ELDT Driver Regulations Explained

The world of commercial motor vehicles has changed. Welcome to the new commercial driver curriculum standard, “Entry-Level Driver Training” (ELDT). This new regulation took effect on February 7th, 2022. ELDT does not remarkably differ from what took place prior to this new regulation.

This new regulation applies to the following:

  • Any drivers looking to obtain a Class A or Class B CDL
  • Any drivers upgrading an existing Class B or Class A CDL
  • Any drivers wanting to obtain the following endorsements:
    • (S) School Bus
    • (P) Passenger
    • (H) Hazardous Materials

For new drivers, you will be required to pass a theory test & a road skills test. These tests used to be different depending on your location, but now these tests have been standardized across the nation. Here at Wynne Transport Service, our team will be offering the theory portion required by ELDT.

So, if you’re looking to get your hazmat endorsement and drive behind the wheel of a tanker truck at Wynne Transport Service, we are your one-stop shop. This is just another way Wynne Transport Service is continuing to better serve our industry, along with our current & future drivers.

Message or call us to learn more.

800-383-9330

Commercial Driver’s License Training 101: Everything You Need to Know In One Place

Becoming a truck driver requires you to undergo specialized training and meet some requirements. If you have been eyeing a couple of cdl truck driving jobs, you need a Commercial Driver’s License to apply. This article takes you through everything you need to know about CDL Training and answers some of the common questions asked by people wishing to become truck drivers.

What Is A CDL?

A CDL or Commercial Driver’s License is one of the special requirements to become a truck driver or operate large or heavy vehicles. Persons who possess this type of license are cleared to drive commercial passenger buses, tractor-trailer trucks, dump trucks, concrete mixers, and other heavy-duty vehicles.

There are three different classes of CDL: Class A, B, and C. Drivers who have a CDL are also required to take additional training and endorsements that allow them to drive certain heavy vehicles or haul certain materials. For example, a truck driver with an endorsement H is cleared to transport hazardous materials (HAZMAT).

What Does Each CDL Class Mean?

CDL Class A: This allows the license holder to operate a combination of vehicles whose Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 26,001 lbs or more. License holders can operate a vehicle or towed vehicles with more than 10,000 lbs GVWR. Drivers with Class A CDL can operate Class B and C vehicles.

CDL Class B: This allows license holders to operate vehicles with a GVWR of 26,001 lbs or more. License holders can operate a single vehicle of 26,001 lbs or more. They can also operate towing vehicles with a GVWR of up to 10,000 lbs. Drivers with CDL Class B licenses can operate Class C vehicles.

CDL Class C: Allows license holders to operate a single 16 or more passenger-carrying vehicle provided the GVWR is less than 26,001 lbs. Drivers can also transport hazardous materials no more than 26,001 lbs and cannot operate vehicles that fall into Class A and B Categories.

Truck drivers are essentially required to undergo the proper training to obtain a CDL. Drivers are also required to undergo proper licensing to work in the field. All of these strict requirements are due to the nature of heavy vehicles. Trucks and other heavy vehicles take a toll on drivers and often lead to devastating accidents. This is more reason why there are strict regulations, including the number of hours a truck driver can operate for at a stretch.

What Is CDL Training?

This is specialized training that is available to people who wish to become commercial truck drivers. The instructional program aims to help students understand the dangers associated with commercial truck driving. It also takes students through the federal and state regulations while preparing them for their Commercial Driver’s License. The training, at the earliest stages, will be focused on classroom teachings.

Here, students will learn more about the rules and regulations guiding the trade. Later on, students will be tested to obtain permits. The permits allow each successful student to train with large trucks on their way to becoming a licensed truck driver. A CDL is issued only after the student has demonstrably shown mastery of driving heavy vehicles.

What Are The Types Of CDL Training Courses?

There are many types of CDL training courses that prospective truck drivers can enroll in. Some of them include:

Licensed Schools: These institutions are licensed to teach interested persons the minimum state requirements for a CDL. Students will go through the standard curriculum. These schools would have obtained a license to operate, having demonstrated that they meet the requirements like facilities, instructors, training, and curriculum.

Certified Schools: These institutions have been fully inspected and reviewed by a third-party authority to meet the standards required to offer DDL training. Students at these institutions pass when they have met all the United States Department of Transportation (US DOT) and the trucking industry requirements.

Accredited Schools: These schools undergo an accreditation process periodically to ensure that they meet the standards required to train students to obtain a CDL. The accreditation process is controlled by an agency that the United States Department of Education has sanctioned. The regulatory body will provide specific regulations and criteria to be met by these schools before accreditation is issued.

