ADVICE for your FIRST YEAR as a NEW TRUCK DRIVER
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 ก.ย. 2024
- Welcome new truck driver! Congrats on the decision for your cdl! So what happens after you get your cdl but before you’re a trucker? Here’s some advice for after truck driving school but before you know it all lol. Here’s what it’s like being a truck driver with some new trucker tips.
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#trucking #trucker #cdl
Here are the main points
Topic 1 00:28
Topic 2 03:19
Topic 3 05:57
Topic 4 07:57
And if you’d like some tips on shifting, check this out th-cam.com/video/sL5LXTWQdfM/w-d-xo.html
Trying my man 👊🏻
No problem! Not enough lol, only about once a month. Ideally I would wash it about once every two weeks but realistically only once a month.
Can I still obtain a CDL if I am prescribed methadone?
Hmm
Pay is not worth it. Better of learning a trade
My personal advice for new truckers:
1. Learn as much as you can while driving. Listen to educational, long form content. Take advantage of the time you have that most people don’t have. You can learn more about a topic in a truck than any college degree.
2. Meditate every day for 10 minutes while your truck warms up
3. Remind yourself occasionally that the goal for the day is no accidents and no tickets so you don’t start getting too comfortable and make a mistake.
Thanks for your input 🙏
Thank you very much ❤❤❤
On the point.
I've been driving a long time. Long before the cell phone or Gps. Back then it was maps and payphones. When you see a driver having problems help them out. This is how I learned and I will always help a driver. I don't care if your a new driver or been at it a thousand years like me. Help eachother.
bullshit
@@454easy Can you at least elaborate on what you're trying to say rather than just spewing out profanities?
haha been there calling home at the truck stop pay phones and a hand full of quarters we where always there to help others pass it on
I do help when if driver need or not in need .i stand out..i start driving before gps
Collegiality among drivers is very important. We're all in the same shit. Help each other.
I am not a truck driver, but I once saw a driver, Pull up to a dock, and then he used a drone in the air to assist him in backing. I thought that that was a great idea.
Brilliant idea
@@devolving I do that. I haul lowboys through mountains in UT/ID/MT and use my drone nearly daily for tight spots, and to scout the area. Has saved me countless times.
Sending all of these videos to my husband, who’s in the first year. I’m his silent partner 😅. I map out his stops (gas stations,alternate routes, truck stops) pack his lunches/dinner and usually stay on the phone with him majority of the way to each destination. Good to know that I have been advising him appropriately.
Your an amazing partner for doing this for your husband, alot of us wish we had this kind of support.
Peace and love!
Great partner
This was nice to read. I wish you two the best 💯
I love driving otr. I feel so free. My first year was a bit scary. It was a lot of learning. It’s so much fun. Everyone should try it. I found an abandoned shipyard, full of containers. And I would back up between the containers whenever I had free time. Practice, practice, practice.
It can be easy to forget that feeling sometimes, I remember my first year flew by
Hey! That's a great idea.
I'm 23, hoping to have my CDL soon.
There’s nothing free about a computer tracking your every move and a camera watching you so when you make that mistake they can fire you. My advice 1st year get an education and a real job
@@thesilentcartographer5273 did you get it?
I've been trucking for over 40 yrs. This is the best advice I've ever seen for a rookie driver. This is exactly the way I would train a rookie.
You should not be trucking this long brother lol omg
@@eddiekanejuneyuh7762it alright to do it for the money but some people love there job.
@@doppo145 LOL!! RIGHT!!
@@eddiekanejuneyuh7762Why not exactly? That man probably makes an insane amount of money with that kind of experience.
@@apricotmadness4850you’re supposed to use it as a stepping stone
1) the mega carriers will screw you so bring lots of lube.
2) staying safe is more important than making any load appointment time or keeping your dispatcher happy.
not having any accidents or citations during your first year will help you out a lot later so be slow at shippers and be safe. don't ever rush.
3) buy a truckers GPS. it's expensive but worth it. verify the destination with your phone's satellite view and try to stay on highways and interstates as much as possible. avoid sketchy residential routes.
4) if you ever get stuck at a dead end road or anything don't take chances. call the police and have them block traffic so you can safely back out of a bad situation.
Thank you so much
Thanks a lot
Thank you
You should make that a poster and sell it to CDL schools
@wanderer That would help a lot rn
I’m 27 years old. I plan on going for my cdl in 2 years after I’m off probation. This is something I’ve wanted to do for a few years now. I currently work at a truck stop and constantly ask truckers what it’s like starting out.
Be careful man. If its a felony it can be tricky. I wish you the best of luck.
