ADVICE for your FIRST YEAR as a NEW TRUCK DRIVER
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- Опубліковано 21 вер 2024
- Welcome new truck driver! Congrats on the decision for your cdl! So what happens after you get your cdl but before you’re a trucker? Here’s some advice for after truck driving school but before you know it all lol. Here’s what it’s like being a truck driver with some new trucker tips.
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#trucking #trucker #cdl
Here are the main points
Topic 1 00:28
Topic 2 03:19
Topic 3 05:57
Topic 4 07:57
And if you’d like some tips on shifting, check this out ua-cam.com/video/sL5LXTWQdfM/v-deo.html
Trying my man 👊🏻
No problem! Not enough lol, only about once a month. Ideally I would wash it about once every two weeks but realistically only once a month.
Can I still obtain a CDL if I am prescribed methadone?
Hmm
Pay is not worth it. Better of learning a trade
I've been driving a long time. Long before the cell phone or Gps. Back then it was maps and payphones. When you see a driver having problems help them out. This is how I learned and I will always help a driver. I don't care if your a new driver or been at it a thousand years like me. Help eachother.
bullshit
@@454easy Can you at least elaborate on what you're trying to say rather than just spewing out profanities?
haha been there calling home at the truck stop pay phones and a hand full of quarters we where always there to help others pass it on
I do help when if driver need or not in need .i stand out..i start driving before gps
Collegiality among drivers is very important. We're all in the same shit. Help each other.
My personal advice for new truckers:
1. Learn as much as you can while driving. Listen to educational, long form content. Take advantage of the time you have that most people don’t have. You can learn more about a topic in a truck than any college degree.
2. Meditate every day for 10 minutes while your truck warms up
3. Remind yourself occasionally that the goal for the day is no accidents and no tickets so you don’t start getting too comfortable and make a mistake.
Thanks for your input 🙏
Thank you very much ❤❤❤
On the point.
I am not a truck driver, but I once saw a driver, Pull up to a dock, and then he used a drone in the air to assist him in backing. I thought that that was a great idea.
Brilliant idea
@@devolving I do that. I haul lowboys through mountains in UT/ID/MT and use my drone nearly daily for tight spots, and to scout the area. Has saved me countless times.
Sending all of these videos to my husband, who’s in the first year. I’m his silent partner 😅. I map out his stops (gas stations,alternate routes, truck stops) pack his lunches/dinner and usually stay on the phone with him majority of the way to each destination. Good to know that I have been advising him appropriately.
Your an amazing partner for doing this for your husband, alot of us wish we had this kind of support.
Peace and love!
Great partner
This was nice to read. I wish you two the best 💯
I love driving otr. I feel so free. My first year was a bit scary. It was a lot of learning. It’s so much fun. Everyone should try it. I found an abandoned shipyard, full of containers. And I would back up between the containers whenever I had free time. Practice, practice, practice.
It can be easy to forget that feeling sometimes, I remember my first year flew by
Hey! That's a great idea.
I'm 23, hoping to have my CDL soon.
There’s nothing free about a computer tracking your every move and a camera watching you so when you make that mistake they can fire you. My advice 1st year get an education and a real job
@@thesilentcartographer5273 did you get it?
1) the mega carriers will screw you so bring lots of lube.
2) staying safe is more important than making any load appointment time or keeping your dispatcher happy.
not having any accidents or citations during your first year will help you out a lot later so be slow at shippers and be safe. don't ever rush.
3) buy a truckers GPS. it's expensive but worth it. verify the destination with your phone's satellite view and try to stay on highways and interstates as much as possible. avoid sketchy residential routes.
4) if you ever get stuck at a dead end road or anything don't take chances. call the police and have them block traffic so you can safely back out of a bad situation.
Thank you so much
Thanks a lot
Thank you
You should make that a poster and sell it to CDL schools
@wanderer That would help a lot rn
To help with food costs I have a dorm room fridge, microwave, 2 burner hotplate, crockpot and enough food and spices to feed a small army.
George Forman grill works well too
Heck YEAH!
Ohhh a foreman grill..Il definitely be getting one
In a few more weeks after holidays I'm start doing video on health, nutrition and cooking home made healthy meals in your truck.
@@kellypatterson8506 Yes please, share your Ideas. I got afew of my own but more input is always appreciated.
I've been trucking for over 40 yrs. This is the best advice I've ever seen for a rookie driver. This is exactly the way I would train a rookie.
You should not be trucking this long brother lol omg
@@eddiekanejuneyuh7762it alright to do it for the money but some people love there job.
@@doppo145 LOL!! RIGHT!!
@@eddiekanejuneyuh7762Why not exactly? That man probably makes an insane amount of money with that kind of experience.
