Enduring The Rookie Treatment In Trucking
Over the years I’ve seen a million new guys and gals come into the trucking industry with not only the wrong perceptions of what the trucking industry is like, but with the attitude that everyone better treat them like kings and queens and roll out the red carpet or they’re outta here - and I’ve seen a lot of em get outta here in a hurry. I’m not sure where the mis-perceptions come from or why people expect to come into the industry with both guns blazing and ready to call all the shots, but as is our mission here at TruckingTruth I’m going to try to clear things up for the new guys and gals to help you avoid some pain.
Trucking Is All About Liability and Risk
First of all, please understand something. In our society, as you well know, you can pretty much get sued for everything you have if you sneeze in church. Can you imagine trying to own a trucking company? These larger carriers have teams of lawyers that stay in court every day of the week fighting battles. Everyone is out to get em. So companies are looking for people they are hoping will be trustworthy enough to make smart decisions out there on the road and keep everyone safe from harm. So if you have a bad criminal or driving record, including felonies, theft-related misdemeanors, DUI’s, and reckless driving tickets for speed in excess of 15 mph over the speed limit, it is quite likely you will have one hell of a time finding work.
Even with a good background record, how does a company know if they can trust you? Well, you’re going to have to prove it. You’re not going to come into the industry and be handed runs from a company’s prime customers, nor are you going to be handed all the gravy runs from Dallas to Orlando and back. You’re going to have to put in your time and show that you are safe, reliable, and have a good attitude by being cooperative and patient when you’re out there. And let me tell you something, these companies are going to push your buttons a little bit to see what you’re made of. You’ve earned no special privileges, and you’re not going to be treated like a king, and yet you’re still going to be given a lot of trust up front. The rest you will have to earn.
Handing You A Beautiful Rig and a New Career
You’ve completed your training and you get hired by your first trucking company. Man, that company is taking a massive risk. You’re not a good driver, and won’t be for a couple of years at least, if ever. You’ve proven nothing to no one, other than the fact that you can memorize some test questions and a few backing maneuvers to pass a simple CDL test. That, and your background check is all you have to offer. So what are they offering you in return? Everything.
The liability risk these companies are taking with you is enormous. It may seem like you know a lot when you come out of CDL school, and even more once you complete your on-the-road training, but let me give you a hint - don’t ever speak those thoughts out loud - especially to an experienced driver. Soon enough you’ll have some experience under your belt and you’re going to look back and realize that it’s a miracle than any rookie gets through the first year safely. I look back on my career, and I feel that way myself. We all do. So from day one, consider yourself privileged. You’ve earned nothing, and you have almost nothing of value to offer, and yet you’re being handed the keys to a big, beautiful rig and heading out on the highway with a brand new career. continue to page 2 –>
We put many thousands of hours into presenting this information for free. Becoming a fan of ours on Facebook (see the "become a fan" button on our fans box on the right), leaving comments, and sharing our site with the Facebook, Digg, and StumbleUpon communities would be a great way to thank us and a really big deal! We appreciate it!
| Share | |
StumbleUpon! |
Last 5 posts by Brett Aquila
- Regulation and Scrutiny Of Truck Drivers Increasing Steadily - October 27th, 2009
- New Truck Drivers: Beware of Rocking The Boat - October 18th, 2009
- Trucking Safety: What Exactly Is The Golden Rule? - October 1st, 2009
- Truck Drivers Must Be Flexible, Committed, and Adaptable - August 5th, 2009
- Hiring In Truck Driving and Today's Economy - July 3rd, 2009
Pages: 1 2
Share on Facebook
It has been mentioned that if you had a DUI you can forget about driving. Does that include 20 years ago???
Hi Shelly.
There are some companies that have a ban on hiring any drivers that have ever had a dui, but many companies require it be older than 7 years. It will be tougher having that on your record, but certainly not impossible.
I think it’s tough when you’re starting out any new career. Making sure you remember your training, and asking questions when you need to is they only way to get ahead! Good luck, and great article.
Mike, yes you have to pay your dues as a newbie, but don’t forget, never let anyone walk all over you or treat you like !!@##$ because you are new. Respect is a two way street and I had to set a few drivers straight with the way they wanted to “discuss” things with me. being new, you need to learn the in and outs at a terminal,some drivers will just as soon talk down to you then to help you out, but stand up for your self. but then again, being new you need to be open to help and not display that ole timer tude with only months on ! or you will be talked to like crap.