I hope you’re doing well I had a DV and I’m having a hard time just for that
I’m currently training for my CDL class A. I’ll be taking my test next month! This is my dream career! Good luck to the others who are about to take their test & thank you to the experienced drivers who take the time outta of their day to give advice!
Brian boogiee , had you been in a truck before cdl school?
Ron Mtz yeah my uncle drives trucks for a living
Congratulations on taking the steps to get your CDL, it's rewarding for sure!
It’s been about a year since this comment and I’m here because I’m about to start my cdl training and I’m just wondering how it’s going for you so far
How're you keeping up with the job ?
I've only been a driver for almost a year and a half. The best advice I've received from someone is to "take your time." When you're taking your time, seasoned drivers will be laughing at you. Almost all drivers will be watching you. GOAL! Get out and look! "Those drivers laughing at you will laugh at you more if you hit something." Think about it. The biggest advantage of GOAL is you get a better idea which way to turn the steering wheel. That's the way I learned.
This is by far the best advice ever. Bumper to bumper traffic, everyone running 65.... I'm that guy in the far right-hand Lane with a cruise set at 58 and his CB radio off. I don't have to hear people bitching, I don't have to worry about people cutting in front of me since I'm going slower following distance is always there. It takes me 10 minutes back into the spot then so be it, once again CB off when I back up. That goddamn CB is nothing but a f****** distraction because all truck drivers know how to do is b**** b**** b**** b**** b****.
But seriously if you're ever in a position where you're getting frustrated and people were making fun of you turn the damn radio off you don't need to listen to them. Besides if it was really an issue they would get out and help you
@@billywayne6104, exactly! Although I don't have a CB, I can imagine the chatters. I think that's what was happening when I was at beaverdam, oh when I was trying to get in a spot exactly behind that chapel/trailer. The only reason I had to try was because I only had 1 hr 8 mins left on my clock. It took me an hour and a half just to get it in there. I had to GOAL many times. At this point in time, I only had 2 months of exp. I felt embarrassed afterwards. However, I'm proud of myself for not hitting anything. If I did, that would've been more embarrassing.
My message to new aspiring drivers, get out there when someone is backing up. You will have a better perspective of the situation. If someone is laughing at you for taking too long, just remember that they were being laughed at when they were in your position. Learning how to back up takes repetition. That's the truth for me. Hang in there. We'll learn how to. Hopefully, we won't be laughing at newcomers when we do. If we do laugh, we're just hypocrites!
My rule is if you're in a hurry, you're doing it wrong. Never rush. Never panic. If you miss a turn, don't worry, Another turn will show up
$12 shower service on ARBNB in Ambridge PA. Nice private bathroom and dressing room. All hygiene supplies included. Also home cooked meals. Large $7 breakfast. Old trailer park on Marmian Rd next to creek large area to park. I can pick you up too. Please pass it on to all drivers. A great place to be. Ty
What do you mean by "puck up"?
Caesar Guzman what am saying
@@caesarguzman5831 he means he’ll take you to his house, cook you dinner and help you shower lol.
Guys I’m just a sales rep use to have a cb in the van, i also call on a ton of stores where truckers stop and get fuel, think the thing that amazed me most about truck drivers, first most are friendly good people, 2nd. How brilliant these men and women are, they are up to date on most any subject you wanna talk about! Thank You all, I have a job because of you, I can’t even start to imagine what all you have to do in a day of your life, but America works because of what you do, praying for all our Truck Drivers,,,,,,,Thank You All!!! Modern day Cowboys/Cowgirls on top of it all, I think what y’all do is pretty cool!
My first month out solo
Had a crappy trainer so I’m learning as I go
99% of truckers will help you if you just ask
Semper Fi
USMC? Thank you for your service, sir! I appreciate all veterans when I meet em, online or in person!
My Brother is a Marine! No longer active, or reserved. But, once a Marine? Always a Marine?!
Semper Fry
@@daddydman81 thunk u for ur Cervix
@@Big_AlMC you mean service? I didn't really serve! My efforts were short lived, and never got passed tech school. My older brother did 6 yrs in USMC and is the reason I say semper fi! If that's what you're referring to.
I've been a driver for dang near 20 years. This driver IS TELLING THE GODS HONEST TRUTH.
Dude your videos are awesome. I just passed my CDL permit test and enrolled in a local school. Watching your videos fills me with excitement. You talk about the industry in a way that’s both motivational for someone who’s passionate about driving but also very honest at the same time. You’ve definitely earned a new subscriber. Thanks for all the awesome content, it’s extremely useful.
That’s awesome! Congratulations!!! And good luck 👍🏻
I love your positive attitude.
