Tips for Truck Drivers: How to Write a Good Résumé

Posted on May 16, 2012 by Admin

Knowing how to write a good résumé could make the difference between getting jobs in truck driving and remaining unemployed. In this economy, employers are selective about who they hire. They want to bring dedicated truck drivers to their fleets, not people who are going to change the minds and leave the company after a short time. If you’re not sure how to write a good résumé, this guide will help.how-to-write-a-good-résumé

What to Include on a Truck Driver Résumé

  • Personal Information: Include your name, address, phone number and email address at the top of the résumé.
  • Career Objective: In one or two sentences, explain what you’re looking for in a trucking job that you hope this particular job opening will satisfy for you.
  • Work Experience: If this is your first time looking for a trucking job, skip this section. If you have work experience, list successes such as the number of accident-free years you’ve accumulated, along with any driving or customer service awards you have won. Include the names of your past employers, with the most recent listed first. Add a brief description explaining the jobs you completed with each past employer.
  • Education: Mention any college or high school diplomas you have earned. This section should be brief.
  • Training and Licensing: Explain courses or truck driver training you have completed beyond your formal high school or college education. Be sure to mention if you have a CDL along with its class and any endorsements you have earned.
  • Skills: Knowing how to write a good résumé means knowing what skills your potential employer requires. Think of the nature of the job and the kinds of skills you have to match, such as perseverance to drive long miles, navigational skills, the ability to communicate effectively, knowledge of vehicles, and maintenance skills.
  • Character References: A potential employer will want you to list references with contact information to double-check your background.

Who to Send Your Résumé To

If you’re serious about looking for a trucking job, you should send your résumé to every potential employer possible. Many times, you can apply online and upload a copy of your résumé with your job application.

Don’t Forget a Cover Letter!

You need to know how to write a good résumé to get the jobs in truck driving you want, but a cover letter can be equally important. The cover letter accompanies the résumé and the most employers see the cover letter first. It’s essentially an introduction of you and your résumé written in paragraph form. Cover letters include more in-depth information about job-related experiences and skills, and serves as a sample of your written communication skills.

JiggyJobs offers tips for truck drivers and posts new jobs in truck driving every day. You can learn more about how to write a good résumé and other ideas for truck drivers on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube. Come visit us today!

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Tips for Truck Drivers: Guide to Trucking Schools

Posted on May 11, 2012 by Admin

There are hundreds of trucking schools across the country. If you’ve decided to make truck your career, how do you choose the best school from among so many choices? The following tips for truck drivers will help you narrow your selections so you can find the program that best suits the type of work you have in mind.trucking-schools

Types of Trucking Schools

The first step is to decide whether you want to attend a private school, public institution or motor carrier training program. Here is a description of each:

  • Private School: The main advantage of these trucking schools is that they must excel at satisfying students if they hope to stay in business, since private schools are for-profit institutions. That means you can rest assured that your education at a private school will be a top-notch learning experience.
  • Public School: Here, truck driving is only one program offered among many curriculum choices. The main advantage is that public schools are often far more affordable than private schools.
  • Motor Carrier Training: This is basically an on-the-job training program. It’s very fast-paced and designed to give you the skills needed to pass the commercial driver license (CDL) test.

Licensing

A CDL is the most common form of licensing required of anyone looking for a trucking job. There are also optional endorsements that drivers can earn to make them eligible to haul certain types of loads. These licenses and endorsements include:

  • CDL: The process of obtaining a CDL is basically the same in every state. Students enrolled in trucking schools are required to complete CDL training and pass a written test at the state DMV to earn a Class A commercial driver’s license. The test includes sections on general knowledge, air brakes, and combination vehicles.
  • Licensing for Hazmat, Double/Triple Trailers and Tankers: Certain jobs in truck driving require you to have special endorsements. These are listed on your CDL once you pass endorsement tests.
  • Class A vs. Class B CDL: Drivers with Class A licenses can drive any combination of vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 26,000 pounds. Class B licensed drivers can only operate vehicles with a GVWR of 26,000 pounds or less.

With these points in mind, you’re ready to begin navigating through your choices of trucking schools. JiggyJobs offers tips for truck drivers and posts new jobs in truck driving every day. You can learn more about choosing trucking schools and other ideas for truck drivers on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube. Come visit us today!

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Mobile Recruiting – Jiggyjobs.com Launches Mobile Version of Driver Recruiting Web Site

Posted on May 2, 2012 by Admin

Brentwood, Tennessee – Jiggyjobs.com recently announced that the driver recruiting web site launched a mobile recruiting version of the industry-leading web site in an effort to provide drivers the easiest, most convenient means of applying for carriers posted on the web site.mobile-recruiting

“We understand that drivers are mobile today, and we must provide fleets with the most up-to-date technology for putting their message in front of potential drivers,” said Dennis Veneklase, vice-president for digital and social media services for Expedited Solutions, a Xerox Company.  “With the mobile version of Jiggyjobs.com, drivers can search for a carrier, fill out a mobile application, and get updated job postings – all from their smart phone.”

