With the trucking industry growing, beginner truck drivers must be prepared for their new careers as professional truck drivers. Many new drivers jump in head first and hit the road without preparing for life on the open road. As a result, they can quickly burn out, not be happy with their career choice, and make common mistakes. All of these things can easily be avoided by using these tips for new truck drivers.
Tip #1: Remain with the same employer your first year or longer.
One of the biggest mistakes new truck drivers make is to job-hop several times during their first year of employment. However, it is better to stay with the same company and take the time to familiarize yourself with trucking regulations and rules.
It is also important to remember time of service with an employer is essential in this industry. You will have plenty of time after the first year or after meeting any trucking school agreements to consider other trucking companies and opportunities. Your first job should be viewed as a way to build your reputation as a reliable and safe truck driver.
Tip #2: Upgrade to a comfortable truck seat.
You will be sitting for most of the day driving. You want a comfortable truck seat, so your back and bottom do not get sore. Take the time to find a seat with the features and options you want.
If you drive for a major carrier, get their permission to upgrade. Most are accommodating and may even reimburse you for the new truck seat.
Tip #3: Develop a relationship with your dispatcher.
It is essential to develop a relationship with your dispatcher. After all, they are the one person who ensures you get loads. Take the time to ask how their day is going when you call or message them.
Don’t be afraid to inquire about their weekend plans or ask how their kids are doing. The more you get to know your dispatcher and build rapport with them, it can go a long way later on by leading to better, choice loads.
Tip #4: Familiarize yourself with your truck.
Take the time to become familiar with your truck. This is where pre-trip inspections come in handy. You also need to understand how your truck works, as well as ensure you have everything you need to remain comfortable while on the road.
Additionally, you will be living in your truck while you are on the road. Keeping the cab cleaned, picked up, and clutter-free makes it easier to relax and unwind after driving all day. Plus, you will not have to worry about funky odors or foul smells from dirty clothes and uneaten food.
Tip #5: Use technology to get organized.
Use mobile devices and tablets to help you stay organized. If you still have to use paper, invest in a portable file folder system to help keep track of receipts, log books, and so on. There are mobile apps you can use to snap pictures and digitally store receipts, file driving logs, and other job-related information.
Tip #6: Explore other food options besides fast food.
Many new and younger truck drivers tend to rely on fast food and sugary drinks as their primary source of meals. However, there are plenty of different options available, such as preparing some of your meals in your truck with a slow cooker, InstaPot, airfryer, microwave, or other cooking equipment. Many newer trucks have refrigerators, so keeping fresh food, bottled water, and other beverages on hand is easy.
Tip #7: Practice safe driving all of the time.
Part of becoming an experienced driver is maintaining good driver safety habits. You should practice backing up your truck whenever possible and learn how to check your mirrors and use them to your advantage. It also helps to always be aware of your surroundings when driving, maintain a safe following distance, and stay focused.
Tip #8: Develop relationships with others.
Take time to build relationships with other truck drivers you meet at truck stops. Fostering good relationships with others not only helps avoid feeling isolated but also allows you to ensure you grow your network connections and, eventually, open up new opportunities.
Tip #9: Avoid burnout.
Another big mistake many new truck drivers make is not paying attention to their own needs, both physically and mentally. Ensure you eat well-balanced meals, exercise, and get plenty of rest and sleep during your down times. You should also have something you enjoy doing during down times, like playing video games, watching movies, reading books, or video chatting with friends and family.
While we’ve touched on nine tips for new truck drivers, you will start to develop others the longer you stick with your truck driving career. For example, checking road conditions before hitting the road, knowing how to use a map when GPS isn’t working, and performing general repairs and maintenance on your truck will come with experience.
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