91影视

So you鈥檙e ready to be a truck driver, huh?聽Of course, you are. If you鈥檙e in truck driving school, chances are you鈥檙e chomping at the bit to get out of the practice truck and get into a truck that will help you earn a living.聽Barr-Nunn Transportation driver, Dave Casanova has been climbing into the cab of a truck for 18 years. He has experience on both the general freight and expedited side of the trucking business. In other words, he has some tips for new truck drivers. Casanova offered his tips that every new truck driver needs to know. Whether it鈥檚 managing the job, the expectations surrounding the job, and how to build experiences that counts in the industry, he has some great advice!

1. Trucking is more mental than physical.

Managing your own mental state is the secret to trucking success. 鈥淚t can be a very frustrating and depressing job if you don鈥檛 carry the right mindset,鈥� he said. 鈥淔or some people, being away from the family weeks at a time can quickly become unmanageable.鈥�

2. Don鈥檛 expect the world right out of the gate.

It鈥檚 not realistic to expect your dream job right out of trucking school. 鈥淭he first job you get out of school most likely won't be the one you stay at for 20 years,鈥� Casanova said. 鈥淭his first job is where you should be learning about everything you need to be safe and compliant. This first job is where you start building a reputation for yourself as a safe, compliant driver.鈥� Find a 鈥淢r. Right Now鈥� job for your first gig, then look for 鈥淢r. Right鈥� after you鈥檝e gained a little experience.

3. It takes about a year to 鈥済et it.鈥�

Things may feel a little chaotic during the first year. 鈥淭o get a good handle on all the rules and regulations in trucking, it will take about a year,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he 3 biggest points to focus on are following distance, knowing the Smith System of driving, and trip planning. Remember that 80,000-lb. rigs don't stop quickly and can't be turned around as readily as a car when you miss a turn.鈥�

4. Year one goal: no accidents.

In the midst of that first year, focus on safety. Simply finishing the year accident-free can in itself be a victory. Casanova suggests living the time-tested safety rule: 鈥淕.O.A.L. Get Out And Look,鈥� he said. 鈥淎nytime you need to back up, you absolutely need to get out of the rig and check out your surroundings to avoid backing accidents.鈥�

5. Know your career goals.

Know what you have, what you need, and what you want from your career, and have specific set goals. 鈥�Decide what you want out of this career,鈥� he said. 鈥淎re you looking for maximum income? Is home time a top priority? What benefits or health insurance do you need to make you happy? Once you've got an idea of what you need to be happy, you can research companies efficiently.鈥�

6. Don鈥檛 job hop.

Many young people switch jobs frequently in their first year, looking for the next possible big opportunity. As much as it鈥檚 not the greatest strategy outside of the trucking industry, it most definitely not in trucking. Your聽time of service matters greatly. 鈥淭he fewer number of times you change jobs, the more likely you will wind up at a top paying carrier,鈥� he said. 鈥淒oing your homework prior to jumping ship is crucial if your goal is working for a top tier carrier at some point.鈥�

7. It鈥檚 all about attitude.

Remember that even with a driver shortage, your job is not always guaranteed. A carrier/driver relationship should be built on mutual benefit. 鈥淚 don't believe there is a shortage of drivers. I believe there is a shortage of good drivers. Casanova said. 鈥淵ou want to continue to grow your reputation. By bringing a good attitude, when things get slow, you increase your chances of being a driver that gets taken care of. Be a good driver and reap the rewards.鈥�

BONUS! -- Find a mentor. Or, better yet, mentors.

Find a few industry veterans to get advice from on the road. You want good solid resources that will help keep you from making common rookie mistakes. 鈥�Experienced drivers can be a wealth of knowledge. By finding a few that you trust to tell it to you straight, you stand to gain a lot. As you earn experience you can bounce 鈥榳hat ifs鈥� off of them, to see how they would handle different situations. Keep in mind though, not every experienced driver can be a mentor. You really need to be selective of whom you take advice from.鈥�   If you're ready to get started on your new career, let 91影视 help you begin your CDL training. 91影视 provides Class A CDL training at four locations throughout California and one location in Nevada. Contact us today to begin!

Veterans who are looking for a career after their time in the military have several different options to consider as they return to civilian life. One of those that they should consider carefully is the trucking industry. From military life to the trucking industry, there seems to be a seamless transition. There is a reason several veterans have chosen the trucking life and here's why.

