Many drivers get one year of experience and their self-importance causes their attitude and performance to go South. Here's the trap and how to avoid it.
Many new drivers shy away from a company that makes new drivers run team with their mentor during training. There's no reason for concern. Here is how it works...
I went through a lot of difficulties at the start of my trucking career. I hope to show you can still succeed and enjoy this career even after a rough start.
Truck driving is one of the best paying blue collar jobs out there, but you have to know what it takes to make great money out there. Let me explain...
I've faced sexual harassment in trucking. I handled it well and made it through unharmed. Here is my story and some advice for women drivers.
Burnout or homesickness can kill a truck driver's motivation. Here are some helpful ways to manage your time and keep yourself motivated out there.
Everyone thinks you'll just be a faceless number at the mega trucking carriers. I'm proof this isn't true. Here is why they know me at my mega carrier.
Forced dispatch means a driver can not refuse a load assignment. Is this fair? Should a driver have that right?
Do you know what it takes to be successful in trucking? Are you willing to compete? Are you capable of performing at a high level? Here is what it takes.
It's not a huge stretch to compare the trucking industry, a completely performance based enterprise, to the business of professional sports.
Truck driving is far more difficult and complex than people expect. We asked experienced drivers what the biggest surprises and misconceptions are about this career.
If you want to be at the top of the pay list you're going to have to earn it. Here are some strategies for getting more miles and making more money.
If you're attending a company-sponsored training program you need to understand the nature of the selection process. Here are some important insights.
Getting as many miles as you can handle as a truck driver means learning how to manage your clock and take initiative.
At TruckingTruth we're always telling you that you control your own destiny in trucking. Well a big part of that is getting the right people on your side.
For truck drivers, life on the road is a roller coaster ride that can send you off the deep end. Here's a couple of common mistakes I hope you can avoid.
As a rookie truck driver you're going to face enormous challenges and be tested continuously. I learned a great lesson about how tough CDL training can be.
With all of the negativity surrounding the trucking industry, how do you choose the right company to work for and what do companies look for in a driver?
Lack of communication between truck drivers and office personnel has always been a big issue in trucking and here we talk about some causes and cures.
Many folks come into truck driving believing they should be treated like gold without having to prove themselves first. That's simply not how it works.
So how does a new driver survive their hectic, stressful, tiring, demanding, and incredibly challenging first 6 months on the job? Here's my advice...
Home time is precious to an over the road driver and their family, and it's painful when it gets cut short by an unexpected call from the company.
What rights do truck drivers have? Here’s a brief overview of some of the common issues drivers face with their bosses, and the remedies they can seek.
After a major mistake on my part, I found out how far a great attitude and hard work can take you, and how great a 'starter company' can treat you after all
Being a CDL instructor is a very unique experience. I was amazed at how much I learned myself. Here are some of the highlights I picked up along the way.
CDL trainers have a vast array of personalities and techniques for training students. Here are some personality types you'll find and how to deal with each
I got out of the trucking industry back in 2009. Almost two years later I'm ready to get back in but I'm facing a few hurdles along the way.
After completing orientation with my first trucking company it was time to head out on the road with a trainer for the first time, and away we went!
I'm finishing up CDL training with a trainer who screams in tirades and I've had to try to deal with it. But finally, the showdown between us occurred.
You meet a lot of crazy characters in trucking, and my finishing trainer is off the charts. This guys seems more like someone you'd find in a movie.
Company Sponsored CDL training can be a lot like boot camp. Prepare to have your self worth, dignity, brains, abilities, and patience tested.
I've completed my first year as a truck driver and here's a rundown of some surprises about the job and the lifestyle of an over the road trucker.
The Qualcomm has directions to customers for truck drivers, but often times the directions are wrong and nobody seems to care. Here's what happens.
Recently a student truck driver discovered that the trainer was smoking pot in the truck while the student was driving. How should you handle this?
Truck driving is not an easy career, and I got into it because I needed to make a better living. Now it's gotten old, and I'm looking for a way out.
I thought I'd share a few of my initial impressions of my early truck driving career, having experienced it for 6 months now. It's been incredible!
Wow, it's been two months since I hit the road with my trainer. I'll share a few of my thoughts on how to survive your trucking company trainer.
After getting my CDL and going on the road with a trainer, my training time is up and there are no job openings right now. I'm going home.
Since my last trip in the big rig went so well, Karma had to balance itself out. And it didn't waste any time either! This last trip was crazy!
A lot can go wrong for truck drivers on the road, and sometimes you just have one of those weeks where it all goes wrong!
Many people become truck drivers will false ideas about the truck driving industry and lifestyle. Here, we're going to set you straight!
Truck driving school teaches a lot - but not as much as you may think. The time with your trainer is critical to your trucking career.
Click Anywhere To Close
Did you know you can fill out one quick form here on TruckingTruth and apply to several companies at once for paid CDL training? Seriously! The application only takes one minute. You will speak with recruiters today. There is no obligation whatsoever. Learn more and apply here:
TruckingTruth was founded by Brett Aquila (that's me!), a 15 year truck driving veteran, in January 2007. After 15 years on the road I wanted to help people understand the trucking industry and everything that came with the career and lifestyle of an over the road trucker. We'll help you make the right choices and prepare for a great start to your trucking career.
Becoming A Truck Driver is a dream we've all pondered at some point in our lives. We've all wondered if the adventure and challenges of life on the open road would suit us better than the ordinary day to day lives we've always known. At TruckingTruth we'll help you decide if trucking is right for you and help you get your career off to a great start.
TT On Facebook