The life of a truck driver is a special one. It's not for everyone, but if you're up for it, it's an adventure like no other—freedom, exciting jobs, and friends all over the country. However, most drivers would agree that leaving training or CDL school did not prepare them for life on the road, at least not completely. It takes a while to adjust to the lifestyle, deal with the challenges and learn what life is really like as a truck driver. There are some things you can’t learn in trucking school, yet they are essential to the life of a trucker. Here are 6 key things they don't teach you in trucking school:
Most truckers are aware early on that traffic or the road is going to be a factor in their job, even when starting out. However, the job does come with a list of risks which all drivers should be prepared to face in their career, such as potential falling/injury, theft, and health issues. What many trucking schools will not teach drivers, is just how dangerous trucking can be, both physically and mentally.
As a driver, you are going to be driving a very large and heavy semi truck, which in itself is going to be quite risky. The first time you back up with a full load of freight, you may find yourself feeling out of place. You can also potentially fall off the truck while getting out/in, or even get injured handling equipment or at loading docks. Truckers work with and around a lot of hazards, so it’s important to be aware.
There are also added risk factors such as long hours and a sedentary lifestyle with little sleep, which poses a health risk, as well as a danger when it comes to staying concentrated or focused on the road while driving. Truckers may also at times be transporting high value goods which can make them a target of cargo thieves. There is also the risk of trying to find a safe place to park and sleep, as well as risks of getting stranded on the side of the road due to a mechanical breakdown. It’s important for truckers to have emergency supplies and a plan in place, to tackle some of these risks. Know where to look for well lit parking areas, and research where to park or which areas to avoid.
One of the most important responsibilities of the job is to ensure that your load is properly secured. Many drivers may miss this step, and it can lead to DOT violations and penalties. The reason load securement is important is because improper load securing is hazardous and can lead to traffic accidents. If something falls off your truck, it can injure or kill somebody else or cause serious traffic crashes. It is important to practice and work on securing your load properly each time, for both peace of mind and the sake of your job.
One key area that is often neglected in truck driver training is interpersonal or communication skills. You may think this is not important for a job with so many hours of solitude, but it’s significant. Being able to deal with others in a professional and clear manner will help in negotiating loads, dealing with dispatchers, and even dealing with bosses if you work for a trucking company.
The job is stressful, and it is very easy to lose your cool, but knowing how to negotiate for yourself and put your best interests first, professionally, will take you further in the long run. Taking the time to build connections with shippers or dispatchers can help you build a network which will provide you more work for years to come. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, send regular updates and express your concerns. We know many companies still struggle with listening to drivers, but don’t allow this to discourage you from asserting yourself, because at one point or another, it will pay off.
You are driving a large machine, which is both your home and source of safety for the time period you are working. It’s important to know how to chain up your tires in winter or icy weather, slide your fifth wheel for even weight distribution, and how to detect potential issues with your vehicle. Knowing how to scale a truck is one of the basic skills you should be familiar with, and trucking schools may not be as detailed in teaching you. The short time you spend in trucking school can’t teach you how to really care for your truck properly, so it’s important to keep practicing and not be afraid to ask questions of other drivers.
You can't teach experience. Truckers have one of the hardest and loneliness jobs out there, and it’s up to you to make sure you are taking care of yourself. Developing your own routine for when you sleep, exercise or rest, as well as a healthier diet, will go a long way. Try to avoid burnout and make sure you are giving yourself time to rest, as you can’t get your health back once its gone. Take into account weather conditions, your own body’s needs and schedule yourself accordingly. Remember, there will always be trucking companies or jobs, but there’s only one of you.
On the road is where you learn to be a truck driver. Many new truckers will not be prepared to understand how they handle the job, until they are faced with some of the challenges first hand. When you need to get your trailer into a narrow spot at the loading dock or deal with harsh winter weather, for instance, you will learn how you handle the difficulties of the job. The best teacher is experience, so it’s important to be realistic about your limitations or what you don’t know, and be open to learning.
Truckers with many years experience will tell you long tales of their own learning curve, so know you are not alone, but it will take time. You can also find a mentor through either online trucking communities, truck stops or even at loading docks. As you work the job, you’ll make connections and this will allow you to learn from other drivers who have also been through it. Don't get discouraged, rather learn by doing and try your best.
If you are a new driver, current driver or considering a career in trucking; it’s important to prepare yourself for the learning which will be done as you go. Trucking is an adventure, but it is also one of the hardest careers you could choose. Consider your lifestyle, needs and abilities, before heading out on the road full time. Expect your life on the road to be full of surprises and adventure, but one worthwhile.