5 Common Mistakes New Truck Drivers Make (+ What to Do About It!)
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 10 มิ.ย. 2024
- 5 Common Mistakes New Truck Drivers Make (+ What to Do About It!) New truckers can make errors, being new to the job. Being aware of these mistakes is half the battle. Want to know some of these common errors so you can improve your truck driving skills? Watch this video!
PLEASE NOTE: THIS VIDEO CONTAINS PAID SPONSORSHIP ADVERTISING FOR GP TRANSCO.
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Dave talks about 5 of the most common mistakes new truck drivers (affectionately known as ROOKIE TRUCK DRIVERS) make.
1. Misjudging a corner. Swinging too wide, not swinging wide enough.
2. Not getting clear directions to a delivery or pick up. Ensure good directions to avoid getting lost or in an awkward spot where it's impossible to get turned around.
3. Backing up. One of the greatest challenges as a professional truck driver. Some backing up tips.
4. Hurrying. Hurry for no one. Hurrying leads to mistakes. Mistakes as a professional truck driver can be fatal. Take all the time you need to get it right EVERY TIME.
5. Complacency. Experienced truck drivers as well as the new truck drivers can be guilty of being complacent and over confident. Be thorough and 100% focused at all times and never ever take something for granted. Complacency can get any driver into serious trouble.
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Better to swing too wide and people say "rookie", than to hit something, and people say "rookie!"
Some forty years ago when I first started driving an old trucker told me." There are old truck drivers, there are fast truck drivers, but there ain't no old fast truck drivers". Over the years I found this to be true.
One of my first deliveries took me into Chicago and the other drivers were really upset that I kept getting out and looking while backing into a dock. I just tell myself to save myself and I'll never see these other trucks again.
At the end of the day you/your company will pay for damages, not the other drivers. You did exactly what you're supposed to.
You prob will..but OH WELL!!! THEY WERE NEW TOO!!!
Any time there is heavy traffic or I'm in a city I turn off everything so I can focus on everything around me. Crazy can happen in a blink of an eye.
Good Deal!
I pulled out of a truckstop two days ago, and the storm had blown an orange construction barrel right into my path. I stopped the truck blocking part of the intersection, got out and moved it back. Then I completed my turn safely. People were honking but I’m not gonna run over something like that regardless.
Hat's off to all the hardworking American truckers. May the Good Lord watch over & bless you & your loved ones.
Thank you
Man, I'm in my first year and it took me 9 months to FINALLY confidently & easily back into docks & truck stops. I used to intentionally only go to rest stops because I couldn't handle the inconsistency of me backing. Now I rarely have to pull up sometimes. Some things we pick up on at different times.
Not a truck driver, but a few observations I’ve made as a Sale Rep that has driven many interstate miles sharing the road with many big trucks. #1 The vast majority of truckers are great drivers that do their best to be safe on the road! #2 I have yet to meet a truck driver that’s not an awesome person, very interesting to talk to, their smart people that have a lot of time to think about everything, men or women. I love hearing stories about where they’ve been, what they do and the coolest things they’ve hauled. #3 most of us me included owe our jobs to the people that sacrifice their home life to haul what we sale or buy, Thank You Drivers everywhere!!! Remember when it comes down to it, you are the people that make this Awesome thing we call America possible!!!
Here's an extra. Sleep really well. Get a nice hotel room one night a week during your 34. Luxuriate. Treat yourself. DO YOUR LAUNDRY in complete HAPPINESS. Get a NICE (not some cheap motel) hotel, one night, spend the money.
It'll keep you feeling right, feeling good, feeling the Pro that you are.
I use to drive a truck for BN Express and Swift and my biggest mistake in the beginning was letting my nerves get the best of me. I was doubting myself and forgetting what I learned in the 3 week cram session of trucking school and was making mistakes in my backing of the trailer. Sometimes it took me forever to get a trailer in the dock and I would get frustrated. Then one day I relaxed and got determined and when I got to my destination I backed that trailer in perfectly without even pulling up. I surprised myself and from that point forward I never had another problem backing a trailer again.
