Survival Guide for Your First Year in Trucking (Grow & strive, Pay, Find a job, Trainer, Reality) 

One thing I think new drivers have to understand is that it’s not just a job it’s a lifestyle change.

You guys left out another major reason people leave. People are getting smarter with their CDL's. Once drivers figure out that their CDL is very valuable and can get them a job almost anywhere, they will shop around. A CDL doesn't mean you are stuck doing long haul or even city tractor-trailer driving. You can work for construction companies hauling with dump trucks or even flat beds and equipment carriers, you can work for municipalities or bus companies ect. A lot of those "other" jobs pay just as well if not better and you stay local for the most part and some situations you have benefits and a pension plan. A CDL is a drivers' most valuable resource and you can shop it around to get a job that suits you. Nothing against long haul guys / gals. I love and respect you. But, that job like mentioned in this video, is getting worse and worse as time goes on. I started as a long-haul driver. After 2 years, I walked out the door and shopped around and got myself a career working in the construction industry. I am home every day, all truck expenses are on the company and I have a pension plan and benefits. I may not drive tractor-trailers daily, but also triaxles with dump trailers for which you need the same class permits or other vehicles as required. Through that job I also got the opportunity to be trained on heavy equipment ( Backhoe, loader and attachments, bull dozer and mechanical shovels ect.) paid by the company. I also have to do some physical labor as well. For me it was the best choice. For others maybe not. But my point is never underestimate the value of a clean CDL with a little experience behind it. It is your ticket to a good career if you shop around and do some research. You will never be out of work.

Ask questions. Take advice when given. Show that you want to learn. Experienced drivers have respect for those that don't think they are a know it all.

So helpful. I've worked in an industry for 21 years only to have my job ended with covid, and replaced with a different crew that will work cheaper. Strange times we are in. I am going to take the school. I am at the age where I can still grind for some years. I have been in some of the most stressful situations, and to see my career disappear, I welcome the change. Being labeled non-essential after 21 years in my industry is motivating me in this direction thanks for posting!

I'm getting addicted to these videos, thank you very much

I REMEMBER MY FIRST YEARS (5), MY ROOKIE YEARS, 30 YEARS AGO.

I started with a performance pay percentage company instead of mileage. Idk if that means anything. Granted, I'm probably getting the tougher runs, but I'm in my first year, and I need it to be tough to learn. I am making the best money I've ever made. I'm averaging a thousand a week as a rookie. I talk to my fleet manager monthly on how I can do better. I stay out. I don't take driving breaks. I go where the dispatch says to go/ don't refuse loads. I'm striving for the top of the board. My fleet manager is rewarding me for that. I'm working hard to earn the top gun spot and I'm lucky to have a coach/ fleet manager striving for that too.

Thank you for posting this. I am a new driver,still on my 1st month out as a solo driver (completed OTR training.) This video gave me the 2nd wind I needed. No BS, just good honest advice from an experienced driver. Thanks again.

i grew up around trucking father had 40 years and uncle had 55 years driving so i knew what to expect my father trained me and i teamed with him for 2 years until he retired

Well , when I started to drive a truck , 0 experience , got my licence 10 years before hand , but never driven , it was harsh. I had no trainer as I had 10 years on my licence and went through hell. Best tip ever that no one puts out there is TAKE YOUR TIME! I had to do 20 maneuvers to get into a loading bay the first time , as I was never taught that (got my license on a rigid+small trailer) , I had no idea how the trailer bends , but I took care , got out 10 times , figured it out as safe as I could and unloaded. I had to park up in a cramped space between 2 lorries and I wasn't confident in my ability to do that , got out , went to one of the old bearded fellas that will probably laugh their ass of when you hit something and then school you harshly and told him respectfully if he could spot me. He was more than happy to and I didn't hit anything. The old guy actually cracked q beer with me and gave me some pointers. Don't rush strapping , circle checks , hit the gas when you are unsure due to your lackluster experience or stuff like that cause it's gonna come back to bite you in the ass. I rushed on a Friday to get home , got loaded with a container , didn't check , did 200 miles , got there and noticed they can't unload it cause the doors are facing me. Had to call , make a fool of myself to the employer and to shell out the money for delay and the crane to flip the container the right way around. I worked a week for free cause I couldn't be bothered to check my load when I secured it. So take your time. Always. There is no rush , no matter what the guy tells you on the phone to get you going , tell him your doing your best and are trying. If you rush and fuck up , that is your screwup and nobody will help you.

I did team driving my first year. Worked long hours. Hardly went home. Made my mistakes. Finally found a solo job and I'm loving it. Now I run hard and the payoff is worth every cent.

