U.S. Oil At $16 Per Barrel ! It's There For The Taking...

James S. McCormack
Founder, Trucking Careers of America

The price of crude oil has been affecting every facet of our economy for far too long.  Gas prices keep rising, food prices keep rising, energy costs keep rising and for many, it has become almost a daily struggle to stay afloat.  Gas companies report a ludicrous quarterly profit of billions of dollars  while many Americans can't find employment and many often can't afford to pay their mortgage or rent.  If you're like me, you keep asking yourself why our illustrious and lofty politicians can't or aren't doing anything, other than ongoing rhetoric, to address this problem, such as taking direct and aggressive steps to reduce our dependency on foreign oil .... and begin to take back our country.

How Much Oil Does The U.S. Have In The Ground?
More Than All The Middle East Put Together !

Cruz Construction started a division in North Dakota some months ago and sent every Kenworth (9 trucks) from Alaska to North Dakota along with several drivers.  They bought two new Kenworths to add to that fleet and two new cranes (one crawler and one rubber tired) for that division.  According to Dave Cruz, they have moved more rigs in the last 6 months in ND than Cruz Construction moved in Alaska in the last 6 years.

Williston, ND, is like a gold rush town and unemployment in North Dakota has been reported as being the lowest in the nation at 3.4 percent.   

Not too long ago one of the Forbes Bros. was a guest on a news program discussing oil.  The host said to Forbes, "I am going to ask you a direct question and I would like a direct answer; how much oil does the U.S. have in the ground?"  Forbes did not miss a beat, he said, "more than all the Middle East put together."

Those Billions of Barrels Will Cost Americans
Just $16 Per Barrel ... Enough Crude to Fully Fuel
the American Economy for 2041 Years....

The U.S. Geological Service issued a report in April 2008 that only scientists and oil men knew was coming.  It was a revised report (hadn't been updated since 1995) on how much oil was in this area of the western 2/3 of North Dakota, western South Dakota, and extreme eastern Montana. 

The Bakken, a formation known as the Williston Basis, stretches from Northern Montana, through North Dakota and into Canada, and is the largest domestic oil discovery since Alaska's Prudhoe Bay.  It has the potential to eliminate all American dependence on foreign oil.  The Energy Information Administration (EIA) estimates it at 503 billion barrels.  Even if just 10% of the oil is recoverable (5 billion barrels), at $107 a barrel, this is a resource base worth more than $5.3 trillion.

"When I first briefed legislators on this, you could practically see their jaws hit the floor.  They had no idea ..." says Terry Johnson, the Montana Legislature's financial analyst.  "This sizable find is now the highest-producing onshore oil field found in the past 56 years," reports the Pittsburgh Post Gazette. 

For years, U.S. oil exploration has been considered a dead end.  However, a recent technological breakthrough has opened up the Bakken's massive reserves, and we now have access of up to 500 billion barrels.  And because this is light, sweet oil, those billions of barrels will cost Americans just $16 per barrel!  That's enough crude to fully fuel the American economy for 2041 years.

And from as far back as 2006:  U.S. Oil Discovery - largest Reserve in the World, Stansberry Report Online (4/20/2006).  Hidden 1,000 feet beneath the surface of the Rocky Mountains lies the largest untapped oil reserve in the world.  It is more than 2 trillion barrels.  On August 8, 2005, President Bush mandated its extraction.  In three and a half years of high oil prices none has been extracted.  With this motherload of oil why are we still fighting over off-shore drilling?

The U.S. Has 22 Times As Much Oil As Iran ....

We have more oil inside our borders  than all the other proven reserves on earth.  Here are the official estimates:

• 8 times as much as as Saudi Arabia
• 18 times as much oil as Iraq
• 21 times as much oil as Kuwait
• 22 times as much oil as Iran
• 500 times as much oil as Yemen

And it's right here in the western United States !  Why are we not extracting this?  James Bartis, lead researcher with the study says we've got more oil in this very compact area than the entire Middle East; more than 2 trillion barrels untapped.  That's more than all the proven oil reserves of crude oil in the world today, reports The Denver Post.