I remember my first year of driving, I was like a scared rabbit, TIMID, AND always cautious about everything. Cargo, traffic, safety, scared of weather. Then the cocky stage came, a few s close calls put me in my spot. I was behind the wheel of a 80,000 pound missile with a bunch of bumper cars on the road and truck stops, all jockeying for the same space I was in. The best info I have for new drivers is take a deep breath and let it out slowly a few times. Its going to be okay, relax inside yourself and enjoy it. Yes, its new and out of your comfort zone, but you will get better. Learn good things everyday. Don’t watch other newbies back-up and call the shipper and receiver for directions. Your trucker gps will take you down residential streets sometimes. Google earth, street view, and a good laptop or tablet program that does routing and mileage for you is a good option too. The atlas has saved me several headaches too, the first few pages is usually the low clearance section for bridges and overpasses. Trucker Atlas that is. Know your truck and load/ trailer height. (13’6” repeat it, remember it always)
To help with food costs I have a dorm room fridge, microwave, 2 burner hotplate, crockpot and enough food and spices to feed a small army.
George Forman grill works well too
Heck YEAH!
Ohhh a foreman grill..Il definitely be getting one
In a few more weeks after holidays I'm start doing video on health, nutrition and cooking home made healthy meals in your truck.
@@kellypatterson8506 Yes please, share your Ideas. I got afew of my own but more input is always appreciated.
I signed up with C.R yesterday, got my DOT physical done, taking the test next Friday and then going to salt lake for 2 weeks of training . Excited to see the road and start this chapter, thankful there are individuals here giving advice
How's C.R treating you?
@@Conker999 probably not good.
Cr England is the worst company ever!!!! Thats why they make you sign a 1 year contract... they treat their drivers like crap and it is the lowest paying company out there...
Ouch…that’s a bad company to work for…hopefully you get lucky
They drug tested you?
Observe the truck in front of you first if you attempt to pass, especially going up and down hills. Is the trailer light or heavy compared to yours? What is the truck's limited speed. Observe before being stuck in the left lane while trying to pass. Not many do this and holds up traffic in the left lane. Pass if the left lane is clear for at least half a mile if the truck is governed slightly lower than yours. Also, cars go 100 mph now and dont care about speed limits. Just know that before you pass, ask yourself is this going to cause a line being governed at 65 passing someone governed at 64.
Don't talk to anyone except for people who are working. Some professional drivers can be up to no good as well. Some could pose as a truck driver and be scammers. Don't trust anyone!
Take your time backing! Only focus on your area and ignore the impatient people!
professional steering wheel holder you have a great point I travel in my regular car always at around 80-89mph and there’s always other guys following along 😂. We hate when a truck gets in the way and slows down the rhythm.
@@chrisehhernandez7440 I would like everyone to know that most trucks are governed. I believe many feel that most trucks take a long time passing the other just for the fun of it but it isn't so. The problem is that these truckers need to drive accordingly to their speed limiter. However a truck is not going to be behind another one governed slightly lower forever. Eventually, he or she will have to pass. I have a long list of the many things four wheelers do on the road out of disrespect and ignorance as well. These are just a couple of them. I see everything and understand how people react down there. What I dont understand is why many have to pass me right before the exit ramp. I feel so disrespected thinking "well, I spend so much time away from home and all I get is shit from the general public". Im only less than a quarter of a mile away from the ramp but everyone has to make one more attempt to pass and then get off. I understand why people get so frustrated around trucks such as one passing the other. I know how to avoid those situations to not irritate others. However, Im always running into irritable situations that four wheelers do. (Keep in mind that other truckers piss me off as well as mentioned earlier). Im always running into situations when somebody passes me and then goes slower than my governed speed. It's rude to pass somebody and then slow down. It's just wrong to pass me going 72 while I'm governed at 68. Then they slow down to 65 and never speed back up. If I attempt to pass them back, then they speed up again. It's all psychological. If somebody is in the right lane and they see a truck in front of them, it does not matter how fast the truck is going. People have to get around the truck. Nobody likes to be behind a truck no matter the scenario. I didn't before I drive trucks. Also, all my frustrations and questions of why truckers do that before I got my CDL has been answered not long after I became one. In a car, 10 miles over the speed limit is enough for me while many literally go 100.
professional steering wheel holder haha our trucks are governed at 60mph we don’t pass anyone, shit I had a state plow truck pass me because we go so slow
@@SL-ix4yk Sorry but at least you don't have to deal with the headaches of being trapped in too many clusters when everyone can pass you faster, except for maybe Prime. Are you Prime?
no I work for a smaller LTL short haul new England company
Just subscribed. Great video for the newbies like me. I'm going after my CDL as a backup plan. I may lose my job because of this damn virus. At 46, I'm too young to retire but also to old to start over again. I'm single (divorced) and would love to see the country while driving. Thank you, sir 👍
Hello Red! I guess your are a seasoned trucker from your comment... I wish you could give me a little bit direction... umm... I'm from China, and I've always been dreaming that I could be a trucker in the USA... idk whether there will be a chance for a Chinese to enter this field.. i even don't have a visa now.. Look forward to ur reply.. God bless u!
