From the veterans to the newbies...

First, don't compromise on safety. You won't make it in this job if you do.
Second: You are building habits now, make sure they're good ones.
Third: Take advise from others with a grain of salt. THINK for your self.
Fourth: Be willing to help others,let others help you. You won't make it on your own.

 

If you don't feel confident in something you are doing, slow it down, take a breath, think about it, plan it out, and be careful.

I see too many guys that have been driving 2 weeks trying to hot dog out there backing to a dock or something and end up with their trailer nailing 4 cars that were in the lot. Drive for your experience level.

I deliver mostly in NY and NJ and the risks are a lot higher as many of these places have underground garages that you have to back down in off a busy road and some of these guys just romp it in reverse not even paying attention to whats down in that tunnel. You are out there to do your job, safely, not to impress the other drivers.

 

I'm old school and I was told to keep my mouth shut, eyes open and pay attention to everything and everyone around me. So far that has paid off.
Plan everything as much as possible and keep excellent records.

 

Listen to your heart,your faith,and your conscience,check your mirrors twice whenever you start and move that truck,never back up or turn unless you are certain you are safely in the clear of all,kids,animals,people,curbs,hydrants,buildings,roof edges,gutters,holes ,etc.Be safe and you will be. Staying alive is no accident,pay attention to detail or don't,its all in your hands be safe,the man upstairs will send you out safely and bring you home safely,just do your part.

 

• Plan All Of Your Trips
  When you receive a dispatch on a load, most companies ask for an ETA. Plan your trip completely, including your fuel stops, meal breaks, shower breaks, sleep breaks, and the route you are taking. At that point, give your dispatcher your ETA, as well as a note as to how many hours you have to run once you deliver your load, or how soon you will be ready for your next dispatch.
• Budget your expenses
  Whether you are a company driver or an owner operator, track what you are spending. This is the best way to tell if you are spending too much money on food and/or unneeded items. It is too easy to walk into a truck stop, see things, and think you have to have them when you really don't.
• Don't live on advances
  This sort of goes with the above, but adds a little to it. It is very easy to send a quallcom message or call a dispatcher to ask for money. Next thing you know, you have drawn advances of $300-$400 without even thinking about it and you are then wondering why you didn't make much money. Advances should be for truck expenses, not for you to live on. I think this is the biggest problem for many truck drivers.
• Respect the shippers and receivers
  Or to put it in very clear terms, don't be an ####### on the dock. Treat the shippers and receivers with respect at all times. If you are not being loaded or unloaded at your appointment time, the guy on the dock is not the person to yell at. Follow the proper channels and contact dispatch. Let them call who needs to be called. Complaining generally does nothing but cause you to wait longer, and can also lead to your company losing a contract.

 

Take what everyone tells you with a grain of salt.

 

It is better to remain silent and thought a fool than to open ones mouth and remove all boubt

 

I'll add one more, listen to your GUT FEELING.

As for taking advise with a grain of salt, That's a 2 way street. Take the advice, yet with caution. Some a great, Most will be helpful, and some you may have to run away from.

 

Shift the main first!!! I know two sticks are gone forever but the best advice that was given to me was to be the best defensive driver you could be. And try to do better than the day before and you can never learn all there is to learn.