Nervous about heading out on my own. Any advice or help?

I think everyone was nervous there first time. Just remember everything that you were taught in training, take your time and double/triple check everything.. Good luck you will be fine.

 

Everybody gets nervous.I sure did.My first load was to Canada and had no clue what to do.It's like everything I learned was still in my trainers trk.I forgot everything.Don't be afraid to ask drivers along the way,Schneider and other drivers.I sure did and it helped alot.Whatever you do,DO NOT tell your dispatcher to go easy on you because they'll do everything but that.You just have to relax.You did get your trainers number did'nt you?I'm sure if you need help,your dispatcher will help you.You're not the only one nervous.Just take your time and you'll do fine.

 

The best thing I can think to tell you is TAKE YOUR TIME! It will be tempting to rush when you think you are holding up others or that someone watching will think poorly of you, but don't let it... And like the previous post don't be afraid to ask for help it could save you some major headache down the road. I am not a genius but feel free to pm me if you think I might be able to.help.... Good luck!

 

You'll have moments of information overload, just remember to always drive the truck! The stupid rookie mistakes by and large happen because they allowed some trivial task or (tasks) to distract them for the job of driving the truck. If you find yourself "behind" your truck; i.e. reactive instead of proactive, pause, take a deep breath and think and focus on the task of safely maneuvering the truck and trailer. The rest is little stuff.

Remember the saying? Don't sweat the little stuff! A forgotten macro is forgivable, damaged equipment, not so much.

Good Luck!

 

I like your avitar.Mind telling me what website you got that from?Flintstones and Rubbles are my favorite cartoon characters.Back to the topic,lol.

 

When it starts to edge up on you, find a rest area or truck stop. Maybe an exit ramp. Get out of the truck, redo your inspection verbally listing everything you look at and touch just like in class. By the time you are done, you will have relaxed and will be thinking clearly again. Works like a charm.

 

Ask other schneider drivers that you come across on your travels if you got questions. Some of the scarey things when I started was going into some shipper at night in the middle of some old down town area and then blind siding into some tight dock. That still ain't no fun come to think of it. Use google maps to get a good look at the place you are going to to check out the area, parking, etc. You definitely will be doing some sweating and puckering.

 

That would be hairy going up into canada on your first trip dealing with the border crossing fiasco. Did you flirt with em' to make it easier? lol

 

It's kind of like taking your girlfriend out "parking" after the prom. The only thing your old man (trainer) told you is don't come home with some screaming kid he's going to have to feed (angry shippers or receivers) and don't wreck your momma's new car ( don't damage company equipment). Once you do it the first time, you realize you like it. Once you realize you like it, you keep doing it. When you keep doing if, you get better and better at it with time and practice. Next thing you know, your girlfriend (your dispatcher or DM) is telling all her friends how much she digs you (trusted driver who gets the job done efficiently)

So treat that truck like you are trying to get under the skirt, and you will be just fine with time.