Planning to become a truck driver? Go ahead and do it!

Truck driving jobs  has been regarded as one of the key occupations stated by Yahoo News last 2011. Up to now truck driving is one of the most profitable and in-demand on every job market worldwide. Now you are asking, how do I become a truck driver? Hope my suggestions below will help you below:

* You must know and appreciate what trucks can do, even your fellow truck drivers hours - they will be the ones who will teach you the basics and actual experiences in truck driving.

* Support from your family is also essential. They will give you the motivation to go on and work hard on your job.

* Complete all the necessary licenses and permits before you drive your truck. It will be a hassle if you will be caught driving a truck but your licenses, insurance, and other documents are incomplete/invalid. Your driving career might be affected because of this.

* Study your truck. No need to study it further as mechanics are the ones who will take care of the truck for you. Just make sure that all the safety procedures and requirements are performed.

* Be sure you are in good health. Driving a truck is very different from driving a car. Your load is much more heavier and bigger, that means your senses must be 10x to 50x more sensitive. And that is very stressful. That is why good health is mandatory.

* Do not accept hitchhikers. Accepting hitchhikers is a big NO NO on trucking companies. There are even lots of incidents where truck drivers are robbed and killed by hitchhikers. So do not do this for your safety and security.

More Trucks in Saudi Arabia

MB Super sucker

Happy New Year 2012 to everyone. I did not update my blog these days as I am taking care of my other blog. Well, that other blog is boring anyway, more on politics and some gibberish, but I do appreciate if you have look at least. This is my other blog:

http://themanwhoownedthephils.blogspot.com/

Here are some pics that I snapped. I am sure in the next couple of years, you will see more interesting trucks. Saudi Arabia is booming, especially in the construction sector. So expect more trucks with latest models as well as old ones that are now used to serve the needs of different projects.

Hope you enjoy my photos below:

GMC Sierra in KSA

Heavy hauler

Three star powerhouse

A Mercedes is still a Mercedes. These trucks dominate the Kingdom's roads and preferred by most drivers for its comfort and power. Here are some latest photos as below:

MB 1933 Truck 

MB 1933 Truck side view

Firetrucks and Emergency Vehicles in KSA

I am quite sad that I am still not able to get photos of firetrucks and emergency vehicles used in the Kingdom. But if given the chance, if there is a right time (and an officer kind enough who will let me take photos), hopefully I can snap some photos.

Firetrucks and emergency vehicles used here in KSA majority are from the US (purchased by the Civil Defense and Red Crescent) and are colored neon green so that it can be seen even at night. But some still use Mercedes Benz and other European brand models fitted with ladders and pumps, like this photo below:

from http://www.fire-engine-photos.com

Please visit  www.firetruckmall.com if you want to see more fire trucks that they are selling. Some of them already made its way here in KSA.

Lets hear it for the 'BUS'

Buses are one of the oldest mode of transport since the early days of road travel. Transporting a lot of people from one place to another could be simple to some, but a hard days work for the bus drivers.

I did not take some more photos of buses here in Saudi Arabia, actually they use more small buses here (like Toyota Coaster). Nowadays, they commonly use buses as below:

GMC and International  are one of the most common brands used as buses here in KSA

Ashok Leyland buses are becoming common to transport workers to sites. Frankly speaking, I don't like these buses, it is not comfortable to ride on. And it looks like a box with wheels. Due to its cheap price, some companies buy this.

TATA buses like the ones on the photo are also used commonly. Like the Ashok Leyland, they are cheap and look less attractive. But for transporting workers to the site and back, it does the job.

Difference between European, American, and Japanese Trucks

I have been working in the Middle East for about 6 years, and I always see big rigs pass by on the roads every day. They carry important goods like food, materials, even a whole gas plant!

But in my mind, there is this question, which are the best truck manufacturers? Are European models better looking and has good performance? Are American trucks have more power to get the job done? How about Japanese ones, are they more affordable and easy to operate? Let us discuss each of them:

European Trucks - Yes I have seen a lot of them. And probably all of you who have been in the Middle East. The famous three star logo, Mercedes Benz have been around passing through long highways since the early days up to now. Other brands like Volvo, Scania, Iveco, and many others are penetrating the markets also.

In my own opinion, the reason why lots of truck companies prefer European trucks is its performance and benefit to the drivers. They think and as per their experience, these trucks are good to drive especially on long distances. Driving comfort is very important to avoid stress that causes serious accidents on the highways.

American Trucks - I have seen some Mack trucks on the road and quite impressed with its bullish design. GMC's are also here but they are famous on buses (actually school buses, used for transport of workers). Other brands like International are also here. Maybe I missed some other brands here please do tell me.

American trucks are known for its raw power, they get the job done. They are tough and reliable. That is why they are preferred mostly in petrochemical companies where they are used and abused.

Japanese Trucks - I have seen a lot of Nissan, Mitsubishi, and Isuzu, Hino here. Good looking trucks indeed.

In the early days, Japanese trucks have been used on some light jobs because they cannot withstand the heavy workload on some work areas especially on petrochemical companies. But that has changed now and there is a presence of Japanese trucks plying on the roads right now. they are much cheaper too - just imagine - two Japanese trucks for the price of one European or American Truck (at present market conditions, maybe their prices are already high).

Whatever manufacturer you choose, choose the one that will fit on your budget and requirements.

Scania 360 water tanker

New Trucks photos - sorry for not updating

Nice Red MB Truck with a super sucker trailer

Mitsubishi trucks, new models probably

Here are some new truck photos, sorry I didn't update for a long time - enjoy. New Mitsubishi trucks are also here too.