Tips for New Truckers
Truck-driving can be a excellent way to make a living with many perks that other occupations just don’t provide, but it can be challenging, especially when you are just getting your start. To help you get started right, here are five tips for new truckers.
Fight the Need for Speed
Speeding is dangerous! Not only could it cost you hundreds of dollars if you receive a ticket, speeding is recognized as a primary cause of crashes. Be smart and don't speed. Period.
Treat Shippers and Receivers Well
If you are told that it will take a long time to get your truck loaded and unloaded, fight the urge to give them a piece of your mind. It might feel good for a few minutes, but it will not motivate shippers and receivers to work faster and may just cause them to slow down to teach you a lesson. Instead, be pleasant, friendly and polite. If shippers and receivers like you, they are much more inclined to help you be successful.
Avoid Last-second Lane Changes
Plan ahead and take your time changing lanes. Multiple checks in your mirrors are necessary to make sure you have covered your blind areas. Signal your intent to change lanes before you begin your lane change. Lane changes are one of the most dangerous maneuvers to make in a truck. Making a lane change quickly could cause a collision.
Be Alert for Lane Restrictions
A clean driving record can be a big career advantage in the highly regulated commercial trucking industry, so keep an eye out for lane restrictions and follow them to avoid expensive tickets and black marks on your driving record.
Follow the Rules
Be a good citizen on the road and follow the rules. It may be tempting to try and cheat the system to make a few extra dollars, but the damage you can do to yourself, your company, and your fellow travelers is simply not worth it.
Have some tips for new drivers to share? Let us know in the comments below!