New to Trucking? Read This!
Another new year brings new opportunities. If you have recently joined the NTB trucking team, welcome to the family! If you’re excited about putting in the miles, here are a few tips for the novice driver:
1. Communication is Key - don’t neglect your dispatcher, fellow drivers, or family! Whether you’re alerting a manager, signaling to change lanes, or just checking in, every piece of communication is important. Especially during tough or stressful situations, remember to stay professional and calm.
2. Prepare for Problems - Heavy traffic, getting lost, breaking down, and severe weather happen, and sometimes you can’t foresee them. It’s important to remember that you can (and should!) plan ahead for some things like scheduling your route times around rush-hour traffic and checking weather alerts regularly. If in doubt, alert a dispatcher, slow down, or pull over.
3. Plan for Adjusting - as a rookie driver, keep in mind that your body will need time to adjust to the new routines and schedules. Make sure to get plenty of rest and to not stress yourself physically or mentally. Err on the side of caution when it comes to weather, traffic, and your personal needs, and always find a place to park if you’re feeling fatigued. It pays to be safe!