Always park it when your not feeling it is safe to continue. Such as bad weather. Do not risk your life for anyone.
My very first boss used to say to me, “listen to that little bird on your shoulder.” In other words, if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it!
My boss in the beginning years always said , before taking a chance in any situation ask yourself if it’s worth the “paperwork “ if things go wrong
I found truck driving to be far less stressful if you just ignore the fleet manager...
Good vid, I'd add leave your ego at the door. Slow is safe, safe is fast. Let truckers over when they signal. If they need to get over, there's probably a good reason. I've never seen a wreck that couldn't have been prevented by slower speed and an ego that was checked in baggage. Be courteous out there.
Courtesy is one of the biggest things that can get everyone home safe. No sense in tailgating someone if there's someone else in front of them. Get over when you cleared the slower car. Let others over if there is an obstruction or incident ahead. Don't cut ppl off. Etc etc. Huge one right there
I started driving 2 months ago and at the beginning I was like this is not for me, then I saw this video and it helped me a lot.
Thank you señor 🙏🏽
"Drive your trailer" Learned that lesson delivering a load to McGill University in downtown Montreal after a snowstorm. tried to get directions from onsite supervisor whose english was as bad as my french. Boy that load still wakes me up at night in a cold sweat. Love the video
Complacency is number 1 to me also. I run to Philly from Pittsburgh sometimes, gotten familiar with with 79. I dont care if its sunshine, birds are chirping, and its dry outside. once I hit the mountains its business time for me. I'm on maximum alert. take her slow and steady, I'm not racing to to the bottom. The name of the game is to get home and in one piece ladies and gentlemen.
Getting cocky or lazy is how accidents happen.
Glad you are finally making some bank with sponsorship, you are a mentor to so many ppl in this industry
Hog two lanes if necessary to make a turn.
Double check your handbrake before getting out!
Matt Luszczak hahahaha! Never even crossed my mind. I’m so used to it. Half the time I reach for it in my pickup.
My uncles have a trucking business and they suggested I get a license for semis in case they are in a squeeze. It's a relatively small business with about 8-10 trucks. My dad works for them and he is currently teaching me how to drive. I'm 15 and at first everything seemed impossible. Now I feel like might actually be able to do this.
For sure you can do it and I agree with your family about getting a license. It's a handy thing to have and it guaranties you'll always have a job. Besides all that, I bet you find you really enjoy driving them. I know I do!
I started at about your age. As long as you have that license, if things get tight or you are between, with nothing on the horizon, you can get a job, and put food on the table.
Some of our younger, fresh drivers at work really need to watch this channel.
Backing up is one of the FUNNEST things you can do after all these miles its also the most satisfactory thing you can do and give you a feeling of accomplishment once you bump that dock!
Yup!
you would be surprised how many people in shipping and receiving don't even know how the hell to give you directions to get into where they've been working for 30 years
Damn it, Dave!!! Where the hell was you at when I was a rookie!!! Excellent advise and explanation on what is ment by rookie mistakes. Personally, I think the number 1 rule for anyone, especially a rookie, is DO NOT GET INTO A RUSH!!! Always slow down and think the situation through. But I agree with your 5 think that rookies do to get them into trouble. You always give great advice Dave!!! Thanks for sharing.....
I’ve been licensed 16 months doing local LTL. He’s so right, the first time I watched this I listened to it, now I know it. Every point is so perfect, you newly licensed drivers should be listening to this twice a day minimum.
I have asked other Drivers for Guidance years ago and I found that they did not get upset they was happy to help out another Driver
Good to hear!
Every corner I take I take it wide as possible. If I got 50ft of turning space I’m using all of that 50ft. Make no mistake I only got about 2 years of driving experience but I’ve learned a lot since my first day behind the wheel. Man I remember my first trip to Philadelphia, it was a total crazy affair with all those little streets with parking on both sides.
