First time CDL holder looking for tips and tricks.

1. Always Get Out And Look when you re unsure about backing.

2. Stay calm. Stressing will make things worse. Also sometimes being calm will get you loaded and unloaded faster.

3. Take your time doing things like backing, going down a mountain with a heavy load. You can go down slow a million times, and fast one too many times

4. Communicate with you dispatcher whether you re running late or feel unsafe about driving in bad weather,

5. Save your money in case of unexpected emergencies

6. DO NOT RELY ON GPS ALL THE TIME.

7. Time management. Learn to use e logs and breaks to your advantage.

8. Get a Truckers atlas, and study your route carefully. Trip plan to avoid major cities during rush hours, and restricted routes

9. Common Sense and Patience

10. Take care of your health

11. Take it one day at a time, and try to learn things each and every day. The day that you think you know everything, is the day to park that truck safe and legally and get away from it

These are a few in no particular order

 

Just don t try to burn yourself out too quick. Start by maybe being home every 2 or 3 weeks until you ve got the hang of things, then if its your preference you can stay out longer

 

Cypress has came along ways. I remember when they had some old trucks and trailers in their fleet. Now they seem very modern

 

Dont get in a danged hurry.

Leave yourself space.

Get in the habit of locking your doors everytime you get out OR in... This way your truck will be where you left it when you come back, AND you dont have to remember to lock the door if you end up in a bad part of town.

Keep yourself AND your truck clean, this above all else is the mark of a professional.

Sleep when you CAN, so you can drive when you NEED to.

 

Lock it EVERY time you get out or in... Even when driving.