Hey nice job on the video, man.
Thank you 😊
A legend!
I'm 27 and seriously considering getting back in truck driving. I got my CDL back in march of 2015 and suddenly have been watching truck videos such as this one to inform myself before hitting the road again if possible.
Interested in team driving?
Don’t do it
I've been driving for almost 15 years.
I enjoy your videos. A lot of great advise for new drivers. Much respect driver.
Liked and subscribed.
I'm in it for more than 20 years, and I confirm - you give all practical advises. good stuff for beginers.
I got my cdl 10 years ago ..dont get it for driving over the road get it to have it and work in town.
Michael P - I have to agree.. we have a lot of OTR guys come to us, usually don’t last a month with stuff we do. Had guys leave and go otr and said it was easier then what we do locally.
Kailin Gassett and a lot more money too
I been driving local for almost two decades. I decided to go over the road just to try it. I know I can change my mind anytime if I want. Just need a change is all
@Michael P Can you elaborate on that? I'm curious as to what you mean.
@@kailingassett7123 In what way is local harder?
I drive Uber eats I love delivering to truck stops I can always tell when I accept a run that it's going to be to a truck stop and I love it.
👆📩For more information on trucking service.
Would be so amazing to do a ride along for a week with you! The way you explain things and the way it’s put out there is very calm but also words of wisdom !
This is my dream job! I’m 27 atm and hope by the time I’m 35 I’ll be in it 100% full time and have a sleeper :-)
ride alongs are great and fun!
True story.....Before I got behind the wheel of my first truck I would play with toy trucks and trailers to see which way to turn the wheel to make the trailer go in a certain direction. I am serious that when I drove a tractor trailer for the first time I was amazed that backing was pretty easy.
Nice! That’s all my two-year-old boy does is play with cars and trucks LOL
The GPS sent me to a fire road in Denver about 3:00AM, paralleling the freeway for about two miles...
Walt Wynn - San Diego North County yikes
Is that bad?
It took me around three years before I quit being as nervous backing. Going from being scared of it to understanding what to do in a situation made things miles better.
How did you make that switch, or what did it take to make that switch from being scared to understanding the situation
@@willmarks8065 honestly, there are so many ways to gain confidence as a driver, and my opinion may be wrong for certain drivers, but, as a driver you need to keep calm and carry on in all situations, never worry about the route or if you have the correct information because you can pull of the road and figure it out on your own or call dispatch and between dispatch and your calm head figure out what to do and the correct route to continue.
I’m not a truck driver but this video is very well done and informative; especially to someone like me who knows nothing about the truck driving experience. Thank you for sharing!
Pay attention to EVERY THING! Not just while driving, but litterally everything, from which truckstops or rest areas fill up early to dated and times on load assignments and how they correlate to drop loads,loads that have to be ontime as opposed to Walmart or Kimberly Clark loads that are drops and can be rescheduled easily by dispatch as they truly DON'T care at all. Live Walmart and Kimberly Clark loads on the other hand Must be delivered on time and you can't get to Walmart for a live unload more than one hour in advance, some locations 15 minutes in advance and don't accept those loads.
Always plan loads at 55 mph with 2 hours to spare.
Understand where you can park for the evening 100% for certain near the customer and where you need to reserve a spot in advance like south Florida or anywhere in the northeast and parts of Virginia as well as PA and essentially all of the west coast and acfww high volume places across the country rhat are shipping/ receiving hubs.
Always play the odds and use your knowledge to plan ahead, don't accept a load you can't pick up or deliver on time, if you have to drive through Atlanta, pad your pu/del time by 2 hours, on the west coast or northeast from Washington to Maine, add 24 hours any time of year.
Don't be afraid to shut down at the last comfortable place for ANY reason, even if that's just the last truckstop in route that you can safely make it to and get a shower and a beer. ALL loads are negotiable and there's always a good reason for being late if you think hard enough and dispatch won't care, or if they do, they'll set up a relay and you can swap with another driver for a load or an empty in route.
Use logic, reasoning and NEVER use profanity and you won't be fired, dispatch will just reschedule your load.
