What to Expect Your First Year as a New Truck Driver
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 3 ต.ค. 2024
- A new truck driver endures the most challenging part of his entire career, in their first year.
Just a few things the new trucker ought to be aware of, so you know what to expect in your first year.
The pay is often lower than a more experienced driver, the loads dispatched to new drivers aren't usually premium loads, new drivers are often kept out on the road for very long periods of time, and sometimes trucking companies take advantage of new drivers.
This first year may be somewhat stressful, but is necessary to get in hours behind the wheel, and get experience to add to your resume. Trucking companies like to hire drivers with experience, so you may not have much choice when it comes to your very first job in the trucking industry.
After the first year, things should start to get better..... the driver will usually travel with his own company truck, and not as a team member/driver trainer, so become more independent.
The loads will be better and things will fall into place.
If you love to drive, hang in there... it'll be worth it in the long run.
For more information to find out what to really expect from that first year as a CDL driver, check out www.smart-truck...
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New drivers , I've been driving 17 years and I am still learning. He's exactly right . Be patient and courteous. Backing for example ,well we all been there . Heck there are days I can blind side in on one shot and there are days I couldn't straight line back to save my life.. Lol.. If you get frustrated just step away and cool down . And remember the cars that share the road . Keep in mind that's somebody's mom or sister or dad in that car. Don't let your emotions dictate your driving . And don't get overconfident. When you think you have all figured out that's when your gonna f### up and tear something up or worse
Never let your guard down
Howard Joe can you get fired for 2 bent rims in Less then 24 hours
Howard Joe
Still , I meant
In 2019 you will not make great money out of the box the first year. Most companies that pay well require at the very least a year of experience so if you are considering trucking expect to make about $35,000 to $45,000 your first year. You definitely have to pay your dues before you start making descent money. A lot of it depends on your company and how much they can keep you rolling. I am 4 months in and it is very tough being away from family and friends. I am sticking with it because it is a good career and you don’t have to have a boss breathing down your neck. Trucking can be extremely frustrating at times but there is nothing like rolling down a beautiful highway over the mountains in Idaho or Montana or Colorado or Tennessee and taking in the scenery. What a wonderful world I think. Today let’s do one thing kind for someone. Just one thing. God bless America.
I applaud all you truckers out there for the hard work you do. It’s hard enough to drive a regular car in some of these heavily populated areas, but to drive a massive 18 wheeler in the same tight spaces is an art. Not to mention the lifestyle that I’m sure can be lonely and stressful at times. As an American consumer that buys a lot of the stuff you carry from points A-B, thank you for what you do. I always try and be courteous to the truckers I share the road with!
I drove for 32 years. Now retired. After a few years I realized that sometimes YOU HAVE TO SAY NO. There is no load worth mine or any one else's life. According to any dispatcher....the load is hot....and has to be there. And you get there and wait for hours to get unloaded. Back in the crazy days....I would leave home on Saturday night and get back Friday night. During the whole week I might have gotten 10 hours sleep. Running 3 log books, and dodging scales. Today is different. Never let that dispatcher force you into an unsafe situation. Because, when you screw up, the dispatcher will deny everything. Be cool And be safe. They call me Payback on the radio. Peace.
I would suggest that if there is that much distrust between you and the company, it is time to move on and say good bye.
Frank Mills
Most states have laws where you can't record someone unless that person is aware he is being recorded.
Be careful as many states require that the persons is not only notified that he is being recorded but that you have been given consent as well
drayhazel
Actually some do most don't. Most states have laws that say ONE of the two parties needs to know the conversation is being recorded. You can be that one party.
It's legal for the participanting parties to record a telephone conversation in most states.
Not all but most.
Record first and then look up the law for the state your in before telling the other party they were recorded once you find out it was legal.
google maps and google earth helpfull tool for finding locations and google earth shows the layout and entrances.
Ryan P very helpful tools.
I'm not even a trucker, and this is just fascinating to watch. The culture, the vocabulary, and everything else is so cool.
I think so too Brandon! Thanks for following! Dave
Lol right. I’m on a very different career path, but this is interesting.
ALEXIA. I also think so
Big Meat its a part of life. Just because you sit in a truck doesnt mean its easy.
Looks and sounds like a real trucker to me.
Johnny Wayne best American trucker image ever.