Alot of Company's say, they want you to stay least 1 year to gets thier money worth from hiring you. 1 year is ok then move on to something better

You're so on point with that, I remember my first year, 15 years ago, things were very different from now, but I did wanted and still do love what I do 🚛💪

Great info for news Drivers. You can make great money in trucking. If i was a young guy, i would jump in a truck and run for three years as hard as i could, live in the semi and save every penny, then buy a house. Its the perfect job to save money, because your truck is your home.

Thanks for the insight and encouragement. I am just about to start orientation and receive my first truck so this video is my reality.👍🏻

I love your perception and straight forwardness of the job!! I am a new guy myself straight out of CDL school. I’ve driven Tractor Trailers, straight trucks and tugs in the military(some on a daily basis but some not, but I have experience in it). While going through school I’ve seen different types of personalities go through and right away you know they will not survive. I know the first year will suck, I’ve already made my mind up that I will make shit money while driving long hours and that’s ok. It comes with the job. Like you said, work your ass off, and the money will come later with experience. Thank you for your service in the trucking industry sir!!

I can't tell You guys how much I appreciate this video, I've been driving a truck for a yr now an Ladies an Gentleman lemme tell ya it's been a hell of alot harder than I thought. I really needed this video N The Encouragement, This week has been one of the worst weeks I've ever had in the truck. I'm gonna keep pushing N Stay focused I Love driving truck, but for All You ppl out there thinking about getting You're cdl A, Think Long an Hard this isn't just a job it's a completely different way of Life, an If Your not completely in Love with driving truck an ready to meet all kinds of bs an resistance along the way dont waste You're time. For those that are Just Like Me an struggling, Keep grinding it out an stay hungry an passionate an keep the rubber on the Road God Bless Brother's an Sister's 👊.

I like him for being super honest

Thank you. I start trucking school tomorrow.

Excellent presentation. Thank you. Very clear and concise.

Thank you so much for making this videos giving us the honest truth, advice and motivation.

Mate thanks for your guide with all important points for new driver ....keep it up bro

Great wisdom, thank you!

Can you add a video about home life while your away , who’s cutting the grass blowing the snow at home ,what the wife is going thru being a single mom . Talk about money on the road and having two bank accounts in case the bank cuts the card off . Talk about having people in place at home to take care of plumbing issues , electrical and heat and air conditioning. Do do you have a place to park truck and trailer for home time . Getting your body physically ready , going and getting eyes check , dental visit , general doctor visit . How to get yourself in a daily routine of getting up the same time each day and building a solid foundation to progress your career .your spot on in this video , I’m a mentor at my current company and I’m amazed at how unprepared drivers are ! Would love to talk by phone to give you some video ideas

Awesome video guys!!

Great video! And thanks for keeping it real.

Bless up man,haven't started yet am still in training school in jamaica, but that's the real talk i needed. 👊

All I wanna say respect ✊ him For new drivers don’t say I know I know

Excellent thanks greatly appreciated for your information for the new truckers

I love your videos brother. Thank you for the truth. Im about to start school in a week. I turned 51 this year and been in construction my whole life. Allways wanted to do truck driving. Endeavor to persevere . famous quote from outlaw josie Wales.

Solid video. This is my favorite person on the channel

First year.... Yikes.... He's right absolutely right. I would even go as far to say he was saying how bad the first year is and he still auger coated it. It's ruff.. the depression, being poor, sleep deprived, over worked, and poor. But, It does gets better almost instantly at the year mark, at that point you can start calling the shots if the company doesn't like it a million others will hire you,

TRUTH IS A BEAUTIFUL THING !!!!!!!! Thank you for the knowledge 👍🏾💯🇺🇸💰

Thank you finally someone that’s keeping it real And told the down side of the story

Nice video tips, watching from Jamaica 👍🏼🇯🇲

I'm about to be come truck driver very soon and I do appreciate every single piece of advice you mentioned thx

Appreciate it man 💯

I really love driving. I hope I'll get into trucking business soon. Looking forward to it.

great information. im about to start my first driving job this week and this opened my eyes a lil

I needed to see this ; now it’s making sense for me to be a new driver

These are great. And here we can see something that is connecting everyone around the world doing this job. Very helpful stuff too, i wish i could have heard this when i started.

Thanks for giving it straight with no sugar coating. I have my Class B with a few endorsements. I'm working on my Class A and planning on driving local.

Thank you sir.

