For decades, truckers and amateur enthusiasts alike have relied on CB radio to stay in touch, share information, and exchange witty banter across long distances. These days, CB radio is being edged out by newer communications equipment. However, you’ll still find a sizable percentage of truckers who wouldn’t think of hitting the roads without a … Continue reading “Looking Back on the CB Radio”

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 … Continue reading “What Are the Advantages of Leasing Your Big Rig?”

Transitioning back to civilian life is a process with many challenges. One of the most pressing challenges is finding gainful employment. As a military veteran, you already possess a number of important skills. These, along with your background, work ethic, and dedication, could make you a valuable member of the trucking community. DSW is proud … Continue reading “How Does Veteran Apprenticeship Work at DSW?”

Pre-Trip Inspection Advice for New Truck Drivers When you land a job as a new truck driver and get your first route assignment, you’ll probably be anxious to get on the road quickly. But don’t forget that you’re required by federal regulations to conduct a thorough pre-trip inspection before driving each day. This inspection covers … Continue reading “Pre-Trip Inspection Advice”

Factors to Consider Before You Decide to Drive as a Team Team trucking is the practice of pairing two CDL drivers with one truck. Team drivers can maximize their mileage because one driver can sleep while the other drives. This allows them to cover more ground while still complying with hours of service regulations. As … Continue reading “Factors to Consider”

When you’re new to trucking, driving in the mountains can be a little intimidating. With time, you’ll get used to navigating the ups and downs of mountain roads with ease, but until you feel confident, remembering some basic rules of the road can help. If you’re just getting used to driving your rig in the … Continue reading “What Truckers Need to Know About Mountain Driving”

When you’re out on the road and not feeling well, calling in sick doesn’t quite work the way it does for other kinds of careers. Many truckers find themselves feeling sick when they’re hundreds of miles away from home with a trailer full of cargo that has to get to its destination. What should truck … Continue reading “Dealing with Sickness on the Road”

Lots of CDL drivers start out as company drivers. It’s simply the most affordable way to get your foot in the door in the trucking industry since you won’t have to worry about investing in your own equipment. But after being a company driver for a while, you might start to wonder what life would … Continue reading “What Is It Like to Be an Owner-Operator Driver?”

The Jacobs Engine Brake, more commonly called the Jake brake, is a compression release engine brake. It’s installed on some diesel engines, such as big rigs. When a trucker uses a Jake brake, the exhaust valves in the cylinders open up. This causes the release of the compressed air within the cylinders, which consequently slows … Continue reading “Jake Brake 101”

For many people, work means going to an office and sitting behind a desk for eight hours a day. But who says that careers must look like that? There are many different ways to make a living, and while desk jobs are perfect for some people, they are the worst possible fit for others. Life … Continue reading “Why Desk Jobs Aren’t for Everyone”