Surviving the First Year as a Truck Driver
So, you completed truck driver school, scored your first job and are now well into your new career on the road. Hopefully, all is going well, with no hiccups. But if you're one of the many first-year truck drivers who is still adjusting to this new lifestyle, know that you're not alone. Settling in as a new truck driver can be daunting.
Surviving the first year as a truck driver can be much easier by acknowledging a few facts about the trucking industry, trucking companies, your CDL drivers license requirements, and your truck driving job.
Year one is a learning curve. You have obtained that CDL license but you're still learning on the job. Even if your new employer gave you additional driver training, there is nothing like the actual over the road experience. Some CDL drivers are fortunate enough to be paired with an experienced driving partner for guidance, but others will start out as as solo truck driver. Don't hesitate to ask questions, if necessary and definitely be sure to communicate with your driver dispatcher when there are serious issues (e.g. adjusting to night driving).
Be patient with yourself, as you're bound to make a few mistakes as you learn new skills such as managing ELD (Electronic Logging Device). Learn from them. Practice and educate yourself on any skills that may be lacking. Talk to seasoned truck drivers about problems they had during their first year after driving school. You'll probably find that your issues are not that unusual.
Being a Class-A truck Driver is more than a notion. It can be very lucrative and personally rewarding but driving a truck can also be challenging. Especially if you're an OTR or long-haul truck driver. Adjusting to different schedules, maneuvering through various road and weather conditions, and hauling 48-foot or 53-foot trailer while staying laser focused can be difficult. Truck drivers who are over the road for lengths of time may have extra adjustments to make. However, as your first year moves along all of this will get better.
The first year as a CDL truck driver weeds out those who can't persevere. So, hang in there. Accept the fact that as a new semi driver, your salary might not be great, but it will get better as you gainroad experience. Stay focused on your goals and remind yourself of why you wanted to be a truck driver in the first place. Find one employer and stick with them for the year. Moving from job to job will make the learning curve harder as you continually start over and will make you less desirable to prospective carriers and driver recruiters.
Being a first-year truck driver can be tough. It's not unusual to become discouraged. But with patience and determination, you'll gain the valuable CDL driver skills and experience you need. In addition, you'll have made connections that'll help you advance in your career.