The new Jiggyjobs.com features a full desktop and mobile integrated site with unlimited classified job postings for carriers.  In addition, the site has a complete social strategy integrated on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIN, and Google+.  The Jiggyjobs.com blog also includes featured carrier blog posts for added exposure for fleets trying to reach drivers.

For more information on Jiggyjobs.com, visit the web site or follow us on our social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, or visit our blog.

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Carrier of the Month: Transport America

Posted on April 30, 2012 by Admin

Today we are highlighting Transport America, a carrier that hauls a wide variety of cargo across America, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. The principal freight categories that drivers haul include merchandise for department stores, furniture, grocery items, industrial products, consumer goods, paper products, and expedited services across the country.Transport-America

Retailers, manufacturers, and other customers around North America place their trust in Transport America. If you’re looking for a trucking job, there are plenty of benefits enjoyed on the inside as well. Transport America is proud to offer some of the best trucking jobs to drivers who want a fulfilling career.

Home Time Options

The first draw to choosing jobs in truck driving from Transport America is the wide range of home time options. These include:

  • 7×7 – On the road for 7 days, home for 7 days
  • 14×7 – On the road for 14 days, home for 7 days
  • Home weekly
  • 1 day off for every 10×14 days on the road

The option you select will depend on how important home time is to you and what you want your income to be. Obviously, the more time you spend on the road, the more you will make.

Referral Program

Transport America wants to encourage current drivers to expand the team to include other dedicated drivers. That’s why they offer a referral program, rewarding you with $1,000 for every new hired recruit that you refer to Transport America.

Pay & Miles

Transport America offers pay in the top 5% of the transportation industry. They also make sure their drivers get the miles they need. Unlike most carriers in the last year, Transport America has seen increases in both total mileage and miles per driver. That way, you can feel confident when you sign on with this carrier.

Bonuses

Enjoy monthly performance bonuses when you meet equipment operational goals. You can earn up to an extra $.02 per mile every month simply by driving as well as you can. You can also earn a HazMat bonus of $.04 per mile when you haul hazardous loads, as well as a $100 incentive once you get your endorsement.

If you’re looking for a trucking job, Transport America could be the carrier that matches your driving career goals. Visit JiggyJobs.com today! We post new jobs for truck drivers daily. You can also find us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube. Come visit us today!

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Healthy Trucking: Healthy Tips for Truck Drivers

Posted on April 25, 2012 by Admin

Healthy Trucking |  Healthy Tips for Truck Drivers — Did you know the average life expectancy of a truck driver is less than 60 years? It’s all about healthy driving!

According to the Healthy Trucking Association of America:

  •  more than 80 percent of truck drives have poor eating habits,
  •  73 percent are overweight,
  • 35 percent are type 2 diabetic,
  • and 66 percent have high blood pressure.

So what can you do?
Try these simple tips for leading a healthy trucking lifestyle and follow these healthy tips for truck drivers for healthy driving on the road.

Keep watching to find out more!

For more information on truck driving and the trucking industry, be sure to join us on Facebook and Twitter.

You can also find more helpful videos just like this one on our YouTube channel.

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Healthy Driving: How Your Health Affects Your Driving Career

Posted on April 19, 2012 by Admin

Healthy driving is a growing concern, especially since the life expectancy of truck drivers is shorter than the average American. According to an article in The New York Times, the average life expectancy of the average American is just over 78 years. However, based on information offered by the Healthy Trucking Association of America, truckers have a life expectancy of less than 60 years! The reason for this is not the dangers on the job or increased involvement in accidents—it’s the unhealthy trucking habits of those who spend most of their day behind the wheel of a big rig.healthy-driving

For example, HTAA submits that more than 80% of truck drivers have poor eating habits. This results in about 73% of truckers being overweight, 35% having type 2 diabetes, and 66% having high blood pressure. These figures are alarming, and if you let yourself become susceptible to these conditions because of unhealthy driving habits, you could find that your career is negatively affected.

Dangers of Obesity
Anyone who lives a sedentary lifestyle is in danger of becoming overweight and eventually obese. Obesity has several potential health consequences, including:
• Sleep apnea
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Heart disease
• Asthma

Poor CSA Scores
The goal of enforcing CSA compliance is to reduce the number of trucks involved in accidents and thus avoid injuries and fatalities on the road. Driver Fitness is one of the BASICs categories of CSA compliance. . Part of this category is determining a driver’s medical qualifications. If drivers don’t exercise healthy driving habits, they may be deemed unfit to operate a big rig. At the very least, unhealthy trucking habits will contribute to poor CSA scores.