@@apricotmadness4850you’re supposed to use it as a stepping stone
I feel pretty well adjusted thus far;
-No significant other
-No kids
-Spent more time away from home than at home (military from 17 years old to 23 years old, currently 26), on that note, I'm used to long hours
-I like driving
-I'm pretty introverted
-And all I have are a car payment, insurance, and a phone bill. On the rare occasion I ever am home for a day or two, I stay with my father for a day or so. Complete waste of money paying for a one bedroom apartment in the terrible state of CA when I'd only be there one or two days every few months.
kinda sad tbh
@@dank9288639 how do you k ow how he feels? Im younger but have a similar life style and theres nothing sad about it just focused on making money for now, everything else will come into place later in life
how has driving gone for you? I'm basically in the same boat. Military from 18-26, I'm at the end of my enlistment and looking at truck driving.
trade forex and buy bitcoin bro
@@Theview23 I ended up extending a year, now I’m at the end of my extension and probably gonna re enlist. They got my ahh.
32oz Gatorade bottle,
5gal bucket,
Good garbage bags,
and TP.
Because you just never know.
16 year driver here. I work for a small company of just under 40 trucks. My pay last week, before taxes, for a single run from Cali to New Hampshire was $2,760 (reefer, nonhazmat). There are very well paying jobs out here. Hell, our trucks even do 75mph. But they have high bars for entry. We dont hire just anyone off the street. A mega carrier will (more or less). If you're a rookie, stick with it and earn your bones. Time management is key.
Absolutely Jason! Thank you for sharing 👍🏻
Thank I'm a rookie 6month exp ,I'm looking to get 2yrs exp and perfect my backing so I can join high better company.
I agree with you 1000% ... I've only been driving 26 months and I'm a true believer in earning your bones and respecting the process...!!!
Do you take fuel cost out of that salary?
@@glenkitzman3119 no, no company driver should be doing that
I’m currently training for my CDL class A. I’ll be taking my test next month! This is my dream career! Good luck to the others who are about to take their test & thank you to the experienced drivers who take the time outta of their day to give advice!
Brian boogiee , had you been in a truck before cdl school?
Ron Mtz yeah my uncle drives trucks for a living
Congratulations on taking the steps to get your CDL, it's rewarding for sure!
It’s been about a year since this comment and I’m here because I’m about to start my cdl training and I’m just wondering how it’s going for you so far
How're you keeping up with the job ?
I've only been a driver for almost a year and a half. The best advice I've received from someone is to "take your time." When you're taking your time, seasoned drivers will be laughing at you. Almost all drivers will be watching you. GOAL! Get out and look! "Those drivers laughing at you will laugh at you more if you hit something." Think about it. The biggest advantage of GOAL is you get a better idea which way to turn the steering wheel. That's the way I learned.
This is by far the best advice ever. Bumper to bumper traffic, everyone running 65.... I'm that guy in the far right-hand Lane with a cruise set at 58 and his CB radio off. I don't have to hear people bitching, I don't have to worry about people cutting in front of me since I'm going slower following distance is always there. It takes me 10 minutes back into the spot then so be it, once again CB off when I back up. That goddamn CB is nothing but a f****** distraction because all truck drivers know how to do is b**** b**** b**** b**** b****.
But seriously if you're ever in a position where you're getting frustrated and people were making fun of you turn the damn radio off you don't need to listen to them. Besides if it was really an issue they would get out and help you
@@billywayne6104, exactly! Although I don't have a CB, I can imagine the chatters. I think that's what was happening when I was at beaverdam, oh when I was trying to get in a spot exactly behind that chapel/trailer. The only reason I had to try was because I only had 1 hr 8 mins left on my clock. It took me an hour and a half just to get it in there. I had to GOAL many times. At this point in time, I only had 2 months of exp. I felt embarrassed afterwards. However, I'm proud of myself for not hitting anything. If I did, that would've been more embarrassing.
My message to new aspiring drivers, get out there when someone is backing up. You will have a better perspective of the situation. If someone is laughing at you for taking too long, just remember that they were being laughed at when they were in your position. Learning how to back up takes repetition. That's the truth for me. Hang in there. We'll learn how to. Hopefully, we won't be laughing at newcomers when we do. If we do laugh, we're just hypocrites!
My rule is if you're in a hurry, you're doing it wrong. Never rush. Never panic. If you miss a turn, don't worry, Another turn will show up
Only 2 things you need to know; trip planning! Use every tool available to know your route and pu delivery location etc. And number 2 is always know where the next bathroom is.
Lol, solid 👊🏻
Carry an empty milk jug with you
@@MG-ks1qg but throw it away!!! Don’t be like many of these others just throw it out the window going down the road.
@@joshuastevens5910 why will it piss people off? 😁
My first month out solo
Had a crappy trainer so I’m learning as I go
99% of truckers will help you if you just ask
Semper Fi
USMC? Thank you for your service, sir! I appreciate all veterans when I meet em, online or in person!
My Brother is a Marine! No longer active, or reserved. But, once a Marine? Always a Marine?!
Semper Fry
@@daddydman81 thunk u for ur Cervix
@@Big_AlMC you mean service? I didn't really serve! My efforts were short lived, and never got passed tech school. My older brother did 6 yrs in USMC and is the reason I say semper fi! If that's what you're referring to.
Another bit of advice: '' Back in the day ''....we hauled road asphalt, sulphuric acid, cattle, grain. All over western Canada; no cell phones, just you, a box of food, drinks, and a large tool box.
