Trucking FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Trucking Questions and Answers

View a couple of our most frequently asked questions. Click on the question to reveal the answers.

What do I have to do to get my CDL ?

You can start your new career in a month. It takes one month but it may take some people longer like myself if you have problems while in school.

My most frequent question is was it easy to get your CDL and Is it hard to drive the truck!

No it wasn’t easy for me to get my license I had to study very hard to earn my CDL. One thing I learned which is the best advice I can give you is “Never Give Up” as long as you do not give up you will accomplish your goal in achieving your license. -Sharae Moore

1. The first step is to get a COMMERCIAL DRIVER LICENSE  BOOK from your LOCAL DMV or download them off the DMV WEBSITE.

2. STUDY the required sections to pass the written portion; general knowledge, air breaks and combination tests.

3. Find a SCHOOL that will help you receive your CDL or take the TEST at your local DMV if you have a truck that meet the requirements.


5. After you have meet all the requirements CONGRATULATIONS your on your way to a career that will change your life.

Education and Experience is necessary in the trucking industry. 

Which companies offer CDL training?

There are schools who will give you free training. You may be required to work for the company for a period of time or be on contract for a length of time until your full tuition is covered.

Their are also schools that offer the COMMERCIAL DRIVING LICENSE course in your local area through Technical Schools or Community College. They normally range between $1,000-$8,000 range. If you go through an Technical School or Community College most of the time you will not be required to work for the company through a contract .

The companies/schools below offer CDL training courses which include CDL Permit, Backing and Driving testing which are required to obtain your CDL.

Most of these companies do not require experience!

The companies below also give CDL holders experience with an experienced trainer.






 We are proud to have over 12% of our fleet as women!


Click the link below to apply!





You can also check out The Trucker Report link to search for trucking schools by your state.

The Trucker Report- Trucking schools Directory


Disclaimer: Please do your own research on theses companies before you enroll to find the best fit! The schools are in no particular order. S.H.E. TRUCKING has no affiliations with these companies and the training that they provide. We are not responsible for your experience these are only helpful links to get you started in your new career.




Click on the links below to study tests.

There are also apps you can download

No photo description available.

CDL prep
DMV Genie

CDL one

Is trucking a good career choice ?

Truck Driving is a career that does not require any degree and can pay just as much, if not more in some cases than a high ranked degree. There are many reasons as to why trucking is a good career for both men and women, they have excellent salaries and benefits and even retirement for their employees

There are currently about 15.5 million trucks operating on US roads and highways. Three and a half million men, and about 200,000 women, are what are called “long haul truck drivers” in the US. Among the top good transported are clothing, food, furniture, electrical products and machinery parts.

How much does a truck driver make a week?


What's the Difference Between an Owner Operator & Company Truck Driver?

.When it comes to working in intermodal drayage and other divisions as a truck driver, there are two routes you can take with your career: work for a company or be an owner operator.

Company Driver Pros:

Owner Operator Pros:

Owner Operators vs. Independent Contractors
Driver classification is messy. By definition, owner operators are independent contractors, much like a freelance artist. Owner operators own their own equipment, operate under their own authority, find their own loads, and do not lease to a company. Sounds simple enough. But, here’s where it gets murky. Not all independent contractors are also owner operators. Let’s say that again: not all independent contractors are also owner operators. Independent contractors can lease equipment from the company they drive for (or any other company for that matter), which brings in questions of how much control the company that owns the truck/trailer can have over the independent contractor leasing the equipment.

For the most part, independent contractors and owner operators are considered one and the same. But this distinct and little-discussed difference is where carriers often misclassify company drivers as independent contractors. Carriers who implement more control over leased-equipment independent contractors than they do over owned-equipment owner operators are often misclassifying their drivers.

How Accidental Misclassification Happens
Oftentimes, it is easier for the company (and, sometimes, the driver) to implement certain uniform rules to keep all drivers organized. Requiring the use of a company uniform, or a specific closed load board, for example, is technically illegal. If these rules weren’t in place, though, the carrier would have no way of keeping in contact with each independent contractor. Without such organization, it becomes easy to lose track of both loads and drivers.

Some companies require certain insurance coverages on the equipment that they own. If you are an independent contractor who leases your equipment, required insurance that is outlined in the lease is completely legal, but vague technical wording gives wiggle room to the carrier to change their required coverages as they see fit. Really, this usually only happens so that the carrier can adjust requirements based on the changing industry, but if the lease isn’t specific, it can be illegal.

