Soon to be trucker

Remember to keep your following distances, especially if you're running light.
Avoid participating in the 63 mph tortoise races.
Remember that your company name and contact information is all over that 70'long (+/-) rolling billboard, along with enough information for someone to figure out for sure who was driving it.
Turn off your CB when you start trying to park in a truck stop, until you get good. The commentary directed your way, by disaffected people that have forgotten they were not expelled from the womb driving a big truck, will make you nuts.
Enjoy the independence the job gives you. You'll be checked up on a lot at first, but once you establish a pattern of reliability, you'll be given your run, and left on your own to get it done. Not many jobs like that anymore. Limited direct supervision is a great thing. Don't ruin it for yourself.
Remember that you're performing a service that is critical to our society, even if no one in society remembers.
Good Luck!

 

Have you chosen a company yet? I think good advice is to not jump on the first job offer and don't let the school chose for you. Schools usually have a few select companies they push and haven't even heard of the real good outfits that hire new cdl grads.

 

Try not to hop right in an automatic if possible. Get your time in with a manual transmission, master it just incase your broke down and the only truck the company has to offer is a 10 speed.

Go the extra mile but not so far your compromising your safety or others. Pay close attention. Do your best to stay relaxed, especially during training/testing. Also go in prepared, ask questions. Don't walk in with a casual attitude or think that pre-trips don't apply to you after you graduate.

Just curious do you already have your Class A or looking for a company sponsored training? The more info on what your looking for the better we can help you. I've noticed you used the word looking for "best" xyz in the other threads. There is no such thing just starting out. Some get lucky but not everyone.

 

Those Abilene Motor Express drivers don't have to worry about that; trucks run 68 mph.

 

Dont worry about that speed bs..Some said the 63 mph club..Eff that,if you wanna do 55 then do it..Dont let anyone bully you to go faster..So many out there seem to think so much get done at 70/80 + it doesnt....Your gonna learn something almost every day..
Someone mentioned schools...As said some schools push companys but becareful there to cause i have been told some companys LOCK you in for a term then abuse that dirver with crap runs and low pay..If you refuse then your stuck..

 

Sorry. Should have clarified a bit better on the speed thing. Nothing wrong with popping the clutch and letting the other speed limited truck get on past you, and then pick back up behind them, rather than stacking the hammer lane. I drive a 63, sometimes you can't help getting stuck out there, (Illinois is 70 on I80).