To many drivers out here don’t wanna hurt their pride with getting out and looking while backing. Man the hell with that, my pride would be hurt so much more hitting another rig or trailer while backing compared to getting out and looking 4 or 5 times. I’d rather get out and look and instead of ripping of someone’s bumper or radiator.
I remember when I first started driving I was always in a hurry not checking my equipment properly or doing a tug test. I’ve had too many close calls and I was done with that. Not any more, I don’t driver like a CR England driver but I’m not running 110+ mph anymore.
But as always Dave, you are the up most respectable driver I know. A true professional! I love the videos, stay safe buddy.
I'm training for my CDL with PAM transport. Blessed to live 21 years, hoping to get a boost in life. I've worked construction, retail, and worked in a van dealership. We are studying our pre-trip inspections currently, my second day of 3 or 4 weeks. I continue to pray and study, thank you for this video.
I just got my CDL training with PAM. Are you a C1 student too?
All true, also watch your fatigue level, stop and rest if that head is nodding, a 30 minute nap will make all the difference. Nothing is more important than your safety and everyone else’s 🇺🇸
I've been driving for 30 years . An I still listen to u an learn. Really good advice.
My dispatcher told me I need to hurry once... haha... once! Hurrying is NOT a part of my job! Safety is!! My answer to him was “I only work in two speeds, if you dont like this one, you sure as hell wont like my other one!!”
Not sure if its taught everywhere, but I was taught “G.O.A.L”... or Get Out And Look!!
Any driver that criticizes another for getting out to look... aint a professional!! Its part of the job!!
Outstanding points. To your point of not rushing. I was drilled when getting my CDL the following:
1. Haste makes waste
2. When dropping a trailer, take a LAP... (1. Drop the landing gear 2. Disconnect air/electrical 3. Pull the pin)
3. When hooking a trailer, call your PAL (1. Check the pin 2. Secure the air/electrical 3. Lift the landing gear)
4. Do not ever deviate from points 2 and 3, and if someone comes to talk to you or something interrupts you, start all over.
In my forty years,I tug tested every trailer and I always went underneath to check the 5th wheel jaws are closed.
Google has a review area for companies. Some driver are posting valuable information about shippers and consignees in the review section.
I been driving 8 years and still learning...thanks for always teaching sir💪
Learn how and when to say NO ,,, saves so much time and heartaches or heartburn
Lol, Tums
On number 3, another helpful tip there with backing, is to get someone you think you can trust as a spotter. I don't want someone telling me which way to turn the wheel, I think it just confuses me, and or other drivers. All I need from them is to tell me if I'm going to hit something. If I'm not gonna hit whatever i'm backing near, I can get it. SPOTTERS, All you need to do is tell me if I'm gonna hit something!
I agree with you can an atlas and cope directions. Another thing I do Dave is I use Google Earth so I can get an aerial view of where it is I'm going if I've never been there before. Also when I do is I will match the shipper is directions with what my GPS is telling me if he's hitting the major routes and some of the major side roads and I'm going to have to take then I'm pretty confident that both are on the same page and I'll be there pretty clearly. Hope things are better with the family day if you've been missed
Notes from my Rookie year 2018-2019
1:00 - I took the space i needed to make the Turn , even if i had to get on the Sidewalk **!@#$% NE Suburbs** and LongIsland is a total Hellzone
4:00 - Most GPS "AKA Garmin" confuse No truck roads with No U-turns and Weight/Height limits and makes you take detours you didn't need.
5:55 - Back-up in a Tandem Axel trailer is easy , But with a Spread Axel won't move the same way and i don't wanna talk about B-trains .
8:00 - The only Truck that's Late is the one you turned over on the side of the road . Even if i double check , Recaps tires are a unreliable bane.