Away we go, all over. Up to Wollaston Lake, northern Saskatchewan with a tanker of sulphuric acid, for uranium mines. Winter. - 35 F. or colder......On bush road. In 78 Western Star, 290 cummins, 13 speed RTO tranny, with bunk. Weather front, and belly tarp under oil pan. Stop at Brabant, north of Prince Albert. Indian settlement, small native restaurant. Decorated up very nicely. Steak and eggs.....fire burning in the corner. Small fan, moving heat around. Log place.
Unlike today, there are so many amenities, it is nearly EYESORE, for ' signs '. I HOPE ALL, DRIVING, AND O/O's......make a good time of it; DO IT WITH YOUR MIGHT !
For you are supplying the rest of us, with all necessities of life. Same as train crews.....TREAT TRAINS WITH RESPECT, too. On steel wheels, or rubber, same diff.
EAT HEALTHY = SPADE TO SPOON, MR DRIVEN TRUCKING !
I’m 27 years old. I plan on going for my cdl in 2 years after I’m off probation. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a few years now. I currently work at a truck stop and constantly ask truckers what it’s like starting out.
Be careful man. If its a felony it can be tricky. I wish you the best of luck.
I hope you’re doing well I had a DV and I’m having a hard time just for that
If you’re brand new and you live in Texas.. I highly recommend Raider Express. No contract $800 per week guarantee while you’re training with your training. Once you get the proper training you need and you feel confident on the road you can leave at anytime
About to start CDL class in 2 weeks, thanks for this video
On the road yet?
I'm 7 weeks into driving trucks and I'm struggling mightily. I'm determined to see it through but it's tough. Thanks for the video.
Great video, I was a truck driver and really didn't know much on growing my earnings. I’m currently retired, and considering the current rollercoaster nature of the stock market, I decided to stay on the sideline for awhile, now I’m worried with the numerous bank failures as of late, am I better off reinvesting my savings in the stock market.
Growing money is not the same as keeping it there is a reason why investments aren't well taught in schools, the examples you gave are well stationed, the market crisis gave me my first millions, people shy away from hard times, I embrace them.
This is superb! Information, as a noob it gets quite difficult to handle all of this and staying informed is a major cause, how do you go about this are you a pro investor?
@@Kim.beneteau Not at all, having monitored edge my portfolio performance which has made a jaw dropping $573k from just the past two quarters alone, I have learned why experienced traders make enormous returns from the seemingly unknown market. I must say it's the boldest decision I've taken since recently.
@@hunter-bourke21 I've been thinking about going that route. I have a lot of stocks that I have maintained, but they are beginning to lose value, so I'm not sure if I should hold onto them or sell them. I feel hiring your investment coach would make it easier to restructure my portfolio.
I'm guided by Mary Onita Wier. An experienced coach with extensive financial market knowledge. While you can consider other options, her strategy has yielded positive results for me. She offers valuable insights, including entry and exit points for the securities I concentrate on.
I've been honest with people at pick up and drop offs, telling them that I am a green horn and that I wouldn't mind a guide in helping me back up. Each day it's been getting easier and easier since I have been making small adjustments instead of over corrections. If I need to make several pull ups to straighten out and readjust, so be it. With traffic I am at peace with the acceptance that I will continually be cut off and that I need to compensate for all of the bad drivers' (rigs and 4 wheelers).
Yeah, that's the way to be.
I'm 5 months in, & I use your philosophy
Guys I’m just a sales rep use to have a cb in the van, i also call on a ton of stores where truckers stop and get fuel, think the thing that amazed me most about truck drivers, first most are friendly good people, 2nd. How brilliant these men and women are, they are up to date on most any subject you wanna talk about! Thank You all, I have a job because of you, I can’t even start to imagine what all you have to do in a day of your life, but America works because of what you do, praying for all our Truck Drivers,,,,,,,Thank You All!!! Modern day Cowboys/Cowgirls on top of it all, I think what y’all do is pretty cool!
$12 shower service on ARBNB in Ambridge PA. Nice private bathroom and dressing room. All hygiene supplies included. Also home cooked meals. Large $7 breakfast. Old trailer park on Marmian Rd next to creek large area to park. I can pick you up too. Please pass it on to all drivers. A great place to be. Ty
What do you mean by "puck up"?
Caesar Guzman what am saying
@@caesarguzman5831 he means he’ll take you to his house, cook you dinner and help you shower lol.
I've been a driver for dang near 20 years. This driver IS TELLING THE GODS HONEST TRUTH.
