At United Truck Driving, our goal is to send prepared new truck drivers out on the road towards a rewarding and lasting career. We have posted new truck driver tips in the past and now we are offering additional advice for those just entering the world of professional trucking.
If you are interested in becoming a new truck driver, United Truck Driving School is the place to start! We offer classes, training, and job placement assistance to get you on the road and earning money. Learn more about our CDL classes and register today to get started.
It is easy to get carried away once you become a professional truck driver. While it might be tempting to start taking on high-mileage jobs with short turnaround, rookie truckers need to remember that they haven’t adapted to life on the road yet. It takes time to become a veteran truck driver.
Not only does it take time to build up the mental and physical stamina of longer jobs, but it also takes time to develop your time management skills. Longer distances require very careful planning, as a slight setback can delay a delivery by days. Remember: you have to crawl before you can walk.
Perhaps the most important new truck driver tips are the ones that keep you safe out on the road.
Safety should always be at the forefront of your mind when you are on the road. The number one rule when it comes to avoiding accidents is slow down. No matter the situation (rain, construction, heavy traffic, etc.) the best way to steer clear of potential accidents is by simply reducing your speed.
Driving slower allows you react and come to a stop quicker, which can make all the difference in the event of an accident. Staying alert is important, too, so make sure you are always well rested and mentally ready for long trips.
Not to sound like a broken record here, but the best way to save fuel on a long, cross- country trip is by simply slowing down. It is also vitally important to maintain a consistent speed as much as possible; this will allow you to get the most out of your fuel over the course of a trip.
Also, remember to check how each delivery is loaded into the back of your truck. Higher stacks of cargo result in higher levels of drag and cause inefficient use of fuel. Minimize the amount of time spent in idle, as well.
If you are ever in a position to accept a delivery, do it. The more loads you transport, the more experience you will have on the road. Experience is invaluable in the trucking industry and there is absolutely no shortcut or substitute for on-the-road experience.
You will also help out your image as professional truck driver by accepting as many deliveries as possible. Your employer and your peers will see you as a hard working individual who brings great value to your company.
As you gain experience in the trucking industry, you will quickly notice that parking can be a very frustrating experience. There are peak times during each season where truckers are known to fill up truck stop parking lots, making it very difficult to find a spot.
Aside from making your life easier, finding a parking spot early will allow you to start resting up for your next day on the road much sooner. Recovery is absolutely essential to safe and healthy truck driving.
The best strategy for stress-free parking is to get parked early, then hit the road earlier the next morning. If you start looking for a parking spot about an hour before the usual rush, you will find yourself avoiding plenty of headaches and frustration.
Are you ready to hit the road and start earning money? Sign up for classes at United Truck Driving School today to take the first step towards a lasting career on the road.