Advice for fellow Newbies

(I hate the term Newbie... but oh well.)

Having already decided that driving was something I want to do for the long term, I have been doing some research and planning my next steps. I have learned a lot and would like to pass some of what I've learned along to others who may be interested in starting a new career as a driver. Pros, by all means, please chime in and correct me if I have made any errors or left anything out.


First of all, I think you really have to be sure this is what you want to do. It's a big step and not a decision to be made without some thought. Like everything in life, better planning results in a better experience. We are fortunate to have the internet, where almost anything you want to know can be found- if you know how to look for it. It's as simple as "Googling". Try "truck driving blogs", "trucking jobs", or just "trucking for beginners"... you'll find a lot of sites, and those sites usually have a "Links" page... so just follow the links, and so on and so on, and that will keep you busy for a long time! I will give you some good links, too, at the end. (I know that was pretty basic, but I want to cover anyone who might be new to the internet.)

So, a good first step is, find out what it's really like to be a driver. One good way is to read the drivers blogs on this site, and others. I have read some really good accounts of life on the road here and elsewhere. And talk with a driver or two, every one I've met has been real helpful. It has been a revelation, too. I have come to realize it isn't as easy as sitting behind the wheel, grabbing a gear, and heading out down the Interstate. There is a lot of waiting, loading and unloading challenges (depending on what type of trucking you do), dealing with bad drivers, bad dispatchers, bad weather, keeping up with rules and regs, being away from home for long periods of time, breakdowns, and more. Of course, there are good things, too- getting to travel and see our great country, meeting great people, not having a boss breathing down your neck, no time clock, job security, and possibly even decent money.

The important thing is- whether it's this or anything else in life you do- be HONEST with yourself. It's easy for us to lie to ourselves in life- better to keep it real. Once you get a feel for 'the life', ask yourself, 'Can I really do this and be happy and successful?' More importantly- 'Can I be safe?' If you are a bad driver, innattentive, sloppy, easily distracted or angered, not co-ordinated, irresponsible, or prone to modifying your consciousness with drugs or alcohol, the truth is neither I nor your family nor anyone else wants you on the road behind the wheel of an 80,000 lb rig with us. Self-control has a bearing on controlling a truck or anything else. It's a good quality to cultivate.

So, for now, the point I am making is, Step One should be making an informed decision on whether trucking is something you really want to do. Be honest about your abilities, or lack thereof. Do some serious research- it'll pay off. Next time I will go into some details about my own research. I am learning a lot, and I would like to share. I have a long way to go, to be sure, but life is a journey and not the destination, right?

Thanks to the person who said I would make a good journalist- I'm flattered, but I'm too honest to work in the press! :) I would be happy as a blogging trucker- that would be just fine. I will check out the link you gave me, too.

More links for those thinking about a trucking career:

http://www.newbiedriver.com/index.htm -TONS of good info, and excellent place to start!

http://www.angelandcroc.com/ -Check out his Driver's Diary and Dash Cam, pretty cool site.

http://drivndad.tripod.com/links.html -Many good links.

http://www.truckschoolsusa.com/ -Good list of schhols.

There are many more, of course, and I will put them up as I go along. I encourage your comments, but please don't flame me unless I deserve it!

Till later, ~R~

Category Posted: General