to many industries. One thing that unites so many different sectors of our country is the dependence on truck drivers to deliver goods and materials. This means that truck driving jobs are even more important than ever and are essential to ensure everyone gets what they need, even during difficult times. 

Here are just a few of the reasons why drivers are necessary:

Contribution to the American Economy

Health crises such as the Coronavirus pandemic can have a massive impact on the financial health of the country. Trucking is a driving force behind the United States economy and the contributions of drivers are essential to keep this industry running. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) found in their 2019 collection of truck driving data that trucks moved over 70% of the nation’s domestic freight and generated almost $800 billion in revenue. In addition, over 7.7 million individuals have jobs related to trucking. This plays a direct and indirect role in keeping our economy functioning. 

Delivering Medical Necessities

Semi-trucks haul a huge variety of items and this includes medical necessities such as the gloves, face masks, and ventilators that healthcare professionals are using to fight this virus. Medical supplies would be depleted in as little as 24 hours if truck drivers stopped their deliveries. With so many shortages already affecting patients, this makes truckers all the more important.

Bringing Goods to Grocery Stores

Tractor-trailers deliver items to grocery stores from produce to cleaning supplies. During the current situation, stock is disappearing from shelves faster than usual. Drivers make it possible for stores across the nation to replenish their supplies for those who need them. Canned foods, bottled water, and other essentials would start to disappear from stores within 2-3 days without truckers and most other items would be gone within a few weeks. 

Thank You to Our Nation’s Truck Drivers

Our team at DSW wants to extend our heartfelt thanks to all of our nation’s truck drivers, whether you work with us or any other trucking company. We understand what an important contribution you make each day by delivering necessary items to those across the country. During a crisis like this, your efforts are even more valuable and we appreciate all that you do.

Looking for a Truck Driving Job? 

If you are a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder looking for a job where you are paid what you’re worth and are appreciated by your company, DSW is hiring drivers like you. We offer excellent home time and one of the best rates of pay in the industry. We have the atmosphere of a small, family company with freight that rivals what you’d see at the nation’s largest carriers. When you drive for us, we work hard to get you miles, get you paid, and get you home. 

Contact us today to learn more about our available truck driving jobs.

The trucking industry has a long history that has shaped the economy of the United States. 

Learn more about how truck driving has evolved: 

Before Truck Driving

Before trucks, freight was moved by train or horse-drawn vehicles. While trains were highly efficient at moving large amounts of freight, they could only deliver to metropolitan areas. Horse-drawn wagons would then distribute the cargo. While there were a few trucks that existed at the time, they were mostly a novelty. These vehicles were basically motorized wagons with solid rubber tires which made any trip rough and slow. The use of electric engines limited their range and functionality and a lack of paved roads limited trucks to mostly shorter urban routes.

The Early Era of Trucking

It wasn’t until 1910 that technology began to develop. This gave rise to the trucking industry. The advent of gasoline-powered internal combustion engines, improvements to transmissions, the change to gear drives from chain drives, and the development of tractors/semi-trailer combinations helped spur the rise in popularity of shipping by truck.

 In 1912, trucks became equipped with running lights, allowing them to be driven at night. This made it possible to travel during any time of the day, which made motorized trucks more practical. As a result, the railroads began to lose business to trucking companies. However, trucks were still not used extensively until the military started using them during World War I.

During World War I, railroads had become increasingly congested and the US needed alternative forms of transporting goods. The advent of pneumatic (inflated) tires allowed trucks to carry heavier loads and travel at higher speeds. Truck manufacturers began to emerge to meet the increasing demand. By 1920 there were over one million trucks on American roads. The 1920s also saw advancements in rural roads, the introduction of the diesel engine, power-assisted brakes and steering, and much more.

Trucking Industry Regulations

With these advancements came new regulations. By 1933, all states had some form of truck weight regulation. It was also during this year that President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s “New Deal” formed the American Trucking Associations (ATA). This was accomplished by merging the American Highway Freight Association and the Federated Trucking Associations of America. This legislation also adopted a code of fair competition. In 1935, Congress passed the Motor Carrier Act, which replaced this code and gave authorization over the trucking industry to the Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC).

Interstate Transport

In 1941, President Roosevelt appointed a special committee to explore the idea of a national highway system. Progress on this halted because of the start of World War II. It wasn’t until 1954 that Dwight D. Eisenhower renewed the plan. This ignited a feud between railroad, truck, tire, oil, and farm groups over who would pay for the new highways and how. Finally, the Federal-Aid Highway Act authorized the construction of the Interstate Highway system in 1956. During this time a new type of intermodal shipping container was pioneered. This allowed for easier transfer of cargo between ships, trains, and trucks. As a result, the trucking industry really began to flourish.