I remember my first year of driving, I was like a scared rabbit, TIMID, AND always cautious about everything. Cargo, traffic, safety, scared of weather. Then the cocky stage came, a few s close calls put me in my spot. I was behind the wheel of a 80,000 pound missile with a bunch of bumper cars on the road and truck stops, all jockeying for the same space I was in. The best info I have for new drivers is take a deep breath and let it out slowly a few times. Its going to be okay, relax inside yourself and enjoy it. Yes, its new and out of your comfort zone, but you will get better. Learn good things everyday. Don’t watch other newbies back-up and call the shipper and receiver for directions. Your trucker gps will take you down residential streets sometimes. Google earth, street view, and a good laptop or tablet program that does routing and mileage for you is a good option too. The atlas has saved me several headaches too, the first few pages is usually the low clearance section for bridges and overpasses. Trucker Atlas that is. Know your truck and load/ trailer height. (13’6” repeat it, remember it always)
Hi everyone, I'm from Ukraine and working as a truck driver in Europe during 4 years. But now I'm going to go in Canada, also as trackers so I want to say your channel the best from many others,your speech is very clear I almost understood all your speech. So I wish best and keep going. Sorry for my mistakes:)) my English is not perfect yet
your English is wonderful but
during would be for,
in is to
I drove commercially for 23 years, then went to work as a prison guard for the state for 15 years. I retired from the state, but wanted to get back into trucking as I had kept my license current. I quickly found out that not having driven in 15 years was the same as not having any experience to most employers. I was persistent, and found work as a transfer dump truck driver for a family run business. It is a great job, and although I was competent driving, I had to learn the transfer end of things. I guess what I'm saying is you just have to be persistent and don't give up, you will eventually be successful.
Great story, thank you for sharing
neckarsulme sir I'm having the same problem. I got my license and didn't want to go over the road. I thought I would be able to get a local job with no problem. But now I'm trying to get a job going over the road for the experience. No one will give me a chance. Also, I need to be trained all over again how to up/down shift and all the essential maneuvers you learn back in school. I tried to go back to Truck driving school. But I don't have 5k-7k amount of dollars to give for training of a license I already have. I'm being persistent but also frustrated because I keep being told no.
@@i-95southfloridaboy55 Alright, I kept hounding local companies, and maybe try to talk to any gravel and sand haulers in your area. If they have bottom dumps tell them you'll work cheap to get your foot in the door. Bottom dumps are really easy to operate, and most companies will give you a shot. I saturated the local area with apps, Heck, even "modify" your resume to highlight any relevant experience. If a company is really getting busy, they will give you a try.
After one year of successful experience, more opportunities can become available. After two years of successful experience, you can get about 75% of the jobs out there. After three years of successful experience, any job can be yours. By the way, all these jobs I'm talking about are not over the road and can pay up to $100,000 a year. OTR sucks and I'd never do it again.
MacQ1955 Even after six months of solid verifiable OTR at a mega you can find plenty of better jobs. Not all OTR is terrible. Regional and line haul gigs usually have you going the same places and rolling past home a lot. Just don’t make the mistake I made. I put in two and a half years of hardcore OTR and then let my experience lapse for 3 years working a class C gig. Now I’m back OTR for a year working for a small business owner trying to get some experience back
My trainor said u can consider yourself a professional driver after 5yrs of experience. Well, i got 1.5 years complete and 3.5 years to go....🚛🚛🚛🚛🚛🚛🚛🚛🚛🚛🚛🚛🚛
What does over the road mean?
@@311-y7f Over the road (OTR) trucking is the kind that really has no set routes and one picks up and delivers loads all over the country. Drivers are away from home anywhere from 2 weeks to months at a time.
@@michaelquillen2679 thanks
Good job man even after 13 years I'm still learning new things.
Absolutely! Thanks! The day I stop learning is the day I turn in my keys
Observe the truck in front of you first if you attempt to pass, especially going up and down hills. Is the trailer light or heavy compared to yours? What is the truck's limited speed. Observe before being stuck in the left lane while trying to pass. Not many do this and holds up traffic in the left lane. Pass if the left lane is clear for at least half a mile if the truck is governed slightly lower than yours. Also, cars go 100 mph now and dont care about speed limits. Just know that before you pass, ask yourself is this going to cause a line being governed at 65 passing someone governed at 64.
Don't talk to anyone except for people who are working. Some professional drivers can be up to no good as well. Some could pose as a truck driver and be scammers. Don't trust anyone!
Take your time backing! Only focus on your area and ignore the impatient people!
professional steering wheel holder you have a great point I travel in my regular car always at around 80-89mph and there’s always other guys following along 😂. We hate when a truck gets in the way and slows down the rhythm.
@@chrisehhernandez7440 I would like everyone to know that most trucks are governed. I believe many feel that most trucks take a long time passing the other just for the fun of it but it isn't so. The problem is that these truckers need to drive accordingly to their speed limiter. However a truck is not going to be behind another one governed slightly lower forever. Eventually, he or she will have to pass. I have a long list of the many things four wheelers do on the road out of disrespect and ignorance as well. These are just a couple of them. I see everything and understand how people react down there. What I dont understand is why many have to pass me right before the exit ramp. I feel so disrespected thinking "well, I spend so much time away from home and all I get is shit from the general public". Im only less than a quarter of a mile away from the ramp but everyone has to make one more attempt to pass and then get off. I understand why people get so frustrated around trucks such as one passing the other. I know how to avoid those situations to not irritate others. However, Im always running into irritable situations that four wheelers do. (Keep in mind that other truckers piss me off as well as mentioned earlier). Im always running into situations when somebody passes me and then goes slower than my governed speed. It's rude to pass somebody and then slow down. It's just wrong to pass me going 72 while I'm governed at 68. Then they slow down to 65 and never speed back up. If I attempt to pass them back, then they speed up again. It's all psychological. If somebody is in the right lane and they see a truck in front of them, it does not matter how fast the truck is going. People have to get around the truck. Nobody likes to be behind a truck no matter the scenario. I didn't before I drive trucks. Also, all my frustrations and questions of why truckers do that before I got my CDL has been answered not long after I became one. In a car, 10 miles over the speed limit is enough for me while many literally go 100.
