Articles by Old School

This article provides advice for truck drivers on how to find success and fulfillment in their career. It explains how to set goals and motivate yourself to excel, and how to avoid settling for mediocrity.

This article provides advice for new truck drivers on how to succeed in the trucking industry. It explains the importance of having a goal-oriented attitude, ignoring the naysayers, and performing well. It also explains why the best drivers get the most freight and how to be one of the two or three out of fifteen that are highly valued in the trucking community.

Truck driving can be an emotional roller coaster, with the fatigue of long hours and the steep learning curve. This article discusses the challenges of truck driving and how to prepare for them.

Starting a trucking career is difficult, and understanding what it takes to succeed is key. Learn why starting your career as an over the road driver with a large trucking company is the best way to get your career off to a great start and reduce risk.

This article explains why shifting gears isn't a real skill and why auto shift transmissions are here to stay. It also looks at the other important skills and traits that make a real truck driver, such as trip planning, communication, problem solving, etc.

This article provides insight into the truck driver training process. It explains the importance of having a steely resolve and the need to stick it out during training, even if the trainer is not the best example. It also emphasizes the need to set a goal of sticking with the first truck driving job for one year.

This article explains how truck drivers can be successful by applying the same principles of success that small business owners must embrace. It also explains how truck drivers can increase their income by developing a track record of consistent performance.

Trucking can be a great way to make money, but it's important to understand how performance based pay works. Learn how to create trust with your driver manager and measure out your own salary to make the most money possible.

Signs are an essential part of the trucking industry and can save lives and equipment. Learn why signs are important, how to read them, and how to avoid accidents and danger.

This article provides an overview of the truck driving career and the challenges that come with it. It covers topics such as false expectations, fatigue, and isolation, and provides advice on how to stay focused on your goals and succeed in the trucking industry.

This article provides tips for truck drivers and anyone in the trucking industry on how to avoid common traps that cause people to quit their trucking career prematurely. It explains the research, training, and solo traps, as well as the starter company trap. It encourages readers to be tenacious and independent to achieve success in the trucking industry.

The trucking industry is changing and driver demand is on the rise. Learn what trucking companies are looking for in a driver, the effects of autonomous vehicles, and how driver turnover affects the industry.

This article explains the importance of proving your worth as a truck driver to succeed in the trucking industry. Find out what qualities make a successful truck driver, how to communicate with dispatch, and how to manage time efficiently.

This article provides an in-depth look at a teaching moment in the trucking industry. Learn the realities of trucking, how to succeed in the industry, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Understand the importance of honest advice and how to become a professional driver.

Force dispatch is when a truck driver is not allowed to refuse a load assignment. Understand why companies may force dispatch and the consequences of refusing a load. Learn why it is important to accept load assignments and how it can help you succeed in trucking.

Truck drivers need to understand the competitive nature of the trucking industry. This article explains how drivers can be successful and make the most of their career. Learn about the subtle nuances that help one to succeed and how to be the first one in the gate at customers. Professionalism beats being bullheaded everyday.

Trucking is a performance-based industry, just like professional sports. Drivers are constantly being measured up with all sorts of statistics and rewarded for their accomplishments. Learn how to distinguish yourself as a driver and stand out from the competition by putting up the proper numbers and making the necessary sacrifices to be the 'Go To Guy'.

The Free Agent Myth is often promoted in trucking forums, but it is not as liberating to your trucking career as it sounds. Learn what it takes to become a true Free Agent in the trucking industry, and why signing a work contract is beneficial to your career.

This article provides a three point plan for becoming a successful trucker. Safety, service, and success are the three main points of focus for anyone wanting to become a trucking Super Hero. Learn how to maximize your efforts and become a successful trucker.

This article provides insight into why a truck driver may be eligible for a pay increase from a dispatcher's perspective. Being on time, no complaints, taking loads no one else wants, and being easy to work with are all necessary for a pay raise.

This article examines the confessions of experienced truck owners and lease operators. Learn the risks and rewards of owning a truck and decide if it's right for you. Discover why the author believes it's best to remain a company driver and why the most successful trucking businesses replace their equipment at benchmark mileage levels.

This article discusses the biggest hindrance to success in the trucking industry, which is misinformation. Learn how to recognize and overcome this issue, as well as how to succeed in trucking and make top pay.

This article discusses the importance of exercising prudence in the trucking industry. It explains the risks involved and the hazards beyond the interstate that new drivers may not be aware of. It also provides an example of a terrifying close call experienced by an experienced driver.

This article provides an informative look into the trucking industry and how to become a top tier truck driver. Learn the secrets of how to make progress in your career, such as arriving early to appointments, communicating well with dispatch, and working safely and efficiently.

Trucking is not a career for the casual observer. It takes considerable effort to make it in this industry. Learn the truth about trucking from a veteran truck driver and discover the rewards, challenges, and lifestyle of this career.

This article explains why it is better to stay a company driver than to become an Owner/Operator. It outlines the risks of leasing a truck, the competition in the trucking industry, and the profit statements of large carriers.

Old School, a top-tier truck driver, shares his experience of how he increased his pay by taking initiative and planning ahead. He was able to get dispatched on loads totaling over 5,000 miles in one week. Learn how to become a successful truck driver by understanding the log book rules, managing time efficiently, and being willing to make sacrifices.

Being an over-the-road truck driver can be difficult, especially when it comes to homesickness. Learn how to cope with the emotions and mental challenges of this career and stay focused on your goals. Find out how to make the most of your time on the road and at home.

Discover the secret to success in the trucking industry: having a great relationship with your dispatcher. Learn the key ingredients to having a great relationship with your dispatcher and be successful in the trucking industry.

Truck driving school is only the beginning of your CDL training. Learn how to pay your dues as a rookie truck driver and how to handle a difficult trainer. Get tips on how to make it through your training period and be successful.