While you're thinking about all this, pass this along.  Think about what could happen if everyone sent this to everyone in their address book, and so on, and everyone wrote to their states' government officials.  Think about what Americans could do by using the power of social media and uniting with the singular purpose in mind to begin taking our country back: from the politicians,  Washington's gridlock and endless and often useless rhetoric, corporate greed, and the Middle East. 

This can all be verified by checking out this link and Cruz Construction.  Some portions of this article originated from Congressman Tom Rooney, Florida-On Oil. 

Why You Should Attend The Second Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention

James S. McCormack

The Second Annual Truck Driver
Social Media Convention
"United We Stand, The Circle Of Trust"

This past October I had the pleasure of addressing the attendees of the First Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention, a one-day event held in Tunica, Mississippi at the Gold Strike Resort.  I also had the opportunity to finally meet two uniquely dedicated, committed and highly regarded individuals that I had only previously talked with via phone and e-mail over the previous 12 months .... Allen and Donna Smith, of Truth About Trucking LLC and AskTheTrucker.com, the forces behind this first of what many hoped would be an annual event. 

This one-of-a-kind Convention was first and foremost to honor and show appreciation to the professional CDL driver.  This was a time for truck drivers, and a time for those who have dedicated their support for them.  This was a time to share a full day and evening of valuable information, fine dining, entertainment, camaraderie and networking.  And very importantly, this was a time and opportunity for everyone to be truly aware of the power and impact of social media, and how to use social media to strengthen our community, remain informed and allow your voice to be heard.

Join The Efforts To Raise The
Standards Of The Trucking Industry

On October 26th, 27th and 28th, 2012, the Second Annual Truck Driver Social Media Convention will take place at Harrah's Hotel and Convention Center in Kansas City, Missouri. 

It's an opportunity for anyone in the trucking industry; professional drivers, company representatives, aspiring drivers, vendors, and the general public to increase their knowledge base with insightful and credible information, and benefit from having access to some of the finest trucking-related products, services and literature.  It's an opportunity to be a part of the efforts to help Raise The Standards Of The Trucking Industry.

It's an opportunity to address industry issues of concern, network together, build personal and business relationships, and create a trusted community. 

This is an event where you can unite, pay tribute, recognize, and share ideas and solutions for the issues affecting professional drivers and the U.S. trucking industry.

This is an event where the driver and those concerned will have center stage and will be heard as the force that keeps America moving.

This is an event where everyone can learn how to use the power of social media to remain informed, to let your voice be heard by many, to communicate your thoughts and ideas more effectively,  and to strengthen our resolve for the betterment of our country's otr truckers.  Some of the topics being covered this year are:

• Trucking Employment Law
• Truck Driver Health and Regulations
• Understanding Federal Regulations
• CDL Training, Driver Retention, and the Truck Driver Shortage
• Social Media - Reaching Multitudes with your Message

Be a part of the only Trucking Social Media event in the country on October 26th, 27th and 28th at Harrah's in Kansas City, Missouri.  Sign up for the most recent convention updates and begin making your arrangements to attend.   Become a part of Raising the Standards of the Trucking Industry in the Circle of Trust.

Portions of this article have been taken from Trucking Social Media, by Allen and Donna Smith.

Great Lakes Truck Driving School Empowers Students With The Foundation For Success

"Our Success Is Measured in Direct Proportion
to the Success of Our Students"







Among the CDL Class A driver training schools across the U.S. that we are proud to be associated with, we are especially pleased to feature Great Lakes Truck Driving School.  Their goal is to provide quality instructional programs in a student-centered culture built on respect, encouragement, and continuous support, while empowering students with the foundation for a lifetime of success. 