For real man look at that pete.
to all your truck drivers out there, you have my respect you give up your lives away from your families to provide for them God bless you all
We do it for the money
the 52 people who disliked this are swift drivers 😂
I bet you're right! Dave
i know your comment is a year old, but what's the stereotype of swift drivers? just so ya know i'm not one.
caleb wondering about swift - are they not good to work for? especially to start out with?
I tried trucking and did it for four months. Even though it was a great job, I was the worst truck driver and I wasn’t getting any better-so I gave up. Kudos to those who do this job well.
Those are some loud a$$ birds in the background.
Braulio Vargas Jr 😂😂😂
Loud ass birds are better than loud ass people
hands down this is the best video I've seen for new drivers,I drove for 25yrs OTR loved it .I cried in that truck two days before having to get out because of health problem,had two heart attacks ,got out end of 2009.I miss it so badly I'm on disability now,good luck to all the new drivers hope u make it and to other veteran divers stay safe brothers.✌👍😃🚛
That sucks, especially since you enjoyed it. I'm seriously considering getting my CDL, I've been doing commercial driving since highschool (just a pickup truck dropping off parts and the like) I've always enjoyed driving and I'm debating taking the next step.
Lord Blackworth just give it a shot ,lifestyle is different you will love it or leave it.
Stick with what you're doing. OTR trucking is a terrible way to make a living. You'll have nothing but stress, fatigue, and home sickness.
Jerry James, I appreciate your service. Thank you, brother.
Jerry James If you don't mind me asking, what was your salary like?
I have been an OTR driver for almost 30 years. It was fun back in the day. Now it's just a job like any other. The difference is you are stuck at the job for weeks on end before you get a few days off. Find local work and live your life.
Completely agree!
I want to be THIS kind of old person
Haha when you mentioned a trainer. Yea...my first driver trainer had an old Peterbilt that was totally trashed on the inside. I had to literally wade through the garbage just to get around the cab and bunk. Turns out, this horrible condition gave me a serious lung infection and I spent over a week in a Detroit hospital recovering. When I got better, the company was compassionate and issued me a new trainer to finish my training. That was awesome. He was super nice, clean, and knowledgeable. Once finished with training, I drove for the carrier another 6 months and then went to Werner running dedicated loads for Forward Air. Man, the miles and money added up quick.😊
Forward Air is a good outfit!
Been driving for 30 years and I'm still learning but it's such great job wouldn't trade it for anything.
Well, because of you, I went and got my class 1, upgraded from the 3 with air I already had. 17.5 months later, I have done ok. ! week with experience, landed a OTR job with a dedicated truck and running single. Left after 3 months to another company and have been pretty much been running super B flat bed since anywhere in Canada between Quebec city and Vancouver. Thank you for all the videos and advice. I have recently even interviewed the interviewer while im being interviewed. Watched most of your videos. Been a great help!
Great advice and knowledge! I am past my first year and I have all kinds of trucking jobs begging me to work for them. Time you put in definately pays off. Love your video ❤
Am a NEW TRUCK DRIVER in September is going be my Fourth month and I face a lot of pressure . Teammate, DM and an others. One thing I realize is that TAKE UR TIME. I made a small MISTAKE and they say it’s ur responsibilities to take ur CDL. So, as he say TAKE UR TIME PLEASE.
Appreciate coach .
trucker or not, I'm not sleeping in the same bed with some dude. I'll sleep on the floor if I have to lol
Cintara Sukapatna , good luck with be😂😂
You won't be sleeping in the same bed lol. You'll probably be sleeping in the passenger seat.
😂
It's gonna to be a bunk
Sleepers are built with double bunks.
I was blessed to have a person that really cares about new drivers learning as much as possible as a Trainer. I couldn’t imagine a situation without the knowledge tools he provided for me while on training. Really great guy that I still call him once in a while. I really hated the pay while training ( $500 per week 😂) however; the good thing is that I saved plenty of money before venturing into truck driving. What I love about your videos is that everything you say I either have experience that or faced it after watching one of your videos, which lets me know you’re the real deal and knows his stuff. Keep the good videos coming please. Thank you.
I’ve only been trucking for 7 years and this guy is definitely someone I would take notes from. Everything is true this guy spoke. Thanks
I started driving a Transit Bus at JFK Int'l in NYC. Then I became a Dispatcher/Trainer. I moved on to the NYC Transit Authority as a Bus Operator in Brooklyn, then Queens. I need to tell You that the Professionalism you displayed in this video was Top Notch. You Sir, are the Real Deal. Enjoy the Rest of Your Life.
