Is Truck Driving Still Worth It?
Is truck driving still worth it? It is a question more people are asking as they see changes in the economy, rising training costs, and an increase in CDL programs advertising fast results. At Jones Technical Institute, often referred to as J-Tech, this question comes up frequently from individuals who want to make a smart, […]
Life as a Truck Driver
Life as a truck driver is a unique blend of independence, travel, and responsibility. While the job offers the chance to see new places and work outside the traditional 9-to-5 routine, it also requires focus, time management, and adaptability. In this blog, we’ll break down what life on the road is really like, covering everything […]
Class A vs. Class B CDL
If you’re exploring a future in commercial truck driving, understanding the differences between a Class A vs. Class B CDL (Commercial Driver’s License) is a great place to start. Whether you’re thinking about long-haul trucking or local delivery routes, the type of CDL you pursue will determine the kinds of vehicles you can operate, and […]
What to Expect in CDL Training
What to expect in CDL training? It’s the first step toward a career in the trucking industry. If you’re looking for a career shift that offers hands-on work and the opportunity to travel, CDL training can be a great option. It provides the skills and confidence needed to operate large commercial vehicles safely while preparing you for a new path in the trucking industry.
Truck Classifications Explained
Trucks are divided into a number of classifications based on the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR). The GVWR indicates the maximum weight of the vehicle plus how much weight it can carry when fully loaded (this includes fuel, cargo, passengers, and more). A truck’s classification is important because it determines: Here’s a brief look at […]
Diesel Exhaust Brake Systems Explained
Many large, diesel-powered vehicles such as tractor trailers, heavy equipment, buses, RVs, and tow trucks use supplemental braking systems (such as diesel exhaust brakes or compression “jake” brakes) in addition to traditional wheel brakes. This is because large, heavy vehicles are much more difficult to slow down and stop once they pick up momentum, and […]
How Do Air Brakes Work?
Tractor trailers, buses, and other large diesel-powered vehicles often transport big, heavy loads – so it’s important for everyone’s safety that these vehicles can stop when they need to. That’s where air brakes come in. Air brakes have huge brake drums to effectively stop a diesel rig hauling thousands of pounds, and they run on […]
Truck Driving Tips for Winter
Winter weather can pose a big challenge for professional truck drivers. Driving a big rig can be especially dangerous in snow and ice – all that weight can pick up momentum that is nearly impossible to stop quickly if you lose control. Be sure to remember the following safe driving tips this winter, and remember, […]
Truck Drivers; The People Driving (Literally) Our Economy Forward
It’s safe to say that when it comes to driving the U.S. economy, few industries have had as great an impact as the commercial truck driving industry. It’s also an industry whose importance, not to mention the importance of the nearly 3.5 million professional truck drivers across the nation – is often, surprisingly overlooked. This […]
Becoming a Commercial Truck Driver After Military
There are a number of career options that military personnel may choose to pursue after their service is complete. Commercial truck driving is particularly suitable for former service members for a variety of reasons. Surprising? Maybe. But consider a few parallels between the two and some of the benefits that military personnel bring to the […]