It is often said that the first year is the hardest when it comes to truck driving. The work and lifestyle can take some getting used to, but after around a year, drivers often find that they get the hang of it and can enjoy all the benefits that a career in truck driving can bring. With this in mind, this post will offer a few expert tips for new truck drivers that should make the first year a little easier and hopefully help you to hit the ground running. Keep reading for a few tips that should help you to thrive in your first year as a truck driver.
Avoid Taking on More Than You Can Manage
When you first start as a truck driver, it is easy to make the mistake of taking on as much work as you can manage to maximize your earnings. People quickly find that truck driving can be demanding and tiring, plus you do not want to get into a habit of making late deliveries. Instead, take on a manageable amount and gradually increase this, so that you can adjust and get used to this way of working.
Use Load Boards to Find Work
Following this, you can always browse and bid on available shipping work at load boards like https://www.shiply.com/us/shipping-jobs. This is an easy way for a new truck driver to find ongoing work and you can find work that suits your needs. Load boards can be a great way to build your experience levels, make decent money, and get to grips with shipping work.
Engage with Other Truckers
One of the best things to do as a new truck driver is to engage with other truck drivers. There is a very strong community among truck drivers, and you will find that you can always engage in a friendly conversation, get expert advice, and share stories with a fellow truck driver. Whether you meet people on the road in a roadside diner, attend truck driver events, or network online, this is a great way to feel a part of the industry.
Stay Healthy on the Road
Nothing can quite prepare you for life on the road, but you must try to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This should include taking along healthy snacks, plenty of water, and taking regular breaks. You need to schedule when you will sleep and never drive when drowsy. You also need to maintain a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle when you are not working, so that you can recharge.
Keep Up with Industry Trends
It is also a good idea to keep up with industry news, challenges, and trends by reading blogs, listening to podcasts, and engaging with other truck drivers. This will help you to feel a part of the industry, as well as allow you to find ways to improve, such as discovering what the best tech to use is.
These tips will hopefully help you to find success in your first year and enjoy the benefits of a career as a truck driver.