Top 10 do's and don'ts for new truck drivers

Another good tip and a great habit to get into.

Always at every stop check your hub temperatures on the trailer and steer axle and every time you pin up to a new trailer check the oil levels.

An axle seal can fail at anytime I had one fail and I had checked the hub temperatures 200 miles previous and had the bearings pile up on me. Had to chain the axle up in order to make it home.

 

What we did in the Corps when we couldnt get a shower in the sand box was use baby wipes. You wouldnt believe how refreshing it is.

Also dont spend your money on truck stop knick knacks that you dont need!!! Save your money out there cuz you'll have your rainy days.

A real lifesaver for me was SATELLITE RADIO! So many channels and always something different. Unlike radio that plays same songs every day.

tv/dvd player is nice, but as a new driver I never felt I really could afford the time to watch a movie. I would rather sleep or go for a walk.

If you arent used to sitting down so much, a little stretching and a good walk at the end of every day will help your muscles get some needed blood flow.

Dont get out of the truck with shower shoes(sandals) on!!! A good trucker will get on your arse about it and DOT will ticket you. I do wear mine inside the truck, but slip on shoes or cb boots when I get out.

And the most important thing to me about being a truck driver is dont ever leave another driver in need hangin. They have a difficult job just like you and a driver askin for help is really humbling himself to do so. Do what you can and hope you'l see him down the road some day doin real good cuz you helped him out.

The last thing I have to add is truck stop parking. TURN OFF YOUR CB WHEN YOU ARE BACKING UP!!!! Take your time and relax. If youve done it before you can do it again. And if you are really strugglin, chances are a veteran driver is gonna come out and give you some insight. But dont take directions unless you have no choice.

 

Thanks For All The Advice. Great Post

 

Great advice wish more truckers would follow it.

 

a ticket for wearing sandals?

 

Yes, there are regulations on proper work attire for truckers.

 

Thanks for the posts! I'm gonna add this to my subscribed list.

 

I think it just calls for no open toed shoes or something. I really dont remember the rule. Maybe someone fresh outta school will chime in.

 

If you get your DOT hand book out and read under that subject you will find the answer. You need a solid sole and enclosed toes. Alto I don't think they enforce to much about it.
but when I drove you could not wear tennis shoes or sandals. The shoe had to be leather and with a heel and enclosed toes. I have been off the road for a while so things probably have changed. Just read you DOT reg. book. You can't go wrong.