Trucking During the 1960s, 1970s, and 1980s

The 1960s and 1970s saw a dramatic rise in popularity and romanticism of truck drivers. Movies, television, and music depicted them as modern-day outlaws. Truck drivers participated in widespread strikes in 1973 and 1979 over the rising cost of fuel. They created a community where they helped each other by communicating using CB radios.

By the 1980s national attention towards trucking had waned and with the advent of the cell phone, the CB culture largely disappeared. With the Motor Carrier Act of 1980, the trucking industry was partially deregulated, allowing for an increase in the number of trucking companies in operation. While this resulted in lower pay for most drivers as the industry largely de-unionized, it also increased competition and reduced costs to consumers. The Surface Transportation Assistance Act of 1982 finally established a federal minimum for truck weight limits. This was important because this act standardized truck size and weight limits across the entire nation. 

Modern Day Trucking

Today the trucking industry is stronger than ever. It collects on average $650 billion in revenue each year and there are about 5.6 million registered semi-trucks in the United States. This number continues to grow as demand increases, resulting in a driver shortage.

Become a Truck Driver With DSW

If you would like to learn more about the trucking industry and becoming a truck driver, dispatcher, or starting a career in the exciting field of transportation, DSW can help. We have openings for all levels of drivers. With competitive pay, tuition reimbursement, and medical and dental benefits, we’ve got you covered.

Call us today for more information regarding a career in the trucking industry.

Truck driving is essential to the American economy and truckers transport the majority of freight within our country. Since many types of freight must move long distances, over-the-road (OTR) trucking plays a major role in the transportation industry. These types of truck driving jobs have routes that cover the 48 continental United States. Although they do involve more travel, long haul driving jobs have many benefits. 

Here are some of the reasons you should consider becoming an OTR driver:

OTR Jobs Offer More Variety

If you are a local commercial driver, you probably see the same sights every day. Your dedicated route passes through familiar areas and over time this can become boring and repetitive. If you are tired of local driving, OTR trucking can add some excitement to your day-to-day sights.  

Routes at DSW cover all of the continental states so there is no shortage of variety. Our nation has so much beautiful scenery that you can see as an OTR driver. When you drive with us, we offer you up to three days off anywhere in the country.

Long Haul Drivers Are in High Demand

There is a large demand for drivers across the transportation industry and there is an even greater need for OTR truckers. Because of this demand, you can enjoy greater job security. You also have more choices of motor carriers who want you to work for them.

At DSW we offer many benefits. This is our way of showing you our appreciation. 

We value our drivers and want you to stay with us for the long haul. 

OTR Trucking Pays More

Since OTR routes do require more time on the road, trucking companies pay you accordingly. OTR jobs are among the highest-paid in the industry, which makes them a popular choice for drivers looking to get the most out of their commercial driver’s license (CDL). 

When you work for DSW, you can take advantage of our excellent rates and weekly pay. Our starting pay is among the best in the industry. New CDL drivers can take advantage of paid training and tuition reimbursement for those who qualify. In addition, we make sure to pay experienced drivers what they are worth. This includes an annual pay increase and medical benefits.  

Choose the Right Trucking Company For You

Not every OTR job is created equal, so it’s important to choose a company whose values and benefits match what you are looking for. DSW is an excellent choice. We are truly a family company that is operated by former drivers who know you by name, not by truck number. With us, you can enjoy a small company atmosphere with freight and miles that match the larger carriers. 

Ready to Drive For Us?

If you are ready to make the switch from local or regional driving to a high-paying career as an OTR trucker, you’re in the right place. DSW is always looking for new members for our team. 

Apply to work for DSW today using our online pre-application. 

DSW is not just any truck driving company. We’ve been trusted for over 30 years to provide outstanding working conditions for our employees. Working for big companies can make you feel like a small fish in a big pond, but at DSW you get the benefits of big company freight with a small company atmosphere. If you are looking for a job with amazing benefits and great pay, then look no further. There are numerous advantages that come from driving for our Tucson trucking company. At DSW we take care of our employees, ensuring their safety and satisfaction. 

Here are just a few of the benefits of working with DSW:

New Trucks and Equipment

At DSW you will not have to worry about driving an old, worn-down vehicle. 90% of our trucks have been operated for less than 4 years and we continue to grow our fleet. With a focus on fuel efficiency, connectivity, safety, quality, and uptime you cannot go wrong with our trucks.