Thank you sir, you too! Dave
I would like to take the time to thank you for the informational videos, as I am currently preparing to get into o.t.r. trucking. your videos are best on utube. Your honest opinions, and what to truly expect when getting started in this industry, and tips on how to help us succeed have truly helped me to more confident in my new career choice. please keep up the informational videos, they do help. thank you!
Hey, Thank you! Good luck in your new career. I can honestly say I enjoyed every day of my driving career. Sure there are tough days, but every job has those. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Dave
This is some of the best advice! Especially when you arrive at customers to walk the entrances, never assume anything! Plan plan plan. Look at curbs for evidence of trucks, look for other trucks. If you see other trucks you know your not in that bad a predicament. And stay calm!! Trucking is fun, but you have to have a truckers spirit. 😚
DAVE! 🚚I hope u see this comment. As a 27 yr veteran of 18’s on behalf of all of the rookies, THANK YOU for this vid. You gave them the STRAIGHT SCOOP! I hope they take heed and have successful careers.
Hey Ron, thanks for following!
where is this guy located id love to have him as a trainer
My son started driving Solo about 6months ago he absolutely loves it.He's learned a lot of good info from other drivers. He said that they are by far the BEST. TEACHERS.He plans his trips ahead so he not stuck in some scary space to park at nite. He's averaging 3000 mile a week.and he knows he's not going to be making the big bucks for awhile but he's single and no comments so it's perfect for him.And I don't think he's had to many UGLY LOADS.He hates the short runs most of all.But he LOVES THE JOB and glad he got into it.His dispatcher wants him to become a training instuctor.The company is really impressed with the job he's doing in such a short time.He got a notice last nite that his ITA is at 88% .Oh before this he spent 10 years in roofing construction .making PEANUTS for pay.
+Jannette Becker Good for him! If he's with the right company he'll have a career he'll enjoy for life. Tell him I wish him good luck. Dave
Jannette Becker lies
go down a mountain in a gear that you would go up it in and you will never smoke your breaks
Perfectly said, never heard it said that way...perfect!
Jeff Riles im scared for mountain drives but i also wanna get the experience i need!
No,you're wrong.
I've gone 25 on ceartain parts of the CA/OR mountains and when I'm on my way back and i drive down it feels safe to drive at 45-50 mph and so i do it,Its not what you think is safe it is what you feel is safe.
It's always better to go SLOWER down a mountain than you normally would.. You can go slow down a mountain a million times, but you can only go down a mountain too fast once... cause you'll possibly die.
NO NO NO !!! first one down with flames coming out of brakes gets a free pair of new pants..
The trick is to get your own truck and your own authority, your own trailer and get rid of these dispatchers. When you get your own truck with your own authority, you get to decided what loads you want and don't want. You get a heck of a lot more cash, mainly because there is no dispatcher to take the cut. My dad is talking to guys that's been doing this and they would be earning over 10k a week, no lie. My dad showed me a screenshot of one of his buddies doing a load for 1.5k, easy money
My dad already owns his truck under his own company but he's currently working to get his own authority. With that comes time and patience and it will be difficult the first couple of times but you will get use to it (as they say). He's currently talking with his insurance company to have the proper insurance for it. Once that's over with, he'll wait for 3 weeks (a month basically) and he will have his own authority and a trailer to work with. Then he'll be set.
With the truck industry, you have to fight for your own and part of that is doing your own thing and not having these snakey dispatchers literally taking your cash
Ok
Facts
Very motivating video. Thank you so much. Iam on my second time and I understood and experiencing everything you said. I’ll never give up.
Right now iam typing those lines in Walmart parking because the customer don’t want me to wait in his yard. So he just asked me to drop my trailer and live his yard. It’s exactly 1006pm, and he want me to come back by 430am to see if the load is ready.
Before I make it to his location, I get lost and trapped and some residential area. But as a man I know that the solution is in my hand because iam the one he created the problem. Thanks god ive try my best and made it on time to the customer.
I want to say thank you so much and anytime iam in trouble I’ll remember this video.
Take care of yourself Hope you told the customer you'd be back when you had your ten in and had breakfast and a shower! Dave
This video is exactly what I need at the moment! I'm starting my truck drivers license soon, with all the other licenses/permissions/trainings and stuff (that's what you need in Europe) and frankly, I'm going in blind. All I know is that I enjoy working as a driver above all else I done in my life so far. I just wanna say "thank you!"