Company Driver Cons:

Owner Operator Cons:

Types of trailers

1. Flatbed Trailer

Flatbed trailers are some of the most common types of trailers. Flatbed trailers are common mainly because of their versatility. Flatbeds can be utilized for everything from steel coils to lumber. They have a maximum weight limit of 48,000 pounds and their lengths range from 48ft to 53ft. The maximum width for legal operation is 8.5 feet, and the maximum height is 8.5 feet measured from the surface of the bed. The standard height of a flatbed is usually 60 inches off the ground.

The flatbed trailer is an open container, meaning that there’s no containing box covering the cargo being shipped.  Instead, the driver must know the process of tarping a flatbed. They’re completely level so loading and off-loading is a whole lot easier. Also, they can be unloaded from the top with a crane and even by the sides with other types of equipment depending on the cargo you’re carrying.

2. Dry Vans

Dry vans, otherwise known as enclosed trailers, are some of the most common freight containers for shipping cargo on the interstate. They’re a flatbed with a box around it. It’s a weatherproof way to keep the load in a dry environment. Often grocery stores will use dry vans to ship goods such as clothes, food, and electronics. The freight materials are stacked on pallets, and the trailer is commonly unloaded with a forklift or a pallet jack.

The maximum weight limit for a dry van is 42,000 pounds. Sometimes the upper weight limit is 45,000 pounds depending on the capabilities of the trailer. They range from 48 feet to 53 feet and are most commonly unloaded from the rear, though some can be unloaded from the side.

3. Refrigerated Trailer

Refrigerated trailers are primarily dry vans that are insulated and have a cooling system to keep the enclosed goods fresh. This type of trailer is mainly used for food such as frozen foods and produce. Sometimes pharmaceuticals are shipped via reefers. The maximum weight for refrigerated trailers is the same as dry vans, but they have a maximum legal width of 8.2 feet and a maximum legal height of 8 feet.

4. Lowboy Trailers

The lowboy trailer is essentially the beast of choice when hauling heavy loads that are taller than legal height for other trailers. Often these are used for heavy duty construction equipment. These trailers can haul anywhere from 40,000 to 80,000 pounds depending on the number of axles. To haul 40,000 pounds and you’ll require two axles on the trailer. Lowboy trailers may require addition permits to operate and any state or municipal regulations should be strictly followed.

The maximum well length is 29.6 feet, but could be as low as 24 feet depending on the municipality. The maximum height is 18 to 25 inches and the maximum legal width for any lowboy is 8.5 feet. If your load is oversized, you will have to obtain additional permits. The real bread and butter of the lowboy trailer reside in the maximum 12-foot freight height and the overall load height at 14 feet. These are the workhorses of the shipping world.

5. Step Deck Trailers

Step deck trailers are remarkably similar to flatbed trailers with the only legal difference being that the maximum freight height is 10 feet. They’re designed to carry things that flatbed trailers can’t. This is usually because of height restrictions. Essentially step deck trailers are flatbeds that allow you to squeeze an additional two feet of freight height into your load.

6. Extendable flatbed trailers

Extendable flatbed trailers are exactly what they sound like: They’re flat beds that can stretch from 43-foot average to 80 feet long. They’re built to support long loads, so there’s no real worry about the freight hanging off the edge of the trailer. The maximum weight limit for these extendable flatbed trailers is 43,000 pounds, and the rest of the legal requirements stay the same as a regular flatbed.

6. Stretch Single Drop Deck Trailer

These trailers are specifically designed to carry loads that are far longer than the standard drop deck trailer. They provide both support and additional length to prevent overhang. They have a maximum weight limit of 45,000 pounds and have a maximum legal length of 35 to 63 feet depending on the municipality. Be sure to follow all regulations, especially when using trailers that deviate from the norm. They have a legal freight height of 10 feet and a legal width of 8.5 feet.

7. Removable gooseneck trailers (RNG)

These trailers are excellent for carrying both tall and heavy loads. They’re able to carry up to 150,000 pounds depending on the number of axles your trailer has. They can range anywhere from three axles all the way up to 20 axles. The maximum legal well length of an RNG trailer is 29 feet, and the max legal freight height is 11.6 feet. They have a max width of 8.5 feet, as is the standard with most trailers. Should you be above 8.5 feet in width you will have to acquire additional permits.