professional steering wheel holder haha our trucks are governed at 60mph we don’t pass anyone, shit I had a state plow truck pass me because we go so slow
@@SL-ix4yk Sorry but at least you don't have to deal with the headaches of being trapped in too many clusters when everyone can pass you faster, except for maybe Prime. Are you Prime?
no I work for a smaller LTL short haul new England company
Dude your videos are awesome. I just passed my CDL permit test and enrolled in a local school. Watching your videos fills me with excitement. You talk about the industry in a way that’s both motivational for someone who’s passionate about driving but also very honest at the same time. You’ve definitely earned a new subscriber. Thanks for all the awesome content, it’s extremely useful.
That’s awesome! Congratulations!!! And good luck 👍🏻
I love your positive attitude.
I got my cdl 10 years ago ..dont get it for driving over the road get it to have it and work in town.
Michael P - I have to agree.. we have a lot of OTR guys come to us, usually don’t last a month with stuff we do. Had guys leave and go otr and said it was easier then what we do locally.
Kailin Gassett and a lot more money too
I been driving local for almost two decades. I decided to go over the road just to try it. I know I can change my mind anytime if I want. Just need a change is all
@Michael P Can you elaborate on that? I'm curious as to what you mean.
@@kailingassett7123 In what way is local harder?
I'm in it for more than 20 years, and I confirm - you give all practical advises. good stuff for beginers.
Just subscribed. Great video for the newbies like me. I'm going after my CDL as a backup plan. I may lose my job because of this damn virus. At 46, I'm too young to retire but also to old to start over again. I'm single (divorced) and would love to see the country while driving. Thank you, sir 👍
Hello Red! I guess your are a seasoned trucker from your comment... I wish you could give me a little bit direction... umm... I'm from China, and I've always been dreaming that I could be a trucker in the USA... idk whether there will be a chance for a Chinese to enter this field.. i even don't have a visa now.. Look forward to ur reply.. God bless u!
I drive Uber eats I love delivering to truck stops I can always tell when I accept a run that it's going to be to a truck stop and I love it.
👆📩For more information on trucking service.
New drivers get a god damn CB RADIO.. communication between trucks is a must
I wouldn’t know how to use one. My dad had one when I was a kid.
I've been driving for almost 15 years.
I enjoy your videos. A lot of great advise for new drivers. Much respect driver.
Liked and subscribed.
Pay attention to EVERY THING! Not just while driving, but litterally everything, from which truckstops or rest areas fill up early to dated and times on load assignments and how they correlate to drop loads,loads that have to be ontime as opposed to Walmart or Kimberly Clark loads that are drops and can be rescheduled easily by dispatch as they truly DON'T care at all. Live Walmart and Kimberly Clark loads on the other hand Must be delivered on time and you can't get to Walmart for a live unload more than one hour in advance, some locations 15 minutes in advance and don't accept those loads.
Always plan loads at 55 mph with 2 hours to spare.
Understand where you can park for the evening 100% for certain near the customer and where you need to reserve a spot in advance like south Florida or anywhere in the northeast and parts of Virginia as well as PA and essentially all of the west coast and acfww high volume places across the country rhat are shipping/ receiving hubs.
Always play the odds and use your knowledge to plan ahead, don't accept a load you can't pick up or deliver on time, if you have to drive through Atlanta, pad your pu/del time by 2 hours, on the west coast or northeast from Washington to Maine, add 24 hours any time of year.
Don't be afraid to shut down at the last comfortable place for ANY reason, even if that's just the last truckstop in route that you can safely make it to and get a shower and a beer. ALL loads are negotiable and there's always a good reason for being late if you think hard enough and dispatch won't care, or if they do, they'll set up a relay and you can swap with another driver for a load or an empty in route.
Use logic, reasoning and NEVER use profanity and you won't be fired, dispatch will just reschedule your load.
Prioritize your needs over any company's needs as they don't actually give a damn and it costs $5k to replace you, even as a new driver.
Read signs, own an atlas, use it, request directions to the shipper and reciever, especially in Chicago or the northeast.
Ask other drivers for help or advice, even if they say patronizing shit to you over the CB, simply explain your situation and they'll usually help if they can. We were all new to trucking once and we ALL made the same stupid mistakes that you might make ourselves when we were young and we'll gladly help once we know that you are new to this and in a situation we fucked up ourselves because we didn't ask for help.
You're dispatcher isn't your friend, doesn't remember that you "did them a favor" and helped them, and they won't help you get home, even in a life or death emergency.
It's litterally a dog eat dog world out here and only a few other dogs may help.
You're now one driver against the world, your shipper ls will try to screw you over, your dispatcher will too, and so will your recievers and your breakdown call line. Stand your ground. Think through the words you say to each and choose them carefully and if you aren't in the right head space, don't talk to anyone,and whenever possible, DON'T answer calls, make dispatch send you a message on the Qualcomm or peoplenet and respond in kind when you can.
