What Should All New Truckers Know?
What Should All New Truckers Know?
This is primarily meant for truck drivers just entering the industry. It is no doubt your first year will be the hardest day so far. You will need to make adjustments and get used to the job, and all that it entails. While you learned a lot during your CDL training, there is still a lot to learn that you have not learned yet.
Driving Experience and Time
In this industry experience is really key to getting the best jobs. The more experience you have on the road, the better of a driver you will become. In your first year, there will be more than one or two close calls. But with more experience, you will find yourself more relaxed, and you will enjoy your job that much more.
Minimizing Close Calls
One of the most important goals of your first year is to minimize close calls and the chance of having an accident. Accidents are unfortunately all too common for first-year truck drivers. In addition to getting used to the job, you will also need to get accustomed to your truck.
Pay careful attention to the road and do your best to avoid any accidents. These will show up on your truck driving record (CVOR, DAC report). In addition to accidents being embarrassing, they can also be very expensive. If the accident was unnecessary and easily preventable it will end up costing you your new position. So we want to avoid that at all cost.
Weeks Away From Home
In addition to being apart from your family, you will be alone for long periods of time, and this can be tough on some. Anxiety, depression, and of course loneliness is common among truck drivers. A successful trucking career can take a toll on both your physical and mental health. To combat this, you will need to prepare before leaving on a route and make adjustments each time you set out.
Goal-Oriented (Stay Focused)
Your first year as a truck driver will be hard, and there is no denying that. But, don’t get discouraged and overwhelmed during this time, it will pass. Remember why you started this career and what your long terms goals are. Use this time to gain experience and get more time behind the wheel. The more experience and time you have on the road the better the money.
Do a good job and most importantly keep yourself safe. Practice makes perfect.
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