Advice for your First Year as a New Truck Driver #2 

Here’s the time stamps for the 6 tips! Check this video out as well for more advice for your first year ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-tZyL6KYNh5w.html 1- 00:48 2- 02:08 3- 03:27 4- 05:00 5- 06:54 6- 08:22 Bonus- 09:24

If someone is trying to pass but can only go 1 mph faster, I will slow down just so they're off my side.

Tip from an experienced pro: If you should find yourself in a situation where you must pull over and park on the shoulder of a major highway, when the time comes to continue driving, do NOT just pull back onto the highway at slow speed from a stopped position. DO build up to highway speed while driving ON the shoulder and THEN gradually merge back onto the most right hand lane of the highway.

Nothing pisses me off more when I need to stop somewhere real quick and fuel up and every pump has a truck at it but only 2 or 3 are actually getting fuel

Best advice I can give is LEARN PATIENCE!! It is sorely lacking today. Many four wheelers drive like jackasses on PCP. DO NOT let other drivers rush you to do something unsafe. Keep your distance, put your head on a swivel and USE YOUR MIRRORS and when in doubt, get your BUTT out and look. Anticipate problems before they happen. Take nothing for granted. Trucking can be hard but DO NOT let bad drivers ruin your day. Expect them, deal with them and FORGET them. Lastly, show some courtesy. You’d be surprised how doing so can lower your stress and make your day better!

In the winter if ur rolling 15mph with ur hazards on and everyone is passing u ur a road hazard just park it

Stay behind me if your gonna pull off the road in 1/4 of a mile.

Keep your ego in check. Just because someone drives an automatic or drives for a mega, does not mean you are a better driver, and even if you are...be humble. When someone is in a slow truck and attempting to pass you, do NOT speed up so he can’t pass. You leave that driver pissing off all the 4 wheelers behind him who don’t realize he can’t get over his limit. As for your last point, I always get over but many times trucks will jump over before I even have a chance to, effectively forcing me to pass right by the person on the shoulder, instead of being courteous and allowing me over too. Greed is endangering lives out here.

Truckstop parking lots ARE NOT NASCAR tracks SLOW DOWN When you get into the parking lot...at any given time we all have to walk across at some point

Learn how to read a road map and don't trust your GPS all the time.

1. Before backing, pull up as far as you can. In other words, use every inch possible-it will help put you put it in the hole better. 2. When passing another vehicle, go a little extra before coming back over in case you throw or kick up a rock and and ding/crack someone else's windshield.

I was at a pilot driver went in to take a shower while he was in the fuel island manager came out had it towed. We all parked and watched

There is something to be said about a professional truck driver. A career driver who respects all other drivers. Whether they are new or experienced. Newbs need to be taught by experienced drivers. Just because you went through truck driving school only means you know how to move your truck down the road. Be open minded to experience and respect all drivers. You will continue to learn the paths to truly be professional. For those of you who think it’s okay to punch another driver for ignorance, you also have much to learn. In fact you may even have something to teach respectfully. Also I would like to add, get a freaking CB radio in you truck! It may save your life, or mine! If you don’t like what’s being said on the air than just turn down the volume enough to not be annoying. Learn the rules of the radio and the road. Be professional out there, drivers! Your job is important to this country and, the safety of others on the road around you. 😎

My #1 tip is to get two years over the road experience before you begin training other rookies. Five years would be better.

New truck driver tip - fuel islands are for getting fuel.......... period!

Toilet paper??? Ever since I discovered wet wipes, I haven't used anything else.

Also don’t lock your self out your truck in the fuel island always have a key on you and have a hide-a-key somewhere one your truck

Tip #1 Always have funds availiable to get yourself back home from anywhere in the country for emergencies or more likely,surprise unemployment.

My #1 tip is the FOOD you eat. If u eat junk food u wont be able to drive ur best mile you going to feel sleepy and tired...... FOOD!!!!!!!!!!!°°°°

The biggest lesson I learned in my 5 years driving is to slow down and think about what you are doing. Speeding doesn't save you that much more time. Doing a repetitive task quickly because "I've done it a thousand times," leads to mistakes, lost time due to roadside breakdowns, injuries, and even death (yours or someone else's). So slow down for a minute, think about what you are doing or the task that needs to be done, develop a plan, then execute it.

