Single Most Important Trait Of A Successful Truck Driver.....

What do you consider to be the single most important trait that a successful truck driver needs to have?

We are going to get a lot of different answers and there is no wrong answer if you agree with me... LOL

For me, the single most important trait that a truck driver can posses is rare in a lot of people, including the general public. And that trait is patience.

You must have patience in dealing with traffic, shippers and receivers. Most importantly, you must have patience with yourself. So what if you don't get that trailer in the hole on the first try? The key is to not get frustrated and don't give up. If other trucks have been able to put a trailer in there then you certainly can.

All you new and potential drivers, remember, it is not a race. Once you lose your patience, you also lose some factor of safety. The thing is that mistakes ARE going to happen. You are going to make wrong turns etc. just keep your cool and everything will work out.

Now if you hit a bridge that says it is 11'4" and has flashing lights AND is painted to look like the mouth of a shark, you have other issues. Lack of patience may be a contributing factor causing you to make a poor decision to duck when you go under (or attempt to)it.

Common sense is a must...

Humility and respect would be two traits I believe are both necessary and beneficial.

I don't know how to sum this idea up in one word, but maybe "versatility?" "Adaptability?" "The capacity to roll with the punches?" You get the picture.

I don't know how to sum this idea up in one word, but maybe "versatility?" "Adaptability?" "The capacity to roll with the punches?" You get the picture.

Heart

Crazy.

I've told my DM before that this job takes a great deal of flexibility.

Pickups "not ready till tomorrow". Dispatched to a pickup that did not exist for the shipper. Last week, a delivery 130 miles & another state away from what even was printed on the bills. The usual traffic jam you get stuck in. The usual traffic jam you feel so smart because you got off in time to take the US highway going the same direction.

Starting your 10 hour break at 4pm one day, then two days later starting it at 11:30 am to match your travel and appointment.

Yeah, the Trucker Life - never the same twice.

You guys and gals apparently did not read the second paragraph...

If you think about it, all of these other traits come with and from patience. Common sense comes with patience, humility and respect stem from having the patience to keep your cool. Adaptability comes from being patient enough to not get yourself in a deeper hole. You put down the shovel and assess the situation instead of trying to dig your way out.

As for crazy, that comes from being certifiable.

All you new and potential drivers, remember, it is not a race. Once you lose your patience, you also lose some factor of safety.

Exact description of what happened to me when I hit that truck with my tail swing. Got mad about a poor set up, and rushed right into that poor defenseless Silverado.

Patience is not only a virtue, but a must..

I've told my DM before that this job takes a great deal of flexibility.

Pickups "not ready till tomorrow". Dispatched to a pickup that did not exist for the shipper. Last week, a delivery 130 miles & another state away from what even was printed on the bills. The usual traffic jam you get stuck in. The usual traffic jam you feel so smart because you got off in time to take the US highway going the same direction.

Starting your 10 hour break at 4pm one day, then two days later starting it at 11:30 am to match your travel and appointment.

Yeah, the Trucker Life - never the same twice.

If you did not have the patience, you would be in the dispatch office going postal on them.