Tag Archives: truck driving lifestyle

A Driver Trainer’s Perspective: Some Helpful Tips And Observations For Student Drivers

Being a CDL instructor or a driver trainer is a very unique experience. I learned more about truck driving over the past 4 weeks than I have in the previous three years combined. It was an amazing learning experience for me. Here are some of the highlights I learned along the way. Continue reading

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OTR Training- Week 1: Patience and Perseverance

Becoming a solo truck driver is one of the hardest things I have ever done in my life, and I have done some hard things. CDL training will test you in so many ways, and it will go far beyond your ability to drive a truck. Continue reading

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What’s A Tough Day Like In The Trucking World?

So what’s a tough day like in the life of a trucker? Well, if you survive it, it’s not as bad as it could have been. But let me tell ya, sometimes everything seems to go wrong! Continue reading

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My First Time Driving A Rig Through The Big Apple

I have only been on the road driving solo for a short time now and I had to go through New York City recently for the first time in a big rig – and what an adventure it was! Continue reading

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On The Road In Training: There’s Been A Lot Of Ups And Downs

Well, I have been out with my trainer for a week and a half now and it has definitely been a roller coaster ride. I am learning new things every day, and every day our trainer expects us to do more and more on our own with little or no guidance from him. I feel I have progressed quite a bit, but feel as tho I still have a long way to go, especially since I only have 3 more days with my trainer. Continue reading

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On The Road In Training: Doing Things For The First Time

In my first few days out on the road with a trainer everything is going great. Everything is brand new to you at this point – even my first truck stop shower! I had no idea how that was gonna go! Continue reading

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My First Days On The Road With A Trainer

We completed orientation and I got a call from the company that there was a trainer available to take me so I headed out on the highway for the first time! Here’s how it went… Continue reading

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The Science of Truck Driving

From truck driving school to orientation to working with two different finishers and getting out on my own, I am not saying that I am anywhere close to understanding this complex science, but this familiarity was the place I was hoping to reach when I set out to become a truck driver in early April. I wanted to be alone and feel like I had some kind of base to work from. Now I am finally alone and I am very glad to be here. But there’s been a lot of tough lessons learned and near misses. Continue reading

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Losing Weight As A Truck Driver

Losing weight as a truck driver is a very difficult thing. Actually, what I should say is gaining weight as a truck driver is very easy! But after putting on some weight initially, I took off and now I’m in the best shape of my life – without exercise! It was really a pretty simple plan – here’s how I did it. Continue reading

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When Will I Know If Trucking Was The Right Career Choice?

Truck driving is one of the most unique jobs and lifestyles you’ll find anywhere. It’s also one of the most demanding, and trucking certainly isn’t for everyone. Everyone faces tough challenges and almost everyone questions whether or not becoming a truck driver was the right thing to do. How do you know when you’ve seen enough? When do you throw in the towel and say “Wow, this isn’t for me!” Read on and we’ll help you understand what you’re facing and when enough is enough.
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Bad Directions, The Wrong Entrance, and A Coon Dog Cemetery

The first delivery of my first full solo week was to Simpsonville, South Carolina. This one, thankfully, went very smoothly; the directions were accurate, it was easy to get to, and they had me unloaded quickly. This trend, however, would prove to be of the one-in-a-row variety and I came across some odd sitings! Continue reading

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A Humbling Adventure: My First Delivery Driving Solo

After saying goodbye to my trainer, it was time to set out on my first solo run. And what an adventure it turned out to be! Continue reading

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Questions and Answers for a Truck Driver

Recently, I was contacted by an individual who is interested in becoming a truck driver. He asked me several questions about the trucking industry and about my job. I thought they were excellent questions and decided it would be great to share on my blog for any of you interested in becoming a truck driver. I hope this helps answer some of the questions you might have! Continue reading

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On The Road In Training With Ringo Part 2

The first couple of weeks on the road driving flatbed were hard, because my body was not conditioned to this pace, this type of work, or these long hours. I lost most of the feeling in the tips of my fingers, and I had aches in places where I would have sworn I didn’t have muscles. Continue reading

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My First Year as a Truck Driver

Wow, it’s hard to believe, but I’ve been at my current employer for 1 year as of today. I began Truck Driving School in January of 2009, completed that in February of 2009, and was hired on in March of 2009. This post will simply serve as some observations that I’ve made as my first year of a truck driver. Continue reading

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