Some Random advice for New Drivers....

I'm still relatively new in my mind, but have learned some things and noticed some as well after 4 1/2 years as a commercial driver. Maybe it helps, maybe it's bs..... You take it for whatever you need and ignore it if you prefer....

I found a small company that hauls agricultural feed almost exclusively, supporting the largest dairy (4 dairies and 2 feedlots) in Utah, as well as some other dairies in the area and in Idaho.

I had lots of experience driving fire engines and ladder trucks (24+ years) but no tractor-trailer experience and no manual shift experience. I had also just got out of federal prison. Thought I'd really struggle finding a job. But I knew my work ethic and my desire to support my family and renew my life after making some stupid mistakes that ended my career in the fire service.

My company gave me a shot..... And here's some of the keys that has made me the top earner at our company in gross income by far ($125,000 last year).

Work your butt off, eat the crap sandwich, never say no when asked to help out on a late or last minute load. Don't constantly be asking for less hours in a day, or complain about anything.

Be honest with your dispatcher on what you need when it comes to family/home time way in advance. Don't say you need to get home tonight unless it really an emergency.

I started in a 10 speed day cab and spent many 14+ hr days as well as many hours waiting at a mill for feed (15 hrs sitting in a day cab sucks). $16/hr for first 6 months. Then 0.40/mile and $20/hr for detained and vacation pay. Have moved up in pay 3 times in first 3 years and also in newer trucks. Mar of 2024 got a brand new 2025 Kenworth W990 and new belt trailer. I'm the lead driver and get the best loads. I work regional in Idaho, Utah, and Nevada. Usually home 2-3 nights each week.

Why? My boss learned that I'll take any load he needs done, even if it was a 911 load and I'd already worked a full day and it would delay me getting home. He also learned I take care of the equipment, am always on time with pickups and deliveries and if there are any delays I immediately communicated with him and the customer. I've learned when the best times to load are at our common pick-ups and how to minimize wait times, even if it means loading at 1-3 am.

We've tried to hire a couple more drivers and have gone through 7 in last 6 months. Every one has claimed lots of CDL experience, and talked good game with the hiring person. But on first day they are complaining about having to start early and after 8 hrs they complain the days are too long. 2 have caused expensive damage to tarps and even driving into a grain silo cement base at 15+ mph.... Bending herd-guard and damage to hood. Another ripped an axle off a trailer driving up a cement ramp to scale with tractor but not paying attention to his trailer that wasn't on the ramp and when he felt resistance just dropped to lower gear and kept pulling (with it in full view of his mirror, not the blind side). None have lasted longer than a month.

Get the job, no matter where it's at and be the hardest worker and learn. Don't complain and get the experience and learn the ropes. Then look for better company if needed. But remember grass might not always be greener.... It's not just the pay per mile or hour.... It is also about the equipment, the mechanics, the dispatcher and many other factors. Factors you won't even think about until you get some miles under your belt.

The members here have great tips, great info on jobs, and a wealth of lessons learned. Pay attention. Don't go with rumors etc.

Again, my opinion. But I love this career. I love the flexibility and the fact I have a job where my income is based almost solely on how much I want to put into it. I didn't think after 5 years in prison I'd be able to support my family. But because I worked my butt off and always said yes I've been over six figure income 2 years in a row.

And if you're willing to relocate to Utah or Idaho I'm seeing all kinds of local and regional jobs in agriculture trucking and crude oil. Also many of the big carriers have hubs or are based here and are hiring. Cost of living a bit high (especially housing) but there are lots of cheaper options in rural communities.

Welcome to the coolest jobs available if you're willing to learn and work hard.