We pride ourselves on supplying our drivers with trucks that come with the latest technology. All of our trucks come with a Qualcomm satellite, air-ride suspension, Jake brakes, cruise control, outward-facing cameras, and inverters for your TV, computer, or tablet. 

Another benefit of our advanced technology is that if you wish to optimize your performance on the road, our trucks let you access a variety of Freightliner videos and support materials simply by entering the last 6 digits of your VIN. 

Competitive Pay and Benefits

Not only do we have superior standards when it comes to equipment, but we also offer one of the highest starting salaries in the business and welcome new and experienced drivers alike. We take pride in recruiting the best recent commercial driver’s license (CDL) graduates and pair them with a mentor to help them continue to learn while they earn. If you are already a seasoned driver, DSW offers a competitive pay scale that rewards you for your experience. Drivers can also enjoy benefits such as yearly pay raises and health insurance (including vision and dental coverage). We pay our operators weekly and offer direct deposit. 

We also know how tough it can be with student loans from truck driving school. At DSW, we are happy to help! We offer tuition reimbursement for qualified recent CDL graduates. Reimbursement of tuition starts as soon as you have successfully completed our DSW Mentor Program. 

Time With Your Family

With a focus on driver wellbeing, we understand that pay and benefits are not the only factors when choosing a truck driving job. We believe that family time is essential and we work hard at providing better home time than our competition. 

When you work for our Tucson trucking company, we offer options to have a companion with you or to match you with other drivers for team driving, which can increase your earning potential. 

If you prefer driving alone but still want time to catch up with family and friends, we’ve got you covered. Our management works with you to guarantee your success so that you can spend time at home regularly. We offer up to 30 days off when you turn in your truck and one day off for every six days you spend driving. You can take up to 3 days off anywhere in the U.S. as soon as you complete your weekly goal of 2,500 miles.

Looking for a Truck Driving Job?

Look No Further Than DSW

DSW is Tucson’s largest family-owned over-the-road trucking company. Our management is comprised of former truck drivers who know what life is like on the open road. We know you by name, not by your truck number, and have an open-door policy at all levels of management. 

Contact us today to learn more about the openings at our Tucson trucking company.

The decision to become an owner-operator truck driver can be daunting. There are many factors that you need to take into consideration before deciding to start your own trucking company. While it is possible to make this decision right out of commercial driver’s license (CDL) school, being an experienced truck driver has its advantages. Additionally, understanding the trucking industry and what potential expenses are associated with operating your own independent business can help set you up for being a successful owner-operator. 

Other things that you should take into account:

What are your short-term and long-term goals?

One of the first steps in owning your own trucking business is self-evaluation. Having clearly defined goals can help you make more informed decisions. Being your own boss has some distinct benefits, like the potential for greater earnings and being able to create your own work schedule. However, business ownership is not always the best fit for every driver and their families. You must be able to realistically review your situation before making this big step.

Are you financially ready?

The state of your finances plays an essential part in how seamlessly you can transition into being an owner-operator. Starting your own small business can require thousands of dollars upfront to cover licensing, taxes, insurance, and many other costs. It can also determine how you are going to acquire your trucking equipment. Having a good credit rating can make financing easier. This allows you to obtain the lowest interest rates. Lenders also look at factors such as how long you have been a resident at your current address and whether or not you have a stable job history.

Are you going to buy your truck and trailer outright or finance the purchase?

Deciding if you should purchase or lease a truck has much to do with your available assets. A used heavy truck in good condition can cost over $60,000 and run upwards of $100,000. Another option is to lease a truck. Many trucking companies, including DSW, have lease-to-own truck purchasing options. This can save you the biggest up-front cost of becoming an owner-operator. 

Do you have knowledge regarding road regulations?

Not only does starting your own company require cash upfront to cover your operational and equipment costs, it also takes knowledge of all of the licensing and road regulations required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).  The trucking industry is heavily regulated, with new laws added every year. You need to be prepared to acquire the United States Department of Transportation (USDOT) and Motor Carrier (MC) numbers to operate legally, not to mention that you must be covered by health and truck insurances. This can take time and patience as it can take over a month to get your application approved by the FMCSA. Despite these requirements, the potential benefits can outweigh the inconvenience. 

Why choose DSW as an owner-operator?

At DSW we take pride in our expertise and will work with you to meet your goal of becoming a successful business owner. We offer competitive pay, a large freight network, repair facility, savings on fuel, and much more. DSW can even help you acquire a semi-truck through our lease program. 

We help you grow your career.