Great Lakes Truck Driving School provides a full CDL Class A training program which includes classroom instruction, driving range and road training, designed for individuals who have no previous tractor trailer experience.  Training prepares students for the CDL Skills Test and entry-level employment as a tractor-trailer driver.

Located in Columbia Station Ohio, its state-of-the-art training facility is one of the few training facilities in the nation to offer courses in professional driving, heavy equipment operations, and oil & gas industry training - all in one location. 

Great Lakes has the distinction of being a nationally accredited, Veterans Approved training institution. Since its opening in July 2008, the school has more than doubled the student training areas, added a heavy equipment division, added 30 employees, and received multiple awards for excellence, including the 2009 Economic Development Achievement Award. In 2010, Owner and School Director Doris Young was named Small Business Person of the Year by the Small Business Administration's Cleveland District Office.

GL has successfully trained and placed more than 1,000 graduates in careers as professional drivers and heavy equipment operators, and has also provided customized training programs for more than 30 companies.  In addition to its CDL and NCCER Approved Heavy Equipment training programs, HSE RIG PASS/SafeLand USA Certifications are now available to prepare drivers and equipment operators for work on Oil Field Sites.

Situated on a 10.7 acre training site, the land has been developed to include:

• a shifting track
• an area for CDL maneuvers and perfecting of skills
• work zone for the heavy equipment division
• 9,000 square foot building which houses classrooms, offices and student break area
• lodging facilities for students traveling long distances

Much of the school's success has been due to its focus on innovative approaches to training and a high priority on student services, especially graduate placement.  Great Lakes works with over 60 employers and has placed graduates at hundreds of different companies.  The Placement Assistant Department provides graduates with lifetime job placement assistance, including:

• placement activities beginning the first week of training
• in-class presentations on interviewing, hiring criteria, filling out applications
• scheduling of multiple recruiters from hiring companies
• one-on-one presentations and interviews between hiring companies and students
• employment workshops
• free job fairs held on the school's property for current students and graduates
• on-line job board

Great Lakes Truck Driving School offers affordable tuition and various forms of financing options.  In October of 2011, the school hosted a free Veterans Educational Benefits seminar which informed attendees of the educational benefits available to help them transition into stable, well paying careers.  The sessions covered the Chapter 30 Montgomery GI Bill, Chapter 31 Vocational Rehabilitation and the new Chapter 33 Post 9/11 GI Bill changes, which provides many new educational opportunities for active duty, veteran, national Guard and reserve servicemen and women.

A 9 minute informational video is available at the school's website and the school can also be found on Facebook.  

The ABC's of Getting Your CDL Class A License

You've Made Your Career Decision
You Want To Be An Over The Road Driver
You Need To Get Your CDL Class A License
What Is The Next Step?

James S. McCormack
Co-Founder of
Trucking Careers of America

You cannot drive for a trucking company without first getting your CDL license, and here we are talking about a CDL Class A license to drive tractor trailers over the road.  You must have graduated either from an independent school or from a company sponsored cdl training program.

First and foremost, there are several requirements that must be met for you to get your CDL Class A License:

• you must have a valid driver's license from the state in which you currently reside
• you must be at least 21 years of age
• you must be in good health
• you must speak, write and understand English well enough to communicate with others

Next, go to your local Motor Vehicle Bureau and get a copy of your MVR and a copy of the CDL manual.  Make sure your MVR is accurate and doesn't have anything negative that would prevent you from being accepted into training or being hired after graduation.  If you have a criminal record and depending on the type of crime, you may be ineligible for employment in the trucking industry.  Get a head start on learning the manual and get your CDL Permit at your local Motor Vehicle Bureau before you attend training.  For a CDL Permit for a CDL Class A license you will need to take:

• a general knowledge test
• a combination test
• air-brake test

There are (2) reasons for this:  (1) having your CDL Permit beforehand shortens your training time by as much as one week (which translates to earning an income earlier), and (2) this is a good approach if you are an individual who quakes or freezes at taking a written test.  Get it out of the way right up front.  You will be more comfortable when you take the test again during training, be issued a CDL Permit from that state, and exchange it for one in your state when you complete training.

