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.