8. Specialty trailers

Specialized trailers are built specifically for a type of product to be moved. They’re used in hauling fuel to other types of liquids. Specialty trailers are usually built to specification and to haul hazardous materials. The requirements for specialty trailers are too deep to get into this article, but they have strict regulations. Specialty trailers can be used to pull up to 200,000 pounds.

If your load is a hazardous material, your driver will have to have a specific permit and license to be able to tow the load, and often the cost is higher than moving traditional freight. There’s no way to get around the additional requirements, and it’s a good idea not to try. Cutting corners with a hazardous material haul can result in a huge cost in both health and money. It’s worth it to invest the additional money, and no freight company worth their salt would willingly move a load unless it’s 100% insured.

9. Sidekit trailers

These trailers are most often equipped with a side of wood paneling and are used to haul loads that aren’t packed, like gravel, dirt and other materials that never need to be packaged. Their maximum width is 8.2 feet, and their max height is 8.6 feet. Side kit trailers are essentially flatbed trailers with a 4-foot side attached to the deck of the trailer. Their maximum load is 45,000 pounds.

10. Extendable double drop trailers

These containers are used to carry items that are extremely long that can’t be transported by a regular double drop trailer. They’re made to support the load and handle the excessive length. They usually have two or three axles and range from 29-50 feet with a maximum load height of 11.6 feet. The most common things to be carried on extendable double drop trailers are construction equipment and freight containers.

11. Stretch RNG trailers

These trailers are used to carry loads that are too long for regular removable gooseneck trailers. They can carry loads as small as 42,000 pounds to loads of 150,000 pounds. With a heavier load, more axles will be required, but the absolute minimum is three shafts. The main deck of these trailers ranges from 29 feet to 65 feet. They have a load height 11.6 feet and a width of 8.5 feet. These containers are used to carry loads of excessive height and excessive weight.

12. Conestoga trailers

These trailers are essentially dry van trailers that have a rolling tarp to cover the goods enclosed in the trailer. They have a length that ranges from 48 to 53 feet a maximum legal width of 8.2 feet and a maximum height of 8 feet. The roll top is often made of a heavy duty plastic, rubber or canvas. It’s extremely durable but is meant to protect goods that won’t get damaged with some exposure to the elements. It’s impossible to guarantee that no water will get through when traveling on the highway.

13. Power only trailers

These trailers are used to tow other trailers, and the legalities and requirements differ from state to state. Check your route and gather any permits required to use such trailers. You should strictly adhere to and state and regulations regarding power only trailer.

14. Multi-car trailers

These are technically specialty carriers, but they’re so common that it’s important to mention them. These have varying requirements based on what state you’re in, but they can carry anywhere from two vehicles all the way up to eight cars. When carrying more than two vehicles, the chances are that they will be double decker trailers. The height is not to exceed the 11.6 feet of most other oversized load trailers because of overpass heights.

When using a multi-car trailer to ship your new vehicles you should have the cars thoroughly prepped. Once the vehicles are on the trailer, your driver will secure everything and triple check that the vehicle will remain in place for the haul.

How many hours can a truck driver drive legally?

This window is usually thought of as a “daily” limit even though it is not based on a 24-hour period. You are allowed a period of 14 consecutive hours in which to drive up to 11 hours after being off duty for 10 or more consecutive hours. The 14-consecutive-hour driving window begins when you start any kind of work. You are required to also take a 30 minute break during the first 8 hour period.

How can I get a copy of my DAC report?

Go to  then go down to the bottom of the page and click the link “CDL driver reports, then under “ordering a copy of your DAC report” you are going to click on the link “Hire Right Consumer Report Request form” then you print out the form fill it out sign it and send it in. It’s that easy.



Do not pay anyone to clean up your report.
Just like credit reports, the information included in your DAC report cannot be removed if it is accurate, whether it is good or bad.
Don’t be misled into believing that anyone can remove negative information from your DAC report just because you paid them to do so. There is nothing a third party can do to alter your DAC report that you can’t take care of yourself.

Contact HireRight and get a copy of your DAC report. HireRight is the name of the company that handles DAC report data. They will mail you a copy of your DAC report free of charge.

Once you have received your report, go over it. Visit our overview of what is included in a DAC report, and compare the pages we have illustrated with those within your own DAC report.

Dispute any incorrect information included in your DAC report. Similar to the ability that everyone has to dispute incorrect or false information on credit reports, HireRight offers the ability for you to dispute information in your DAC report. Follow the instructions on how to dispute incorrect DAC report information.

