Got my first Job, now what?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Chi Town Steers, Aug 16, 2024.

  1. TripleSix

    TripleSix God of Roads

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    If you know what to do, why are you nervous?

    What’s the difference between a trucker and a driver? And no, it has nothing to do with what you wear. Don’t TELL your trainer anything. You’ve been indecisive for 9 years. Western should be educating.
     
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  3. kemosabi49

    kemosabi49 Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Glad you found a job and I hope you will do well there. Some here will put down Western Express but it can be what you make of it. @otterinthewater started there, did a good job, kept his nose clean and was in his own truck the next year.

    As far as your YouTube hopes, good luck, but don't try promoting your channel here at TTR. It ain't allowed.
     
  4. Chi Town Steers

    Chi Town Steers Medium Load Member

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    Great point on the ammo! I doubt I need to give them anything extra! So can I be fired for social media posts also? Like say posting to a trucking forum?

    on a side note, I could probably park at any fuel pump without fear, if I had a cowboy hat
     
  5. OlegMel

    OlegMel Medium Load Member

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    Make sure to let the shipper and receiver know that you’re missing a few pallets.
     
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  6. goga

    goga Heavy Load Member

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    Make sure you start your YouTube videos from the orientation itself. Just explain to the instructor you are promoting them as best trucking company to work for, you are one of the best drivers who ever entered the best trucking company orientation room, that after your videos get viral the owner of the best trucking company will get a raise and instructor will be promoted to become the best instructor of the year of 2024.

    Meanwhile, learning the job would be more beneficial to you.
     
  7. tarmadilo

    tarmadilo Road Train Member

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    Being the best student in driving school is like being the best cook at McDonalds. You have a ton to learn and it’ll take time. Heck, I was a coach bus driver (Class B CDL) for 20 years, experienced with keeping logbooks (both paper and electronic), worked with dispatchers, did extensive trip planning, was comfortable driving a large vehicle, and I STILL had a few months as a rookie truck driver before I started to feel like I had a clue.
     
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  8. Jamie01

    Jamie01 Light Load Member

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    Be sure to film that conversation for your youtube channel.
     
  9. bryan21384

    bryan21384 Road Train Member

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    Congratulations on starting a new job with Western Express flatbed division. I broke in the game that way too. If you want to know what you'll need, get some work boots, lots of works pants and shirts, gloves, long sleeves and shirt sleeves because some shippers will require you to wear long sleeves. You'll probably go with a trainer so that's all you'll need to start off. Once you get your own truck, they will give you equipment, like tarps, straps, bungee, chains. They'll probably give you a hard hat and safety vest. When you get with your trainer, he'll tell you additional things you'll need. Good luck man!!! Keep the updats coming.
     
  10. Wrongwaydriver

    Wrongwaydriver Bobtail Member

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    Have you been to a truck stop before? Parking at the fuel pump is a good way to lose a fight and a cowboy hat. On the other hand, it'll make good YouTube content. Have your trainer record it for you.

    Congrats on the job nonetheless!
     
    CassND, Sons Hero, tscottme and 2 others Thank this.
  11. tscottme

    tscottme Road Train Member

    Your company may have a social media policy. Ask them & obey it.

    I got burned many years ago, before anyone here had internet. I was posting interesting details about my non-trucking job. Someone working at same job figured out who was telling the stories & gave printouts to my boss & company owner. My boss & I were fired. I then never mentioned any company name or identifying details about location, customer, etc until I no longer worked there.

    I wouldn't post anything that could ID you, your truck, your company, any customer. Losing a job over YouTube has been done several times. I would never mention my current employer name online or in video until I no longer worked there. NO COMPANY WILL FIRE YOU FOR FAILING TO POST THEIR "DIRTY LAUNDRY" ON THE INTERNET. Your employer already has a big target on their chest & back. Some scummy lawyer will be looking for any evidence they can twist to get money from them. You don't have to think what you are posting is wrong to get fired for posting it.
     
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