What is your best habit as a trucker?

hmm, work wise, is rocking up early.. some-times too early... but I tell the guys that I dont mind waiting, and do some exercise...

I ask, if there's anything I can do to make it quicker for them...
(Oh, and to get on good side as well, I say sorry if im being late, or if im early, (morning; to get the job over and done with; afternoon; so they can go home early; night; Cant believe they get you to work at night))
This gets on their good side, and start complaining about managements.. that works as well ..

Personally; Try and keep every-one cool and relaxed.
And a clean truck, is a proud trucker.. and a bonus if some-one wants a photo of it with them in the drivers seat... (had a few tourist wanting to have photos while I was filling up.. sure I said.. they even tried to pay me.. I said no, they can keep the money)

 

I agree but quit using the word "luck", that has nothing to do with trucking!

It is hard work and intelligence! If I could I would remove the word "luck" from the english language......... it is a figment of your imagination, you create, produce your "luck" and I feel insulted when I am wished "luck"!

Best wishes and fishes lol

 

Trucking is hard work and requires intelligence. I thought I better clarify and stay on topic.

 

I try not to use meth while driving...I'm kidding. Drugs are bad.

I do try to follow the universal rule of don't be a dick. It works well.

 

I agree with keeping a presentable appearance and a polite demeanor. It makes a huge difference.

 

I never show up at a shipper without a clean shave, pressed slacks, a nice polo or button-down shirt and a professional attitude. You'd be surprised at how differently people start treating you when you don't look (and smell) like you're some homeless wino (there have been times I would show up on the dock and get mistaken for a salesman or management, LOL!)

Also, when I'm getting tired I have a dangerous tendency to start "zoning out" soon afterward. The second that happens I don't reach for a cup of coffee or one of those 5-hour energy shots. I've found that the most effective cure for that is to pull over somewhere safe, close the privacy curtains and and set my alarm for a 1 hour power nap in the sleeper. And this seems to work way better than caffeine; after my nap I can go for another 8 or 9 hours without even feeling the least bit sleepy.

I also insist on putting a padlock on all my loads. Interesting story behind how I almost learned to do this the hard way: I'd just crossed the Texas state line on my way to Laredo and decided to make a pit stop (I think it was hwy 59). I did a walkaround on the truck and trailer, checked the load, closed up the trailer and went in to do my business. I had jumped back into the tractor and was only a few miles down the road when a carload of teenagers rode up beside me, started honking the horn and pointing to the rear of my trailer. I looked in the rearview and saw one of my trailer doors swinging wide open!!

I knew I secured that door during my enroute inspection; it was slightly warped and took some effort to close, so I knew for a fact that I didn't mistakenly leave that door open. The position of the door handles confirmed my suspicion: someone was planning on pilfering (at least) part of my load.

I grabbed my crowbar and a flashlight and checked inside the trailer. Even if the load was unmolested, this is Texas: how did I know that an illegal immigrant didn't decide to hitch a ride (nevermind that fact that he would've been headed in the wrong direction, LOL)? Fortunately, the only person on this truck was myself, and the load was untouched.

After I dropped my trailer in Laredo I was talking with one of the mechanics, and he told how about how rampant cargo theft was getting in both Texas and Florida. I decided right then and there to pick up a padlock at the next truck stop, and to pay more attention to the security of my loads. Been doing things that way ever since.

 

I think one of the best things I have ever done as a trucker is worked on the logistical end of things for Amertranz Worldwide. It made me realize that most dock problems could be solved if they wanted it solved and that truckers overall could do a better job of presenting themselves to the shipper/receiver/public.

You don't make your profession look more attractive by tolerating a truck filled with trash and whizz bottles and a parking lot filled with lizards.

 

Luck is a well planned accident.