Tips to Getting Started as a Truck Driver

13 Aug Tips to Getting Started as a Truck Driver

Are you considering a career as a truck driver? Maybe recent events have had you looking at your life and deciding you’d prefer to work in a more essential field.

Becoming a truck driver isn’t easy. You’ll need the right training before you get on the road and start earning a niche income. Let’s look at a few of the most important tips for getting started at a truck driver.

Top 5 Tips to Help You Get Started as a Truck Driver

1. Discover the Life of a Trucker First

Before you jump in and get trained to drive a truck, you probably want to understand the life of a trucker. It may seem appealing to drive around the country for work as you move goods from one place to another.

However, unlike most other career choices, trucking requires a lifestyle change. You’ll likely be on the road for several weeks in a row before spending a few days at home and hitting the road again.

The schedule of a trucker can be difficult for some, especially if you want plenty of time with your family. Along with the schedule, you’ll have many other challenges as a part of the lifestyle. Make sure you understand what you’re getting into before you start on the path of a truck driver.

2. Have Realistic Expectations

Whether you saw an ad for a company hiring truck drivers or you read somewhere that you’ll get to be home on weekends with great pay, you have to check your expectations. Some of the better truck driving jobs won’t be available to you right out of trucking school.

Most truckers won’t stay at their first job out of school for decades. The first job will allow you to learn about safety, compliance, and the lifestyle. Once you’ve proven yourself and you have a little bit of experience, you will have a better chance of landing the trucking job you really want.

3. Your Year One Goal Should Be No Accidents

Safety is the biggest focus for your first year on the road. If you can finish the year accident-free, you’ll be in great shape and you should celebrate this victory.

One of the best ways you can stay safe as a truck driver in your first year is by using the G.O.A.L. safety rule. This stands for Get Out And Look. If you have to back up, make sure you always get out and look to ensure you won’t back into something.

4. Avoid Job Hopping

As you get started as a truck driver, don’t job hop. It’s common for younger workers to hop from one job to another, especially in their first year. Most of the time, they are looking for something bigger and better.

You’ll be in better shape if you stay at a job for a longer amount of time. When you do decide to switch jobs, take the time to really consider whether it’s a better option, or just a different option.

5. It’s More Mental Than You’d Think

The physical part of driving a truck is pretty easy to realize. However, truck driving is actually more mental than physical.

It can get depressing and frustrating if you don’t have the right mindset. Some drivers don’t handle being away from family very well or being on the road. However, with the right mindset, you may find truck driving to be the perfect career.

If you’re considering starting a career as a truck driver, keep these tips in mind. It’s not the most glamourous career, but it’s vital to our economy and way of life. You’ll be moving into an essential field and you can be proud that your job helps move necessary goods across our country.