Thanks for your advice i really like to be truck driver in the future and i really get it tnx again

My first week as a driver was a little rough. But once everyone saw I had common sense and was willing to work just as hard as them. Everything was great the next Monday

Thank you OG for all the truth 🙏

I’m fresh out of school and snagged myself a steal job! I’m excited for my first year!

outstanding information 100% truth

This video is why I started out local and stay there. The pay wasn't any different from the senior drivers and we all did the same loads. They treat you a little better knowing it's easy to simply not show up the next day. You're not out there at their mercy. 😃

Really like the breakdown of the industry. My only recommendation is to add more contrast to the words on the screen as they are hard to read. Really like that you present all these facts clearly and precisely.

Thank you so much for the great advice I am 53 years old and I’m going for my (AZ) at the northern Academy transport training(NATT) in Sudbury Ontario driving trucks is something I’ve been wanting to do my whole life. I will take your advice at face value I’ll grow a backbone because I really want this so bad I could taste it thank you so much and God bless

I agree your point Bob, thanks

Good stuff thank you

This guy is exactly what I need to hear

2 years + in the game, make over 3k weekly consistently without going to NYC.

I was half way though the video before I realized that Handel’s Messiah - Angels We Have Heard on High is the background music. Interesting choice for a video made in March. But I enjoyed it, it’s the Christmas season for me as I watch this. Great video too, I want to make sure I enter this industry informed with my eyes open.

This is absolutely true

I've been doing (mostly) local delivery for almost 25 years now. (27's, 28's, 32's. 35's, 48's 53's. Doubles and Triples.) Yeah, it's hard. I still like it.

Thanks for the video. I am 62 years old and I’ve always wanted to be a truck driver. I start my training on April 4th, 2022 and I AM VERY EXCITED to start.

Very true been there.....be patient....

I like this guy with the beard more, he just seems so real to you. It is refreshing

Thank you

That first year you’re right, suck it up & drive on!

I am down! See y’all on the road this November!!!

My first company in 1999 was Gainey Transportation in Grand Rapids MI. I had a great trainer and it was a great company that took care of its new drivers. It may not be like that now but it was then

My Friend Good afternoon Very good tips , thanks for sharing Regards 27 March 2021

Re: driver trainer. I asked for one, mainly because I'd never crossed the US border and needed to learn the process as not one word was said about it in driver orientation (I came from the Alberta oilfield where I got my CDL). I was with him for precisely one week and was given my own unit after the first trip.

Thanks

I got my CDL Class A last November. I started at a trash company as tractor trailer driver. I recently landed a permanent full time job driving for a USPS contractor. Both jobs are LOCAL.

Love the truth and honesty. This industry is not for snowflakes. Keep working hard and don’t let anybody fuck you. Grow that back bone

I didn't make it 1 year OTR, but I did on my local driving job.

I think every trucker no matter the experience, everyone should be doing/starting at 22dollar an hour!!! You are driving a SEMI!!! if its less than that i rather work at McDonalds making 16hr

Thank uu!!!!

ok got it, Now I Know good info,,,

I've worked for many companies as a laborer and been through the military starting at the lowest (E-1) rank and the fact of the matter is this; no matter what you do, you'll start on the bottom of your respective field and have to work your way up and until then many jobs just suck, whether it be in pay format or general duties. For anyone looking for a career or maybe just something to pay the bills...learn to have patience and drive and look for advancement opportunities, the jobs that nobody wants to do and smart spending will lead you to be able to achieve better things. If you want to drive a Maserati on 40k a year, you better live with your parents. Be cheap and mindful on your time and spending, otherwise you'll never make it up the ladder and you'll stay stuck looking at what others have achieved. Learn and gain experience. It's what will help you gain a foothold on your climb upward to a better life or even a retirement at an age better than 75.

You are an excellent teacher. Maybe you could consider teaching or counseling career.

going next week try for my cdl class a

DRIVER TRAINERS IN MANY COMPANY'S ARE PEOPLE WHO STARTED A FEW WEEKS EARLIER THAN YOU, AND THIS IS PROVEN BECAUSE OF WAIVER'S FROM THE FMCSA. MAKE SURE YOU GET INTO A GREAT COMPANY, AND YOU DO THIS BY CHECKING COMPANY BACKGROUNDS THROUGH GLASSDOOR AND OTHER RESEARCH WEBSITES. IF YOU DO YOUR RESEARCH, YOU WILL FIND A GOOD COMPANY TO WORK FOR, AND YOU WILL STAY FOR SOME TIME AND MOST OF ALL YOU MAY MAKE GOOD MONEY AND ENJOY THE JOB! "DO THE RESEARCH AND DO NOT TAKE ANY OLD JOB, TAKE THE ONE YOU WANT WHEN IT COMES ALONG". YOU MAY HAVE TO WAIT A SHORT TIME, BUT DO NOT LOWER YOURSELF TO A TERRIBLE COMPANY BECAUSE THERE ARE MANY OF THEM".

