Tips on how to be successful in trucking?

In trucking it really depends on the company whether you can become successful or not.Sure your attitude plays a role but that still doesn't mean you'll get the miles.There are many great drivers but companies still consider them just a number like all the rest and don't get any special favors.Then there are companies that do give the good drivers more miles.You as a new driver won't receive any special treatment so you can become successful.You'll be living on poverty street like the rest of us so I welcome you to our one big happy family.

 

Everyone drives different. I'm just an old road hand that got a break. Paper Maps give you the theory of your location. Time gives you that. "I'm 19 miles N. Of Miami. I'm 26 miles N.E. of Pittsburg. GPS says there is no bridge here. 12'9". I'm 12'11" . Stop or believe "Martha" ? Alabama is bad about that. Google Earth.

 

I've never understood even one of your posts...

 

I know but I love his post, I always feel like there is a deeper meaning. Like a riddle.

 

keep your record clean,do your job the way your company wants it done,dont get into a lot of drama with wannabe big rigger coworkers listen to everthing you hear from other drivers and believe about 5% ..get you a couple years in with a clean record then get your hazmat and tanker and start looking for a local or regional job way more money and hometime..do not job jump most places are going to treat you the same till u get a couple of years under your belt..dont think you know everything after 6 months I started driving in 89 and still learn everyday..just my 2 cents ,trucking can be the best or the worst its just like everything else in life learn from your mistakes play your cards right and do your best...good luck my freind

 

Don't complain and don't be late and you will be driver of the year. 99% of drivers complain though so that is why you will stand out.

 

Don't go to CR England.

 

I'm one of those truckers that lives in the Dark Ages and uses maps. But there aren't too many places I haven't been to before and the maps work for me. If you want to use a GPS go for it just follow Gold_Miner's advice and learn it's limitation. Blaming your GPS for getting your rig stuck under a 10' bridge won't keep you employed for long.

 

Thank you all for your great advice! Appreciate it!

 

Stop reading trucking message boards. Turn off the cb radio. Stay away from the "truck stop lunch counter".

Learn your job. Be ontime. Be legal. Be safe. Look and pay attention to what successful drivers are doing and cast a wary eye toward the guys who are always negative. (ie. the guy who has paid off his stuff and is making money, not the 30 year o/o who is only 1 bad week away from going bankrupt.).