Every driver gets stuck in tiny parking lots or on narrow rural roads with seemingly no place to go. Here are my stories of tough times in tight spaces.
Being humble and coachable is critical to success, especially as a student in CDL training. Many careers were cut short by inflated egos.
Team driving sounds like a good idea to many new drivers, but the reality is often far different.
Some drivers get special favors, extra home time, more miles, and better loads than others. Why is that? We'll explain what it takes to get the best treatment.
Trucking involves long days with erratic sleep schedules. Here are some of the realities of life on the road when it comes to getting enough sleep.
Getting through truck driving school and your initial training period can be tough financially. I had huge debts and was in a mess. Here is what I did to get through.
You might think student drivers are the most dangerous on the highway, but they're not. Drivers with some experience are, and here's why.
If I was to give a commencement speech to truck driving school graduates, this would be it. From all I've learned over the years, here is what I'd like you to know.
Everyone is super nervous when it's time to go solo. Here is some great advice and some crazy stories to help you stay calm and be prepared.
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.
Most people believe they should move on to greener pastures after one year with their first trucking company. That notion is completely false, and here's why...
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.
Going through paid CDL training is stressful and challenging. Here is what it's like and what you can do to help your chances of success.
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.
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...
Is shifting gears an essential part of being a real trucker? Aren't you a little less of a trucker if you're driving an automatic? Is this important in today's industry?
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.
Top level truck drivers handle their job like great business owners. They apply the same principles while making big efforts and sacrifices in order to succeed.
Trucking is radically different than your average lifestyle. Everything is constantly changing and the challenges are huge. Here are some great examples.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Choosing the right trucking company is not the key to success. Being a great driver is. You'll be happy anywhere. Here's what it takes to make it in trucking.
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.
A really good trucker is a Superhero in my estimation. They do things that most people are completely incapable of.
A Top Tier Driver is an elite professional who is in high demand and makes great money. What makes them the elite? Find out here.
Pulling a chemical tanker is dangerous business. How dangerous? Does it pay more? Is there a lot of manual labor involved? We'll cover it all.
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.
Is becoming an owner operator really a step up in your trucking career or are you walking off a cliff? What is the pinnacle of success in trucking?
Even professional drivers get angry with other drivers sometimes. You have to keep it under control. We'll explain the dangers of road rage and how to prevent it.
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.
Going on the road with a trainer or going solo is stressful and challenging, but exciting. Here are some important tips.
Trucking is so much more than a job. It's a career and an adventure that demands so much and yet gives back even more.
Some prefer driving at night, others during the day. So what's the most effective strategy for truck drivers? Check this out.
Getting as many miles as you can handle as a truck driver means learning how to manage your clock and take initiative.
What do you have to do when you fail or refuse a DOT drug test? Here is the return-to-duty process explained simply.
How do jackknives happen, and what should you do? How can truck drivers avoid locking their wheels and jackknifing on slippery roads?
How do truck drivers deal with homesickness? Advice for truck drivers on coping with being away from friends and family on the road.
What are the best types of freight for rookies to haul? Which should be avoided? Which pay the best? We'll cover it all right here.
Distracted driving is a serious issue that is now defined and regulated by the DOT. We'll discuss the definition, penalties, and risks involved.
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?
Staying awake and alert for long periods of time is critical if you want to be a safe, productive driver. Here are some tips for staying awake longer.
There are a number of things you can do to lower your blood pressure in the short term like leading up to your physical, and long term for good health.
There are many drivers out there today that have issues keeping their blood pressure under control. We'll cover the DOT regulations here.
The DAC report is a background check used by trucking companies to help determine whether or not a driver is a good candidate for hire.
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.
After a month of travelling with my husband who is an OTR trucker we're learning to live and work well together. Life on the road takes some getting used to.
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.
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.
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.
Stereotypes of truckers are hurting your trucking career, even if you don't fit the mold. It's time to step up, take pride, and expect more of ourselves.
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.
Sleep apnea is a big topic in the trucking industry, but is it justified? Or is it a money-making scheme for the insurance companies and medical industry?
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.
After being a solo truck driver for 2 1/2 years I've decided to become a trainer for an old college friend who is getting into trucking. Here's the scoop
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.
We got our first chance behind the wheel at orientation for my new trucking company, which was interesting, but the classroom is information overload!
Today was my first day at orientation for my new trucking company and I was a bit nervous because I didn't know what to expect. Here's how it went.
You never know when a beautiful day for a drive can suddenly turn ugly, as it did for Rhonda in her big rig on a typical summer day in Wisconsin.
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.