You may find that you will be completing multiple applications so make a list of your work history for the past 10 years.  Trucking companies are required by law to view an applicant's job history over a 10 year period, so have this information ready.  You will need this information for truck driving schools as well.  Be sure and include your superior's name(s) and contact phone numbers. 

The next step is critical:  learn and understand the differences between company sponsored/paid cdl training and a cdl training program through a community college, technical school or college or a private school.  There are pros and cons with each and it's important to fully understand the differences and how it affects your job search and career after graduation.  Federal or state grant money is often available if you attend an independent school.

Begin by researching the recommended driver training schools in your area and contact the ones of interest.  It's always preferable to attending a cdl training school if the finances are available to you.  Find out about:

• in-house financing and at what interest rate
• federal or state grant qualified
• in-house job placement
• how long their training program lasts (the average is about 3 weeks)
• the cost

Compare this information to what is available through a company sponsored or paid cdl training program.  There are not many companies offering this but there are a few and it's important to be careful on your selection.  Again, there are pros and cons .... 

Once you've decided on where to go, submit your application(s).  You may submit your application to more than one entity.  Once you are accepted, your trainers will help you study for the tests that you are required to take. 

Be sure to attend all of the required classroom time because this is where you will learn about trucking laws, safety and log books.  Don't miss the range labs, driving times and street driving times as this is critical to learning how to maneuver the tractor trailer.  You will also learn the route you will take on your final driving exam.

You will be given a final written test, a skills test and a road test, so study as much as you can for your final exam.  You will be required to know how to complete an inspection of the truck prior to driving, and be able to execute basic skills such as backing and parking.  You will take a road test to ensure you know how to safely drive on public roads. 

Once you have successfully completed all the tests you will be given a sealed packet to take to your local Bureau of Motor Vehicles to get your new license.

The trucking industry is always evolving and it's important to stay current with the regulations in place, and also to be informed about pending regulations and laws affecting the trucking industry.  You are now on your way to enjoying a new career as a professional tractor trailer driver.

Good luck and safe driving ! 

No Shortage of Truck Driving Jobs for Trainco Truck Driving School Graduates

"A CDL License Is A Diploma For The Working Person ..."

If you live in Michigan or Ohio, and you are looking for the right truck driving school to get your CDL Class A License, one of Trainco's schools is the school for you.

With five locations across Southern Michigan and Northwest Ohio, Trainco has just moved the Logan Square facility in South Lansing to larger facilities at 2200 South Washington Avenue.  This relocation is part of their expansion program to fill more jobs in the region.

Every Trainco graduate is well-trained and highly qualified; at Trucking Careers of America we have placed more than 150 Trainco graduates with great companies and not one graduate has been sent home because they lacked critical skills.

In February 2009, Trainco and Owens Community College announced a partnership which afforded area residents the opportunity to receive five college technical credits while enrolled in Trainco Professional Truck Driving Schools and Career Centers.  Students pursuing their commercial driver's license (CDL) apply the educational training and experience toward an associate's degree in Owens' Technical Studies or a related field. 

No Shortage Of Jobs For Trainco Graduates ....

There is no shortage of jobs for Trainco's graduates.  The school's required annual Student Training Report for the Department of State shows that most are working in the field within 90 days of graduation.

"Our job placement record after they finish is nearly perfect.  We were at 93% last year, even in this region's challenging economy" says Lansing Campus Manager Randy Turco.  He adds, "As with all Trainco Schools if we find a student having difficulty during their training or in making the grade with the CDL road exam at first pass, we're always willing to give them that little extra (at no additional charge) to get them ready.  Every person learns at a different pace and we're here to help." 