Prioritize your needs over any company's needs as they don't actually give a damn and it costs $5k to replace you, even as a new driver.
Read signs, own an atlas, use it, request directions to the shipper and reciever, especially in Chicago or the northeast.
Ask other drivers for help or advice, even if they say patronizing shit to you over the CB, simply explain your situation and they'll usually help if they can. We were all new to trucking once and we ALL made the same stupid mistakes that you might make ourselves when we were young and we'll gladly help once we know that you are new to this and in a situation we fucked up ourselves because we didn't ask for help.
You're dispatcher isn't your friend, doesn't remember that you "did them a favor" and helped them, and they won't help you get home, even in a life or death emergency.
It's litterally a dog eat dog world out here and only a few other dogs may help.
You're now one driver against the world, your shipper ls will try to screw you over, your dispatcher will too, and so will your recievers and your breakdown call line. Stand your ground. Think through the words you say to each and choose them carefully and if you aren't in the right head space, don't talk to anyone,and whenever possible, DON'T answer calls, make dispatch send you a message on the Qualcomm or peoplenet and respond in kind when you can.
If you get a preplan you don't want that is clearly going to screw you over, it's best to not respond and by tomorrow, they'll likely pull you off, unless you don't have the hours to make delivery or pickup ontime and you actually know that it's a hard and fast time that can't be rescheduled.
After 21 years of driving, this is my best advice, it's all a huge game like bootcamp to brainwash you from your first day of training into being a slave. Think for yourself and understand that you essentially are a slave, but your slave masters are also enslaved and they only run the programs they're taught and you can lead them aroundlike dogs on a leashby pressingthe right buttonsand you haveNO reasontobe loyal to them, nor the company. They'reALLfucking you over, it doesn't matter if you drive for a megacarier or a fleet of 100 trucks. It's litterally just you against the world. Your survival is solely up to you. Also stay OFF of Lake Street in Chicago, your GPS is WRING!
Couldn’t agree more with pulling up the address of where you’re going to get a look at what you’ll be dealing with. Where I work in KY we supply a lot of Walmart’s. I tell these guys to google the store number, then they can see the layouts so they aren’t overwhelmed unpin arrival, Yet again, great video !
Thanks Jordan, definitely use the tool if you have it 👍🏻👊🏻
I'm not a truck driver but I love this channel. I've spent the last 10 years working in oilfield and warehouse operations so we work with truck drivers everyday. I like learning about yalls business because of how much it impacts our operations.
That’s cool, thanks!
This is by far the most helpful video I’ve found. Super glad I’ve come across your channel!
Thanks Cory!
I started w my own manual truck thank God. Had a new small company take me on. Lucky for me been driving tractors and day cabs on farms and ranches my whole life. Was so helpful when I got out there.
Good advice! Appreciate the heads up. I am going to start my own authority as a new driver. I know, bold move. I just finished working 22 years in banking and now want to do something I have always wanted to try. I am way to independent to work for someone else. So I appreciate videos like this one.
similar situation here...25 yrs in a different career...time to do something which I always wanted to do......let's see how it goes...Cheers
My oldest son is considering driving when he graduates high school. Thanks for putting this channel up, I'll be sharing it with him.
So we just gonna ignore that dude on skateboard with dog
I definitely needed this positivity because I have been hearing a lot of negative things from negative people
I worked for WERNER for a year, and had two trainers.(Survive DOLLAR GENERAL for a few months and see how good you are)
Wow, this guys video is probably the most realistic, down to earth, practical video on the basics of trucking! Thanks
Thank you, I’m looking into becoming a truck driver and this helped a bunch!
So did you
@@billyjohnson3859 yes and no. I didn’t get a CDL yet, but with current laws in my state I was able to hire on with a farmer part time to help move some grain around to start getting experience behind the wheel
I saw this video when I first started trucking, today 7 months later, I scraped another truck’s front bumper off pulling out of a parking space in a really tight rest area because “I got too comfortable” with my skills and knowledge. All you mile chasers out there, GET OUT AND LOOK!
I'm new in trucking, best straight forward advice I've seen. Very helpful. Thanks
Thank you so much Brentt
Another pro tip one truck driver To another is if you’re driving in the winter months, find a place to park BEFORE the sun goes down not after because the temperature will drop and the roads will re freeze over, don’t make the same mistake that I did and tried to keep driving to make the delivery on time and found myself in the middle of a snowstorm in a national forest on a little two-way road with no place to pull over the only thing I could do was put my hazards on and crawl my way off the mountain. Luckily I never lost the trailer. It’s just not worth it when it starts getting dark and things start freezing over just pull over no load is worth your life.
