Rookie Drivers: Challenges of the First Year
July 13, 2014
If you’re thinking about becoming a truck driver, then it’s good to know exactly what you’re in for. Trucking is not the easiest career, especially for rookie drivers with a lot to learn.
Making Mistakes
Remember: everyone was a rookie at some point in time. Your fellow drivers, your instructors, your trainers, and even your employers were new once. Everyone makes mistakes. The first year is sure to be full of rookie mishaps. However, the way you handle these common errors will determine whether or not you’re cut out for the job. When things go wrong, be sure to stay calm and maintain a clear mind.
Getting Lost
Even with the latest technology, drivers can still get lost when traveling in unfamiliar areas. Whether you’re in the big city or the Big Rock Candy Mountains, there is always a way out. Don’t panic. That’s the key.
Traveling Through Unfamiliar Territory
If you’re trucking over-the-road, then you’ll be experiencing new and exciting places with all kinds of driving challenges. You will experience new weather, new infrastructure, new road conditions and new terrain. You will learn how to drive through desert sand storms, tropical coastal storms, icy northern passes and snowy mountain roads. You will find that some states handle extreme weather better than others. You may be able to drive through a major blizzard covering half the country, but then hit the Texas border and find that all the roads have been closed due to a single night of freezing weather.
Dealing With the Law
This will be a daily challenge. However, you can make it easy to deal with laws and regulations by keeping a positive attitude and accurate logbook. There will be many police officers, weigh stations and regulations to deal with along the way. If each challenge is faced with an upbeat outlook, then you won’t have any problems.
First-year drivers may have a lot to learn, but remember, everyone makes mistakes and everyone improves over time. It’s all part of the job.
Back It Up: Tips for Truckers
June 17, 2014
The backing range at truck driving school is an amusing place to spend an afternoon. Watching new drivers master the difficult maneuvering of backing up is hilarious. However, if you are the new driver then it is downright nerve-wracking. It’s all going to be fine, though, especially with these helpful tips from TruckingTruth blogger, TruckerMike:
CDL Endorsements
April 15, 2014
If you’re taking the CDL exam soon, you may be wondering which endorsements to get. Well, this article from truckingtruth.com makes a very strong case for getting all of the endorsements. You may not think you need to, but before deciding, it’s worth your time (a couple of minutes) and money (completely free) to give this helpful information a quick read. See the full story here:
http://www.truckingtruth.com/trucking_blogs/Article-2329/which-cdl-endorsements-should-i-get
Truck Driving Tips
April 14, 2014
This list of truck driving tips comes from a seasoned professional, and has some great insights to help new drivers break into the industry. The advice is invaluable for truckers in their first year of driving, with plenty of honest tips to keep newbies running smooth.
Trucking Terminology
April 8, 2014
Trucking terminology is the language of the industry. It’s important to learn the lingo now so you will have head start in the game. Here is a list of essential trucking vocabulary words to get you started:
Back it Up
April 6, 2014
The first time you drive a big rig is going to be a ton of fun, but it’s also going to humbling, difficult and downright embarrassing at times. One of the most challenging training days for a rookie will be the day you hit the backing range. To help you prepare, read this hilarious blog post written by a trucker who has been there:
http://www.truckingtruth.com/trucking_blogs/Article-3714/learning-to-back-up-a-truck
Why Truckers Need People Skills
March 26, 2014
Truckers are known as fiercely-independent, strong-minded loners that couldn’t give two hoots what anybody thinks of them. However, the most successful truck drivers understand the value in good people skills. They know how to charm better runs, better trucks, more miles and special favors out of their support staff. They are great communicators, and have good interactions with dock workers, DOT officers, safety directors, logbook auditors, load planners, mechanics and other drivers.
When it comes down to it, your ability to drive isn’t the only thing that matters. It certainly helps to be a safe and reliable driver, to be able to make shipments consistently on time and to get the job done right. But, to get the job in the first place, it takes people in the office making sales, coordinating pickups and drop offs, tracking driving hours and maintaining vehicles, among many other duties. Getting along with this support personnel will make your life easier, while getting on their bad side will make them far less likely to ever want to help you out.