Regulated and certified by the Ohio Trucking Association, Trainco's complete tractor-trailer program prepares student for their CDL driving exam and provides a first-rate entry to the trucking industry.  Students are trained with full-size, Class A tractor-trailer combinations.  Trainco tractors, in cab-over and conventional styles, primarily utilize 9- and 10- speed transmissions.  Trainco also has super-10 and automatic transmissions in the fleet, hauling 48- and 53-foot vans.

Great News for Military Men and Women
The Post 9/11 G.I. Bill

Beginning this past October of 2011, fully paid CDL training for military men and women became available through the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill.  Revised by the Veteran's Administration, the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill provides full training funds for those military men and women who have served three years or more.  What this means is:

• the entire cdl driver training at several of Trainco's facilities is paid for
• additional costs, such as short-term housing, gas/food allowance, etc., may be partially or even fully covered

A huge benefit is that veterans interested in an otr truck driving career can attend an independent truck driving school with their cdl training course fully funded, unlike a trucking company paid cdl training program which carries with it contractual obligations and restrictions.

To learn what funding assistance may be available to you give Trainco Truck Driving School a call at 419-837-5730 or visit http://www.gibill.va.gov/apply-for-benefits/application.  Trainco will fill you in on their numerous training options and campuses, get you settled into their outstanding housing facilities for those involved in "Train and Stay" programs and put you on the road to your new career in next to no time.

Trainco also works closely with numerous and varied grant programs to help those students with financial needs, and has excellent partnerships with several banks and credit unions willing to write low-interest loans.    

How To Get An OTR Driving Job With Only Have Six Months OTR Experience - Do You Really Need A Refresher Course?

Been Off The Road For Awhile and
You Were Told That You Need To Take

A CDL Class A Refresher Course or
The Full CDL Training Program?

Probably Not ....

We frequently talk with otr truckers who have not been on the road for awhile.  They still have their CDL Class A license but for one reason or another, have not been driving otr consistently.  There are many reasons ... the company they previously worked for may have gone out of business, or maybe they were laid off due to a cutback.  Maybe there was a family illness.  Whatever the reason, they can't find a driving job because they haven't been driving regularly.

They were told by numerous company recruiters that in order to get an ort driving job they would either have to take a CDL Refresher Course or start all over again by taking the full CDL Class A course.  Here is the breakdown:

The CDL Refresher Course - Typically 40 Hours:

Fewer and fewer trucking companies are offering refresher courses, and those that do offer the course charge in the area of $500 - $1000.  As a general rule, a driver does not have to sign an employment contract when taking the refresher course through a trucking company. 

Fees for truck driver training schools run about $1,400 for a CDL Class A Refresher Course. 

The CDL Class A Training Program - Typically 160 Hours:

There are not very many trucking companies offering paid CDL training or company sponsored CDL training, but those that do offer the course charge anywhere from $3,900 - $5,000, sometimes more.  You must sign an employment contract which can range from 8 months to one year.

Many companies will advertise that paid or company sponsored cdl training is 'free'.  Don't be fooled, it is not free.  "Assessing The True Cost of 'Free' CDL Training" is a good source of information on this subject.

There are many excellent private and public truck driver training schools across the U.S. that offer CDL Class A training.  Costs can run between $3,500 to as much as $6,000, and sometimes more.  Federal and state grants are sometimes available, or in-house financing may be an option.

I Have Good News For You ...
There Is A Much Better Option !

What if you could find an otr job without having to take a cdl refresher course or the full training course?  What if there are companies that will hire you if you have only six months otr driving experience?

I have good news for you ... there are trucking companies that will hire you if you have only six consecutive months of otr driving experience within the past three years.

The problem often is in finding a company with which you can get hired, depending upon your individual circumstances, which is one important reason to use the services of an industry advisor like Trucking Careers of America.  It's our job to know who these companies are ....

