Landed My First Driving Job - First Traing Route Sunday Evening

Well went to orientation today, pretty much like any companies orientation. I am extremely excited to get out in the truck Sunday. There is a lot to learn both on the driving side and the internal equipment and processes but I am so pumped. I have not wanted to work this much, ever. 6th Months of unemployment will make you crazy. Any words of advice to rookie driver things you would have liked to have been either prepared for when you started driving or running route delivery? Thanks in advance for your input you guys are awesome!

 

Hauling general merch. 4-500 mile routes 10-14 stops/unloads at branch locations. Branch locations are scattered so cities of varying sizes.

 

Routes are built at 20 minutes a stop. From what I have been told thus far the route drivers rarely have fuel stops as the trucks are filled at the hub since we are back every or two, with relatively short runs.

 

Nearing two months in and should I say its actually starting to feel good. Been on a set route about a month now after doing that for a few weeks it definitely feels a lot better. The fact that our stores are not the easiest to get into is daunting but after getting the truck into these places with little(more and more no help) help from my team driver makes me feel better. Its amazing how much a loader can make a difference in how hard you work at night. I have lost nearly 20lbs since starting, so that's good. So thus far it is feeling like a good move especially for me as a new driver.

 

wow I kind of let this post die. Just pasted 18 months. Settled in nicely, really good job for coming right out of school. I am currently bugged about the route I am on, have received 3 raises and making less money now than I was when I started and working a lot hard(harder route(s)). Other than that the company is solid, little #### here and there. Also loaders still make a huge difference. That 25 pounds has turned into 50 an I have actually put on some muscle. 20-30K a night will get you in shape. Actually just got a new truck picked it up with 13.7 miles on it. A new trailer on one of our routes as well.