Rookie Trucking Tips For A Successful Career

There’s no getting around it, trucking is a tough job. There will always be a learning curve, but there’s no reason to grow discouraged or give up. Trucking doesn't have to be a scary, stressful job. If you're new to the industry, it can be very intimidating and confusing—but it is not impossible to succeed when you know what to expect. Before embarking on your journey, consider some of the following tips for new drivers who are seeking to break into the business:

Maintain Realistic Expectations

Trucking can be a very rewarding job, but it is also one of the hardest careers to build. You will want to ideally give yourself a year of “probation”, a period of working to see if this is the job for you. You want to set expectations that are realistic to the timeframe you are in, in order to survive in the business. Be open to learning and forging your own path, which does mean forgetting some of what you’ve read about perks of the job, or how much other drivers are making. 

Be prepared for the physical toll it may take on your body, as well as unexpected road conditions, weather changes and difficult locations. The one constant to trucking is that things can change at any moment, so be prepared to adapt.  Delays due to mechanical issues, traffic or shippers are part of the job. Sometimes you may show up to pick up a load, only to find the shipper cancelled it. Rerouting, inconsistent rates and loads are something all drivers experience, so don't let it discourage you. Some days you’ll be earning a lot and other times not much at all. Flexibility will be the key to this job, but to maintain your motivation remember that things are always changing, so hard times won’t last either.

Some realistic goals you can set for your first year include:

• No accidents
• Taking a variety of jobs
• Balancing rest and work
• Minimum amount you need to earn to stay afloat

Prepare To Learn

If you're new to trucking, you're going to have a lot of learning to do. But remember that there's nothing wrong with getting lost, it's all part of the adventure. No matter how long you’ve been on the job, you do not know everything there is to know about the industry. No teacher is better than experience, so you should always be open to learning and changing your mind about different parts of the job. The initial period of working in this industry will be exhausting and you may find yourself feeling a bit isolated from your loved ones or usual hobbies or activities, which means that you’ll need to prepare to change some of your habits and routines on the road. 

Listen to those who have had more experience, but always prepare to learn by doing it yourself. For instance, you are likely to get lost at some point, no matter how good you are. Identify where you are and then where you need to go. You want to research all routes ahead of time and write them down, as GPS devices usually are aimed for all traffic, which means small cars and not always truck friendly routes/spaces.  

As you compromise a lot of your comforts for life on the road, you will be learning about the ins and outs of trucking, but also your own needs. Remember that earnings won’t be the same every week, so keep your numbers in mind and prepare to stay flexible if things don’t work out the intended way one week. What you want to earn may not always be doable, but you should be able to earn what you need, so perspective is important.

Get Used To Your Truck

You are driving a heavy and large piece of machinery, so safety is going to be key. Make sure to always turn around to check your blind spots, rather than looking into the mirrors only. Practice parking your vehicle in an empty lot or area, even after you’ve gotten your CDL, as you never know the tight spots you may encounter.

Your truck also will run differently than others, so familiarize yourself with the sounds, how it drives and the feel, so you can tell if there is something off with your vehicle, before you head out. This will be your home away from home, so you want to know it well. Never skip out on your pre-trip and post-trip inspections, as this will save you money and worry. 

Communicate Professionally

No matter how you feel about a broker, shipper, dispatch or dock workers, you want to make sure that you stay professional and calm in all dealings with others. Easier said than done, but it is important! These people can make a difference between you getting a load further on down the line or not. You are starting out and want to build a network of clients or connections for your business, so it is important to maintain healthy and cordial relations. Think big picture for now. If you have an issue with a load or location,  call and let them know what is happening in a calm manner, as you are more likely to get help for your issue this way.

Get Adequate Rest

Don’t let the sedentary aspect of driving fool you; trucking is an exhausting job. Your body will need all the rest it can get, so your focus and concentration can remain intact. Trucking is the one job where you will likely be overworked and deal with more obstacles than the regular human, and this kind of stress can take its toll. Invest in dark curtains for daily naps, a healthy diet and prioritize a sleep schedule. A well rested driver is less likely to get into an accident or make a mistake, and your safety is priority.

Understand How To Maximize Efficiency

You will want to look for ways to remain as time and cost-efficient as possible, to help yourself out in the long run. For fuel efficiency, plan your driving around avoiding traffic rush hour, adjust to a lower speed, and avoid frequent accelerations. Use technological platforms to help with your tracking needs and paperwork. When possible, book backhauls or schedule loads close to each other, so you are not driving deadhead miles and losing potential money while using up your fuel. Check weather and your routes ahead of time, to plan for any potential delays or issues.

If you plan on trucking cross-border, then using Zipments.io will allow you to track your PARS/PAPS in real-time, access a broker directory for contact info when needed, and apply for your carrier code with ease. All of your border crossing tasks are simplified and made easy on one app, so you can stay prepared. 

When you're new to trucking, there is always something that comes up that never fails to surprise you. But don't panic! Just know that trucking is a tough job, but the more you know your equipment and the road ahead, the better you will handle things. There are plenty of highs and lows to get you through the long haul, but when you know what to expect, you can handle the unexpected better. Stay safe and keep on trucking!