What is your best habit as a trucker?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by Admin, Jun 3, 2010.

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  1. Admin

    Admin TTR Forum Owner Staff Member Administrator

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    If you've managed to survive in trucking for more than a year, it isn't just luck keeping you there. It's a strange lifestyle that has to be adapted to, and there are habits and routines you have picked up that keep you going.

    What is the habit that you are most proud of, or has served you best over the road? Maybe it's related to your driving, career, safety, health or personal/family life.

    Edit: alright, looks the peanut gallery is having some fun with this. ;) I'll relate two habits that I've heard of that seemed to make good sense, and not necessarily things that everyone would think to do:

    1) This OTR driver with a young family calls home every night in the same window of time, so the kids speak to their dad every day as part of their schedule.

    2) Another guy keeps a clean collared shirt with him that he puts on just for the beginning of pickup/dropoff, says he gets treated better and doesn't have to wait around as long.
     
    Last edited: Jun 3, 2010
    Admin, Jun 3, 2010
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  2. Landstar2206

    Landstar2206 Light Load Member

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    Like my 3 million mile safe driver papa said about trucking, its all about luck!
     
    Landstar2206, Jun 3, 2010
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  3. Allow Me.

    Allow Me. Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    You said it best in your first paragraph, "It's a strange lifestyle that has to be adapted to". And that means adapt to EVERYTHING. If you can't or won't, then go home and do something else.
     
    Allow Me., Jun 3, 2010
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  4. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    I did, at least until Sunday.:biggrin_2559:


    You must enjoy everything out here or it will eat you alive.
     
    Roadmedic, Jun 3, 2010
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  5. RAILSPLITTER

    RAILSPLITTER Medium Load Member

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    Gee, it's a toss-up...

    Pi$$in' in a gallon jug or crappin' in a Walmart sack...

    Decisions, decisions... :biggrin_2559:
     
    RAILSPLITTER, Jun 3, 2010
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  6. Chris M.

    Chris M. Light Load Member

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    Best "habits"

    1. Keeping my equipment looking clean 24-7 even if it was the old frieghtshaker. Clean "looks" legal

    2. Keeping the Cab and sleeper clutter and garbage pickup or thrown away. Keeps stereotyping to a minimum with the DOT guys when stopped. I mean really some of you guys out there have 200 pounds of CRAP in your trucks. 200 pounds is 4 more 50lb onion bags.

    3. Shower Daily. Yes BIG BIG plus. Wakes you up makes you fresh and new.

    4. Dress nicely. I wear vans shoes shorts and a nice button up shirt with collers, no tank tops, sweat pants or cut offs. People treat you with more respect than the "sleazy" trucker.

    5. Have a good attitude. I have seen people go in to a place being a total a-hole and watch them get held up all day. Not me. I show say hey how ya doin and remember names bring pastrys from time to time and i can attest to the fact that i get unloaded or loaded with priority. I walk in to most of the places and they KNOW who i am they get me in and out within an hour at most, Even if i have to help load or lump.

    I could go on but these are my main habits while im out.
     
    Chris M., Jun 6, 2010
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  7. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    There's no luck to it. 3 million safe miles is more than enough to remove the luck. You create your own situation everywhere you go..
     
    Powder Joints, Jun 6, 2010
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  8. jeepskate99

    jeepskate99 Road Train Member

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    Showering daily is my best habit. I am not being a jerk either. You will feel much better if you get that refreshing shower every day. Those who have had to miss a day or two can tell you that you just don't feel right.
     
    jeepskate99, Jun 6, 2010
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  9. outerspacehillbilly

    outerspacehillbilly "Instigator of the Legend"

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    I do this too. I have young kids at home and they have a set bedtime. I talk to them every night at approximately the same time just before bed. It not only creates a routine for them and something to look forward to but I look forward to it more then do they I think. No matter how bad my day has been it immediately gets better at that point.

    Showering everyday ( yes you can find time 99% of the time )
    Be professional in everything you do
    Leave work at work when you go home
    Learn that things are gonna happen at home when you are on the road and you can't do anything about them so why stress about them. If you have a supportive spouse at home that also understands this you'll be way ahead of the game.
     
    outerspacehillbilly, Jun 6, 2010
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  10. Sgt York

    Sgt York Bobtail Member

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    very well put, keep it clean and free of clutter
     
    Sgt York, Jul 20, 2010
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