10:00 - The mountain pass , HWY 16 Crossing in the Bighorn National Forest , Between Worland & Buffalo in Wyoming . Don't cross it in winter unless you have death-wish . I came back alive with more Gray hair than i had .
being a beginner trucker the first thing I would tell a new trucker (assuming they have already been thru school) is GET A TRUCK GPS. God that thing is a life saver, and mine has modes like easy, fast, etc. Just set it on easy and stick to the main roads, so what if it takes 10 mins longer, take your time. I got called out of the blue to take a box truck on a few stops and didnt have my TRUCK GPS, regular google maps took me thru some tiny side streets, luckily it was just a box truck. LORD THANK YOU FOR TRUCK GPS!
Yeah, they're an invaluable tool!
That tip that came up on screen about Google Earth was excellent. Those overhead views have saved me a major headache on more than one occasion.
Cornering - so right, Dave! Many rookies swing too wide. Drivers MUST know the turning raduis of the truck. First thing I'd do if I was a trainer - practice with a trainee exercises in the turning raduis - also affecting it are the position of the tandems and the 5th wheel. We'd go over and over again and again exercises, set out pylons. Thats what I did when I got out of training so I could get some real training since trainers wouldn't teach or train at all. One thing that helped me - a dirt lot where I could see the wheel tracks after the fact. Another - practice with a toy truck. Another - take corners very very slowly watching every bit of it with mirrors - cameras - everything. Make it so if you get part-way into it and realize you cant make it - pull out of it - back up if need be - get out and direct traffic if need be - so you can back out of it or go straight until you can make it with more room. Cars are surprisingly understanding, patient, tolerant. Another thing - Dave's right dont rely solely on GPS - not even one made for a truck. Get a map, an atlas of places you frequent - plan your route in advance with maps and the internet. Get on-line and carefully plan your trip so there are no surprises, no need to turn around or do a u-turn or run up against a low bridge. One thing drivers must do - know beforehand if the need to swing left to make a right turn - thats where the net comes in handy - they have all kinds of views on Google maps that help - you may have to make your move 100-200 feet in advance of the corner that may be blind to you. One thing you must avoid at all costs - cant make a turn but cant go straight either b/c the road narrows - too narrow for a truck. Cant do a u-turn. Screwed. Catch-22. You simply MUST plan the trip in advance using the net so that doesn't happen.
One thing that stuck with me from Driving School to get my license that one of the instructors said... We aren't "truck" drivers. yes you drive the truck but you're really driving the trailer! So we're "trailer" drivers.
I'm going to write these down and laminate the card to keep it with me, Super advice, thanks Dave and Catherine.
Great video as always and I love the stories about the "Lettuce King"!! One other point that I would like to make is doing a "tug test" when hooking up to a trailer!! Just because you hear a "click" does not mean that the locking jaws are completely closed!! I dont see a trailer falling down to often but it will save a headache and unnecessary stress on a driver when it happens!!
Lol male receptionist drives a Prius lolllllll 😂😂😂
Great advice:-):-) schools will teach you that you have to keep the trailer as close to the right curb as possible on a right turn. I swing as wide as I need and watch that no one is trying to sneak by. And if oncoming cross traffic is to far forward, wait till they clear
I’m a new driver and all I heard day in and day out was SLOW DOWN. Now I double, triple, and quadruple check everything.
As far as complacency. If that truck is in 11th or 10th gear or lower, the radio is turned way down or off completely and any phone call is put off until I’m stopped or rolling down the interstate
I was criticized my instructors because I started off taking my corners big :) lol but I never hit anything
Old guys that taught me always told me " take as much room as you need"
WONDERFUL Advice, sir! Not just for newbies, but, every single trucker out there. It's easy to relax too much and make a stupid mistake. You likely saved at least a few of those from happening. Many thanks!
Double check the Consignee address on the BOLs. Learned that the hard way. I had a load delivering to South Dakota, and the shipper loaded me with a load going to Pheonix... So, I ended up going the long way to Pheonix, AZ from Dallas, TX via Souix Falls, South Dakota.
Years ago on my first trip to Oregon it was so foggy and I went down Dead mans pass without even knowing i was on it. Thankfully I was going slow enough, but not at the recommended speed for the weight. Thank God I made it safely.