Something that work for me was working my first 2 years as a yard spotter to practice the backing and dealing with tight spaces
Great video 👍🏽
Thank you, that would be great experience backing for sure.
I’ve been Yard spotter for about 8 months and my backing is great. Would it be enough or more than enough experience.
Google earth is amazing for having an idea what you're dealing with. I started driving in 2003 and have no idea how I managed back then when everything was done via payphone and writing directions out on a legal pad lol.
But more often than not the street address is not where the trucks pull in. The street address is the front of the main bldg or the employee parking lot - so its in your best interest to know if the truck entrance is... it may very well be on a side street or behind the building on a cross street (look for guard shacks or where the loading docks look to be located on the bldg).
But the more information you have the better the trip will be. On Google maps also check the 'reviews' tab. Often times truckers will write helpful info in the reviews - anything from allows/wont allow overnight parking, to dont turn on Smith Street- cops ticket the no commercial vehicle sign - so turn down pine street instead.. to look out for light pole across from door 11 it took my door off, to damn lumpers took 7 hours to offload 3 skids.
The more you know the better it goes
Great advice for new drivers, OTR is definitely demanding and rewarding. New drivers need to hear your advice for sure! Great video.
The way you talk about the truck drivers it's really appreciate able. ❤️
Been driving for over 10 years now in Southern Africa. Wish l could one day get a chance to driver in the United States. I love trucking but driving in Africa is food for work
And for you pick up and drop off locations. Google maps is your best friend. Type in your address, click on satellite view, and zoom in like he said to see where you're going.
Dam great video, been driving trucks in Europe for 20 years I’d love to drive trucks in the U.S
That’s cool, thank you. I hope you get to 👍🏻
Very nice job never get too comfortable because that's when trouble happens when you get too comfortable always get out and look like you said always get out and look because you never know and I just want to add be aware of your surroundings at all times
I will always pay attention. I still pay attention when driving my car
I hear ya, I do as well.
You are the best individual to ever tell the truth about over the road drivers! All new drivers expect to make top pay with no experience just like any other job but benefits are just as important! Don’t be too quick to judge learn progress and get time then judge!
Finally a positive approach to trucking..the scariest thing about starting a trucking career is all the negative TH-cam vids about why you shouldn't..
Right lol
Good info. You also don’t bash other truckers like some others do that give truckers a bad name. Good channel 👍🏼
Thanks Andrew! 👍🏻
I just started behind the wheel training, hoping to complete my CDL at the end of July. These advice videos are gold. Thank you!
Starting CDL-A school tomorrow morning at ACC in Ashland Kentucky, been waiting a while, thanks bud 👍 Sure beats driving a taxi in San Francisco 😆
I'm starting school in a week. Are you still trucking? Did you find a job with no experience at first?
How’d everything go?
@@howdy4596 how did it go for you
@@nolimitjat went I went to DOT they needed all my medical records from the V.A . So they haven't received them yet . Not sure how that's going to work out since on meds. Hoping for the best . But hopefully will find out soon.
I want to get as good at driving just like the guy at 1:26. He's working at another level entirely.
I see so many nice comments/tips. Very good video for rookies.
Thank you very much, I've retrieved a lot of helpful tips in the video that I must remember and use in my driving journey. Today was a very successful and enjoyable day for myself. I'm officially a new CDL holder with Swift Transportation. I'm very excited about the experience I'm going to get been a Swift driver. I'm looking to learn a lot by being out on the road, and this journey will be all new for me, but I'm very, very excited about the future being a truck driver.
Only thing i can stress is. Never stop learning. Always learn from your good and bad days. Take away what/how you can do better.
Thumbs up from New York.
Right on 👍🏻
only tips you need, #1 get ya a paper map #2 get ya a GARMIN gps. #3 set up your bed and living conditions correctly to your time out. #4 PAY ATTENTION and do not let youself get distracted. long hours, hunger, having to use the restroom are all things you need to plan for :) Good Luck Be Safe *pay attention* :)
I’m on my second day OTR driving, thank you for the tips they honestly help
Hats of too all the truck driver's out there!..
Yeah I'm about 9 months in, but I've had a rather bad taste left. It isn't anyone's fault it was just misfortune. This video is great and I was lucky enough to have a good trainer.
The problem is I was involved in an accident in February and if I changed 1 thing I wouldn't be writing this. That was terrifying because I was lucky enough to have a team driver to take away from the loneliness. The other was I was just getting ready to hop out to deal with the first accident he had when we were rear ended. He left the steers turned and they turned the cab across traffic so I didn't fly off a cliff. I just chalked it up to wrong place wrong time. Swift didn't yell at us or question why I needed 2 months to heal up, granted they couldn't since I had a medical leave for my knee having a major sprain. However don't let them pressure you. I went back before I was fine and paid for it. I still limp and my knee has issues handling heavy objects while walking.