Thanks for the great tips. There is something I’ve always wondered about fuel island etiquette. I’m a female driver, driving team on a regional reefer account through the Midwest. We don’t need to stop for 10 hour breaks and I usually use rest areas for my 30. I drive the night shift and when I need to stop for a few minutes to grab a coffee/snack and restroom, I usually go through the fuel island, pull forward and run in. I know that this causes a knee jerk negative reaction from some drivers, but the break usually take 7-10 minutes and typically, there are multiple empty pumps. There are multiple reasons why I do this. One-restroom stops are few and far between in the Midwest and most truck stops have a men’s room right inside the truck stop near the fuel desk, but the ladies room is significantly farther. Add finding a parking spot and walking through lot to that, and I’m just trying not to wet myself. I’m not going to use a bottle or go outside. The other reason is that while I’m not afraid walking through truck stop lots at night, I am very nervous about waking between trailers. If something bad were going to happen, that seems like the ideal place. This makes the walk through the lot take significantly longer. It’s a long time of having my guard up, being aware of every danger/surroundings. The fuel island is typically well lit, well populated, and I can get in and get out with the minimum amount of risk or needing to be hyper aware. Just like most drivers, when I pull the red and yellow. I’d like to give my mind a rest while taking care of things instead of being on super scan mode making sure that I don’t get hurt or put in uncomfortable situations by a driver that wants to chat me up or whatever. How can I accomplish these same goals without being rude on the fuel pump area? It’s hard to find the answer because most drivers only have the solo male perspective. Also, I just want to add that I have been so impressed with drivers in the few years I’ve been doing this. 99% of male drivers have treated me with nothing but respect. They even go out of their way to hold doors etc which makes me a little uncomfortable because I’m just another driver out here and don’t want special treatment but I appreciate the gesture a lot. More about what it says about them than what it does about me. As compared to other industries I’ve been in, I get equal respect and pay for equal work. Any advice or opinions would be appreciated

Bobtails stop taking a full parking spot

The dispatcher is only out for himself he is not out for you remember remember what you have to do first pick up the load take it safely in the abide by the law do not let them talk you into doing anything that will jeopardize your load or license

I would like to add to the "get over" part. When there's traffic behind you, do not get over all the way. Schmucks will pass on the right, defeating the purpose of you moving over. By moving over only half-way, you're leaving half the lane clear rather than the schuck occupying the whole right hand lane. And usually when the schmucks get the hint that you're not going to allow their inconsiderate movement, they usually give up trying to pass on the right and get in behind you.

I just passed my CDL permit test and am going through driving school right now. Thank you so much for these videos.

Also, don’t pull off on the roadside shoulder on a whim. Find a better place to do so like the shoulder of an off ramp. That way other truck drivers don’t need to be changing lanes all the time!

Do a video about the difference between rural and urban driving with some tips. I haul grain and probably drove for 2 years before I ever encountered real city traffic in Minneapolis. It was a rude awakening compared to the 2 lanes in North Dakota and Montana.

Dont let truckers bully you out here they are cowards and want NO SMOKE lol😂😂😂😂

Turn your flashers on when 15mph below the posted speed limit. So Prime, Crete, Raider Express and Swift should always have them on in west Texas.

Great video. My advice is always be polite everywhere you go, shipper, receiver, truck stop and on the road.

Always have food and water on the truck. If you are a local driver make sure you have plenty of warm clothes in the winter to survive. Every winter it seems like a massive storm will shut down the highway leaving driver's stranded for days leaving them without fuel, food and water. Secondly, always take mountains slow and easy. You can always run down a mountain too slow, but too fast could be your last ride.

Truckers please use your TURN SIGNALS WHEN CHANGING LANES,,,, THANK YOU

Great points all, I would add, Don't be a BILLYBOB BIG RIGGER!!! Don't be cocky. You are most likely a 80,000lb missle, you can't stop on a dime. Be courteous to all , big trucks and 4 wheelers alike.

Sorry to hear that about your uncle. That is one thing that bothers me also. We as truck drivers need to practice this every time we pass a car or truck on the side of the road. I also believe every driver should do this. It a safety thing and a respect thing.

My number one tip is keep the old lady happy! Happy wife, happy life.

lol, the funny thing is that some veterans need to abide by your list. Also for new driver's: USE YOUR MIRRORS. you should know where your truck & trailer is at all time's.

Backing Turning and Braking is mostly where the destruction happens. Remember that when you get comfortable.

Park as far away as you can....YOU will need the exercise...Stay healthy my friends

In Australia we flash high beams to let other truckies know it's clear and they flick their blinkers left/right/left or vice versa to say thanks

1. Don’t try to race me when I move over to another lane to let you merge on the interstate. 2. Don’t come to a complete stop when I slow down to let you merge on the interstate in front of me especially when you know you aren’t governed.