You may find that regional opportunities are available in certain areas.  Company benefits take effect after 90 days.   Both Rider and Pet Policies may be are offered.  You may travel all states averaging 2,700 miles each week, with 98% no touch cargo.  You may be able to drive solo or team.  One company even guarantees that you will be home for Christmas !

In a sense you are starting again so expect your earnings in your first year to be around $35,000 - $40,000.  You have been able to bypass re-training and are on the road again, building your mileage and experience with a good company, and have taken an important step in regaining your driving status.

Good luck and safe driving .... all the best - 

What Is CSA 2010 And How It Affects Company Truck Drivers

About CSA 2010 ...

The U. S. Department of Transportation - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration describes CSA 2010 as:

Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) is a Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) initiative to improve large truck and bus safety and ultimately reduce crashes, injuries, and fatalities that are related to commercial motor vehicles. It introduces a new enforcement and compliance model that allows FMCSA and its State Partners to contact a larger number of carriers earlier in order to address safety problems before crashes occur. Rolled out in December 2010, the program establishes a new nationwide system for making the roads safer for motor carriers and the public alike!

In the development of the CSA program, FMCSA sought to incorporate several key attributes.

FLEXIBILITY – Adapt to a Changing Environment. Accommodates changes to the transportation environment, such as evolutions in technology and changes in programmatic responsibilities.

EFFICIENCY – Maximize Use of Resources. Improves Federal and State enforcement staff productivity, as well as the safety performance of members of the motor carrier community.

EFFECTIVENESS – Improve Safety Performance. Identifies behaviors associated with safety risk; focuses compliance, enforcement, and remediation efforts on those unsafe behaviors.

INNOVATION – Leverage Data and Technology. Improves safety through the innovative use of technology to track and update safety performance data.

EQUITABILITY – Be Fair and Unbiased. Assesses and evaluates motor carrier safety and enforces Federal laws and safety regulations to ensure consistent treatment of similarly situated members of the motor carrier community.

While accountability in the trucking industry is something that has been needed for a long time, the implementation of CSA 2010 is also affecting company drivers.  In other words, many drivers individual CSA and PSP (Pre-employment Screening Program) scores are being unfavorably impacted by the violations of the company for which they are driving.  Here are some examples of company violations affecting company drivers:

• faulty equipment
• overweight loads
• hours of service forced by a dispatcher

Today OTR truckers have to be very careful as this is an issue that can and will definitely affect a driver's future career opportunities.  There are trucking companies that for one reason or another deliberately disregard certain regulations, including CSA 2010.  And because CSA 2010 is relatively new, we are certain to hear more and more about the ramifications of this particular regulation.

One Driver's Story ....

Just a few days ago we spoke with a company driver who had been with a trucking company for more than (6) years.  We'll call him 'Bill' .... Bill had a high CSA score because his company was forcing him to drive faulty equipment and he had several violations.  He knew enough about the affects of CSA 2010 to realize that his company's violations were causing him a problem that would only get worse.  He knew it was in his best interests to get a driving job with another company.

We were successful in finding him a good driving job with another company, but this process became somewhat of a learning experience as we discovered that different trucking companies view the CSA and PSP reports differently.

Some companies will look at a CSA and PSP score and immediately reject an applicant.  Another company will not take the CSA and PSP scores as the final word and will research the driver's record further.  In this case, that's what happened. 

The first company declined this driver, the second company considered the reasons behind the scores and realized all violations were equipment related issues which were no fault of the driver.

In our blog post, OTR Recruiters Needed More Than Ever Before, we discussed many reasons why otr drivers should use the services of a skilled, qualified and credible recruiter.  But none of those reasons included CSA 2010.  And CSA 2010 promises to be an issue that many drivers will be forced to deal with.

I think it's important to point out that a recruiter will go to bat for a driver and encourage a prospective employer to look into violations more closely.  In other words, as we like to say at Trucking Careers of America, "we work for you".

Good luck and good driving .....