DSW is a great place to work for drivers at all stages of their careers. Whether you are just starting out, have years of experience, or want to pair with us as an owner-operator, you can take advantage of great pay, benefits, and an open-door policy with management. 

Contact DSW today to learn more about becoming an owner-operator truck driver with our company.

There are an overwhelming amount of trucking companies nationwide. Some of these companies are as small as a one-truck operation and others have thousands of drivers. Making the choice of what to look for in a trucking job can be daunting. With so many options available you will need to narrow down your choices so that you can choose the right company for you.

The first step is deciding on these things:

What type of work duties and lifestyle would you like?

Different types of driving come with different responsibilities. You need to start by determining what type of truck you would like to drive. There are a multitude to choose from, including dry van, flatbed, refrigerated, tanker, and many more. By choosing the type of truck you want to drive, you will narrow down the number of companies that you can work for.

Along with deciding which type of commercial driver you would like to be, you also need to determine the type of driving you would like to do. Some trucking companies only do local, regional, or over-the-road driving. Others have different routes in a combination of these options. Making this decision can impact all areas of your life as it will determine how often you are home and what your overall duties and responsibilities will be. 

DSW is an over-the-road trucking company with a fleet of dry van semi-trucks.

How often would you like to get home?

Your decision on what type of trucking job you wish to take will impact you and your family. Time at home is one of the most important considerations you should make when choosing. Although over-the-road trucking involves more time on the road than local or regional jobs, working for the right company can increase the amount of time you can spend with your friends and loved ones. 

At DSW, we offer one day off for every six days you spend on the road. You also have the option to turn in your truck and take up to 30 days off in Tucson or three days off anywhere in the country. 

What size company would you like to work for?

All trucking companies make money the same way, by hauling the maximum amount of freight as safely and efficiently as possible and providing great customer service. Larger and smaller trucking companies all have their advantages and disadvantages. Larger companies frequently have more resources available to them and different options for types of freight and driving opportunities. One downside is that at a larger company you may be treated as just a number and it can be tough to stand out when there are possibly hundreds or thousands of drivers. Because of this, it is much more difficult to get any special consideration for emergencies, or requests for time off.

Not every individual is comfortable in a large, corporate environment. At a smaller company, management has more time to get to know you as a driver. This makes it more likely that you will stand out for excellent service. It also can be easier to create a strong working relationship with the owner and other employees. Very often this can lead to better communication and because the environment is more personalized, it may give you more latitude when needing to take time off for family obligations.

At DSW, you get the best of both worlds. We are a family-owned company with a small company feel. However, we have hauling opportunities that rival larger carriers. We understand that one of the biggest factors in driver satisfaction is the people that you are surrounded by. With us, you will work with the best in the industry. 

Truck Driving Jobs at DSW

Hiring New and Experienced Truckers

At DSW, we provide our drivers with top-quality equipment, great weekly pay, and benefits like health, dental, and vision. We cater to new and experienced drivers as well as owner-operators. With tuition reimbursement and paid training for those who qualify, express orientation, and team matching, we show our drivers how much we value them.

Contact us today to learn more about our trucking job openings.

If you’re like many truckers, you joined the industry because of the freedom of the open road and competitive pay. All CDL drivers enjoy the independence of being away from the cubicle, without a boss looking over their shoulders. But at some point, you might consider taking it a step further by becoming your own boss. As an owner/operator, you have the option to either purchase or lease your own big rig. If you choose to lease your equipment, you can look forward to the following perks.

It’s easier to become an owner/operator when you lease.

Many truckers want to become owner/operators, but it isn’t always easy. Purchasing a big rig requires a substantial down payment, just like buying a house. And while purchasing the equipment offers long-term savings, the financial obstacle may prevent many truckers from taking that step toward ultimate independence. When you lease the big rig instead, you’ll pay little upfront. Plus, the average monthly installment payments will be less than the purchasing payments. Leasing agreements can allow truckers to break into the owner/operator gig without breaking the bank.

You may have a buy-out option.

It’s common for big rig leasing agreements to include a buy-out option. Check for it on the contract before you sign. If you decide to purchase the big rig outright, you can do so for the predetermined lump sum specified in the leasing agreement. If you choose not to purchase it, you can simply sign another leasing agreement if you’d like. By the time your lease expires, you may prefer to move on to a newer tractor.

DSW welcomes owner/operators in our trucking family. Be your own boss by taking advantage of our trucking company’s competitive lease payment plans, and choose from a lineup of late-model, fuel-efficient big rigs. Questions? Call our office in Tucson at (888) 266-7534 for more information about our leasing program, which includes a buy-out option.