One way to ensure your medical conditions aren’t negatively impacting your CSA score is to use CSAdvantage, an Internet-based solution that helps you monitor and improve CSA scores. Maintaining a good score is important if want to keep insurance premiums low, qualify for Pre-Pass, and continue to get jobs transporting goods from a variety of manufacturers. Improving your healthy driving habits is sure to improve your CSA scores and prevent the dangers of obesity from affecting you.

If you want to learn more about CSAdvantage, or learn how to be in compliance, check out TripPak SERVICES® CSAdvantage. JiggyJobs offers healthy driving tips for truck drivers and posts new trucking jobs every day. Learn more healthy trucking ideas by following JiggyJobs on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube. Come visit us today!

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Healthy Trucking: Exercises on the Road

Posted on April 11, 2012 by Admin

As a truck driver, it’s important to incorporate exercises on the road to keep your mind and body healthy. After all, while you can travel hundreds of miles in a day, it’s your truck, not you, that gets a workout from driving. Your dedication to making deliveries on time keeps America running, but it’s important to take care of yourself by implementing healthy trucking ideas, such as making sure you exercise to stay fit and healthy. Here are some tips for truck drivers to accomplish that goal.Exercises-on-the-Road

Exercises at the Wheel

Even while sitting still behind the wheel, you can perform a few exercises on the road that are beneficial if done consistently.

  • Tighten your abs at every red light. During long hauls on the freeway, keep your abs tight for the duration of your favorite song playing on the radio.
  • Do heel raises to the beat of the music. You can do this exercise with the cruise control set and you’re cruising down a deserted freeway. Make the most of this workout by wearing ankle weights.
  • Shoulder shrugs at a red light can help relieve tension in the upper back and neck. Raise your shoulders, hold them up for a few seconds, and roll them back into a relaxed position. Repeat 10 to 15 times.

Exercises in the Truck

At the end of a long shift, your body could use some good exercises on the road to get the blood flowing again.

  • Bring portable exercise equipment with you, such as dumbbells, wrist weights and a yoga mat, and use them in the sleeper cabin of your truck. Stretch out on the yoga mat and do a few reps with the barbells and wrist weights to stay in shape.
  • Even without equipment, there are plenty of exercises on the road you can perform right in your truck. Try sit-ups, pushups, and planks.

Exercises Outside

Any time you have a chance to get some fresh air while you exercise, take advantage of it.

  • Do 32 laps around your truck. This is equivalent to about one mile.
  • For a less strenuous workout, simply take a walk.
  • Take a look inside the truck stop and see if a gym is available for truckers to use exercise machines.

JiggyJobs offers tips for truck drivers and posts new driving jobs every day. You can learn more about exercises on the road and other ideas for truck drivers on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube. Come visit us today!

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Healthy Trucking: Best Truck Stop Snacks

Posted on April 4, 2012 by Admin

An important part of healthy trucking is replacing junk food with healthy snacks. Chips, candy, and other processed food often found in truck stops don’t support a healthy lifestyle. To help you stay fit and attentive behind the wheel, use these snacking tips for truck drivers.healthy-trucking

Replace Junk Food with Healthy Alternatives

You are drawn to certain types of food because of their flavor, texture, and ability to satisfy your hunger. Enjoy a healthy trucking lifestyle by replacing some popular junk food with similar but healthier snacks:

  • Choose flavored water or 100% fruit juice instead of soda.
  • Pack wheat crackers, light popcorn or carrot sticks instead of potato chips.
  • Snack on dried fruit or granola bars in place of cookies or candy bars.

Include Fruits and Vegetables with Every Meal

Fresh fruit and vegetables are great for improving healthy driving habits. You’ll get more vitamins, minerals, and fiber than you can from fruit or vegetable juices. Many fresh fruits and veggies are easy to pack and take with you on the road. Here are a few suggestions:

  • Fruits like apples, pears bananas, grapes, plums, and berries.
  • Vegetables like carrot sticks, raw broccoli, and sliced bell peppers.

Choose Protein-Packed Snacks

Protein is important for helping you feel full longer. Protein-packed snacks are usually also higher in fat than other foods, so portion control is important. Some convenient protein snacks that support healthy trucking include:

  • String cheese, cheese cubes, or cottage cheese.
  • Nuts and seeds, such as almonds, walnuts, pecans, and sunflower seeds.

Pick Whole Grains

According to a LiveStrong article by Debra McKenzie, the daily suggested amount of fiber is 25 to 38 grams. Choosing whole grains as part of your healthy trucking lifestyle helps you reach your daily fiber intake goals. Try:

  • 3 cups of air-popped popcorn with a little parmesan cheese.
  • Oatmeal with brown sugar and slices of your favorite fruit.
  • Granola mixed into your yogurt.
  • Sandwiches made from 100% whole grain bread.