The story about your uncle really got me. Great advice

Following distance, getting out & looking before you back up.

When passing a slow truck, don't jump out into the left lane when you can clearly see a (third) truck passing you. Be kind to those who can go faster than you. This is especially true when climbing a large grade because the left lane could already be 10+ deep (which you can not see behind the truck) and you now have slammed down all that traffic. Good way to cause a major accident.

If I had to put my hazard lights on at 65 in an 80 zone I’d never turn them off

Keep your CB on. And put the phones down

Great tips for new drivers. I would one day like to see the respect drivers gave other drivers like they once did. It's crazy out here these days..

I agree with #4! I also agree with the last 2 also. When I was a reefer driver I did my best to pull into a parking area as to not bug anyone else. Once I was told byba fella " arr you such a rookie that you can not back in?" I turned it around and backed in. Next to him and put my reefer on non stop! The next morning he looked wierd with red eyes. Needless to say I do not beleive he ever repeated that comment to a reefer driver again. At least I hooe he didn't. Hell yeah Brother!..

If you got a 62mph truck... don’t try to pass another 62 mph truck in a 70 mph zone.

Take your time and don't let dispatch cause you to hurry.

Pay attention to Everything Around You give Everyone Space get over for emergency vehicles and everyone else help each other if you can

Here's a tip...if your on a highway that has 3 lanes in each direction, the middle lane is not your safe space. If your truck is governed at 62 or 65 like most megas, run the right lane except for passing.

My tip? This is a lifestyle. Take it or leave it.

I drive a delivery box truck, this lady was hiding behind me in the blind spot, so tailgating, 2 cars were on the shoulder ahead fixing a flat right on the white line, I checked my mirrors, signaling, got over in the left lane, then she thought it would be a great time to pass me on the right, what a jerk, and dangerous for the people on the side of the road, I didn't even know she was behind me.

I drove for a company where as soon as your wheels start to turn it places you On Duty Driving and actually put me in violation. If you are in the fuel island and you're out of hours it does not give you an excuse. That's just piss poor planning.

Good tips thank you! Appreciate the heads up! As a female driver and being in my 1st year out here ? There’s not a whole lot of love for the new person. I would think drivers would WANT to school the newbies because that’s who’s gonna be out on the road with you.. but thank you sir, for taking the time 👍

Be humble. No matter how long you've been doing something, there are always things to learn or different ways of getting to the same endpoint. Sometimes tips, tricks or other ways of doing something come from those who may not be as seasoned as yourself. Seeing things from a different perspective doesn't make you anything less or them anything more. Knowledge is power and wisdom comes from applying that knowledge.

Im sorry about your uncle, I like your videos you are a great spokesman for the industry. thank you for you knowledge and your time.

i had a short time as a trucker and i just want to extend a thank you for what the industry does for america. i understand it can be hard and you hardly get a thank you, or recognition but please be safe and keep on trucking. especially to you new truckers out there.

The best advice I can give is first when you're at a customer turn off all distractions from your phone your radio and even your AC and roll your windows down so you can hear everything you. Secondly take your time backing in the spot you're going into, many fellow truckers will understand if either you're new or may have issues with that spot so go slow and take your time because the slower you go the less likely you are to have an accident.

Listen I have said this over and over but trucking doesn't have to be the way it is today. If we all stepped back and remembered that we had to learn. We all made mistakes and if it had not been for someone that took a couple of minutes out of their days to show us the right way then where would of been today? Just try to help someone what is it going to hurt? I can be just as bad as the next guy to bitch about it and not do anything to fix it but I have to stop that also.

Trucking isn’t like it used to be just 10 years ago. No flashing lights anymore to let you know you can get over, no talking on the cb radios to communicate about weather or traffic conditions. Everybody is mad and nonchalant. We used to stick up for each other out here, especially against four wheelers.

good advice there.. and heres one for you carry some pain meds as you never know when that tooth or back is going to hurt

I'm new and I've noticed this more as a 4wheeler too. I get over when folks are in the emergency lanes!!

Wow sorry to here that about your Uncle that is a very good call move over in a good lane or a safe lane !!! Make sure you use your mirrors every few seconds safe driving.

Not a truck driver, nore am I a new driver. Want to say that a lot of these tips are great advice for any driver!!!

I agree with you on a lot of things. I would add stop parking by the scale or in front of the scale. Put your phone down. I run reefer. If you have an unmaintained reefer it’s going to be loud. If a reefer does park by you remember his load is going to the grocery store your family shops at. Great video.

