What are some of the unwritten rules among truckers?

The first rule of Trucking is: You do not talk about Trucking.

 

Nah you're just thinking a little too hard about it. There are probably tons of unwritten rules, but the problem is the rules change from truck to truck

 

Never make eye contact when in the truck stop lounge.

 

Coming up on known lane closures [with light traffic] is always going to be an issue. Dammed if you move over too soon (some will want to pass in the ending lane), Dammed if you wait too long (some will think you're wanting to crash into the barrels, so they're going to go on to their destination and leave you to your crash). Best you can do is try and determine a happy medium, and play it by ear depending on the traffic ahead, behind, and how fast everyone appears to be going, and who seems to be the most clueless or rude.

 

Think about it...
First there are signs telling you the lane is merging and you don't.
Second what makes you think you have special privilege to cut to the front of the line ahead of everyone else who waited in line.
Third if everyone fell in line way back where they should the whole line would get thru faster.

 

Or when crossing a state scale.

 

That single lane into construction stuff is some stupid thing that drivers have been doing for years. If youre running down a 4 lane, highway and the right lane is blocked, Dont pile up into the open lane. Fill both lanes and increase your following distance to a truck and a half. They will both ride down evenly and nobody gets butthurt. Of course, drivers are so stupid and self centered that they wont be able to get this concept. If I come to a backup, I stay in the lane I was in. put her in first, increase the following distance and let her idle along. If my lane is closed, I will get over at the merge. Never had any problems doing it, and it was no stress and no stopNgo.

Anyone on the shoulder, give em space. If someone goes left for you to merge on a highway, appreciate his hospitality by not gunning the engine...let him back in the right lane. Especially the case if he's in a governed truck. If someone is trying to pass you in a governed truck, drop your speed 2 mph and let him pass. If someone needs help parking, get out and help. Do not concern yourself with what everyone else is doing. Do your best regardless. Being hospitable is the first step on the path to greatness.

Luck in battle.

 

Pay close attention going into truck stops for the first time. Read the signs. Look for the exit while you're looking for the entrance to go in. Keep it slow in truck stops. Turn on your 4-ways if you're preparing to setup for a back and be mindful of other trucks that may or may not have 4-ways on and preparing to back. Expect the unexpected where you have a congregation of moving and parked trucks.