The second is the reason I'm getting out. 2 days ago I was already running late on a load and got hit by a gust of wind. Now, anyone that has half a brain will and has told me 5,000 pounds when the wind has been recorded gusting over 30mph is not a good combination. I did want to get this there though and I got to see how close a trailer can get to a guard rail. Luckily instinct kicked in and I caught myself, but not without seeing the scariest sight of my life. I saw the cliff edge and the drop. I don't know if its standard issue or just a mega carrier thing, but my passenger door has a mirror over it. It took a day to realize why my heart was still racing and the moment to come back, but I realized I saw where I was going because of 1 reckless action. It was easily a for sure dead man's drop if I hadn't been taught how to catch yourself in the wind. I will be honest I haven't been able to move since it happened. I got to a truck stop and it put the fear of God into me. The part that makes it worse is not my personal manager, but the planners from an unrelated terminal have tried to play down the issue.
So when he says be safe seriously please do so. You never know when that moment will come, but I got cocky and nearly lost my life for doing so. I wish it would have been a back and I tapped someone truck feeling full of myself at midnight with the lights out. Not sure if I'm even gonna stay to finish out the year, but I know I'm gonna have to go find someone to talk to because I don't think I can take near death twice in a year. I didn't take the warnings seriously until now and it may end up costing me what I used to love doing.
Stay safe out there.
wow. thank you for sharing that story. I am not a truck driver, but it something i am considering doing. It is the little things such as this that make me question if this is something i could deal with.
damn where did this happen
Here's one for new and old. Back all the way into your spots at the stops! That extra 2-3 feet could make the difference between someone successfully getting into a spot or hitting you or someone else.
About sticking it out, i heard it put best as "If you find yourself going through hell, keep going. Heaven may very well be on the other side."
I have been a professional backer, literally. I was a yard spotter/hostler.
He is correct, about never get comfortable, always pay attention. I have had close calls while being a yard hostler, try explaining that, yes I have the right of way, yes, this yard is MY domain, yes SWIFT driver we know you can't drive which is why we told you to drop your trailer and DON'T try to straighten it out as I will be moving in the next 20-30 minutes anyways, yes, take bobtail the F out as that is the deal we had with you.
Lol
Great Video Driven. I can back my 290" pete anywhere I just do it real crappy LOL. Practice makes perfect and get out and look and don't be afraid to ask for a spotter. Last week in Beaver I had to do a blindside jack-knife into a real tight spot at two in the morning. I noticed the driver next spot over was still up so I asked him to spot me. Win Win I didn't hit his truck and I got the last spot available that no one wanted to try.
Have my cdl road test on Thursday thanks for the info wish me luck
I PASSED!!!! orientation is monday!
I are right about the backing. I started out as a yard driver for 6 yrs i think everyone should need to do yard work for a few months b4 getting a cdl
Been driving trucks for a month now just got done with a trainer. Currently on my own at a truck stop. Make sure to call call call wherever your dropping the load off before hand if you can make it earlier than the appt time. I learned my lesson lmaoo
Good advice
Why doesn’t truckers help each other out anymore ?
Anymore you just see people standing there to watch and 99.9% of the time they are recording them struggle
My biggest advice, is take care of your license. Don't rack up points on nonsense. 5 years Class A w/clean record, over 15 years Class C license, I get people calling and begging for me to join their companies until I end up having to block their numbers. Also, don't believe your trucking school when they say you have to go OTR to start off, they have contracts with the big carriers. Mine tried to do the same, and told me I would never find a local job without experience, 2 days after I got my Class A, I got a local position. If you can't find something local, look for ag drivers to get your experience.
Good information for the new drivers.
Thank you 👍🏻
Planning on getting my CDL with the intention of becoming an owner/operator one day. Great video!
my husband is transitioning to an otr job and luckily the company lets me and the dogs come along
Great advise brother you hit right on the points that are really the most important!
I'm 32 been driving for 9 year and I agree with everything in this video 100%
Start out as a spotter! I feel like there was no chance I would have made it as a trucker if I hadn't started as a spotter. A busy week has me backing up 20 times at most. I'd easily back 500 plus times a week as a spotter. That experience really was essential for being comfortable and safe once I hit the road.
I used to be opposed to the automatic, and I will say that once got into an automatic in a busy city.. they have their benefits!