Students should note that the type of schools attended will play a major role in their future job placement. Trucking companies often use this as a criterion to determine whether the driver has met only the state or state and federal regulations. Drivers determined to have met state regulations alone will be issued intrastate routes, while those who have met the federal requirements will be issued interstate routes.

What To Expect from CDL Training?

Students who have undergone CDL training can expect to pick up some basic skills that will significantly impact their career as truck drivers. Some of the basic skills that students will pick up on include:

  • Identification of road signs, what they mean, and road rules and regulations
  • How to handle and maneuver larger capacity and weight load. This includes backing up, turning, and different other maneuvers.
  • Proper road signals to ensure safety on the road
  • Learning of the different truck signals
  • How to read maps and plan long trips
  • Logbook management for hours driven, miles covered, completed deliveries, hours per fleet, and more.
  • Coupling and decoupling trailers.

Schools also teach other basics like merging lanes, shifting, road driving, proper inspections to carry out pre-and post-driving, and more. Accredited schools may also teach a wider curriculum depending on the terms of their accreditation.

Jobs That Require A CDL

It is important to note that not all truck driving jobs requires you to have a CDL. However, having one is a requirement for some specific jobs. With a CDL, you can take on jobs like:

Get started by browsing a wide range of available truck driving jobs and what they pay at https://www.wynnetr.com/careers/truck-driving-jobs/

Wynne Transport Service
2222 N 11th St
Omaha Nebraska 68110
(800) 383-9330

Social Accounts:
https://www.facebook.com/DriveWynne/
https://twitter.com/drivewynne
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wynne-transport-services
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_rCopM5roTmE_6fC_Q0KFg https://www.instagram.com/drivewynne/

Bulk Liquid Transportation Company Truck Trailer

How To Become A Truck Driver

Many people go online to ask questions about becoming a truck driver or how to qualify for truck driver jobs. The questions don’t stop there; searchers often go ahead to look for other information like the income of truck drivers, the job requirements, truck driver’s lifestyle, and more. Needed information ought to be in one place, for interested people to access. This article offers all of the information that you need to know to become a truck driver. It also highlights the expectations that come with the job.

Requirements for Becoming A Truck Driver

As with any other job, there are specific requirements that interested applicants need to meet before they can become truck drivers. Some of the requirements for the job include:

  • Interested persons must be aged 21 years of age or older.
  • Interested persons must apply for and obtain a valid Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). to drive for Wynne Transport Service. This can be done through enrollment in school for a CDL Training Program, or military service.
  • Interested persons may be required to complete an over-the-road training program. Over-the-road training may not be required for local driving positions.
  • Applicants for a truck driver position will be required to pass a DOT physical and obtain a medical card.
  • Applicants will also be required to pass a federally mandated drug screening.

Are Truck Driver Jobs In Demand?

Before investing a fortune in training to become a truck driver, it is fair to know whether the job is in demand or not. Fortunately, the demand for truck drivers never runs dry. Truck driving jobs are almost always available, and truck drivers can earn good money from this job. Truck driving jobs offer drivers a chance to earn over a $100,000 a year salary without necessarily having a college education or degree.

What Are The Best Trucking Jobs Out There?

If you are interested in investing in a Commercial Driver’s License and undergoing the training required to become a truck driver, surely, you want to know where the best offers are. However, with truck driving jobs, you get to choose what a “best” offer means. For example:

  • Family-oriented truck drivers can get a chance to focus more on their homes by being home as much as the job allows while still earning a six-figure income.
  • Truck drivers have the opportunity of choosing who to work with and for. This gives them the flexibility needed to make the job a fulfilling one.

Are There Specific Trucking Jobs That Make the Most Money?

