Congratulations! Now that you have been hired through a truck driver recruiting software such as https://www.tenstreet.com/ and successfully beat hundreds of other candidates, you’re officially a part of one of the fastest growing industries in the United States. After you’ve obtained your commercial driving license, you may feel like you’re ready to hit the ground running; however, it’s not always the case. You may still be lacking sufficient training. There is still a learning curve that you’ll have to experience to master your skill.
In order to be successful at your job, it’s important to study up on the best tips from experienced truck drivers. Here’s some master advice to get you started.
Be Kind To Your Co-workers and Managers
Just because you’re a truck driver doesn’t mean the same rules as a traditional office don’t apply. You should be respectful and easy to work with.
Get to know your co-workers and be polite when you cross paths. Try to build a relationship with your dispatcher. By building connections and positive relationships in your company, you’ll likely get more work.
Bring Your Own Food
Many new truck drivers experience significant weight gain their first year. Sitting behind the wheel for long periods of time without exercise combined with fast food is a recipe for obesity.
Try to make your meals and bring them in a temperature sealed container. You won’t only reduce your chances of weight gain, but you’ll also save money.
Accept As Much Work As Possible
When you’re first starting out, you should accept all job offers that come your way. If you want to make as much money as possible, you should show your company that you’re a hard worker.
In the beginning, accept every load that you can. As a result, your boss will see you’re dedicated to helping the company.
Never Stop Being Cautious
The more comfortable that you get behind the wheel, the more comfortable you may start to feel. However, even drivers who have been on the job for decades know the importance of being cautious.
The trucking industry is always evolving, and with each passing day, new and improved strategies and components are starting to get utilized by trucking companies to ensure the ongoing safety of their drivers. From replacing existing hand cranks to unload their fleet, and installing something like this semi trailer landing gear mechanism instead will help to keep drivers safe, as well as improving the efficiency of the process at the same time. But if you’re not cautious with any type of equipment you use, you could get seriously hurt.
Always follow the direction of your company’s safety department and stay aware of your surroundings. You have the responsibility on the road of keeping other drivers as well as yourself safe. Your company may even be using fleet safety management technology from Lytx to ensure drivers stay focused on their job. That technology can detect dangerous driving before it causes an accident, so see if your company is using that. If they’re not, be extra cautious on the roads.
Go The Extra Mile
As with any job, hard work pays off. Rather than putting the minimum effort forward, put in maximum. Your boss will notice your hard work and will count on you as a result.
If your long term goal is to grow in the company, then they’ll be looking at whether you have the right qualities to handle more responsibility.
Management is always looking at who stands out amongst staff as a potential leader. Show them that you have what it takes to be entrusted with more power over time.