10 Things you Wish You knew when you were a rookie.

1. The dispatcher who won't lie hasn't been born and probably never will be.
2. Schedules will change the most when you make plans for after work.
3. The more important an off work event is to you, the less important it will be to customers and dispatchers.
4. EVERY company has the "best compensation package in the industry". Just ask them or read their ads.
5. Recruiters never drive for the company they recruit for so they know NOTHING about the real workings of the company.
6. All truckstop food tastes the same. Or maybe your taste buds just die after a few years?
7. The number of available parking spots will be proportional to how many hours you have left to drive. Fewer hours means fewer spots available.)
8. You may drive 500 miles from pickup to delivery but if "the book miles" are only 350, THAT is what you get paid for.
9. This is no job for a newly married person, even if you plan to run team with your new spouse.
10. This job ain't fun after 30+ years.

 

Everyone says don't get into this industry. It's terrible. And everything else about it.

I wish all the people that hate the job would quit. Less drivers, more pay.

 

It'd make more room for the mega-fleet so called steeringwheel holders! Besides, then all the folks who hate their jobs would have to find other jobs to hate!

 

That if you want to make X money in Hot Shot start with XX or XXX money!

 

!. PIgs can't fly 2. You can't tame a Crocodile 3. Moose move for nobody 3. Deer love headlights 4. The law is never on your side. Breakin' rocks in the hot sun, I fought the law and the law won, I fought the law and the law won, I needed money 'cause I had none, I fought the law and the law won, I fought the law and the law won

 

AMEN!

 

which driving company that has schooling for your CDL would you say would be better than others ... (your opinion) .. im thinking of going with prime .. whats your opinion of them if you have any, I live in Missouri.

 

hi chief63,I don't see a lot of news videos or read about a prime acting stupid on our roads truck stop or at a crust like I do with Werner.that might be a sign the training is better at prime.they are also a smaller company then Werner and have better trainers.Werner's training is real bad.I would suggest a trainer that has exp not a new by to train you.you wanna be the best driver possible and it starts with training.

 

What do I wish I knew?
1. Take all sharp stuff out of truck if hubby is training you.
2. Don't do favors. Dispatch seldom reciprocates. Do what's good for you and makes you money.
3. Don't remain trapped. If you can't stand your dm or if they can't help you transfer dms or even terminals. If the whole company stinks wait your year then move on.
4. Shower. Every chance you get.
5. Lock your doors and get a watch dog.
6. Bad weather driving is based on YOUR comfort and experience levels. Not dispatch and not the customer. After all, they lose nothing if you put it into a bus full of nuns. You lose everything.
7. Keep records of every run. Use them to check your pay.
8. Hazmat fines FAR outweigh hazmat pay.
9. Don't expect the shipper to let you use their bathroom.
10. Be warned: It gets in your blood. You'll cuss, pitch a fit, break a few things then get back in the truck because you just won't be able to sit still any more.

Good luck out there.