Are you a new truck driver in the trucking industry? All excited to sign up for long hauling?
We know becoming a trucker is so fascinating and thrilling or maybe intimidating and fidgety.
When you are new to any industry the chances of you making mistakes are higher especially if you work with industries that abide by stringent rules and regulations, and too many mistakes can put you in really serious problems.
Yes, it is true that with time one gets experienced and ends up learning unwritten rules of the silent long roads over time, but some mistakes can cost you a lot.
Hence, Trucker Social has come up with a list of common mistakes a newbie truck driver should try to avoid.
Mistakes a rookie driver should avoid:
- Becoming overly confident
First and foremost Trucker Social congratulates you as we believe you have successfully earned your CDL and have grabbed the opportunity to start your career on road.
Now that you are a newbie and don’t have a lot of experience, hence don’t be so chill and comfortable with driving.
Do you remember the days when you were a teenager and despite having your license how you jumped lights, didn’t use a blinker, and how crossed the stopping sign?
The same is the case with driving a truck. These vehicles are big and heavy so getting used to driving them takes some time. Take the proper understanding to operate the truck. Accept that you lack the experience and learning and giving time to your machine is important.
So, be confident but not overly confident.
- Fueling up before loading
Do you know fuel is heavy? One gallon is roughly six pounds. Think of those two 150-gallon fuel tanks hanging under your fully loaded cab that are a lot of weight to carry with you. It can affect the mileage, trip time, and weigh–in.
So, learn the art of how much to fuel and when to fuel, and that will come with time and driving miles.
- Avoid Being Stuck Without a Plan by Using Semi-Truck Roadside Assistance Services
A wise truck driver checks everything before leaving for the long route, it includes having a roadside assistance plan in case of emergencies like having a dead battery, running out of fuel, etc.
Knowing about commercial truck roadside assistance programs can provide service 24 hours a day in case you need to change a tire or get a tow, they are available for almost all types of emergencies.
- Ignoring the stressful challenges
Driving over the road is not what it looks like. It is certainly not perfect. A trucker driver has to deal with a lot of stress at times. Sometimes things can take a toll on your body and can strain your mind so bad that you might think of quitting. This is why some drivers lead a short career as they weren’t prepared for all these challenges and didn’t have the coping mechanisms to lift them during the tough times.
So eat healthy, stop and do the stretching and try to shrug off things that aren’t under your control.
- Not maintaining a good relationship with dispatchers or shipper/receiver
Be polite and gracious and humble. Be very professional with your driver manager (DM), your dispatcher, and any shipper/receiver you are working with. As they are the ones indirectly controlling the amount of work you will get and the billing of your work gets up to have a better paycheck.
Thus be sure to always have a backup plan when things might get tough! Also, remember to be safe out there.
And if you are looking for a job to pace harder, Trucker Social is the best choice for you. We offer a variety of jobs and always looking for incredible truck drivers like you.
Contact us now to know more.
Trucker Social wishes you happy trucking! See you soon on the road, pal!