You Might Not Have To Take the Road Test:

Veterans who worked in the service and have at least two (2) years of experience managing heavy military equipment and machinery, may not have to take their road test. This military exemption is also known as the "Military CDL Skills Test Waiver." If the veteran has operated such heavy machinery in the last year, they will be exempt from having to take the road part of the CDL test. This waiver is in place in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. This makes it one less "hurdle" that a veteran must clear to get on the road and can speed up the amount of time that it takes to start their new career.

Truck Drivers & Military Personnel Share Similarities:

Both military and professional truckers alike are relied upon to execute their jobs in a relatively independent manner once they are told what the expectations are. Both professions are expected to be punctual, reliable, and disciplined to get the job done at "whatever cost it takes". Many jobs in both professions are also done on a schedule and that schedule must be stuck to, making time management the key to the success. Considering the similarities between both jobs, the trucking industry is often a much easier transition for many veterans than a variety of other jobs would be, making the transition back to civilian life much smoother.

Financial Assistance is Available for Education:

Many veterans are eligible to receive financial assistance through the 91影视. As an Active Duty or Military Veteran, you may be eligible for educational benefits through numerous GI Bill庐 programs. Funding programs are offered through the Veterans Administration for active service members, reservists, veterans, dependents, and spouses. At ACI, we provide veterans assistance through several bill and assistance programs. Check out our Veterans Assistance page for more information.

Great Salaries & Full Benefits + Job Security:

Many truck carriers are paying the upwards of $40,000+ for truck drivers beginning in their first year. Companies are offering full benefits including complete healthcare coverage, retirement benefits (many with an employee match), and vacation time. You will have job security as a truck driver is virtually guaranteed. There is a shortage of truck drivers and as consumer demand continues to increase, the number of drivers needed is projected to rise. This means that your job will not be going anywhere in the near in the foreseeable future.   If you are a veteran who is looking to obtain their CDL license and get into the truck driving industry, please feel free to contact us. All of us at 91影视 would feel honored to help you transition from military life to the trucking world. Let's get you started today!   鈥樷�楪I Bill庐 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 Web site at聽

Updated April 2022 Once you鈥檝e completed your truck driver training courses and earned your聽Commercial Driver鈥檚 License (CDL), you still need to determine which type of driving position best suits your needs and lifestyle. Your skills are a very marketable commodity now, but it鈥檚 essential to understand and choose the right type of driving situation. There are three common types of truck driving options: local, regional, and over-the-road (OTR). Each one covers a specific area, and the salaries will vary accordingly.

Local

Local drivers are typically company drivers, which means they work for one specific company. They follow a regular route and stay within 250 miles of their home terminal.

Regional

Regional drivers work within one specified area. For instance, Fresno drivers may have a regional route covering a portion of California, Oregon, and Nevada. You may be on the road during the week and at home on weekends.

Over-The-Road (OTR)

OTR drivers can聽cover the lower 48 states; however, the routes and loads you carry depend mainly on the company you work for. Some companies may stay within a regional area, such as the western states, or require you to travel extensively from coast to coast. Truck drivers with a CDL are currently enjoying a marketplace that offers a great deal of opportunity. Depending on your individual circumstances, you may choose to work as a local driver, cover a larger space on the regional circuit, or span the lower 48 states as an OTR driver. The sky's the limit. When you're ready to get serious about your new career as a truck driver, give 91影视 a call. We'll be happy to meet with you to discuss the available options and possibilities.

Great welders have several things in common.聽These are some of the traits, qualities, characteristics, and skills that separate the great welders from the "good enough." Here are just a few that ACI feels stands above the others in determining聽great welders among others.

Highly Trained

The greatest welders attended premier welding schools like聽91影视聽in California. They receive the core theory, training and hands-on welding time necessary to pass the various American Welding Society tests and performance qualifications.

Students of the Craft

This means they applied and dedicated themselves to the diligent study, learning and practice of welding.

Grounded in the Fundamentals

You must know the basics of welding inside and out. A firm foundation in the fundamentals provide the stair steps needed to achieve the skill levels common in great welders. There's a reason algebra is not your first math course.

Informed About the Industry

Highly sought after welders keep up to date on the latest industry changes and regulations, especially聽safety.

Subject Matter Experts

Being the subject matter expert not only means you know about a great deal about welding. It also means you never stop learning.