There isn’t one specific answer to earning the most when it comes to money and trucking jobs. It all depends on what each driver prioritizes and the number of opportunities they are willing to take or explore. Drivers who wish to boost their income can:

  • There are many freight options that offer different amounts of money. Many trucking companies pay by the division; that is, drivers who drive tanker, vans, refrigerated trucks, deck vans, or flatbeds earn different amounts. Drivers may be able to maximize their income by choosing the highest paying freights.
  • Miles per month. In most cases truck drivers’ pay is affected by how many miles they covered in one month. The more miles driven, the better the chances of earning more money.  Many local companies offer pay by the hour or pay by the load vs. pay per mile.  Miles are not as great in a local driving job, when compared to an over-the-road driver, so these other options are great for local fleets.
  • Team Driving. Some drivers choose to drive in teams. This offers them a better chance of earning more money than they would when driving alone.
  • Becoming a Trainer. Some drivers can combine training with their truck driving job. This offers them an extra source of income depending on the number of trainees they work with.  Training is not for everyone, so choose this option only if you want to train, and not solely for the money.
  • Truck drivers can also choose to participate in company bonus programs. These bonus programs offer a set of criteria that qualifies drivers to enjoy bonuses. Some of the common criteria include fuel efficiency, holiday driving, safe driving, and more.
  • Truck drivers can also save up to become an owner-operator. This requires truck drivers to buy their own trucks, thus making them their own boss. However, being an owner-operator means more responsibilities and bills to be paid.

Can Truck Drivers Make a Six-Figure Income Annually?

Yes! Truck drivers can make $100,000 or more annually. However, to make this amount and more, drivers will need experience on the job. This takes a few years. Drivers who are qualified can work as team drivers or as trainers, but some companies have pay packages that do not require a driver to train to earn a six-figure salary. Drivers who wish to earn much more can also transition to become owner-operators.

What Is The Average Salary To Expect As A Truck Driver?

Truck driving salaries depend on several factors. Owner-operators may be able to earn as high as $130,000 per annum. However, newbies can expect to earn an average of $32,000 per annum. The amount earned will depend on the bonuses qualified for, opportunities taken, type of freight, hours or miles driven monthly, and other factors.

How Much Do Owner-Operators Make?

Owner-operators are truck drivers who have acquired a truck and now work for themselves. These drivers may be able to earn much more than $100,000 annually. The amount made annually will depend on several factors, including their truck type, number of miles driven each year, the freight type, and more.
It is important to note that owner-operators are essentially small businesses that provide services. With this comes certain responsibilities like insurance coverage, truck maintenance, compliance, and more.

Is Being A Truck Driver A Hard Job?

Truck drivers work hard. Most truck drivers admit that they won’t enjoy being confined to a desk at a 9 to 5 job. With truck driving, certain things are flexible, and this may offer an edge over office jobs. Truck driving jobs do not require drivers to have a college degree. However, it offers a chance to earn a significantly good income. The turnover offered by the trucking industry is high, and this may be one more factor that makes it worth it.

Wynne Transport Service is ready to help you get on the path to becoming a truck driver and has highly competitive pay and benefits. We are hiring for drivers across the United States. Learn more about becoming a truck driver and truck driving opportunities at https://www.wynnetr.com/careers/truck-driving-jobs/

Wynne Transport Service
2222 N 11th St
Omaha Nebraska 68110
(800) 383-9330

Social accounts
https://www.facebook.com/DriveWynne/
https://twitter.com/drivewynne
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wynne-transport-services
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_rCopM5roTmE_6fC_Q0KFg https://www.instagram.com/drivewynne/

How to Protect Your Commercial Driving License

If you’re looking to make a career out of commercial driving, it is very important that you have the proper licensing. It can be difficult to find truck driver jobs with a bad track record or CDL issues, so don’t let this all-important piece of paper curtail your dream. It is essential that you are able to effectively and safely operate a commercial vehicle at any time. There are many steps that must be taken in order to ensure your safety on the road while also staying eligible for your license.

Follow The Rules

Truck drivers have to abide by all rules and regulations regarding the transporting of goods. In addition, they must make sure that they carry out their duties in a safe manner. If you think these rules are too much, then you should not think of the possibility of being a truck driver. If you are on a long-haul truck route, it’s best not to break any rules that will get you into trouble or get your CDL suspended or revoked.

Some companies put rules in place that forbid a driver from working for an extended amount of time without regularly logging into their company system with their driver’s license number.

Avoid Violations

Anyone can get a traffic violation, especially if they’re driving too fast or not obeying stop lights. Though fines might seem like a small price to pay for speeding, it’s important to remember that this could easily end your ability to work as a truck driver.

You need to be mindful of your speed no matter where you are or what type of vehicle you’re driving. It’s important to be aware that every state has its own speed limit and laws regarding speeding. If you’re caught speeding more than once in a six-month period, then you could lose your CDL.

Keep Your CDL Information Updated

This can be hard, especially if you’re busy with your job and family. It’s important to know that if your address changes, whether due to a move or divorce, DMV websites are updated automatically. This will also help protect your information from thieves and identity thieves alike.

