Starting my first CDL job on Monday... advice?

Slowly get used to that truck, learn to float the gears, learn to gt out and survey the area, Take it easy and slow, The life you save may be mine or that of a loved one of someone you don't want to meet. I wish you well, stay with that FIRST company for at least a year, it doesn't matter what they want you to do, if it is safe to do so and the checks don't bounce the stick it out, it is all a learning thing.

 

A word of advice from a trainee....listen to ur trainer and if he tells u do something just do it.

 

Holy cow look at that mullet

 

One of the hardest things is to keep your cool in a lot of different situations. Other drivers will do fool things around you, shippers/receivers can give you a hard time, dispatch can really send you for a loop. Big thing is to maintain your composure and take it. (Good advice, pity I haven't mastered it over 30 years. Must be slow learner). The only vehicle you can control is the one you are holding the steering wheel. Finally, don't get too close to traffic in front of you; always maintain a safe stopping distance.

 

Never do anything illegal like run over on hours, overrweight, or equipment that won't pass inspection. Many companies will ask you to do this stuff (wink-wink). Just explain why you can't do it. If they ask more than 3 times start looking for another job.

Tired, bad road conditions, or real bad weather? You and only you make the decision whether that truck rolls. Not your dispatcher, broker, customer. You are the one who will be held responsible.

Never get in a fight over the radio.

If you are unsure whther you can drive on a certain road, stop and find ou, never assume.

If you are unsure whether you can get in and out of someplace, get out and walk it.

If you find you are up against a low bridge or construction and have to back up into traffic, get help, preferably law enforcement to stop traffic for you.

Allow plenty of room around you as a cushion and expect drivers to do stupid things (like cut you off) and unfortunately I mean truck drivers as well as four wheelers.

 

Drive safe and legal. Don't rush, do the speed limit, keep good following distance, etc. Don't let anyone force you to do otherwise.

Be prepared with all required supplies (flash light, tire pressure gauge, maps, gallon of oil / antifreeze / wiper fluid, 3 reflective triangles, ... too many things to list really).

Always call shipping/receiving for directions, even they are provided. This will save you a lot of grief and bad day from getting lost.

Don't get caught texting while driving else your career will be over.

Don't complain to dispatch unless something is absolutely unsafe or illegal. Complainers eventually get replaced.

Everything else in between will come with time.

Optional: GPS and Dash Cam are GREAT accessories to have if you have some spare money to buy them. CB Radio helps for shipping/receiving since some customers communicate that way to the trucks. Laptop with map program can be extremely useful.

Stay with first company for a year, regardless of bad pay or treatment. This'll open a lot of doors for you afterwards to other companies.

 

Holy cow! Look at White Wolf's wife.

 

Don't hit anything! Don't be like a friend of mine who hit two police cars and a school bus (same accident) on his first day! It was low speed on a turn which he obviously couldn't make in Boston. The kids on the school bus were cheering and telling him to "do it again!" The cops who were out of the cars but witnessed the whole thing came up to him and asked "did you do that on purpose?" ........................No, he didn't lose his job but it was a union gig and this was around 1974..Could luck to you!