Are you ready to enter the exciting world of truck driving and looking for some truck driving tips? If you’re a young truck driver in driving school, chances are that you are wanting to get out of the practice truck and into a real truck that will help you earn your income. If you’ve just finished CDL training or are still in the process of completing your CDL training program, you may also benefit from this knowledge. This article will give you some truck driving tips and things a truck driver needs to help you feel more prepared to enter the truck driving world. We’ll also introduce you to a great place to consider to work at, Heavy Weight Transport, Inc.! Let’s explore!
Know how much you’re getting paid
Even if you just begin to drive a truck, make sure you know how much you are getting paid. Make sure that you aren’t getting ripped off, or working for under 0.28 cents per mile. If you are, chances are that you are getting ripped off by the trucking company that you are working for. The average truck driver pay per mile is between 28 and 40 cents per mile. It is important to note that this statement depends on your age, location, and more. Nevertheless, make sure you clearly understand how much you are getting paid per mile.
Know that trucking is more mental than physical
Most truck drivers will agree that the secret to trucking success is managing your mental state. You have to carry the right mindset with you when you drive trucks. It can be hard for some people to be away from family for weeks at a time. Carry the right mindset with you, and you’ll be able to feel more comfortable driving on the road.
Don’t expect your dream job straight out of school
If you’re a young truck driver, it is important to note that it is simply not realistic to expect your dream job the minute you graduate trucking school. The first job you get will most likely not be the one you stay at for 20 years. Like most careers, the first job is where you should be building a reputation for yourself as a great worker.
It takes some time to get used to it
Your first year, things can seem a little bit crazy. And for many, there is no doubt that your first year as a truck driver is going to be the hardest one. There are a bunch of rules and regulations in trucking that you will have to follow and get used to. Additionally, there are a lot of adjustments like getting familiar with the truck you drive, utilizing your new driving skills and getting accustomed to the lifestyle. But by your first year, you should be a master to the regulations and be able to follow them for the upcoming years.
Prioritize Safety
The most important point of all of the truck driving tips is to prioritize your safety in your first year of driving. Focus on safety and make sure that you pay attention to the other cars on the road. A truck is huge compared to most cars on the road, so it is crucial that you prioritize safety and always check your surroundings. In order to get the most safety, make sure that you have a lot of experience. The more experience you have behind the wheel, the better driver you’ll become. The more experience you have, the more money you’ll make. Experience will also help you relax more and ease the stress.
Know a basic idea of your career goals
You should know a basic idea of where you want to continue with your truck driving career. It is a rewarding job that can open up a world of possibilities. Know an idea of what you have, what you need, and what you want. Take into consideration your top priorities and align them with your career.
Try not to job hop your first year
A lot of young people will try to switch jobs frequently in their first year in order to get the biggest job opportunity. But this isn’t always the best way to go about it. The longer you are at a company values way more than how many companies you’ve worked at.
Build a strong relationship with your client
Whether you’re a young truck driver or more experienced, a carrier/client relationship should be mutually beneficial. Bring a good attitude and make sure that you communicate with your client often. Being a good driver can reap huge rewards. Similarly, communicate your priorities and find middle ground if needed.
Carry the essentials with you
There are a couple of things a truck driver needs that you should take on your truck with you. One of the best truck driving tips is having a trucker’s map that is specifically for truckers. You can also consider purchasing a truck stop guide to know where all of the truck stops are. Additionally, it may be helpful to have at least one week’s worth of clothes in your truck. A CB radio is also very handy as well. You can usually find these radios at Wal-Mart. It may also be helpful to have a roll of duct tape on board as well. There are also other things a truck driver needs, such as a log book ruler, scissors, tape, calculator, jumper cables, wrenches, a flat head and Phillips head screwdriver are also important things to know.
Hopefully these truck driving tips will help you feel a little bit better about entering the truck driving world. If you’re looking for a great place to work as a starter job, look no further than Heavy Weight Transport Inc.! Our mission statement is to positively impact the global community by continually providing exceptional and ethical service in drayage, warehousing and brokerage to importers and exporters in the United States, with a focus on heavy cargo. Our company culture is to have a passion for the business, encourage a teamwork environment, own our actions, to always be forthright, our word is our bond, to build business relationships around trust, provide common sense solutions, and keep the business simple. If your values align with our company culture, reach out to us today to for more information!