If you get a preplan you don't want that is clearly going to screw you over, it's best to not respond and by tomorrow, they'll likely pull you off, unless you don't have the hours to make delivery or pickup ontime and you actually know that it's a hard and fast time that can't be rescheduled.
After 21 years of driving, this is my best advice, it's all a huge game like bootcamp to brainwash you from your first day of training into being a slave. Think for yourself and understand that you essentially are a slave, but your slave masters are also enslaved and they only run the programs they're taught and you can lead them aroundlike dogs on a leashby pressingthe right buttonsand you haveNO reasontobe loyal to them, nor the company. They'reALLfucking you over, it doesn't matter if you drive for a megacarier or a fleet of 100 trucks. It's litterally just you against the world. Your survival is solely up to you. Also stay OFF of Lake Street in Chicago, your GPS is WRING!
Good point on the driver trainer issue. Same could go for co-drivers. Always use your best judgement on who you choose. Most dispatchers ignore co-driver issues unless it gets way out of hand.
On top of backing, learn to calculate your turns. The Northeast in particular is not very forgiving with their narrow and outdated roads. Be COMFORTABLE, but not overconfident. Insecurity and overconfidence are two mindsets that will get you into trouble.
Satellite imaging the facility where you will deliver is a fantastic suggestion. Use technology to your advantage. GPS's will more often than not send you into the employee parking lot. Not good...
Eating out is expensive, but taking weeks worth of food and crowding the truck's storage is also irrational. Get a rewards card from the truck stops you're at most often, and use it when fueling and buying anything else there. Eventually you'll rack up enough points for meals.
Why doesn’t truckers help each other out anymore ?
Anymore you just see people standing there to watch and 99.9% of the time they are recording them struggle
I signed up with C.R yesterday, got my DOT physical done, taking the test next Friday and then going to salt lake for 2 weeks of training . Excited to see the road and start this chapter, thankful there are individuals here giving advice
How's C.R treating you?
@@Conker999 probably not good.
Cr England is the worst company ever!!!! Thats why they make you sign a 1 year contract... they treat their drivers like crap and it is the lowest paying company out there...
Ouch…that’s a bad company to work for…hopefully you get lucky
They drug tested you?
I'm 27 and seriously considering getting back in truck driving. I got my CDL back in march of 2015 and suddenly have been watching truck videos such as this one to inform myself before hitting the road again if possible.
Interested in team driving?
Don’t do it
I've been driving 24 years. Yes, back when we only had paper maps and paper logs And could drive around the clock. You did a very good job here.
Ya all these guys are taking out their phones and recording swift and Werner backing up when they know they were that guy at some point and time
How about put down your phone help the guy out pansies
daniel bowman Exactly what I was thinking!
I agree I'm a new driver and I appreciate when I get good help from an experienced driver much appreciated 👍
daniel bowman the Point is it illustrates the quality of training coming out of Swift or warmer . Some of their trainers don’t have much more experience than the drivers . And it shows
Best way to combat that is a nice little dislike 👎🏻. Once they realize their UA-cam channel is a joke, and not even veteran truckers like super truckers, they’ll cut it out.
@@duck5336 good call
It took me around three years before I quit being as nervous backing. Going from being scared of it to understanding what to do in a situation made things miles better.
How did you make that switch, or what did it take to make that switch from being scared to understanding the situation
@@willmarks8065 honestly, there are so many ways to gain confidence as a driver, and my opinion may be wrong for certain drivers, but, as a driver you need to keep calm and carry on in all situations, never worry about the route or if you have the correct information because you can pull of the road and figure it out on your own or call dispatch and between dispatch and your calm head figure out what to do and the correct route to continue.
I saw this video when I first started trucking, today 7 months later, I scraped another truck’s front bumper off pulling out of a parking space in a really tight rest area because “I got too comfortable” with my skills and knowledge. All you mile chasers out there, GET OUT AND LOOK!
Driving over 3 years and I still goal.
I have had my CDL since 1999 and drove everything with wheels. The best advice I can give you is that if you are smart enough to drive a truck you are smart enough to do anything. RUN, do not walk, RUN from a “career” in trucking.
I run a short haul LTL route and a big thing that helped me when I started was get out when your waiting for a dock and start a conversation with the other drivers, become friendly with the regular guys and if you need advice on where to get somewhere or a road that’s unfamiliar they have helped me out so much!
Another pro tip one truck driver To another is if you’re driving in the winter months, find a place to park BEFORE the sun goes down not after because the temperature will drop and the roads will re freeze over, don’t make the same mistake that I did and tried to keep driving to make the delivery on time and found myself in the middle of a snowstorm in a national forest on a little two-way road with no place to pull over the only thing I could do was put my hazards on and crawl my way off the mountain. Luckily I never lost the trailer. It’s just not worth it when it starts getting dark and things start freezing over just pull over no load is worth your life.
True story.....Before I got behind the wheel of my first truck I would play with toy trucks and trailers to see which way to turn the wheel to make the trailer go in a certain direction. I am serious that when I drove a tractor trailer for the first time I was amazed that backing was pretty easy.
