Distracted driving can be deadly. Rookie truck drivers have more distractions than most, often because of anxiety. This is how you avoid distraction and stay safe.
I left trucking after a tough go of it. I had a lot of misconceptions. Now I've returned and completed one full year and I want to share my story.
Is it possible for truck drivers to have good long distance relationships? You bet! But it's tough, and there's a lot to think about.
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.
Most people feel a lot of pressure before the CDL driving exam. We're here to tell you that failing is not a big deal. It happened to me. Here's my story.
Many people want to get into trucking as local drivers, but a rookie driver isn't ready for the demands of local trucking jobs. Here's why you should start OTR.
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.
Getting in a hurry can cost you money, cause you to make mistakes, and possibly much worse. Here are some big benefits to slowing down a little bit.
Trucking is radically different than your average lifestyle. Everything is constantly changing and the challenges are huge. Here are some great examples.
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.
Truck drivers must learn to read every sign on the highway. This article will help you understand how many ways signs are critical to truck drivers.
Trucking requires a much higher level of responsibility and self-reliance than most professions out there. You have to make smart decisions and handle things yourself.
Getting through your first year in trucking is a real challenge for everyone. Here are some of the toughest obstacles you'll face as a rookie driver.
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.
There are four common traps that new drivers fall into, and it often means the end of their career before it really got started. Don't fall for these.
One of the most critical skills a truck driver must have is the ability to evaluate information and make good decisions. Some will even mean life or death.
I am often asked about what it is like to be a woman trucker. It takes a special woman to handle it, but I love it. Here is my experience as a woman truck driver.
Old School wrote an article dispelling the free agency myth in trucking and received an irate response. Here is Old School's reply to the criticism.
Forced dispatch means a driver can not refuse a load assignment. Is this fair? Should a driver have that right?
Most owner operators famously exaggerate their profitability numbers, but a few gave us the real scoop, and here's what they had to say...
Prudence is critical when it comes to surviving your first year as a truck driver, but it's something many people seem to be lacking. Here's a good example.
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're attending a company-sponsored training program you need to understand the nature of the selection process. Here are some important insights.
At TruckingTruth we recommend against becoming an owner operator or leasing a truck. The risks are high and the rewards are few, if any. Here's our thinking on the matter.
What do you have to do when you fail or refuse a DOT drug test? Here is the return-to-duty process explained simply.
The risk, pressure, and sacrifices involved make trucking a tough job but the perks that come along with it are remarkable. Is trucking worth it anymore?
Here's one trucker's story about living the highest of highs one day and the lowest of lows the next. Life on the road is a roller coaster ride.
Watching your mirrors is almost as important as watching out the windshield. If you're watching closely you will almost never be caught off guard.
Trucking companies often make owning or leasing a truck sound like a sure path to riches. But a closer look reveals it isn't nearly that simple.
No matter how well a truck driver plans a trip there are countless variables that will stand in your way. This particular week we couldn't catch a break.
The trucking industry has an avalanche of rules and regulations, stereotypes and expectations for truck drivers to deal with. Here's the reality we face.
It seems like life on the road throws you one curveball after another sometimes. This winter has been tough, with some parts better off forgotten.
We've all pondered becoming a truck driver at some point in our lives. But what is it really like? Would it suit me? Here's a great introduction to truck driving.
After just a short time on the road with my husband I've come to realize that everyday life in the trucking industry is like a roller coaster ride.
Truckers face a litany of challenges on the road every day and new drivers often learn about them the hard way. Here's a few of the big ones you'll see.
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.
Learning to back up a rig is clumsy at best. Nothing about it is easy. Having fun with it helps make learning easier, but prepare to embarrass yourself!
Isolation from loved ones may be the hardest part of trucking. Sadly, returning home may not end that isolation. It may just reveal the worst consequences.
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.
The CB radio is a legendary part of being a trucker. But nothing is funnier than being a rookie and soundling like a nerd amongst the smooth talkers.
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?
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.
Every truck driver fears a family emergency happening when they're out on the road. It's a helpless feeling, and there's little you can do to prepare.
Truckers miss a lot of special events back home and it's tough on everyone. A simple apology or being understanding can help keep the family close.
Life on the road is challenging, and drivers are on tight schedules. But this was one of those days where I made a mistake that made things even worse!
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...
Nothing could be more exciting than climbing behind the wheel of a rig for your first run ever as a professional driver! Here's how it went for me.
