Getting started after training,only you and your truck. How stressful was it for you?

Best thing is to have a smart phone and a good data plan with coverage everywhere, like Verizon. Now if I'm having difficulties with directions I find a place to park, fire up Maps (which automatically locates where I am on satellite view) and then study what to do. This worked well for me today, when I arrived at a customer with an extremely tight entrance off a narrow street. I looked at the satellite view and realized that I could drive around the block to a large cul-de-sac in a business area and get turned around to get into the customer's driveway without taking out a pole. This saves hiking around trying to find safe passage and certainly saves getting myself in a worse pickle.

 

Don't sweat it. Driving a truck isn't rocket science. Just use your head and don't hit anything. And don't worry about the traffic behind you. Just do what you need to do to be safe while getting the load delivered on time, and let everyone else sort it out for themselves. When you see them raise that middle finger, just smile, wave, and remember that they're telling you that you're Number One in their opinion.

 

I remember the first winter coming across the PA pike guys coming down hills passing me, blowing snow, me cussing them thinking what Idiots they were. Fast forward 5 years winter time going down a hill looked over saw a young driver with a death grip on the wheel and I knew I had become one of those idiots. Several million miles accident free later IMHO the most important thing is to stay calm, and don't let anyone else force you to hurry in any situation.

 

A tuck driver is never lost until they run out of fuel.

 

I was a bit relieved. I passed the challenge to earn my CDL, then passed the company orientation, 6 weeks of training and subsequent road test.

Once on my own I knew I did not have anyone watching and grading me. I could take my time backing, leaving extra time enroute etc...

Mikeeee

 

My first three months I figured, every morning, that I'd be fired by the end of the day. Next three months I felt safe to the end of the week, and much more comfortable at the wheel. At the one year mark I'm confident, in a humble sort of way. I managed one year; and I managed a winter I'd been worried about. Not a super trucker by any means, but, I am managing. Best advice so far, "As soon as you see a problem, Stop!, and figure it out." I'd like to tell you that nothing rattles me now, but, it'd be a lie, and we both know it.

Friday I was coming East out of Lethbridge, Alberta; I'd done my drop, and sailed through my pick-up; nothing ahead but a seven hr drive, and home to see my Resident Love Goddess. I was doing 35 mph, in the right lane of a dual lane boulevard, (Hwy #3), when what to my wondering eye did appear? ...but a mini-van, driving west in my lane! Almost a bad laundry moment, as I was tempted to swing into the left lane, but, that would just be adding to the confusion. AQAP, I geared down, braking steadily to a walking speed. Would have stopped but the mini-van cheerfully turned down an on ramp. I figured that if I stopped I wouldn't be a 'wild card' to the on coming driver, and, at worst, my Moose Catcher would absorb the impact.

After one year, something different every day; and some days more different than others. Best of luck, it all gets easier ...and calmer.

 

There are a few things I can say have helped me.
1. When you can, invest in a rand McNally truck gps. I got the 520 and it cost me $269. Best money I've spent so far. It lets you program multiple stops and you can have it route you to multiple things along your route. Fuel stops parking etc. having full trust that you won't end up on a restricted route or under low bridges will ease some stress. It did for me anyway.

2. As far as driving in the cities, I just did Los Angeles for the first time. To LAX airport. You have to drive YOUR truck at YOUR pace. People can complain all they want but I'd rather drive next to a relaxed safe driver than a driver at wits end but keeping the speed limit. Focus in on your gearing. Eventually you feel where the transmission wants to be.

3. One thing I have been guilty of is getting flustered. And before you know it you have a thousand issues. If you need to....pull over...breathe deep and gather yourself. Remember that you are a professional and have confidence in your ability and your safety awareness. NEVER RUSH ANYTHING. It could very well be your last mistake. Calm is key. After a while you get to a point where you do it all by second nature. The army called it muscle memory when they taught us. You'll be able to eyeball where you can and can't fit to the tee almost.you'll know how long you have before you run up on those break lights that just lit up.

be patient, be calm, be confident, and be safe. They all go together.

Hope that helps

 

They told us never swerve to avoid an oncoming vehicle. If you swerve to the shoulder and so does the oncoming vehicle... etc.

But it would be a hard instinct to override.

Mikeeee