First video I’ve watched that actually boosts my motivation towards trucking. Everyone else is always so negative about first year truckers
demmoy graham get another job my nigga. Trucking ain’t a good job
Yea demmoy, there’s so many people out there that talk trash about it because it’s just not for them. No job is perfect, everywhere you go people have something to complain about; it’s all about what you make of it and how big of a student you become of the game.
Tyreke Jenkins if it didn’t work for you doesn’t means it won’t work for me. Everything in life is a process. A baby has to crawl before it can walk so if your first year as a trucker didn’t work out to your expectations then push yourself to make the required changes for your second year. Based on your comment I can tell you’re one of those persons who gives up easily. I’m
Not that person. I’m coming from a roofing job working 10-15 hours per day 6 days per week in 98 degree heat and below 20 winter weather. If my mindset was the same as yours I’d probably given up the first month I started but I did it for two years and has now decided it’s time to move on to my life long dream of being a trucker.
demmoy graham nah man I don’t give up easily. I’m just saying it’s a bad job man that’s all. On the road traveling so much. U can find something better is all I’m saying. But if u wanna do it then go for it. I’m never gonna tell a person what to do if that is their desire. If u like it go for it, I’m just saying it ain’t for me
Tyreke Jenkins that’s why you plan ahead because a job such as this demands a lot of away time and less home time. I’m willing to live with that because I have goals I want to achieve. I’m not just going into trucking to drive I’m going into it to gain experience so I can do my own business. There are a lot of ways to make it work for you, you just have to find the right one suitable.
1:24 I love the little dog pulling the guy on the skateboard
Excellent advice.Ive been at this 39 yrs and 1 more tip protect your driving recod like its made of gold .Speeing Tickets And Other Infaction can Distroy Your Ability To Keep This Career.Your Drivers Licence Is The Most Important Thing You Own.
Your second point about driver trainer is spot on
Pat L luckily I had a really good trainer
This video is a full year late... ^_^ Just hit my year mark last week, all good points!
Lol congrats!
Have been driving for 4 years now. This popped up on my recommended videos.
Great content man..I found myself nodding my head in agreement to everything you said. I too made the mistakes my first year. Wish I would have had this video back then haha
My advice for the first year save them points you wont make any good money for that first year maybe sooner if you get lucky...hot dogs are you're best friend lol
Alberto Valdes been driving for 15 years and hot dogs are still my best friends - my dog loves them also.
@@ramblingbill9101 lol every know and than I'll get me 1 or 4 you know
Bro this is so true haha
you know.. I was super fortunate. I drove truck for 3 and a half years before I hit the highway, and when I did, I got thrown into a truck by myself. Got the job because of my old man. He put in a good word for me. what I an absolutely grateful for is how many friends and family I had available to call and ask questions from. The driving wasn’t an issue, it was learning the paper side of everything. What I’ve learned and my greatest advice is never be afraid to ask questions. Make friends and look up to mentors.
Solid advice, as usual.
Thanks Trucker G!
Thanks for your advice! You have become my 'go to guy'
Leave emotions at the door.
Drivers doing stupid shit is a hourly occurrence.
Whether in cars or other Truck Drivers.
You'll be cut off and told you're #1 on a daily basis.
Road Rage had no place in the trucking industry.
Don't try to make a science out of shifting it'll just mess you up. Get to know the truck and understand how the transmission works. Listen to the engine.. feel what is going on, and may the force be with you 😎
Unluckly I was together with the worst trainer(!) ever. He was abusive guy who put me in the stress by yelling at me and forcing me to driving too fast in the night time because he needs miles! Dude, you are not gonna be a trainer if you dont have patient!
My personal advice? Run as fast as you can from this industry and research top paying jobs that require a cdl. I waisted 6 yrs of my life in a 8×8 prison cell rolling down the road telling myself 65k a year for 70hrs a week was good money. Hell that's the equivalent of a $16.00/hr with 30hrs overtime (time and a half). And everything sacrificed? Away from home, missed anniversaries, birthdays, holidays, graduations..etc..etc..etc... sure sure, an owner op makes more, until his truck brakes down, or major repairs are needed and that "net" 80k dropped to 60k that year. Please please please, help young drivers out and tell them the truth....RUN AWAY!!!!!
Thanks because I’m contemplating getting my CDL and been looking at all the jobs posted in my area. When I sit down and do the math, it’s like you said $16-20/hourly and huge sacrifices. I’m a fedex delivery driver right now with a home route. I can do any where from 80-160+ stops a day, and I can finish my route in 4-5 hours and go home. My hourly wage is higher than some of these CDL jobs, even though my daily pay is always the same but I always come out ahead. My job is very physical though and I can’t do it forever. but the pay for some of these jobs seems like a joke.