Luckily, I got hired for fedex Ground and the pay is dam great just imagine once I finish my first year

No different then any other career. First year in any business you get the grunt work.

All true hundred percent. I wish you only lights ways

I’ve been with the same company for 10 years

My first run was to the Bronx. I was making .32 a mile. After a break from the job, I restarted in 2018 with a company at .40 per mile, but I love it because the company cares about its people and not profit. I'm up to .50 per mile and in my situation it is more than enough for my expenses. Of course I am single with very few expenses. I would never take this pay with a family.

You're the truck games Larry Bird 🔥 🔥 🔥

Seems like when you first get in trucking first you hate it thinking what the hell did I get myself into, then you start to like it a little bit, then you'll love it it's in your blood you can't get out of it. Lol lol

This is so true with any corporation. In my 30 year career job, it took 9 years and a Bachelor’s degree to max out in pay. Throughout the last few years of my 30, the young folks coming in would leave the job for a slightly higher paying position because they believed they deserved it. Pay your dues rookies, whether you’re 20 or 50.

If you stay with your first company for 2 years, you will just about have your choice of companies that will hire you. Most newer drivers don't make it 6 months with their first driving job. Its not necessarily the industry, yes it's a tough job, but the companies today are usually your worst enemy. That's why doing your research is so important, you don't want to start your driving career with a shit company.

Thank you very much I am really dying to get this job I just got my cdl in morocco ready to do my best to make this dream come true I will appreciate anyone help♡

Just starting making 36 per mile. All I need is that exp baby 5 months left

I’m 9 months into a company as a company driver and mannnnnnn , I work 5 times more than others & get payed 5 times less… but I’m 22 making great money anyway so let’s go!! Hopefully I can buy a semi within the next year or so…

Ima start at 72 cents a mile straight out of cdl school. But of course the first 4 weeks with a trainer it’s going to be $700 a week but after I’m golden. It is otr 14 days out. 2 days home time.

bueno amigo pude entender su explicacion,la verdad muy interesante ,yo ya poseo una basta experiuencia 35 años.pero como uno dice ,todos los dias se aprende algo nuevo,uno siem`pre comienza denuevo.espero mas informacion como poder emigrar

I have no idea who this guy is, but he needs to start his own RU-vid channel. It's clearly obvious the guy is a treasure trove of information for truckers or trucking industry tire kickers. Bro, to the rookie driver or future trucking candidates, you're more than worth your weight in platinum.

you can get juice from your company in your first month if you can run and are on time. i did 3500 miles my first week and my trainer asked the company to buy out my contract, he wanted me to run teams with him for a couple months then buy a truck for me to drive. company said no and i got employee of the month 4 times my first year, at a mega with 3000 drivers. it's been years and my first DM still calls me trying to get me back over. and yeah my trainer said his favorite thing about me other than competent driving was that i listened. wasnt combative or arrogant. soaked up everything he told me and still use his advice years later. i just started with my 5th company and they put me in a new t680 after being with them for only 2 months. run miles, take the shitty loads, be on time, be easy for your DM to work with and things go a lot easier. at the same time recognize a shit company for what it is and be aware that a cdl is power. make sure you're being paid your worth.

Truck Driving is NOT a Job. It's a Lifestyle.... One that's not for everyone.

High truck driver attrition rates are due to people not fully realizing that the profession is unlike any other in the world. They can't adjust to the fact that their life is now inextricably connected to their truck. Now pile on dismissive management, condescending warehouse employees, bad weather, and low pay. There is your recipe for high turnover. The best move the industry could make for new drivers is to fully educate the trainees, not just about driving, but about the unavoidable change in lifestyle.

I have almost started a job with a carrier near me but after asking a few questions I found out that wait time is not paid, Pre and post trip inspections are not paid, they use PC Miler to determine your miles not odometer, There is no in truck GPS only dispatcher, if you have to chain tires in winter not paid, wait time is not paid. I am super close to just passing on this company but getting seat time is hard when your new. Any advice?. Oh ya and a 3 month probation period at a reduced rate (.30 CPM)...Perhaps I am so new that this is normal but it seems alot of doing stuff on my own time. I can accept the low pay but doing all this extra work or waiting for free is hard to swallow.

9x12 would be awesome

Midland over here in Moncton only pays 28cpm for the first 60 days with the coach and then your forced to run team for at leased a year or two before they'll concider letting you go solo and you only make 38-42 cpm during that time. Its rediculace.

Absolutely right. I agree with every word. And that's exactly how it is here in Germany. 😂