Like a 50 million dollars in cash (Yeah! Imagine) - time is a precious resource, information is a precious resource. Information on time - is priceless! Thank you for all the information you giving us!
Thank you Pavel!
This is my third year of driving, and my third time of watching this video. Now, with a small bit of experience, I can see how much value there is in these lessons. BTW, since I haul to grain terminals a lot, I usually have the CB on and visit with the other drivers as we're waiting in line. If I ever hear a lot lizard on there, I'm going to remember that Lettuce King story.
Man, we laughed our tales off over that one!
Hey Dave, just want you to know that what you’re doing for us is AWESOME!! Please keep up the good work! I legitimately watch 4-5 videos of yours during my study breaks and jot down all of this info into my notebook for future reference. I’m heading to CDL school later this month, so all this info is super helpful!! Thanks again!!
Good information here. I work night shift construction zones hauling asphalt to the lay down machine dumping on the move with flashing lights every where and traffic moving in the open lane usually way to fast. I tell the new guys all the time "the hardest part of this job is learning how to breathe"
Great advise from an old sage. I remember a few things I was taught by an excellent trainer. One was how to Button hook. and to remember it takes the trailer at least 10 ft to respond to every input/correction you make with the steering wheel. I never had a problem navigating with a Rand McNally and a Truckstop Guide. Pre GPS. Back in the day you called the shipper/receiver and they would give you the directions and the cool ones had automated service that would guide you in from whatever direction you were coming from. As a rookie I had anxiety about backing up and my trainer caught it. I would be backing up feathering the clutch and my leg began shaking. He strongly believed in GOAL. He made me get out, ck the hole and do another lap @ the rig to calm down. Another lesson was to shut everything off that could be a distraction and ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN! He used to beat that into my head because even though you made your set-up, GOAL something may happen behind you and having the window down will let you hear someone yelling or a horn blare. To me it is common sense today, back then it was valuable lessons learned. I miss that guy!
Guy that trained me. Was ordered by the Police in NYC to run over the hood of a car that was parked infront of fire hydrant/corner. Took his tandems over the hood. Told to “drive on”
Remember spacing changes. Where your tandems are matters.
Are you sure there is enough room to open doors when you are between two in use loading docks?
Thank you. I'm in my 3rd week of six weeks of OTR training and appreciate the refresh...Keeps me focused on what's really important versus trying to remember everything all at once!
We did 100% when we did our IT we went hard on the computer and took precautions was focused now I have to go back to my 42 year old life
Maybe the children of the world can choose to use. Thanks for showing us a little of your life.
As a driver for 25 years that's the same advice I would give new drivers. Great talk
I’ve been watching ur videos all day I can say u sir are a great blessing to us young truck drivers my dad is from ur era of trucking I’m 31 been driving since 21 I’ve done almost everything flatbed lowboy oversized heavy containers Dry van now I’m currently local doing dump trucks but I’ve been almost everywhere in the USA 🇺🇸 driving my dads trucks with my my younger brother and I can honestly say ur videos are great keep it up I love them very Accurate and professional
You are terrific. I'm not a trucker, but a boater. Some things you mention like slow down, don't rush, double check everything applies to boating (almost any size, and any type, sail or motor).
Another thing I see with other idiot car drivers is trying to squirt in to the right or curb, as the truck driver has moved over to make a right turn. When I cycle, I"m one of those weirdos who hold back and wave to the truck driver that he's clear to turn (and there's lots of room for me to go through). Must be one helluva job manoeuvring those things around the city, so being a jerk sure won't help them!!!!
(Thanks for shipping all those goodies everywhere.)
Dave I've been driving 30 years your rite on
Speaking of Chicago, avoid KR Drenth Trucking at all costs
I chose to become a truck driver, took 2 years but now few months later in 2nd job (first one was ended due to argument between customer and company i worked for), I still prefer take things calmly, not try hurry. I got timetable I've done for my route, but it has 2-3 options in case of an delay or extra pickup requested.
