For fun and knowledge...

The recruiting ads all state how truck drivers get to enjoy life on the open road, free to be alone with their thoughts all while seeing the beautiful countryside. Who doesn't want to get paid to do that right?
However, as we all know the trucking industry has a very very high turnover rate.. with 45% of new CDL drivers leaving the industry with the first 90 days.. and only a faction continue on to be a successful truck driver..

So.. what do you think are the 10 traits and qualities of a great truck driver..
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Let's see what everyone puts, then I will post what research says..
Don't cheat and google it.. share us your thoughts..

 

It is true that with a little training and practice, probably most people can manage to drive a tractor-trailer. However those dieter who succeed and are professional truck drivers are doing much more than just getting a vehicle from Point A to Point B. Great truck drivers are much more than mere steering-wheel holders..

There are certain traits that those truck drivers who are successful in this industry have and demonstrate.. so, many of those are stressed and struggling may just not have the traits needed and there for trying to succeed in a career that is not for them.. like ssoeonnee afraid of heights trying to succceed as a high rise window cleaner, or a wind tower technician.

So, here are five of the traits

1. RELIABLE. Great truckers do what they say they’re going to do, how and when they promise to do it. They know that employers and customers have deadlines and schedules that depend on the trucker’s timely performance. Great truckers aim to not to be the problem, but the solution to shipping and cargo transport challenges.
2. SELF-DEPENDENT. Office workers are just a door or floor away from a department of support personnel who can provide help or advice. However even team drivers are essentially working alone in that they are out on the road, away from “technical support.” Truck drivers have to be able to handle having sole responsibility for the truck and its cargo and make the right decision in an emergency They also have to be able to cope with being alone most of the workday, or work-night as is often the case. Great truck drivers keep their knowledge and skill current so that they can solve problems when and where they occur, whether they are mechanical difficulties, traffic tie-ups or cargo issues. They learn how to manage the personal aspects of their life so it goes smoothly whether they are home or on the road.
3. COURTEOUS. (Yes,, COURTEOUS) While it’s true that truck drivers spend a lot of time alone, the great ones nevertheless have good “people skills.” They know how to interact with employers, other drivers, dock workers, customers and service staff and such. They know how not to upset a shipper who could deliberately delay them,or a mechanic at the. Shop to get timely repairs. For example, I have a friend who's husband works in Shipping/Reccieving and there is a driver he can not stand so he messes with that driver all the time, assigns him the most difficult dock, delays the driver as long as he can, whatever he can do to mess with and upset the driver, while he also has drivers he likes and goes the extra mile for. So yes, courtesy counts.
4. MECHANICAL SKILLS. Great truck drivers have basic knowledge of how a truck operates. They can perform repairs as necessary, such as changing a fuse or light bulb, and can do what’s needed to help ensure the truck meets compliance and other safety standards. They actually do pretrips and check the fluid levels.
5. STRESS MANAGEMENT SKILLS. Great truckers know how to manage stress. They take setbacks in stride and don’t let them ruin their day or their life. They’re sensitive to how a truck driving career can put pressure on their families as well as themselves.