It’s important to update your information on time so that the DMV can transfer it automatically on all of their records. This will save you a lot of time as well as help you stay on top of your registration renewals.

CDL Requirements

In the US, commercial drivers must be licensed and follow specific rules. They are required to have a commercial driver’s license (CDL) to operate large trucks and buses on public roads.

Commercial drivers also need to pass various tests and complete a training course before they can drive professionally in the US. Without this certification, they will not be allowed to transport goods or passengers for pay.

These licensing requirements vary by state, so it’s important that you know what is required of you in your home state. The federal government sets the rules and regulations for the entire industry. The FMCSA sets rules and regulations for all forms of interstate commerce, including transportation by truck or bus (including intercity buses). For more information on commercial driving, you can check out https://www.wynnetr.com/careers/truck-driving-jobs/.

Wynne Transport Service

2222 N 11th St Omaha Nebraska 68110

(800) 383-9330

Social Accounts:

https://www.facebook.com/DriveWynne/
https://twitter.com/drivewynne
https://www.linkedin.com/company/wynne-transport-services
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_rCopM5roTmE_6fC_Q0KFg
https://www.instagram.com/drivewynne/

3 Things Every Fleet Should Know About the 3G CDMA Network Sunsets

Eleven. That is the average number of Wi-Fi-enabled smart devices in each household in the U.S. Even before the COVID-19 pandemic. These phones, tablets and smart watches are all integral parts of our personal and professional lives.

While there are an estimated 20.8 billion devices connected to the internet in 2020, that number is expected to triple in the next five years. All these devices are creating the need for better, faster and more abundant wireless connectivity.

To enable this, wireless carriers are starting to repurpose older 2G and 3G Code Division Multiple Access or CDMA networks in favor 4G LTE connectivity. For fleets that utilize older in-cab equipment that connects to CDMA networks, this means that their drivers and vehicles will soon see a degradation in coverage before it shuts off for good.

In order to avoid feeling the impact of the CDMA sunsets, fleets must begin to upgrade legacy hardware to LTE-powered equipment. But where do you begin? If your fleet is utilizing CDMA-powered equipment, here are three things you need to know when planning your switch to LTE connectivity:

1. 3G CDMA Networks Are Going, Going Gone

While there seems to be an infinite supply of Wi-Fi-enabled devices, there’s a finite amount of spectrum to go around. The transmission of real-time data and continuous internet connectivity requires networks to be better, faster and provide more coverage. This all boils down to the fact that networks need more bandwidth and frequencies to keep up with today’s – and tomorrow’s – demands for faster, better data transmission.

Think of it like a highway, where frequencies are the lanes. Each lane can only hold so many cars. To continue investing in LTE and the future, carriers must reallocate their portion of the spectrum from CDMA and Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) to LTE networks, rather than maintaining lagging, obsolete networks that cannot accommodate new technology and faster speeds.

Fleets using legacy devices that are still reliant on these older networks will experience more and more service degradation. And the impact of this will really start to be seen over the next year.

2. LTE Provides Enhanced Connectivity and Enables Increased Performance

The thought of transitioning your fleet to LTE may sound like a hassle on the surface. But the benefits you’ll experience today – and in the years to come – will set your business on a new path of streamlined communication and profitability.

LTE is the next major advancement when it comes to higher bandwidth and lower latency – far beyond CDMA and GSM capabilities. It continues the path of development for long-range technology planning that’s designed to ensure longer-living devices, faster speeds and much better service.

The LTE network available currently is 4G LTE, which is highly available nationwide and offers higher bandwidth and improved network responsiveness. This network is built to last for the long run – the sooner you make the switch, the better off you’ll be.

3. Not All Fleet Mobility Providers Are Created Equal

Speaking of the long run, it is imperative that you consider your fleet’s long-term goals when deciding to make the switch to LTE. This includes asking your fleet mobility provider about how their current solutions can help you not only avoid feeling the effects of the CDMA sunset but how they can scale alongside you as your fleet – and technology – evolves.

When contemplating a move to LTE, it is important to ask your fleet mobility provider about topics such as:

  • What is the most advanced network currently available through your solutions?
  • Do your devices provide a seamless experience across North America?
  • Do you provide a fully managed and monitored solution?
  • Do you offer integrations to critical back office systems and platforms?
  • Do you enable continuous hardware upgrades to help us stay on top of continued technological advancements?
  • Are you engaged with wireless carriers to continually evolve your solutions for the latest network improvements?