Superb Manual Dexterity

Better known as "great hands" are common to "great welders." Hand skills and coordination are developed through proper training in technique and practice, practice, practice.

Self-Motivation

Welders often work alone. They are assigned a task or handed a set of blueprints and sent to accomplish the job. The self-motivated welder figures out the most efficient way to get the job done.   5 of the 7 characteristics for "great welders" are rooted in the聽school聽students attend聽and the training that school provides. It's evident that those who want to be superior welders need good training. Cutting edge training helps you achieve the skills common to the best welders in the industry.聽91影视聽welcomes and invites you to聽contact us聽to discuss your future.

Whether you're looking into a welding training program, or coming to the completion of your current welding training program, you might be wondering what to expect in your first year as a welder. Your first year after welder training is full of opportunities, decisions, and questions. These are the four most common questions welders have during their first year on the job:

1. What certification do I need as a welder?

The American Welding Society (AWS) provides welder performance tests as a way to let your future employers know that you are qualified for the job at hand. If you're attending California's 91影视, along with receiving a Certificate of Completion, you will be provided the opportunity to take multiple AWS tests.

2. What will I be paid as an entry-level welder?

In California, entry-level welders can earn between 16 and 25 dollars an hour, which amounts to a base pay of 32,000 to 50,000 dollars a year before benefits and bonuses. Keep in mind, some industries pay welders more than others. For example, in some situations, underwater welders can be paid over a thousand dollars a day for their time and labor. This however, does require additional training and education.

3. What are my job opportunities as an entry-level welder?

As a welder, your job opportunities are nearly endless. Almost every industry has the need for welders and the skills they bring. You can work with construction, shipbuilding, aerospace engineering, automobile manufacturing, pipelines, computers and advanced technology, medical devices, etc. With enough experience, passion, and education, you can even work as a welding teacher!

4. Do I need further training or an apprenticeship?

The need for further training is completely dependent on your goals within your field. After completing the program at 91影视, you will be fully prepared to take your qualification exams and enter the field of welding as an entry-level welder. While on the job, you may see things that you'd like to better understand. You may also work firsthand with engineers who spark your interest in engineering. To better understand what you're working with, or even to further your education to become an engineer, you will need more education and training. Normally, a welder training program replaces the need for an apprenticeship, but in certain specialized fields, like underwater welding, you may be asked to start as an apprentice so as to learn while on the job.   Your first year as a welder will be full of on the job learning and exciting growth opportunities. If you have any questions regarding the welder training program, please feel free to contact the 91影视. ACI is excited to help get you started with your Welding Training at 3 of our campus locations; Fresno, Visalia, and Bakersfield.

Bakersfield, CA 鈥� 91影视 would like to announce their newest location in Bakersfield, California. Their new school is located at , the former John Lopez Welding School. ACI had their first welding class start on Wednesday, July 24, 2018. President of 91影视, Barry Bither said, 鈥淚t is with great excitement that I am able to announce we opened with our first welding class in Bakersfield鈥� All of our staff has done a great job getting the new campus off to a great start. We have completed the purchase of John Lopez Welding School and wish John all the best in his retirement. In the next few weeks, we will be diligently working on adding all of our truck driving programs to the new campus. Please welcome the new employees we are adding to the ACI family.鈥� The new Bakersfield Campus will have both Welding and CDL Training. The Welding Training will consist of the Advanced Welding Technology Program that lasts 38-weeks and a new Basic Plate Welding Program that will last 5-weeks. The CDL Training programs at the Bakersfield Campus will consist of their Professional Truck Driver Program, lasting 4-weeks, and the more advanced Agriculture Transportation Training Course lasting 20-weeks. The first transportation class start date will be August 13, 2018. Like all ACI Campuses, Bakersfield students will聽gain the quality education and training needed to start a new career. 91影视 programs combine both hands-on experience and in-class technical training. ACI offers financial aid to those who qualify. The Admissions staff will work with every student to determine their eligibility, and then help them apply for financial aid. The Career Services staff will provide students with the tools that are necessary to find employment, which includes helping them search and apply for current job openings. All staff and instructors at 91影视 are excited about this new school opening in Bakersfield and the potential to help new students begin their careers in trucking and welding. For more information about our Bakersfield Campus and the training programs provided, call us at 661-535-1480.