Any tips for a new driver on their own?

I always freak out when I can't find my wallet
So,I took pictures of my CDL and medical card just in case I loose wallet for real and get pulled over…also stashed extra credit card.

Have your dispatch's phone # written down,just in case of a lost phone

 

keep the left door shut and the wheels rolling.......if there not turning your not earning

 

Lot's of great and practical advice. Mine is salient but tough.

1) The DMV shoulda issued you a jar of Vaseline w/ that CDL, cause every trucking company in North America, and if it ain't them it's the Feds and Regs, or the rip you off cause you ain't got no place else you can fit into to buy stuff truck stops; bends all drivers over one way or the other, every time they can and have a good go at your rear. You can do some about some of it, but not a lot about a lot of it. It's just the way it is. The Vaseline would at least make the break in time go easier.

2) CYA, CYA and then CYA again. Reference number one above. Keep the need for Vaseline to a minimum by - CYA! Nobody's gonna cover your arse for you so you have to cover it yourself otherwise rule number 1 will come into play big time.

3) Everything is always the driver's fault so reference rule number 2.

4) Nobody is happy you are there. You are large, in the way and inconvenient to their personal agendas so get thick skin and a sense of humor real effen fast or you won't last the first year as rules 1,2 and 3 will constantly be a plague and burden. What fun is that?

5) Always follow rules 1,2,3 and 4 so you can appreciate the majesty, beauty and diversity of culture, climate, geography and topography that we as OTR drivers get to know intimately about the entire continent that few others can ever even have a clue about. Everyone knows their own little zone. Our zone is the entire Nation! Keep that in mind when dealing with a small mind.

6) Master your craft so you can be warmed, amazed and at one with the wonder God created when others are crying about having to sling snow chains or get up in the wee hours to make OTD. They miss sunrise or sunset on and over some of the most beautiful places on earth cause they are too hung up and forgot rules 1,2,3,4 and 5 so they are way behind and outta time and someone is breathing down their neck.

This is can be your dream or your nightmare. All depends on what you make it.

Best of Luck, Be Safe and do yourself a favor: Just one time if no other; stop and pick a strange flower when rules 1-6 permit. You won't be sorry you did.

Happy Trails Hand!

 

yep save a ton of money buying food for your truck, I keep enough food in my truck that can last me over 1 week of dried food items plus weekly when I go home I shop and fill up my ice chest with things.
If you work for a company that allows an inverter or you get one anyway then a microwave is nice to have, it took me a couple years but I finally broke down and got a microwave myself a couple weeks ago and its great being able to heat things up quickly. Before that I used one of those road pro 12v ovens which work quite well too, I was able to cook even salmon and stuff in it.

 

Actually I completely disagree with eating out of the truck. Get out of the truck and socialize. If you cannot afford one hot meal a day, then you need to stop driving for 30 cpm.

Im a local driver. At any given point, my fridge is packed full of food to the point you have to yell "Avalanche!!!" When you open the door. I had dinner last night at Olive Garden. When I get off work, I'm going to have breakfast at Denny's. Locking yourself up in your truck is not good for your mental and physical health.

 

Who let this local joker on this thread. Somebody show him the door!!

 

I'm like a fly. Once I get in, I'm not leaving even after you open every door and window... Lol

 

This is the same cat who Is like 7 ft tall and 120 pounds soaking wet. What does he know about mental and physical health. You Are not allowed to post until you gain some weight. I can't believe he said that S word socialize. That's going to get you 10 demerits you keep that up. You have been warned