If you are unable to access or complete the form, if you would prefer to submit your dispute by telephone or regular mail, or if you require additional assistance, please contact:

HireRight Attn: Consumers Department
14002 E. 21st Street, Suite 1200
Tulsa, OK 74134

Toll-free phone: 866-521-6995 (Monday-Friday, 7am to 7pm Central Time)
Fax: (918) 664-5520

For General Information Solutions LLC Reports
Submit your dispute by telephone or regular mail:

General Information Solutions LLC
Consumer Relations Department
P.O. Box 353
Chapin, SC 29036

Toll-free phone: 866-265-4917
Toll-free fax: 866-265-4921

How long does a failed drug test stay on a DAC report?

Most of the time, if the company is drug testing applicants, the hiring manager has no discretion– if you fail the test, your application is rejected. … Even if the hiring manager believed every word you said, they’d still be bound by company rules and a positive test would cause your application to be rejected

DOT Drug and Alcohol Violations stay on your record for 3 years. (Keep in mind; a company may not report the positive or refused test longer than 3 years, but still report that the driver was terminated and is not eligible for rehire due to a company policy violation longer than 3 years.

What is CSA and what does it stand for?

The Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration(FMCSA)   government-mandated CSA program, which stands for “Compliance, Safety, Accountability.”

How can a driver check their CSA score?

You can check your score at the USDOT website: When you enter your USDOT number and PIN into the SMS login page, you will be able to locate your score. If you don’t have a PIN, you can request one from USDOT. Delivery of your PIN typically takes 4-7 days.

How long does a CSA violation stay on your record?

Data remains on the company record for 24 months and on the CDL holder’s record for 36 months (crash records will be on file for 60 months)

How many CSA points is a seat belt violation?

The much maligned seat belt ticket can land your fleet and driver 7 CSA points in the unsafe driving BASIC. A reckless driving ticket (15 mph over) is 10 points.

What to do with unsafe faulty equipment?


  • Pre-trip your truck and trailer
  • If you notice a problem notify your company
  • Call break down

Your license depends on it.

Where can I find Truck Parking?

Truck parking can be challenging at times because they fill up very fast. There are several ways to find truck parking. Such as apps, truck stop books, and GPS.

Travel Centers

  • Loves Truck Stops
  • Petro Truck Stops
  • TA (Travel Centers of America)
  • Pilot Truck Stops
  • Flying J Truck Stops
  • Road Ranger
  • Sapp Brothers

Mobile Applications

  • Trucker Tools
  • Park My Truck
  • My Truck Parking
  • Truck Parking USA
  • Trucker Path


United Truck Parking
1044 Scruggs Road
Ringgold, Ga 37036

Hotels with truck parking

Mariposa Hotel
547 W. Mariposa Rd
Nogales, Az

Trucking Schools to be aware of

Please research companies before you apply to them. Read the review about the company on google.

Here are a few companies that we have received numerous of calls about women drivers having problems with sexual abuse, rape and assault. We understand that everyone needs a place to start but it has been too many cases that has involved women that are not addressed and the companies have not taken the issues serious.

  • C R England
  • CRST
  • Covenant Transport

Are there any women advocacy organizations ?

Please visit the R.E.A.L. Women In Trucking website

“REAL Women in Trucking, Inc.” was formed in 2010 as a protest group by women truck drivers seeking improved conditions that were not being effectively addressed by the industry or any other organizations. This grassroots driver led movement was granted 501 (c) (6) trade association status in June 2013. Participation is voluntary and open to those who have a “desire” to help others.

For Drivers, By Drivers

Poor CDL Training poses a safety risk to the public, the truck driver trainers and new entrants to entry-level truck driver training. There is little accountability for the turnover rate that consistently stands between 98% and 100% or the unsafe practices that can include violence between trainers, students and/or co-drivers at troublesome carriers.


Please visit the R.E.A.L. Women In Trucking website

How many women are truck drivers?

Women Truck Driver currently make up 7% of drivers on the road which breaks down to over 200,000 women truck driver.

Their are 20 men to 1 women driver. The number of women entering into the industry is growing and we are seeing more and more everyday.


My (Sharae Moore) personal opinion is I am starting to see a women in almost every other two or three trucks. -7/2019

  • 7% Female Truck Drivers
  • 93% Male Truck Drivers
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