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Five Tips For New Drivers Posted by ocmaillet | Nov. 28 2020

Five Tips For New Drivers

Driving a truck isn’t for everyone. Long hours, being away from home, and living out of a transport truck are just some of the requirements of being a truck driver. Like many other professions, you have to take the good with the bad. Sure, you’re driving for a few hours, but imagine the things you’ll get to see and the experience you’ll get!

Truck Driving on Open Road

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thinking about becoming a driver?  Here are a few tips:

BE PATIENT 

Like any new job – you’re going to be stressed. Cars may drive recklessly, traffic may quickly become congested – so many unexpected scenarios can happen while driving. The best way to mitigate stressful situations is to keep a level head, be patient with your trainer, and invest time to get experience. The more experience you have, the more prepared you’ll be.

Traffic Jam

 

 

 

 

 

 

COMMUNICATION IS KEY

Every truck is equipped with a communication tool for a reason! You will definitely get lost, you will have questions and need help. Keeping the lines of communication open to the dispatcher and to other truckers is very important.

ASK QUESTIONS

In any new career, you’re going to have questions; don’t ever be afraid to ask. Communication is so important in the trucking industry, utilize the tools in your toolbox; talk to dispatch, talk to your trainer, and ask questions of your fellow drivers. The more you know, the better prepared you’ll be.

KEEP LEARNING 

Becoming complacent causes mistakes. Over time, we all become comfortable in a career, with trucking you always have to be on your toes. In order to do this, the best advice we can give is to keep learning. Ask for more one on one with your trainer, ask as many questions as you can, speak with your fellow drivers about what they did when they first started. There is always an opportunity to better yourself in your career.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

Being on the road can be exhausting. Making sure you are taking care of yourself is key to a successful run. Getting exercise while on the road, preparing food for your run – ahead of time, and being mindful of how you’re feeling is all part of being a successful driver. If you’re not feeling well, your attentiveness and cautiousness are not at peak performance either.

Exercise

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The life of a career truck driver certainly isn’t for everyone, but if you love the open road and the independence that this career offers; start the journey to your new career today!