My pleasure! Dave
Street view apps, Garmin Or Rand McNally GPS, and a dash cam...life savers! And buy a radio, and turn it up, for the love of god that’s been one of the sole absolute BIGGEST helpful things that I have invested in, plus it’s entertainment while stuck in traffic.
Some companies are putting cameras pointed directly at the driver watching your every move and listening to your telephone conversations. "BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU," even in the cabs of trucks !
+Joe Player I would NEVER work for them. Let the people that monitor those cameras drive the god dam trucks. This kind of shit must stop!
1. Id moon the cameras.
2. Id cover them with tape when I wasnt mooning them.
3. Id cover the microphone part.
Joe Player How do you stop drivers from texting? Backwards camera is pretty much it, or some people will just keep on texting. Plus they like to see your head constantly checking mirrors.
Rookie Freediver I feel like they’d use that against you in the case of some issue. It would make you look guilty
Driving team absolutely sucks. I've done my 8 month contract with CRST and now I am running running running away. They don't care if you abd your co driver don't get along. And most of them expect consideration for their sleep, but do not return it.
Driving team is a tough deal for sure. Good that you are done your training... it's a brutal way to learn and get your foot in the door, for sure.
It was definitely an experience.
JuJo2010
A few years ago when I was working security at a college after my shift was over I talked to a trucker who was parked in the school's parking lot for the night.
He was a rookie truck driver and was going to be driving team after he was trained for the duration of his contract.
The friggen morons that ran that company had him and his trainer hauling guns despite having a no guns policy. (of course most truckers ignore that but he was training so he didn't. I hope hos trainer ignored that policy)
I gave him permission to spend the night in the parking lot of course. I always gave permission to truckers to park there.
Some trucking companies are run by magical f---ing idiots.
I know a fellow who drives team with his twin brother. Funny think is you can never see the two of them at once. I think he has two CDLs so he can do double the hours! They'll catch him eventually.
I'm not driving yet but I have a feeling to make sure not just your safety but also the public safety a must.
*FOR NEW DRIVERS: WHAT TO EXPECT YOUR 1ST YEAR*
The first year of any trucker's career, is a stressful one... filled with challenges and a huge learning curve... there's so much to keep track of and remember.
We go over some of the things you should expect in that first critical year, and some tips and advice to get you through it.
If you were born to drive, hang in there.... it'll be worth it in the long run.
#trucker #truckdriver #trucking
can a person from outside USA go into a American truck driving company??
can you explain how home time works? Like does the carrier let you drive the truck to your house? I am so confused about home time.
Yes or No, if you have tons of money, you are welcome anywhere all over the world regardless of who you are. In United States, if you have, let say $5 million to invest, then you are welcome. They will look at how many jobs you can create in this country, whether a US citizen is a 100% owner or 50%, how long your company plan to stay in here to create more jobs for Americans, etc. I do not know the detail. Consult your immigration lawyer
Smart-Trucking.com what should i expect to make my first year?
Smart-Trucking.com, hello sir, quick question, what is considered a bad trip when you say new drivers get the ugly loads?
being away from home was probably the toughest part of being a trucker when I first started. I hated seeing my wife cry when I had to leave. even if it was for 2 months. I was OTR for 4months and then got on a dedicated acct with better home time through Werner. After 4 years of them I got a Local Yard Jockey job though JB hunt and go home daily. Decent pay for easy work.
Much respect for these truckers; I'm not the biggest fan of driving (mainly because there are so many knuckleheads behind the wheel), so I can imagine how tough and challenging the occupation is.
Don't expect to make over $40k with any of the training companies your first year, 2nd year you should make $70k or more.
You are lucky with all those open roads in USA. I drive a 20t rigid Volvo in Scotland transporting cattle food and machinery and is quite challenging. Narrow places, dirty trucks and ice and rain all the year.
Yup, I heard it could be very challenging over there but i bet you never fall asleep at the wheel from boredom! Drive safe! Dave
Wish I had found these videos a few years ago would have helped me tremendously. I learned the hard way for awhile tell I made friends with veteran drivers.
you should discuss DOT laws. Compliance is a big piece and knowing how to save yourself and the company by properly documenting a pre-trip and other Hours of Service regs. High CSA scores do not look good for a driver or carrier.
