Tips for New Truck Drivers
Congratulations. You survived your truck driver training. Now that you’re properly licensed and trained, it’s time to hit the open road. But before you do, prepare yourself to learn the hard way. Unfortunately, there’s a vast divide between what you gathered from your CDL handbook, and what you’re poised to learn while you’re miles and miles away from home. Never fear, though, for all you newbies out there, this one’s for you.
Life at Home
If you have a family, hopefully you discussed your decision to become a truck driver. If you haven’t yet, you’re in for a world of hurt. Truckers spend about 300 days away from home every year depending on the company they drive for and the demand for goods.
In other words, get used to not being around, because there’s a chance that you won’t be very often. If you tremble at the thought of leaving Junior and your old lady home alone for weeks at a time, you might want to consider a different career. But, if you’re determined enough, and you have the support of your family and friends, everything will be fine.
- Invest in a smartphone or tablet equipped with Skype or another webcam service. You may not be able to see your loved ones in person, but if you’re feeling a bit lonely, a quick cam chat can soothe your homesickness.
- While you’re away keep your family in the loop. Share pictures, videos and stories with them so that they know what you’re up to, and more importantly, that you’re OK. Sending gas station mementos and other trinkets you find on your journey works too.
- Use your time away to get to know yourself. Break up those long drives with some soul searching or other hobbies. You’re going to be spending a lot of time alone, bring a journal, or a book, or whatever else will keep you occupied.
- You’re going to meet a lot of people while you’re away, always make sure you’re friendly and cooperative. You never know who is sharing the road with you, so do your best to be courteous out there.
Life on the Road
The over-the-road (OTR) lifestyle may seem like the perfect getaway from the grind of a 9-to-5, but it certainly isn’t glamorous. Sure, rock stars spend a majority of their time away from home, partying and living it up, but your first time out isn’t going to be all groupies and thrashed hotel rooms.
It is hard work driving a truck; you’re the backbone of the country, shipping goods from place to place and to people who really need them. At the end of the day, the load you’re pulling is your number one priority. Always remember that you are being trusted with a huge responsibility and that there is plenty that can and will go wrong if you aren’t careful.
- Do not run yourself ragged. You may feel like Superman behind the wheel of an eighteen wheeler, but you’re not. You’re human just like all the rest of us and you will need to take breaks when necessary. This doesn’t mean slack on the job and miss deadlines, but never put yourself and others in danger by being exhausted or overworked.
- Bring healthy snacks with you on long hauls. Gas station chow lines may seem appetizing, but there are always healthier options. Since you’ll be spending a lot of your time sitting, it’s important you keep your body fueled with foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals.
- Safety comes first. Whether it’s keeping your distance, or buckling up when you hop in the rig, your wellbeing, and the wellbeing of others should always be on your mind. If you keep yourself safe and those around you safe, you’ll have a long, healthy trucking career chock full of adventures and experiences worth writing home about.
Author Bio: Mark Kinsel is the president of Driver Solutions and a writer for Great CDL training. He’s been the boss man for about 19 years and loves schooling new truckers on the ways of the road.
