Getting the proper training is essential for any truck driver, but there’s only so much you can learn before you hit the road for real. What things should novice drivers keep in mind as they learn the job? Let these tips for new truckers steer you in the right direction.
What Does a New Trucker Need to Know?
There are many informational resources available for people interested in becoming truck drivers. Still, nothing is as helpful as learning from the people who have already done the job successfully. Knowing enough to get a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is one thing, but what about the little things that make life on the road easier as you learn the job? These tips for new truckers can help.
Start Your Career Right
Finding the right jobs when you’re starting your career can feel challenging. Knowing how to spot a good opportunity can give you a competitive edge:
- Do you need more training? Driving schools with federal accreditation are trustworthy and often offer grants and other financial assistance.
- When starting your trucking career, it’s wise to work with a company that cares about your professional development. Companies with training programs and other resources for new drivers can give you the information and support you need to succeed.
- Remember the parts of the job that happen when you’re not behind the wheel. Learn how to maintain your paperwork to avoid problems down the line. An accounting or business management class can give you additional tools to help you with the administrative side of things if needed.
Protect Your Health
Being a truck driver involves long hours of hard work, so being proactive about taking care of your health is essential. Smart truckers know how to make healthy choices on the road:
- Healthy food can be hard to come by in some areas, so plan and pack nutritious meals and snacks. If you need food on the road, try to stop by grocery stores before you stop by convenience stores and restaurants. Be sure to keep a water bottle on hand to stay hydrated.
- Alcohol and controlled substances threaten your and others’ safety, and they can also get you fired if a random screening test from your employer picks up your usage. Avoid them.
- Fatigue is one of the biggest hurdles for truck drivers in getting the job done. You can avoid it by getting adequate exercise and sleeping enough while you’re on the road.
Avoid Common Mistakes
You can do plenty to plan ahead, but even the best trucker can’t plan for everything. Knowing the common issues that trip other drivers up can keep you out of trouble and behind the wheel where you belong:
- Don’t skip your vehicle pre-check; it can help you spot problems that will cost you serious time and money on the road. Check your brakes, fluids, and mirrors, and ensure cargo is safely secured.
- Speeding can be tempting, but it’s a sure-fire way to get into an accident. It also burns fuel fast and increases drag on your vehicle. Maintain a consistent speed with cruise control.
- Truck drivers need to stay updated on a lot of information to do their jobs well, so take advantage of state trucking associations and other professional groups that can keep you in the loop.
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These tips for new truckers can help you start your job with confidence.
Are you hoping to start a new career as a truck driver? BLC Transportation can help. We have opportunities for both company drivers and lease-purchase drivers. With our lease-purchase program, you can make 90 percent of the line haul while driving new trucks that provide comfort, fuel efficiency, and reliability. Plus, we offer bonuses and incentives, a health insurance subsidy, a friendly passenger/pet policy, assistance registering for an LLC, and more. Contact us today!