Make Your Own Snacks

Easy recipes are a great way to include the precise foods you want to eat in your lunch sack. Give this recipe for Homemade Protein Bars a try.

Ingredients:

  • 4 egg whites
  • 1 cup oats
  • 2 scoops chocolate protein powder
  • ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
  • ¼ tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 tbsp natural peanut butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Mix the egg whites and uncooked oatmeal together. Stir in the remaining ingredients.

Coat an 8″ x 8″ baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Spread the mixture in an even layer over the bottom of the dish. Bake for 20 minutes or until the edge starts to pull away from the sides of the dish.

JiggyJobs offers tips for truck drivers and posts new driving jobs every day. You can learn more healthy trucking tips and other ideas for truck drivers on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook, Pinterest and YouTube. Come visit us today!

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Carrier of the Month: Ozark Motor Lines

Posted on March 29, 2012 by Admin

ozark-motor-linesLooking for a trucking job? Ozark Motor Lines could be the carrier for you! Ozark Motor Lines, Inc. is a family-owned company headquartered in Memphis, Tenn. This carrier provides nationwide services for companies such as FedEx, Express, and Toshiba. Last year marked the carrier’s 50th year of operation. Ozark started with a single truck but today the fleet includes 650 company trucks and about 125 owner-operator tractors.

Both company drivers and clients of Ozark Motor Lines appreciate the friendly, family-oriented atmosphere the company maintains even as the carrier continues to experience tremendous growth. Brothers Steve and Tommy Higginbotham, children of the original founders, now own and run the company. They strive to stay active with every aspect of the business, just as their parents were when they founded the company in 1961.

Ozark Motor Lines has an excellent safety program and great benefits for company drivers. OTR jobs in truck driving are available with only three months of OTR experience required. Company drivers with Ozark aren’t required to load or unload, transport hazardous material, or drive through Canada or New York City. People looking for a trucking job also enjoy a paid orientation.

Owner-operators with Ozark Motor Lines enjoy pay increases and a 100% fuel surcharge. Ozark pays for base plates and permits and doesn’t place a limit on tractor age. Health insurance programs are also available, and owner-operators enjoy a paid orientation as well.

The carrier also gives those with jobs in truck driving access to a 39-acre Driver Center, which is dedicated to improving the comfort of drivers. The center is located in Memphis and comes complete with showers, a laundry facility, Wi-Fi access, TVs, and a fitness center.

Ozark Motor Lines offers jobs in truck driving to top-quality drivers. Check out their website at www.ozark.com to see their benefits, programs, and policies. When you’re ready to hire on with Ozark, or if you find another trucking company that fits your needs better, be sure to check out JiggyJobs. We post new jobs for truck drivers every day. You can find us on Twitter, LinkedIn, FaceBook, YouTube, and online at www.jiggyjobs.com. Come visit us today!

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Let JiggyJobs.com Find You the Best Jobs in Truck Driving

Posted on March 22, 2012 by Admin

JiggyJobs.com is your ultimate source for the best jobs in truck driving. We put you in the driver’s seat so you are in complete control of your future. We offer a safe opportunity to find the best trucking jobs available without ever sending your personal information through emails for your own safety.

Our website provides access to several tools designed to pair you with trucking companies that are hiring immediately. Here we highlight some of these features and what you can expect from using them.

Quick App

The Quick App puts your job-searching efforts in the fast lane. It is the quickest, easiest way to send your application to the top trucking companies on our site. These companies are looking for quality drivers like you to fill the best trucking jobs in the industry.

Simply fill out and submit a three-page application. We’ll make sure trucking companies that are hiring see your application. Thanks to our digital online signature, carriers can process your application immediately and bring you one step closer to your dream career!

Top Job

If you want to look over jobs in truck driving based on your preferences, then our Top Job feature is for you. Simply select a few of your most important job criteria so we can pinpoint your ideal position. Once we have your answers, we match you with the carriers that best fit your job preferences.

If you don’t see any matches the first time you hit “search,” don’t be discouraged! Go back, expand your criteria a bit, and hit “search” again. Once matches appear, you can either continue on to learn more about the carrier or you can go directly to the application process.

Classifieds

You can find the most recent classified jobs in truck driving from across the country. Search for a specific entry by narrowing the selection by company, state, job type or driver type. Posts are automatically organized by post date so you have access to the best trucking jobs that have been posted in the last few days.

Driver Resources

This is the section for you if you need a copy of your DAC, want to check fuel prices, or wish to see weather and traffic condition updates. Whatever trucking-related career information you need, you can find it at JiggyJobs.com!

We know being without a job is difficult. That’s why JiggyJobs is here. We offer financial planning tips for truckers and act as a resource for anyone seeking jobs in truck driving. Visit our website, where the best trucking jobs are posted every day. Then, find us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube for more information.

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