Welcome To Ask A Driver

If you've got a question, our expert driver Brett Aquila has the answers!

red peterbuilt ask a truck driving question

Email your truck driving questions to brett@truckingtruth.com and we'll get you an answer in no time. We may even include them here. If you'd like your questions kept private, simply say so - we'll respect your privacy.

For questions about becoming a truck driver, we highly recommend:

"After 15 years of being a truck driver I've pretty much seen and done all there is to do out there. I've loved my years on the road and wouldn't trade them for the world. If I had to do it all over again, I'd do it exactly the same way I did it. But you see, that's just me..." - Brett Aquila

Trucking Questions:

black peterbuilt ask a truck driver

Im thinking of getting into the trucking business - not necessarily as a truck driver, but by opening my own company. Currently Im an (old) 28 year old student getting a degree in computer science.

The reason I want to get into trucking frankly is two fold -
1) Computer science doesnt interest me, but its a somewhat easy way to pay the bills.
2) Ive tested a method to cut fuel consumption by 4-7%.

Not much, I know. But it might be enough to give me an edge in the business. Do you have any advice?

Answer to Question 1: Starting your own trucking company->

black peterbuilt ask a truck driver

I had the unfortunate experience of an accident (hit a parked rig in a truck stop) in my first job shortly after completing driving school. The incident made it to DAC. I am finding the accident is a huge obstacle to further employment. Companies want 6 months accident free OTR employment - which I cannot get without a job. Any advice how I can get around this? Any help would be appreciated.

Answer to question 2: Getting a truck driving job after an accident->

red peterbuilt ask a truck driver

How many days might truckers go without showering because there is not any shower? There are showers at the truck stops, but how often do truckers pass by those?

Answer to question: Taking a shower on the road->

black peterbuilt ask a truck driver

My name is David and I have a major dilema with finding a truck driving job. I have a class A cdl and I graduated from National Tractor Trailer School in Buffalo, NY and was hired as a company driver for Werner Enterprises and I have recently been terminated by Werner for an unsatisfactory safety record due to an accident and four citations which are ; 40mph in a 30mph zone,while my trainer was sleeping ; overwidth ; failing to obey traffic signals, and as a result of my accident failure to maintain a safe lookout.

My accident occured when I was merging from the center lane to the right lane and there was a car to my right in my blind spot which caused my tractor to bump the car resulting in minor damage to the car. There were no injuries. Now I am having a hard time finding a job. I feel like this is unfair because Werner did not properly train me, for example while I was in training my trainer was in the sleeper sleeping while I was driving due to Werner running us like a team, not like a student and trainer, I feel very strongly that if I had been properly trained I would not be in my current situation. I mean, I got a speeding ticket while I was in training! I am really hoping that you know of some trucking companies that will consider me for employment. I am also open to any advice you may have for me in my hunt for a job. Thank you for your time. I am anxious to hear from you.

Answer to question: finding a truck driving job after an accident and tickets->

I am thinking about getting my CDL and becoming a truck driver. How safe is truck driving from the stand point of getting enough rest? How do you keep your loads safe from people who may hurt you and steal the load? What do you do when you are extremely tired and your manager wants that you keep driving? Please tell me about all the obstacles and challenges that you have, so I can see if truck driving is the right career for me.

Answer to question: Do truck drivers get enough rest to be safe->

black peterbuilt ask a truck driver

Do truck drivers like their jobs? My son will soon be finishing his truck training and will enter the job market so I have been cruising the web looking at different truck sites, (yours, thus far, is the most interesting). I find lots of information on how bad truck driving is, (e.g. health issues, dangerous, bad companies, loads of complaints, and more). What I cannot find are stories or comments from drivers who actually like what they do. So, I ask again, do truck drivers, overall, like their jobs? Any links or resources that talk about a positive view of truck driving would sure be appreciated.

Answer to question: Do truck drivers like their jobs->

black peterbuilt ask a truck driver

Would it be better to get my CDL A at a community college that cost like $2500-$3500, or sign on to some big carrier like SWIFT and get my training? I've heard if you get company paid training you have to stay with them for a year or two but I don't want that. I want options.

Answer to question: Where should I attend CDL training->

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TruckingTruth and BigRigDriving are owned by Brett Aquila, a 15 year truck driving veteran with 1.5 million miles covering all 48 continental states and a large portion of Canada

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To Have and to Hold: Marriages In Trucking

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My First Run As A Professional Driver

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It Takes Two

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It takes two special, committed people to make a long distance relationship work. Trucking is really difficult on relationships, and life isn’t easy being separated from your “other half”. Continue reading

As The World Churns: The Driver Shortage Myth

Posted on 24 April 2012

For both managers and drivers we have all heard about how there’s a “driver shortage”. However, most trucking companies use “fuzzy math” to justify the claim of a driver shortage instead of looking at their turnover rates. This article will look at how trucking companies have re-defined terms in order to claim a driver shortage to prevent changing the way they do business on the back-end (in the office). Continue reading

Stereotypes and Trucking: A Match Made in the Cab

Posted on 17 April 2012

Stereotypes of truckers have been around a long time. Where did they come from, what affect do they have on you, and what should we do about it? Continue reading

Holding Down The Fort

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Having a husband on the road while you're home with the children is a tough situation for everyone, and you have to learn to understand how the other one is feeling and work together. Continue reading

Truck Driver Training – The Beginning

Posted on 16 April 2012

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The Unexpected Call

Posted on 12 April 2012

Home time with the family is precious for over the road drivers, and the last thing you want is for it to be cut short. But it happens from time to time, as it did here to my husband and our family. Continue reading

Why Drivers Are Paid By The Mile

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Truck drivers throughout the years have almost always been paid by the mile. How did the system get that way? Would it be better to pay by the hour? Here's the scoop.... Continue reading

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