For newbies - Confessions of a veteran driver

I've been driving for 18 years and I wanted to offer some insight and maybe encouragement to some newer folks. My advice is purely my opinion and what works for me may not be the answer for everyone.

I see a lot of negativity written here and hear a lot on the road, but there are positives too, don't let other's get you discouraged!

I drive regional, midwest and south. I have been pretty much all over since I started and choose not to travel to NYC, Boston or any other older east coast city simply because I'm not comfortable with the driving situation out there. Just my choice.

I earn about $55,000 per year and am home on weekends. Some are longer weekends, some are only long enough for my 34 reset, but it works well for me. My weeks range from 1800 miles (mostly around Christmas) to 3600 miles, with 3000 being average.

Dry vans are my preference. I did refrigerated for many years and there was just too much detention time and hassle with grocery docks and lumpers. Reefer drivers should be paid a premium for their expertise, but are not. With dry vans I keep moving and rarely have to even assist. I wouldn't care for tarping and strapping in all kinds of weather with flatbeds and never had an opportunity to pull tanks so I can't comment on that or covered wagons.

The business has changed a little since 1992. I believe that eventually we will all be using electronic logs and more companies will turn to teams to get around the hours restrictions that imposes. Again, just my opinion. The days of outlaw companies who run triple logs and run their drivers like dogs are numbered, and good riddance to them. That said, I get about 6 hours of sleep on average and sometimes I do get a full 10.

Rest areas are rare now and truck stops fill up early. Many companies do not allow you to sleep on the property and even Wal Mart's have begun to post No Truck Parking signage. Trip planning is important and I try to find a place early in the evening and then get up early and drive to my destination. It is less hassle finding a place in the early morning when traffic is light. Even if you have good directions, the shipping and receiving docks may not be obvious and some driving around may be needed.

Get comfortable! I have regular bedding in my bunk with a mattress pad and warm bedding. Park so your head is uphill or flat. If your tractor is on a slight downgrade, you can dump the air to level it (if so equipped). I have an inverter installed and have a refrigerator, small microwave, 12V slow cooker and small coffee maker to prepare my meals. It is expensive to eat fast food and restaurant food all the time and you can keep a lot more of your money if you make your own. I also am a little strange in that I carry a portapottie. You can't always find a decent place to stop and sometimes nature doesn't call, she screams. Truck stops are nothing more than a gas station with a flat spot (if you're lucky) to sleep. I save a lot of money by making my own food. If you can't have an inverter, there are 12V appliances to do almost everything and will pay for themselves on short order.


Attitude is everything. We make our money by driving forward but the company gets that money from when we move backwards (delivering freight).
Never be too proud to get out and take a look when backing up. NEVER! So what if cars have to wait while you back into a tight dock off a street. They aren't explaining to the company why you damaged a parked car/rail/light pole/etc... I've done this a while now and I still get out.

You can't control what happens outside your truck. Weather, traffic, hostile customers, bad directions, tight docks, etc. But you can control you...take a breath when things get tough. Stop a moment and take a stroll around your truck and kick the tires. Count to 10 and try again if you have a "bad backing day". They happen - to everyone! Be a professional, this is huge. If your truck is filthy and your paperwork is a mess, you don't do your logs and you talk like the gym at the federal prison, you will not be treated respectfully. Conduct yourself like you are a transportation and logistics professional and insist that your company at least, treat you the same. I make it clear that I will not be abusive with my dispatcher or company personnel and I demand the same respect.

The plan changes...you might think you're going home after you empty and they come up with a mess for you to straighten out or trailers to shuttle, etc. Accept that you're going home when your truck is shut down at the yard and you are in your car. You do not have to tolerate unsafe, poorly maintained equipment. It's not just a "work truck" it is your home and your livelyhood. Some things can wait for repairs, others can't. You have a responsibility for the lives of others-your brakes, abs, engine brake, etc need to function. Your climate controls need to work so you can be well rested enough to function safely.

This was a lot, and not comprehensive, but I still love my job and it can be a great life. The most important thing I think I did was to get a cheap CB and never turn it on unless I need to get a dock door or want to know about traffic in big cities or scales. There are a lot of fools with nothing better to do than spread misery and hatred on the radio. You don't need that. Let the haters hate, you have a paycheck to earn and a life to live.

Hope some of this was useful. I have a felony and am a divorced father, there are challenges, but you can overcome and this can be a very rewarding occupation if you decide to be professional. Remember that for every miserable jerk you encounter, 19 more truly decent folks are there ready to help you out.

Don't let anyone talk you out of your happiness. Give it 6 months if you are brand new. That's about it!