Coming from a driver with 4 months experience. Everything you said is common sense.

I recommend cb radios. Alot of drivers dont use them anymore but can help you get out if trouble, ask for help, directions, or a heads up of issues on the road.

great videos i love them my lady and i r planning on getting our class a licence and we found the perfect teacher thats u god bless u amd family thanks.

Thanks, great 👍🏻 advice for newbies and veterans Truckers, Be safe & God Bless.

Hold the door open for your fellow driver! Everyone loves to stop after a long haul and see some nice gestures!

Thank you for the useful tips. Some are common sense. Some don't apply to me, as I drive locally for a freight company. I know that I'll never leave this job willingly, but someday, I might try OTR trucking. I enjoy your videos, keep making them! Thanks again brother trucker and stay safe out there!

Lol I love the fuel island truth

I am looking into a career change, and your channel has been extremely informative. I appreciate your time and dedication to your craft and looking out for new drivers as well as people like myself!!

A lot of good tips and points in that if your new truck driver pay attention

Been driving big trucks for over 30 yrs. Good advice especially fuel island edicate. Be respectful of others, it will go a long way.

Hey buddy you really nailed..! Almost everything you talk about I learned by my years of driving, my first driving experience was with Swift..like you says the mega carriers and I have a very good trainer who I still in touch for 7 years I have my cousin as my mentor who being driving for 38 years and now im addicted to this job. I’m owner operator. You doing a great job with your videos. Well done.!

I always enjoy your content. I wish more people would actually listen to this advice.

I helped out a flatbedder once with his load because it looked like he was having trouble. He thanked me and told me he was sick and his company was making him finish unloading so he could take off. It doesn’t hurt to help other drivers.

Good points. How bout use your cb radio ? ESP when hazards are ahead. You could save someone a lot of time or confusion with some helpful information.

I appreciate the videos you and Sammy (from make sense) put out. I’m using both of you as mentors since I am new to owning a truck. Like I said in an earlier comment. 28 years as a company driver. Switching from company driver to owner operator honestly was a lot harder than I thought. Especially when loads that you book fall through. Currently leased on with Landstar.

Super useful! Thanks for the post!

When you get over for stopped vehicles on the shoulder, DON'T SLOW DOWN! That forces all the traffic behind you to slow down, using up their safety cushion, and leaves no room for any other vehicles to get over. Only slow down if you can't get over.

I loved this video no one does this anymore.

Well Dam ! Well said! Please do a video on these guys wearing Flip Flops while operating in commerce

My # 1 thing concerning the fellow drivers is drive your own truck meaning be courteous to others,it’s no ones job to police the next man or incite violence or suffer the consequences,some drivers don’t make it home playing tough guy .Many drivers carry firearms out here

Good advice for new drivers and also some of this old hands out here

Good points if you care, think of others. Too many drivers don't give a crap because they just don't.

I like this guy 🤔 makes good sense

New truck driver tip always always take your time

Great video! With most of the newer generation coming into their CDL . I’ve heard a lot about driving in the middle lane for better fuel economy. That’s cool and all. But being apart of a mega carrier. They are already chopping the rates down. As well as screwing the new people out of pay. Don’t e a steering wheel holder and sit in the middle lane.

The fuel island thing is true for any vehicle your in. It’s a spot to fuel up not park and and take a piss and grab a snack and drink and bullshit.

This isn't my number one tip. But turn your headlights off when you pull into a truckstop at night.

Thank you very much, I am learning a lot through these videos as a new trucker driver

This is great stuff. I just recently got my CDL and have gone through training and come this Sunday/Monday I will be out on my own for the first time. I'm very excited and kinda nervous at the same time also. So any and all tips are appreciated. Thanks again! Liked and subscribed!

i am beginning my training and more I listen to your video the more I questioned myself. Hourra

#2 Never, repeat NEVER flash your brights!!!!

You should do a podcast man, I’m telling you. I’m a new truck driver and always looking for advise, even while driving. Love your videos my friend!

I can agree with all these points. One thing I'd mention if anyone else hasn't. When passing, "give space, use signals!"

I remembered starting with this one company... big company too. in the orientation guy starts off talking about drivers and lack of communication, unity and a few minutes later they are telling us NOT to use our light to communicate... wtf??!! I voiced my opinion that I WILL continue to use my lights to communicate -thank you for letting me in etc. and brought up how he starts off with his speech and this is a great example of enforcing the lack of unity lol he just looked at me and it was dropped XD btw nice to see you've gotten caught up on sleep lol