When it comes to technology, using a GPS and Google street view are the two best things at my disposal. Not only does the GPS give a general idea of where to go, but the Google street view can give you a better view of the streets to see what obstacles you have to avoid (i.e. low hanging bridges, narrows roads, etc).
+Garry Koalman remember that google street view isnt completely up to date
***** I am about 6 weeks out on getting my cdl, I have three places I am looking at, the biggest one is a trucking company near me and they are union, I also have two family members that work for them and they both have no complaints. I will be getting into flat-bed, my family has all separated, no kids, no wife, the open road is what I am looking forward too.
+Michael Uncapher hows it going 6 months in?
A happy Bambi So far I really enjoy it, I work for a small regional company, I'm learning so much everyday and very happy on the new career.
Michael Uncapher ive never driven a truck before. and in 2 months time i will be 18. one thing that im curious about the parking of the trailers. are the delivery points difficult to park in?
+A happy Bambi it all depends, I pull a 48 split, and with a split most of the load is put on the front trailer axle, a split can't be jacked with a heavy load on or you'll roll a bead or even tear the axle off. I do have a dump valve for the rear axle, this changes the game, you now pivot on the front axle making your turning a bit quicker.
for the most part the backing up will come as you progress, you can hit the same hole 4 times and on the 5th you'll do everything wrong, my first load solo had me backing in blindside parallel that will eventually have a slight radius to your right, take it slow, get out and look, literally, walk around and get the big picture, don't just walk to the end of your trailer.
Michael Uncapher lucky man
I started driving my fathers 18 speed peterbilt 379 when i was 18 with a dump truck license. My father taught me how to drive a tractor trailer when I was 10 and I'm only 22 now and I'm still very good at driving
I'm an excellent driver.
the best city map to get, for Chicago, is the "low bridges" map. Chicago has a lot of low bridges, less than 13 ft.
love this channel 🤗😂😂😂, they give you nothing but the true info.
I really love the idea of being a trucker but I just don’t think I can get used to the idea of always being away from home
Im not telling anyone how to get your cdl. Or what to expect for your first year. This is what I did....
Turned 21(1996)
Got a DOT physical
Studied the book (sorry , no internet)
Took every test possible, all endorsements.
Went to a local driving school that had TT training and signed up for lessons.
Took 3 lessons @ $150 each.
Instructor (retired Maryland state police) told me I could pass the test.
Went to the mva and passed my test.
At that point I got a local job driving a bus at BWI airport. Union job, Signed up for Employee Parking, Im 22 driving the bus for flight attendants and airport employees. I shouldnt need to say anymore. It was fun.
Worked there for a year.
Left there and went to a company that had class B openings that also had tt.
Moved up to driving tt (tractor trailers)
Left there in 2001 and went to work for my current employer.
Currently work Sunday evening through Friday morning averaging 10 hr day, home every morning.
Pulling doubles.
$90k a year!
Good jobs are out there!!!! Train, Play by the rules, Watch your Ps and Qs. Excel!
2
Any New drivers out there download a app called truckers path one of the best tools out there
I like to use google maps birds eye, or mostly my Truckerpath app, to locate my destination....zoom in and get a general feel and idea of where I’m going way before I get there....helps out a lot especially on street view, you can see which gate to pull in, where not to turn, even reading signs posted for the truckers on the fences and sides of buildings, and obstacles such as poles and other crap to watch for before you actually get there.
Also day cab driving companies at $23 dollars an hour are much better than working for a crappy OTR company. Don’t believe those folks that tell you that you gotta go get experience OTR before a local company will hire you. That’s BS. Companies are competing for drivers bc there really is a shortage so don’t be afraid to try some of the local delivery companies. They will hire you. Some will even train you to help you get your CDL and hire you as well.
unfortunately the best pay I received at the huge company I was with was when I went with my trainer. such I horrible experience I was driving solo for 6 months and made about 150 every week after tax and insurance and paying the schooling off. I left and it was a nightmarish 6 month. it's been a year moved to the east coast and found another company pays more then I ever expected and is a fun time. good trucking and be safe. awesome video
thanks for taking the time for making this video fou us newbies, I just got my cdl yesterday!!!
Eric Caro
all sorts of nasty things can happen *heavy breathing behind carmera*
thx for the vid pal, I enjoy learning for ya. Road test on Friday....