It takes two special, committed people to make a long distance relationship work. Trucking is tough on relationships, but you can learn to make it work.
Getting started with CDL training meant a ton of bookwork in the beginning, working outside in temps below zero, and busting up some drivetrains.
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.
Home time for truckers is always special, but it's not always easy to get reacquainted. Everyone has different hopes and needs which can be hard to balance
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.
For a truck driver that CDL is everything. Here is some great advice on protecting that license.
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
Most people get through truck driving school, but others do not. Here's some great advice that will help you pass truck driving school with flying colors.
CDL training is certainly not easy. Here's four main reasons why people tend to fail their training at truck driving school and how to prevent them.
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.
After four weeks on the road with my student, it was time for him to take his CDL exam. We were both very nervous. Testing day is incredibly stressful.
CDL training will test you in so many ways, and it will go far beyond your ability to drive a truck. It will also test your patience and perseverance.
People wonder what life is like on the road for truckers. Well, you certainly have your good and bad days, and here's what a bad day is like...
I've only been on the road a short time running solo and I had my first chance to drive through NYC in a big rig, and what a crazy adventure it was!
Being a safe truck driver is never easy. Predicting what might happen next on the highway takes years to learn and is very hard to teach a new driver.
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.
I recently became a certified CDL instructor and I was given my first students to train on shifting gears. Here's the story, and some advice for newbies
My first ever solo run as a trucker went pretty well, but of course I ran into several issues and learned some good lessons right off the bat.
I've been on the road with my trainer and there's been a lot of ups and downs. We're learning a ton everyday, but it's not easy for me or my family.
After a lot of close calls and important lessons learned, I'm starting to get the feel for driving truck and learning to relax and roll with things.
After attending Optometry school I finally accepted that I was on the wrong path in life. I need a career that suits me, and truck driving may be it.
I finished training and got my first truck. This is the story of my first ever solo run in a big rig, and a tiny rookie mistake that was pretty funny.
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.
One of the students in our CDL training course was sent home today - she just couldn't handle the rig. It certainly isn't easy getting started in trucking.
I've completed my CDL training and I now have my CDL but there was plenty of stress and some rough teachers to deal with along the way - here's the story
Being a professional driver means far more than simply driving for a living. It means maintaining a certain outlook and certain priorities at all times
Losing weight for truckers can be difficult. But if you have a simple plan and stick to it you can be in wonderful health on the road, without exercise!
For rookie truck drivers, time management skills are critically important to making good money and being safe out there. Here are some important tips.
Going through a company-sponsored CDL training program is no bed of roses. Here are some of my experiences and some challenges you can expect to face.
Company Sponsored CDL training can be a lot like boot camp. Prepare to have your self worth, dignity, brains, abilities, and patience tested.
Becoming a truck driver is a big career choice. When will you know if you belong in trucking, or if you should walk away? Read on - we'll let you know
Truck drivers have tough days, and often times tough weeks - especially that first year. This was yet another tough lesson learned early in my career.
After getting into an accident as a rookie truck driver I made a critical error in judgment that could have cost me dearly, but this time I was lucky.
After tarping a load on a rainy day in a muddy mess of a parking lot I began to question whether or not becoming a truck driving was a mistake.
My first full solo week of trucking started out well but didn't continue that way for long. I also saw some very strange sites along the way!
After saying goodbye to my trainer, it was time to set out on my first solo run as a truck driver, and what a humbling adventure it turned out to be!
On the road in training driving flatbed was very rough the first couple weeks. My fingers were numb, I ached all over, and the mountains were intimidating
It was time to take the CDL exam and all of us were very nervous. Most of us failed our first attempt and the pressure was on to pass and get our CDL.
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.
Getting your CDL involves deciding which CDL endorsements to get. Here's a guide to what CDL endorsements are available and which ones you'll need.
An inside look at life on the road from a trucker's perspective.
Before I became a truck driver, there was nothing better than a good snow storm, sliding around in my 4-wheeler. But that was then, and this is now!
CDL training has been more pressure and more difficult than we expected. Getting your CDL is no picnic. In fact, it can be grueling at times.
Over the road trucking will really test your relationship and the time away will magnify any problems your relationship has by a thousand times.
Randy has been on the road in CDL training for a short time and life on the road is challenging. The time apart is tough for us. Trucking is not easy.