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 signed the lease agreement with my company, and for the first time I head out onto the highway in my leased tractor trailer. Now the adventure begins.
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.
To lease a truck, become an owner operator, or be a company driver is a question I've pondered, and I've decided to lease. Here's my 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
For rookie truck drivers, time management skills are critically important to making good money and being safe out there. Here are some important tips.
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 oftentimes 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.
Truck drivers in Europe now must pay to have additional schooling in order to maintain their status as truck drivers. Will this be coming to the U.S.?
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.
I haul car fuel on the night shift in Amsterdam. Not many women truck drivers work the night shift and a lot of people want to know if it's dangerous.
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!
Here are the answers to 17 questions about being a truck driver I'd like to share with anyone who may be interested in becoming a truck driver.
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
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 oftentimes the directions are wrong and nobody seems to care. Here's what happens.
Donner Pass for truck drivers is one of the notorious places in the country for burned up brakes and fatal wrecks. My first time down was an adventure
Truck driving is not just a job, it's a lifestyle, with a lot of responsibility that comes with it. Do you have what it takes? Is it in your blood?
Truck drivers were once known as 'Knights of the Road' and had people's respect. We've lost that reputation, here's why, and here's how we get it back
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!
Controlling costs in trucking is critical to the success of trucking companies, and drivers should be doing their part to help - for their own sake.
Every truck driver will use a Qualcomm, or Omnitracs, to communicate with dispatch, track their Hours Of Service, and find routing. Here is an overview of how the Qualcomm is and how it works.
As a truck driver you have to be on guard at all times. Even when you're doing everything right you never know when someone will do something crazy.
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.
Truck driver appreciation week has come and gone and we've created some reasons why truck driving is so difficult and should be appreciated.
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.
Some days are tougher than others for truck drivers, especially with the amount of traffic on the roads today. Today was a tough day in trucking.
I can't believe my husband's been at truck driving school less than a week, it feels like a month. His CDL training has been fast-paced and tough.
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 - let's see what it is.
It was a sad day driving truck today after finding out some really tough news and being called into work immediately afterwards.
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!
Leaving home is often the hardest part of being a truck driver, especially after the holidays. This time was worse. I had to leave on the holiday.
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.
I make a lot of trucking runs to Dallas, TX, and usually it's a two day affair. I'm getting ready to head out again and I'm hoping things will go well.
Previously I spoke about what truck drivers do on the road that irritates 4-wheelers. This post will help people understand what irritates truckers.
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.
Everyone has their own version of what a truck driver looks and acts like. I was even guilty of that. But once I became a driver, that all changed.
I heard a new CDL student attending truck driving school suggest something to a driver trainer about truckers, and the instructor was not too pleased!
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.
Truck drivers, to me, deserve more because I’m watching them make it all happen every day. Better pay and better treatment from trucking companies.
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.
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.
With the change of seasons comes another area of concern for all travelers of the highways - storms with hail, high winds and tornadoes.
Camaraderie among truck drivers used to be a sacred thing. Understood and appreciated, lived by and upheld. But now, it just doesn't seem the same.
Some days you just know are going to be bad. Today was one of them. Its the last of November and there is all sorts of weather heading our way.
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.
It takes a lot of trucks to keep America going and the shelves filled. Most of us never consider the shipping and manufacturing that goes into it.
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!
So what exactly do a truck driver's duties entail when picking up and delivering loads once they arrive at the customer? Here's an example.
It takes a very unique individual to succeed out here and hopefully this will shed a little light on the traits needed to make it in this business.
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!
So the other night, we get a phone call to pick up a 'High Value Load' from a pharmaceutical company. Wow, what an experience a high value load is!
it's far easier than you might imagine to get the safety records of trucking companies, and these records have a big effect on a company's drivers.
After traveling with my husband in his big rig I noticed that there are a lot of things I'm concerned about, and this is a big one.
DAC reports and your MVR are two sources that trucking companies use to determine if you are eligible. But how does this process work? Here's how...
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!
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!
Whether a trucking company or bus company does proper maintenance is a great way to determine if it's a good company to work for or not.
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.
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.
Truck driving can be an incredibly fun and rewarding career - but it's not easy! Here is one trait you absolutely must have...
After a brutal ice storm swept through the area it was time to get out there and break all of the trailers free from the ice!
A great story from one of our most popular bloggers regarding a bridge that once became attached to her trailer!
I've seen a lot in my 10 years on the road. Some of my favorite memories are of the little things.
I finished my training period and for the very first time I was out on my own in my own rig. It was scary, but I made it through!
First part in a very popular series about finding the right truck driving job and trucking company for new and experienced truck drivers alike.
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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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