Thank you sir for your honesty and sharing
Not gonna lie first year I did awesome! Make 3k miles a week and did a reaet every sunday! Ran between 630-680 miles on the same clock! Never refused to do a load and no matter how late i ran my ass off and for that...dispatch ALWAYS ALWAYS hooks me up! Dont run the north mainly ca-tn lol
Hi, thanx alot for all good info passing on to us. am going for the school next have be thinking abt all this stuff alot. thanx once more for answers
My Acronym: ADR..
Dont get angry..
Dont get distracted..
Dont get rushed..
I'm expecting thousands of hours staring out the windshield wondering where I went wrong in life.
Got a laugh out of me there! Thanks for that!
Top notch advise and driver wisdom. Thanks man.
Eric Grunden Hey Eric, no sweat. I enjoy passing on what I've learned over the years. (Dave)
Great videos. I really enjoy listening to an experienced driver passing on his experiences in the industry.
He said nasty things can happen when you're trying to sleep while you're trainer is driving. Please define "nasty" lol
Oh, & don’t leave your $$$$ on the road, make sure you take it home
roberto linares I worked at a casino and I noticed ALOT of drivers gambles quite frequently
Really appreciate your advice, as I am thinking of making a career change to OTR trucking.
so nice advice. Thanks man.
Thank you sir! Dave
Just turned 21 four days ago and am gonna be getting my cdl in several weeks. See ya on the road.
10 dash 4 driver! Good luck! Dave
I'm in middle school I love learning about trucks you can learn a lot from this and you make a lot of money
I'm thinking of becoming a trucker, I want to thank you for your videos. They've been very helpful. Can you make a video about the 'daily life' of a trucker on the job?
I'll do that! Dave
Well hello Dave I love to watch you, I’ve learned a lot from watching your videos and it shows a lot of trike that a big rig driver should know, weather he be on an ice road or dry road, now here in Costa Rica we don’t have ice roads but we have a lot of rain and floods over the years, wright now we are going through a pretty rough time, almost three months of rain crops are gone bought bananas pine apples and other main products that are main export gain for the country, but my most concern about driving is the amount of rookies that you encounter with that has no respect for others, just look at my truck I just lost a few months ago just because of one stupid gey.
I hear you Luis! Sorry about your truck! Dave
My cat is going crazy listening to those birds in the background but still great video
thank you very much for that amazing and wonderful advice, every word is appreciated may god bless you and what you do.
you definitely have to know how to downshift coming off the freeway downshifting to go uphill when you have a heavy load on downshifting is a good idea use your Jake brake one employer that I work for one of those to come off the freeway without downshifting or Jake brake to lift the motor to cool down and then when you get into the parking lot you can turn it off instead of letting it idle for a long time for it for it to cool down whatever you've got to learn to downshift and it's just in reverse you have to take a
Wow! Dave
I've been driving for just over 2 years now, and everything said here is very true. I would add that breakdowns could stress you out as well. I still struggle out here with mechanical and electrical problems with the truck and trailers whenever a problem arises. I feel like quitting all the time, but I know that I need the experience in order to be successful out here.
this o/o has good advise for new drivers -- but the best advise is to find another career choice. When I started driving in 1982 I run hard and made money. I quit driving 3 years ago because there is no money in it --way to many rules and regs.
Don't work for any company that pays by the mile and sends you to New York City... you could be doing deliveries or pick up's in Manhattan, Queens, Brookly, Bronx and staten island and only put on 30 miles in 10 hours... If you're in the city make sure you're being paid by the hour.
im so glad im getting my seat time local for a small company, pay is great as well
I drove many years haha He is telling nothing but the exact Truth!
From $30 an hour to $15 an hour, wish me luck guys
You talked about experience. New drivers tend to get into more accidents more often. Then why don't companies want to pay a decent wage for experienced drivers?
They think they're saving money, but it doesn't ever look that way to me! Dave
yeah drive your ass off so you make the broker and your company lots of money!!!
Yep thats what a employee does, makes money for their boss. If your boss isnt making money you dont have a job. Bitchers like you are the laziest fuckers out there!!!
Or you could just become an owner operator. Its cheap and easy. Just need a business plan.
