Tractor-trailer operators are an integral part of the world's economy. Without them, grocery stores would go unstocked, retail businesses would offer no products for sale, manufacturers of all sorts would be unable to deliver products to consumers. Even though most truck drivers are not directly responsible for loading and unloading trailers, they do have full responsibility for safely transporting goods on time.
Truck driving is a physically and mentally challenging job. Even though truckers spend their workdays sitting in their rigs, spending eight or more hours per day driving is physically taxing. Actually beginning a career as a truck driver is the hardest, most challenging step of job. Here are several tips to make your transition to truck driving easier.
Always be on time to pick up loads
Dealing with chronically late coworkers is, unfortunately, an unavoidable problem in every field. When truck drivers are late, many aspects of distribution are thrown off track. Because timeliness in truck driving is so important, treat timeliness seriously.
Sometimes traffic is slow, drivers get pulled over by police, or truckers have to make emergency stops. Dispatchers and other related workers are generally understanding of these problems. However, don't even think about lying to dispatchers and reporting slow traffic or medical emergencies when simply stopping to get food or anything else. Dispatchers are able to contact other truckers and confirm the legitimacy of claims of slow traffic, and GPS tracking systems allow them to pinpoint your location. Not where you say you are? You're in trouble.
Be patient while driving
Not being patient as a truck driver carries several risks. Quickly accelerating reduces fuel efficiency and increases the risk of accidents. Staying close to other drivers' bumpers is generally risky, as well. Rushing to your next drop prevents you from checking lights, brakes, mirrors, and other necessary pre-trip inspection points.
Every driver has experienced another vehicle speeding past them, only to later catch up to or pass them on exit ramps, near red lights, or them being pulled over by police.
Thoroughly search truck driving job markets
You likely wish to begin truck driving immediately to help facilitate business, travel, and -- the best part of working -- start earning checks. Even if you are satisfied with current job offers, searching for other opportunities often results in better career prospects. You may find employers offering better benefit packages and higher salaries than current job offers do.
Unfortunately, there is no singular, centralized marketplace of job opportunities. Some job sites feature few unique truck driving opportunities, with the same openings spread across multiple sites. TruckDrivingJobs.com is designed specifically for matching prospective truck drivers with trucking opportunities, many of which are not listed on other job sites. By searching through this and other job sites, you are likely to find higher salaries and better benefit packages than what current job offers provide.
Getting certified can improve career prospects
Truck driving is associated with several endorsements and certifications that will ultimately net drivers more cash. Classes and licensure are needed for carrying more than one trailer, loads containing hazardous materials, and multiple passengers. Even if a driver believes he will not carry loads that require them.
Truck driving can be a fruitful career, with diligent, trained workers earning hefty amounts. Put these tips to work and watch your truck driving career start off on the right foot.
By Lewis Carvel
Source: LeHighValleyLive