For starters you should make a list of questions you have before you start your search. Next see if you can make a list of truck schools that have a good reputation.  Most likely a company with a long-standing reputation will offer the best training in the field. When contacting these schools, ask the questions from your list and make sure they give you the education you need.  Take a look at the following list and add these questions to your list before you start your search.

1. What is the classroom curriculum?  Be sure that driver safety, commercial transportation rules and regulations, and the driving basics are taught.
2. How many hours driving are required in the course?  Make sure this does not include sitting in the passenger seat!  You need plenty of experience driving and handling a big rig.
3. Find out the type of equipment used at the truck school.  They should be comparable to what you will be driving in a career.  Stay clear of automatic transmissions and older models that are no longer used by companies.
4. Does the school offer job placements?  Those schools owned by truck driving companies are more likely to guarantee you a job.  If the school is privately owned, see what their percentage of job placement is before committing to the school. Ask about their relationships with other trucking companies.
5. What are the costs?  Is there a financial aid program?  How about tuition reimbursement?  A truck driving school may have a completely different fee schedule than another one. Costs can range widely from $1,500 up to $7,000.

We hope this information is helpful to you. Our truck school program is currently enrolling students. If you’re interested in getting started please visit CREngland.com.

Authored by: Dave Ferrara a.k.a. BIGrigdave

The law makes it a ticket able offense in Oregon to be talking on you cellular handset while driving. First thing in the morning on January 1 of 2010 drivers may be ticketed for breaking the law.

The law is aimed at reducing traffic accidents from driving distractions related to cellular phone use. Many people know of the risks associated with text messaging while truck driving, now Oregon is taking away the handset. Oregon is not the first to pass a law outlawing this, but they may be forming a trend.

The article also mentioned a loophole in the law for jobs that may require use of a cellular phone like a tow truck driver or taxi drivers. Police are ready for when drivers try to use the loophole as an excuse for why they are breaking the new law.

For a truck driving student at CR England, using a cellular phone while your driving is against policy.
The original abcnews.com article by Brad Cain, Associated Press Writer: http://abcnews.go.com/Technology/wireStory?id=9455532