Do You Have The Right Temperament For This Job?

You have just had a traumatic experience in your start for truck driving, and I believe you can get through the whole thing

I think you have me confused with Jenn... but thank you so much for the encouragement.

You have just had a traumatic experience in your start for truck driving, and I believe you can get through the whole thing

I think you have me confused with Jenn... but thank you so much for the encouragement.

Oops! Yes I did. Apologies. (I've done worse mistakes on this forum.) But still, don't lose that page!

Yes EROL, you once called me Tractor Man. I did my hair and make up the next day to feel more feminine lol

That's too funny!

Bumping this.

Considering some of the recent posts… what I wrote 5+ years ago still applies. Some of the replies brought back memories.

Looking forward to reading new replies.

There is so much good info in this. I find it interesting what Brett said about "Top Prospects" thats almost verbatim what Knight said was their mindset behind creating the Top Gun program. Im glad that I was selected for it, but it was based on my performance, attitude and how I conducted myself as much if not more than driving. A relatively small percentage of students for both Knight and Swift are chosen to go on to Top Gun and its expected for us to conduct ourselves as safe professionals with leadership and sound judgement that stands out above the rest of the field.

I do have the challenge of working with brand new DMs. Its been working for me, but it takes a lot of coaching. All of the DMs at my terminal are new. At only a year plus a bit, Im still new, but the manner in witch I have pursued my career, how I conduct my relationships as well as how much autonomy I have there puts me in a position of experience there in comparison. My new DM is just starting to get to the point that he can consistently supply me the loads I want, when I want and where I want without as much input from me. I had a much easier time with my previous DMs because they were experienced and one had been a broker for a while, even though he was young. The workflow was quick and efficient and he could get me loads when and where I needed them, every time.

I like the kid Im working with now, and I consider it an investment, so Im very gentle with him and help him. I calculate my hours, delivery and pick up times that will work, logistics and what to reschedule and let him know, usually as soon as I get the pre plan. I also contact the customers regularly, some of which are small farmers and small businesses that I will have routinely. I have excellent customer service skills and communicate well. It serves me well as it saves me time of having to wait for the account managers to do it and relay the info back to the DM. Hes thanked me numerous times as its teaching him what to look at in the loads and what I can get and cant get done. Ive saved his bacon numerous times and it keeps me moving.

Early on, G Town, OS, Brett, all the mods here, said its much more about so many things outside of the driving here that make or break new drivers. I could cognitively understand that in the beginning, but I gain a little bit deeper understanding of it every day. I still have to work really hard, sometimes my attitude slips, I get irritated at various things in the industry. Coming here and getting a does of reality helps put it all in check. I much prefer to have my days go by with a great attitude instead of being angry and irritable at every little thing.