I drove for almost 50 yrs and never slept with another man, I afraid if it came to that, he would have to sleep in or on the trailer or if it was his truck, I would sleep out on the ground
Another big one probably mentioned below but its worth repeating.. don't let receivers, or other drivers rush you when you are backing up / maneuvering. ( docks, truckstops, anywhere...) Take your time and get out and look if you have to. There are tons of miserable and impatient douchebags out there trying to get through their day. It only becomes your problem if you bang up the truck on a curb or barrier.
Pretty much everything in this video is true. Just got my cdl 3 months ago and got a job at a pretty big company. Low rate of only 0.25$ for all miles but I’m team driving over 5000 miles a week. My biggest challenge is that it’s gonna snow here soon in the mountains and I’ve never even seen snow in my life.
Well said, sir!
Very educational very cool!!!!!
I'm a trucker and a female I piggyback if I knew how difficult it was I would have switched to trailer and I drive a peterbilt 379 like yours I think you helped me but you do trailer right piggyback is hard to back in
+bloody panda Like everything else, practice makes perfect. Dave
Wish i had seen this video when i first started. I got it figured out now but i would have been a lot less stressed if id learned this stuff 3+ years ago
I enjoy all ur trucker videos, very informative. I went to trucking school in Baltimore for 6 months and they really didn’t speak jack shit on the industry today and all the bullshit with it. I’m in my first year, 8 months in. It’s been rough and I keep thinking about the end game. Barely making any money. Spot on with most stressful thing in ur first year. In my second week I got lost in New Jersey rush hour traffic and was lost in the residential neighborhoods for 2 hours! Most stressful memory of my life, I was lucky to not make it on the news that day, can’t recall how many drivers would have to back up at traffic lights and honk there horns at me lol
Get 6 months experience and go local . I loathe OTR
Yazeed what’s otr
thank you for the advice, i am a new driver
Glad to help! Stay calm and stay safe!
Age 24, just got my CDL a week ago. Starting pay 40cents a mile. I already knew how to drive before I got my CDL. It's up to you to find a good paying company. Though I've known the company owner for a year before I got my cdl, so that helped.
This guy is absalutly right touched all the bases. I was stuborn i got into the game to haul cars and i didn't want to do anything else but the company i wanted to work and got my CDL for changed it policy and no longer hired out of school with a reverence from a company driver.so i said screw it and refused to go over the road away from my family. I kept at it for a year trying to get hired and finally i got a break a friend if mine knew a senior driver in the largest car hauling outfit in America and got me an interview. I was skeptical cuz i had some felonies for work i did on the street. But the terminal manager was very moved by my story and by my drive and energy so he looked at me An said you hustled in the street if you want to make a clean honest living and have a life changing career then come hustle for me. And he wasn't lying 120,000 a year pension full coverage insurance only 67 dollarsa month in union dues isn't bad for my first job.i only go over the road for 2 days max once or twice a year. But it isn't easy work its dangerous and allot can go wrong if you ain't careful especially loading the vehicles on the truck.
That's something that kept me away from car hauling. I saw a guy go off the top rack on a slippery day while he was loading and decided I didn't want to try that!
I know where he is coming from. I sold my truck due to age and drove local for a US Mail contractor, home everynite or day depending on shift you got. At a definite pay decrease, but worth it cuz I was only going to be running 4 days a week. Well thanks for the company not keeping their equipment up to snuff and I reported everyday that my steer tires were getting near the wear bar, blew a left steer, it when left, I steered hard right and at some point it caught and I went hard right into a jersey wall blew up in flames. With good workers comp and surgeries I don't drive no more. Any how, in the end of video he said he had clear DAK, 4 years driving exp and 4 millions miles driven. Hmmmm that math does not work. That number would be over 19k miles a week...
That would be 40 years driving experience and Canadians don't have a DAK report. Hmmmmmm better check your hearing. Dave
Good video. Your next video should be "What to expect in your second year"
Thanks
John
Shit, otr drivers are the worst, but that's where to get time beyond the wheel. Then go local or city that's where you'll really know how to drive.
"What to Expect Your First Year as a New Truck Driver"
The same thing you will get for the next 20 years, screwed!
do you know that from experience?
BurnMoney LetItBurn its called retirement bro, and even at 70k a year, imagine 20 years of sitting on that cash you hardly touched bro.
Those days are gone forever.
I'm in CDL school now going from a teaching job in public schools (social studies: economics, geography, history) to trucking. I'm very much looking forward to it. From the looks of it I'll be making more $$$$ trucking than teaching in a public school even in my first year trucking.