My Opinion On Top 3 Things You Need To Be Successful
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I have only been behind the wheel now going on two years. To say it's kept me busy is a understatement....... but in a good way. I've seen parts of the US I never dreamt I would see.
I'm going to list what is strictly of my own opinion things you will need to be successful in this industry.
3. Don't get mad about things you can't control....... This is a key thing as I see some drivers getting so worked up and mad about things they should be used to by now. Your load will change. The shipper will not take you when you want them to. Traffic. Oh my god the traffic. The list goes on and on. I've known 3 people so far found dead in their truck. One was only 38. Cause was heart related. If you get yourself so worked up over stuff you really can't control this may be bad for you health wise. Things are going to change daily and you must be able to adjust with them. I always tell me self. It's only freight. Things can be so much worse I'm not worried something didn't go my way today.
2. Patience.... this is obvious and well known for the industry. Only do what you feel comfortable in weather conditions or any situation. BE PATIENT. No load matters if you don't make it safely. Don't worry about what others are doing. Just take your time and take care of you. If you are struggling with a back in take a deep breathe.... Check your set up.....take a lap around the building and try again. Don't get frustrated. Frustration will lead to mistakes. Just stay calm. Sometimes easier said than done
In my opinion the number one thing you need to be successful
1. Common sense...... This is critical and surprisingly you will be shocked to see how little some have of it. I assure you with more common sense you would see a heck of a lot less trucking incidents. Don't put yourself in a bad spot you can't get out of. Use common sense. If it looks too tight or something doesn't look right .... Don't do it. I personally do line haul but I have talked to plenty of P&D drivers that see they just can't make the delivery due location and they just tell the customer. I'm right here and can't get to you safely. Majority of times your dispatcher will support you if you explain the circumstances. They won't support you if you have to make the call because you tried and are stuck or hit something.
Like I said I do line haul LTL all over the Northeast and I wouldn't want to do anything else. It fits me and fits my family. I like driving at night and the pay is great.
Sorry I don't get on here much anymore as life just keeps me busy and when I'm not busy. I'm busy being lazy and enjoying the time to just relax. If anyone has any questions about line haul I will do my best to answer when I can. If You feel any of my 3 are wrong ...... well these are just my personal opinions. I promise you. If you don't have number 1 on my list. Don't get behind the wheel.
Stay safe people and just sit back and enjoy yourself. You are getting paid to see the country. Sadly .... mostly at 63 mph or near that but hey.... Would you really want to be doing anything else?
Shipper:
The customer who is shipping the freight. This is where the driver will pick up a load and then deliver it to the receiver or consignee.
LTL:
Less Than Truckload
Refers to carriers that make a lot of smaller pickups and deliveries for multiple customers as opposed to hauling one big load of freight for one customer. This type of hauling is normally done by companies with terminals scattered throughout the country where freight is sorted before being moved on to its destination.
LTL carriers include:
P&D:
Pickup & Delivery
Local drivers that stay around their area, usually within 100 mile radius of a terminal, picking up and delivering loads.
LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers for instance will have Linehaul drivers and P&D drivers. The P&D drivers will deliver loads locally from the terminal and pick up loads returning to the terminal. Linehaul drivers will then run truckloads from terminal to terminal.
Line Haul:
Linehaul drivers will normally run loads from terminal to terminal for LTL (Less than Truckload) companies.
LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers will have Linehaul drivers and P&D drivers. The P&D drivers will deliver loads locally from the terminal and pick up loads returning them to the terminal. Linehaul drivers will then run truckloads from terminal to terminal.Dispatcher:
Dispatcher, Fleet Manager, Driver Manager
The primary person a driver communicates with at his/her company. A dispatcher can play many roles, depending on the company's structure. Dispatchers may assign freight, file requests for home time, relay messages between the driver and management, inform customer service of any delays, change appointment times, and report information to the load planners.