After 33 years as a woman in the transportation industry it's been amazing to look back at the journey and how far women truck drivers have come.
Becoming a truck driver is a stressful, difficult process - especially for couples. Here's some advice for couples considering getting into trucking.
This is what I've learned from the perspective I've gained as my husband went through the classroom training in truck driving school.
Your axle weights have to be legal before entering the highway, but what can a truck driver do if you're not sure and there's no scale at the shipper?
A recent announcement by the FMCSA shows that there will be even greater scrutiny for truck drivers and trucking companies coming very soon.
Nearly a week into CDL training and more students are dropping out of the class. It's a fast-paced truck driving school and not everyone will make it.
Well, I spoke to Randy for nearly an hour last night about his first full day at truck driving school, and it was a 12-hour marathon starting at 7 am.
Truck driving school and changing truck driving jobs often requires a trip by greyhound bus. This is one experience you have to be ready for.
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.
Sometimes trucking trips go very smoothly, and others are incredibly challenging. This is the reality of truck driving. Are you up for the challenge?
Trucking driving safety is the most important aspect of life on the road, and safety can be boiled down to one golden rule - lets' see what it is.
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!
I recently wrote 'Truck Driving: An Office With A View' about the beauty this country holds. But out here on the road it isn't always so beautiful.
One thing I wasn't prepared for as a new truck driver is the sleeping patterns. I knew fatigue was a big issue in trucking, and now I understand why.
Trucking is a great career, but that rookie year is a tough one. There's so much to learn and adjust to that many people don't make it to year two.
Truck drivers spend an enormous amount of time alone away from friends and family which can really take its toll, and spells the end for many drivers.
This post is mainly for all of you out there who have never driven a truck before. People always have questions, so this will serve as a trucker's FAQ
My first solo run as a truck driver has been completed, and boy do I have a story to tell. It was eventful and embarrassing, but successful in the end
Truck drivers often have a tough time dealing with dispatch because of misunderstandings. But for new truck drivers it can be even tougher to handle.
In the past few months that I've been truck driving, I've learned one major thing - trucking can destroy you if you let it. So don't.
Backing was a tough issue for me back when I was new to truck driving, and a situation like this one was a nightmare for me!
What separates the best drivers from the rest is handling the toughest situations with ease and staying relaxed. Learning from others is key also.
After many long weeks my CDL schooling is coming to an end and it appears I've landed my first truck driving job. Oh happy days!
The American public sees more and more women behind the wheel of a big rig and they must surely think this is a new thing for women. Not even close!
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.
There’s a comfort in knowing that all is ok while being in the same room with the one you love in total silence. Never forget how lucky you are.
Day four of my journey towards becoming an Over the Road driver was rather exciting. We had a great mix of backing, and some challenging driving.
This last trip was rather brutal. It was adventurous, frustrating, difficult, and dangerous at times, and we even saw a few things we wish we hadn't.
Well, it finally happened. My trainer and I are having truck problems. What a mess. It's getting fixed, finally, but here's what we had to deal with.
Just when I thought it was spring time and there would be no more truckin in the snow, man was I wrong! Tire chains, tow trucks, and more adventures!
I live in the desert. Blowing sand is common, and we have days when roads are closed due to blowing sand, but not snow! Oh man, here comes a blizzard!
This story is based on my life, my emotions and my experience. I know there are “other halves” out there that will be able to relate.
With an Army career behind me and my job being lost to a tough economy, it was time to find a career that I could enjoy - and here's what I found...
Being in training as a trucker on the road isn't easy - but when you add mountains and wrong turns into the equation, it can be terrifying!
After a long day I made it to the truck stop and I was tired. Little did I know, things during the night were going to get interesting!
Life on the road is far more difficult than most people realize, and this letter goes out to all of those who have never been in their shoes.
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!
Truck drivers have a ton of responsibilities when it comes to safety, and patience is key. Here's an example of how quickly things can go wrong.
Many people become truck drivers will false ideas about the truck driving industry and lifestyle. Here, we're going to set you straight!
Back in 1979, two of us were headed to Conway, Arkansas to pick up two brand new buses. We had no idea what was about to happen.
Passing the pre-trip inspection exam is easier for some. But for me, it was rough. Here's the unusual story of how I did it.
Why is it that people want to place the blame elsewhere for their own mistakes. This is one tragic example in trucking.
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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.
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