Nice! That’s all my two-year-old boy does is play with cars and trucks LOL
I started w my own manual truck thank God. Had a new small company take me on. Lucky for me been driving tractors and day cabs on farms and ranches my whole life. Was so helpful when I got out there.
Good advice again. One thing amazes me is at the start of your videos you start your truck by turning your hand, a great trick, pull toy here.
Lol, thanks Pull Toy!
I'm not a truck driver but I love this channel. I've spent the last 10 years working in oilfield and warehouse operations so we work with truck drivers everyday. I like learning about yalls business because of how much it impacts our operations.
That’s cool, thanks!
Hey nice job on the video, man.
Thank you 😊
A legend!
Probably the most accurate Truck Driving video on UA-cam! I had 7 years of driving and got a DUI in my personal vehicle. Little did I know that even in your personal vehicle (at that time) that a .04 was your legal limit! Worst mistake ever
Have my got a cdl yet , was thinking of it here in FL but I do have a wet reckless charge from last yr . Would that effect me getting a license?
I’m not a truck driver but this video is very well done and informative; especially to someone like me who knows nothing about the truck driving experience. Thank you for sharing!
Best advice from a 34 year veteran drive local and get paid by the hour that way you're getting paid for everything you ever do no more this per mile scam
Would be so amazing to do a ride along for a week with you! The way you explain things and the way it’s put out there is very calm but also words of wisdom !
This is my dream job! I’m 27 atm and hope by the time I’m 35 I’ll be in it 100% full time and have a sleeper :-)
ride alongs are great and fun!
I drove for 25 yrs. for a union company right out of truck driving school.I paid for it myself cuz I didn't want to stuck with a company that was no good. Great video but you failed to mention the pre trip. Even if you just run in to a rest area,check your rig up and down.People sometimes mess with your stuff and it could kill you or someone else. All in all, I loved it.I have been retired now for 7 yrs. this coming may. Stay safe!!
I just applied to Wilson Trucking as a student driver. This video is golden for me. Thank you!
How is it going so far for you ? I'm so excited and nervous about my driving school but I'm excited to know more woman are also doing the truck driving industry 💪
How did it go? I’m thinking of applying to the same company actually.
To all the new guys out here this is s my advice , watch your diet and TAKE CARE OF YOUR BACK by exercising or at least doing some stretching
first year is rough. 11 years later still hanging in there. I fortunately was a natural out the gate being my father was a career truck driver now my brother & I . passed everything first time around , started first few years with the major companies but money wasn't there. drive local now got into heavy equipment , lowboy , dump, roll-off, have done many different types of off road trucking & its where the moneys at. have to have nerves of steel but its worth it come payday.
Nice
Finally a positive approach to trucking..the scariest thing about starting a trucking career is all the negative UA-cam vids about why you shouldn't..
Right lol
I've driven for 12 yrs. Currently side lined due to medical. You have some really good advice. Hopefully these new drivers listen and watch your video. Good stuff anyway.
Thank you Curtis, I hope you get back soon
I definitely needed this positivity because I have been hearing a lot of negative things from negative people
I worked for WERNER for a year, and had two trainers.(Survive DOLLAR GENERAL for a few months and see how good you are)
Wow, this guys video is probably the most realistic, down to earth, practical video on the basics of trucking! Thanks
been planning on being a trucker for years im 22 and im contemplating on dropping out of college and start getting my CDL, and researching and learning, and asking other truckers questions. You have the best advice I've have heard, id love to see more videos of you.
I'd say don't go to one of those 3 or 4 week driver mill schools. They charge the same thing today as mine did in 1991 for 10 weeks. But then we had to perform more backing situations. We spent half the day on the backing range and the othrr half in the classroom. We spent 2 weeks on navigation alone. Short schools today don't teach like they did then. They don't teach some of the things they did then either. If you can find a driving school at a technical school give them a call.
My oldest son is considering driving when he graduates high school. Thanks for putting this channel up, I'll be sharing it with him.
This is by far the most helpful video I’ve found. Super glad I’ve come across your channel!
Thanks Cory!
Google earth is amazing for having an idea what you're dealing with. I started driving in 2003 and have no idea how I managed back then when everything was done via payphone and writing directions out on a legal pad lol.
But more often than not the street address is not where the trucks pull in. The street address is the front of the main bldg or the employee parking lot - so its in your best interest to know if the truck entrance is... it may very well be on a side street or behind the building on a cross street (look for guard shacks or where the loading docks look to be located on the bldg).
But the more information you have the better the trip will be. On Google maps also check the 'reviews' tab. Often times truckers will write helpful info in the reviews - anything from allows/wont allow overnight parking, to dont turn on Smith Street- cops ticket the no commercial vehicle sign - so turn down pine street instead.. to look out for light pole across from door 11 it took my door off, to damn lumpers took 7 hours to offload 3 skids.
The more you know the better it goes
I'm professional truck driver in my experience is to help other driver if they needed that's what best commercial drivers do but one thing you need do to be professional always be a solo driver believe your self if you don't know what to do sometimes ask others to help you thank you man your experience to sharing with us
My biggest advice, is take care of your license. Don't rack up points on nonsense. 5 years Class A w/clean record, over 15 years Class C license, I get people calling and begging for me to join their companies until I end up having to block their numbers. Also, don't believe your trucking school when they say you have to go OTR to start off, they have contracts with the big carriers. Mine tried to do the same, and told me I would never find a local job without experience, 2 days after I got my Class A, I got a local position. If you can't find something local, look for ag drivers to get your experience.