Mistakes I've done has been driving very tired, however I had lot of spare time so I drove to my next spot, took nice 20mins nap in the truck to refresh myself before moved to load in goods. I figured out my sleep had caught attention of some people but to me, i rather sleep few minutes to gain back strength, than drive entire day dead tired, risking i get into accident. Never can be too careful, specially around here with some people trying insurance scams.
Exactly right! Never can be too careful!
Excellent tips Dave. Thank you for all the videos full of information. Stay safe.
Its a lot of less embarrassing to get out 25x vs causing damage to persons or property.
I still do that even if there's alot of people around, ill never forget when i was a rookie and just barely tapped a wall backing up and completely knocked it over
I was told that when I graduated CDL school this past April. The people around you getting impatient and angry are not going to have an accident on their record for what you hit.
Thank you for the shoutout! Great episode.
If you get out and check will make a hero when you get in without hitting something.
Your videos are very informative thanks for taking the time to inform new drivers of the perils and trying to guide new truckers to having a positive career
I love your videos. Always a good refresher for me. I’m still guilty of these at times when I know better. Always good to be reminded!
I can’t thank you enough for the effort in creating these videos 👍 you have my respect.
Thanks for your time and yes it’s very helpful.
Thank you Dave your advice and things to consider, I have adopted these 5 tips as my own to work by, this is priceless wisdom
Thanks for sharing your knowledge with everyone Dave.
No doubt,you're the truckers Godfather.
Best advise I’ve given myself treat every turn like it/ my last , and BE PATIENT Be alert, and be smart !
Awesome for a new student will play this over and over again.
Thank you for sharing all of that information! I really enjoyed that video! Please keep it up?
A paper notebook for a check list is great for remembering too..
I’ve been driving trucks for 2 years so I’m still a rookie, these videos are great, I like to know what stuff to watch out for and to pay attention to before I do it! Keeps me thinkin
Thank you for your knowledge, I’m getting back into trucking & I really appreciate your channel! Everything you talk about & relay to us subscribers is very helpful. Keep up the great work n thank you for your service.
Thank you sir.! Very helpful and life saving. Be blessed
This is "experience" talking and even thought i am not a truck driver myself , i appreciate him talking like that because one day it can save my life or someone else's life just because some "rookie" took the time , watched this video and was better prepared , proactively thinking and payed attention !!!! Thank you kind sir for your contribution !!!!
You're spot on with the mistakes. You definitely know your stuff.
As a newbie on the road I appreciate your viedos!! My training was really fast everything was rushed im going to take my time and learn safely as I go much needed excellent advice! Thank u:)
Im going to school the week after next and glad i watched your video you inspire confidence
Love this show. I have been driving for 3 years and I like my bread run I have now but I run out of a remote domicile and I miss the relationships I had with veteran drivers at the company terminals. This show kinda helps fill that missing interaction. It is like I am in the dispatch office agian picking the brains of a couple old pros and getting to hear some great stories as well.
Thank you for this advice!
Such good advice!
I am a Driver Trainer and you gave me a few good tips for my students. Actually, I will send them this video Thanks again!
I've only been driving for 8 years and I agree to absolutely everything that you say there,,, yeah now I can look at a turn and say, "yep I can make that, it will be tight but I'll make it" then I just go real slow, I don't care if it's holding up traffic!
That's a super funny story about the Lettuce King,,, that guy must have been a little off his rocker! I say that in a nice way..... Stay safe driver's! And God bless!
Thanks Sir! Great and so practical advices! Greetings from NC👋🏿
Appreciate your advice and expertise
Been a teamster local 282 Ny fifteen years now everything you say is on point !!!
Thank you, sir I appreciated the advice, and I'm getting reading to hit the road for the first time as a truck driver.
Best Advice - Pure Knowledge from a Veteran, Than you Sir !!
This is the reason I subscribed. I wanted tips. I am a new driver. 13 months and these tips will definitely help me. Do more educational vids like this. Thanks
so nice a person like you helping new driver not laughing about then i’m a new drive and i believe better asked before not after you have a problem