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Archive of posts filed under the Career Help, Tips, Advice category.

Randy’s Truck Driving School – Days 18 & 19

I have to admit there have been times, during the first 3 weeks of this experience, where I began to feel that the entire trucking industry might be orchestrated by a bunch of mad scientists conducting some kind of evil psychological experiment. And we (the students, drivers and their families) are their human guinea pigs. ;) Seriously though, it’s been a wild little ride so far, and I’m sure that will continue. Here’s more……

Randy’s Truck Driving School – Day 9

As hard as you think becoming a truck driver will be, it’s even harder. All the stress has made me lose 10 lbs since we started packing for school a few weeks ago.

My Overweight Ticket

Sometimes you’re put in a position as a driver where you just can’t win. One day I was leaving the shipper with a heavy load and was pulled over to see if my weight was legal. Problem was, I never got a chance to weight it myself – they nailed me on the way to the scale. What is a driver supposed to do?

Regulation and Scrutiny Of Truck Drivers Increasing Steadily

The number of Federal Rules and Regulations for truck drivers and trucking companies has continuously increased over the years, along with stricter enforcement both on and off the highways. A recent announcement by the Federal Motor Carriers Safety Administration shows that there will be even greater scrutiny just around the corner.

Randy At Truck Driving School – Day 1

Well, I spoke to Randy for nearly an hour last night about his first full day at truck driving school, and it was over a 12-hour marathon starting at 7 am. Ha, he thinks I’m a genius now for all the research I’ve done!

First Week of Company-Sponsored Schooling

Well it’s Sunday and I have just completed my first week of truck driving school. This is my first and only day off for this week! What a week it has been!

New Truck Drivers: Beware of Rocking The Boat

Recently I heard a story of a truck driving student who was on the road with a trainer and discovered that the trainer was smoking pot in the truck while the student was driving. How did the student handle this? Did it backfire on him? There are some things that everyone needs to understand about the realities of life in the trucking industry.

How a Husband & Wife Became Interested in Trucking – Part 1

Randy and I have been together now for nearly 29 years. When our business began to really struggle due to the economy and our children were successfully raised and on their own, we decided it was time for a change.

I Want Out Of Trucking As A Driver

Let me start out by saying I entered trucking in 2001 because I needed a job. A job that paid a livable wage. So I entered as a warm body that companies put in the drivers seat. My pleas for an office duty/inside job were not being heard. At first this new driving thing was not too bad, but soon the newness and “fun” wears off.

My Recent Trucking Adventures – Quite A Challenge

Sometimes trips go very smoothly, and other times trips are incredibly challenging, like the one I just had. This is the reality of truck driving. Are you up for the challenge?

Trucking Safety: What Exactly Is The Golden Rule?

If you ask drivers what the golden rule of safety is, you’ll get a lot of different answers – and all of them are likely to be important. But let’s boil this topic down to it’s most simplest form – the one golden rule of trucking….

My Truck Driving Career – A 6 Month Review

Wow, I can’t believe it’s been 6 months already. I’ve completed training, and have been on my own now for a couple months. So, I thought I’d share a few of my initial impressions of my early truck driving career, having experienced it for 6 months now.

The Sleep Cycle of a Truck Driver – It Doesn’t Exist

One thing that I wasn’t quite prepared for when I decided to become a truck driver is the sleeping patterns. I knew fatigue was a big issue in truck driving, but now I truly understand why. The long driving hours are only part of the issue…it’s rather complicated.

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. It’s tough in the beginning – there’s a lot to learn….

Truck Drivers Must Be Flexible, Committed, and Adaptable

I recently got a question from a visitor asking about finding part time work in the trucking industry with a company that would have to give him the flexibility to run loads according to his schedule and lifestyle. He has a full time job already that he will likely retire from, but thought it might [...]