Good advice! Appreciate the heads up. I am going to start my own authority as a new driver. I know, bold move. I just finished working 22 years in banking and now want to do something I have always wanted to try. I am way to independent to work for someone else. So I appreciate videos like this one.
similar situation here...25 yrs in a different career...time to do something which I always wanted to do......let's see how it goes...Cheers
About sticking it out, i heard it put best as "If you find yourself going through hell, keep going. Heaven may very well be on the other side."
Love the positivity and the advice I got from the video. My exam is coming up soon and this helped me have a more positive outlook on my path as a soon to be trucker and get a glimpse of what to expect.👍🏽
I’m in my first month by myself, my OTR trainer was awesome, but I learn something new everyday. I hate having to find parking. I got stuck in Atlanta at the end of my day, and I went to 7 different places to find parking.
Couldn’t agree more with pulling up the address of where you’re going to get a look at what you’ll be dealing with. Where I work in KY we supply a lot of Walmart’s. I tell these guys to google the store number, then they can see the layouts so they aren’t overwhelmed unpin arrival, Yet again, great video !
Thanks Jordan, definitely use the tool if you have it 👍🏻👊🏻
And for you pick up and drop off locations. Google maps is your best friend. Type in your address, click on satellite view, and zoom in like he said to see where you're going.
Been driving for over 10 years now in Southern Africa. Wish l could one day get a chance to driver in the United States. I love trucking but driving in Africa is food for work
Yep you are correct on that once you get too comfortable I'm doing what you're still doing it's doing you will be getting into accident but if you keep on doing the things that you need to do Step out and check Or have a spotter helping you A spider that you trust Mainly remember when in doubt get out and check
The GPS sent me to a fire road in Denver about 3:00AM, paralleling the freeway for about two miles...
Walt Wynn - San Diego North County yikes
Is that bad?
only tips you need, #1 get ya a paper map #2 get ya a GARMIN gps. #3 set up your bed and living conditions correctly to your time out. #4 PAY ATTENTION and do not let youself get distracted. long hours, hunger, having to use the restroom are all things you need to plan for :) Good Luck Be Safe *pay attention* :)
Thank you, I’m looking into becoming a truck driver and this helped a bunch!
So did you
@@billyjohnson3859 yes and no. I didn’t get a CDL yet, but with current laws in my state I was able to hire on with a farmer part time to help move some grain around to start getting experience behind the wheel
Truck driving taught me to read signs so even while in my car I still read signs like never before!
Trucker path, trucker path, trucker path!!! That app has saved me so many times. You can find Walmart’s that allow/deny overnight parking. Finding all sorts of truck stops, weigh stations, rest areas, etc. . .
Yes it’s a great, I’ll do an app video eventually
Driven Trucking Thank you sir, be safe brother.
The best Trucking video ever made. Very Detailed. Good Job Buddy.
Dude your " ...Amazing "...this is good info , I'm trying to get my CDL through Schneider.
My 1st year of trucking. Alot of learning by yourself. Road construction🚧 and Snow and icy roads can be scary too. Slow down and be careful . Year 2 is much better. I recommend solo driving cause of sleeping and stop when you want is better. Great video. Brother 📹☝😎👍💯🚚🚛🚚🚛
Started class today. Turned my roommate on to this learned one. Thanks for all the advice Sir.
Nice! Good luck and thanks 👍🏻
Great advice I been driving 7 years still learning every day
47 Cpm starting off for me! I'm doing damn good. I'm making more money then I ever did in my life. I once worked as a paramedic and I make more as Truck driver.
Brandon Roberts Whats 47 cpm?
@@supreme3067 cents per mile
Brandon Roberts , Reefer ?
@@tre_4 dry van 2800+ miles a week. For the month of December 9125 hundred miles paid.
Really I’m currently a paramedic and I pull in 17$ hour doing 60 a week so I gross 62000$ a year, you make more than that how??
I’ve been a yard switcher for about 2 years. The most thing I found difficult was backing at first and the adjustment of the brakes. Definitely way different than your daily driver.. obviously lol, but all for all, once you make the small adjustments it’s like a hot knife through butter. You’re videos are very helpful. Thanks for all the great tips! It Makes myself, and I’m pretty sure it’s safe to say that many others also feel more comfortable pursuing the trucker career. Thank you sir.
I will always pay attention. I still pay attention when driving my car
I hear ya, I do as well.
I want to get as good at driving just like the guy at 1:26. He's working at another level entirely.
Something that work for me was working my first 2 years as a yard spotter to practice the backing and dealing with tight spaces
Great video 👍🏽
Thank you, that would be great experience backing for sure.
I’ve been Yard spotter for about 8 months and my backing is great. Would it be enough or more than enough experience.
You are the best individual to ever tell the truth about over the road drivers! All new drivers expect to make top pay with no experience just like any other job but benefits are just as important! Don’t be too quick to judge learn progress and get time then judge!