Stacking the deck in your favor Pt 2: Getting started on the right foot.

...adding to the appearance thing, your mother probably told you to "make sure you have on clean underwear 'just in case'". If there is an emergency on the road (crash, fire, etc...), do you really want to be caught responding to it in your pajamas and slippers? Any time you are behind the wheel, you need to be ready for anything...because it usually happens when you least expect it.

 

In order I use:

1. Atlas
2. Company directions
3. Google maps/streets

I know every turn I want to make BEFORE I release the brakes. If the road I need is closed I turn on the 4 ways, set the brakes and DO NOT MOVE AGAIN until I have a plan. I don't care how many people I upset, my rig doesn't move one inch until I have a plan. It may be a plan to get someplace to make a better plan, but the greatest journeys start with a single step.

Also most of "can't get there from here" moments I've had are not in the metropolis. They're in the podunk towns. The construction detour that moves you one block over for two blocks, only problem is that side street has 100 year oak and elm trees with 11 foot branches. Or you've got to drive 100 miles to circle the block because you can't find anyplace to turn around.

 

Every trip!

 

I dont know what else I can add that would be of value. Six has made some excellent points and as hard as it might be to hear. Trucking requires a driver/person with the right attitude and mentality.

You will need to be comfortable being alone. You will need to be able to handle stress not only on the job,.. but at home while on the job. Trucking is not the glorious career that allows you to tour the country while getting a paycheck. My wife learned this the hard way. "Ohhh,.. Vegas,.. lets stop in!" Me: "Take a picture". Her: "Why?" Me: "It will last longer". "Look in the mirror. That load needs to be in Bakersfield by tomorrow. We dont have time" That was one of many disappointments for her.

Trucking has a certain,.. shall we say,.. Lifestyle that has been the norm through out its existence. You can either adapt, conform, or roll with the punches. But you should not be self expectant or feel you are owed more than you really worth. As a driver you are a commodity. Your value may go up or down depending on the current market. But as such,.. you are 100% replaceable. Never for get that. The grass my seem greener somewhere else,.. and depending on who you work for,.. it may very well be. But in reality,.. switching companies only changes the color of your truck. If you have problems with how your existing mega handles their business,.. chances are nothing will be different at the next one either. You need to like what you do. If you are not happy in trucking,.. things are not going to get any better unless you can find segment or niche that makes you happy. If not,.. my best advise there is to find a different career.

When starting out,.. and you finally get that solo position. My advise is for you to practice everything that you find difficult,.. or anything that you dont like to do. You must become an expert at it. Practice what ever it is that you dislike,.. and spend a few months doing it over and over again every chance you get. Keep doing it until you feel like you can do it blindfolded, hungry and sleep deprived.

Never allow your level of confidence to exceed your level of experience or skill level. We all started somewhere. To survive in this business you need to keep a squeaky clean record. If you ever get any traffic citations,.. moving violations,.. your license is your livelihood. Lawyer up or learn how to be a better driver. No incidents,.. no oopsies,.. nothing to give anyone looking at your record any indication that you could be a possible risk for anything. No curbing the tires,.. no scraping fences or other objects. No tree branches,.. and Lord have mercy,.. no low clearance oopsies. No job hopping during the first yr. Suck it up buttercup.

The less your boss, dispatch or who ever you answer to has to hear from or about you,.. the better. Know your job,.. do your job,.. be good at your job. No one wants someone they have to babysit.

Thats all I really have to say. There is so much more to talk about,.. details to get into. The only stupid question is the one you didnt ask. Its like getting out and looking behind you when you cant see in your mirrors. Learn spacial awareness,.. and even then,.. there will be times where you have to get out and look. Never take trucking for granted or attempt to carry your 4 wheeling driving habits into an 18 wheeler. You are a professional driver. Act like it and carry yourself above the rest. Learn self respect and drive like your life depends on it.

Hurst

 

Y

Yeah...I think most of these guys whining about the quality of trainers in the industry at in two groups. The first and largest group are the guys who simply have no clue what they are talking about. They whine about the "bad trainer" they had when the truth is the trainer had a "bad trainee". The second group are simply hypocrits. They whine about bad trainers, it do not participate in training the next generation themselves. I don't personally care what either group thinks. And I believe my comment will only offend people from one of those two groups. Unless you have had more than one trainer, or trained more than a few guys who now have auccessful careers, you have too much to learn for your opinion to carry much weight.

 

20-30 yrs ago the great "Atlas" was a must. Followed by a phone call to the ph # on your BOL was usually a sure way to not get "Stuck" like so many do today with ALL THIS ELECTRONIC KNOWLEDGE!
Don't trust all these new gadgets, THINK for yourself. To many rely on machines or other people rather than figure it out on their own. Just because it's easy and quick does not mean it's right, or safe!
Y'all be safe out there.

 

My biggest concern would be low bridges. The truck I rip around town in is 12'6 but I know the area I run in very well and can get around no problem. New city would be a different story though. Do these atlases and such mark the heights of overhead obstructions.