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Emergency-Bus-998@reddit

Ive been driving for 8.5 years and still have those days every once in a while

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Itsjayla@reddit

Get plenty of sleep. If you need to pull over and take a nap then do that. Your life and others is worth more than that load.

Go grocery shopping when you can and find ways to get snacks, finger foods to snack on while cruising, ways to cook in your truck so youre not starving yourself.

Use a trucker map to pre plan your loads. Always pre plan and look at the satellite view to figure out where you are getting in and out or where you need to go. If your company not giving you any time to do that or not telling you where you need to go then you might need to find a different company.

Always pay attention of your surroundings and give yourself a second to think before doing anything that could possibly mess you up

Overall it does get better.

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Routine-Ad-1629@reddit

Im also a rookie, less than a year here. But I refused to listen to anyone who said you need experience to get the better gigs. I applied to everything good and eventually found a local beer gig that pays super well and is incredibly easy. It just took a minute to find a fit. Nothing is more important as a driver than staying sharp, if youre burning out it may not be the right fit, assuming youre doing the responsible thing already and making sure your head is right first. But like I said, im not a veteran, so maybe im not the best person to give advice. I just know how hard it is as a new guy in a role that has horrible expectations of you.

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Routine-Ad-1629@reddit

In my mind, nothing is worth rushing when it comes to the danger of being behind the wheel. Take your time, all that you need. Anyone who rushes you can get bent.

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1Stack_Mack@reddit

Pre plan all of your trips to the point where you're sick of looking at the maps so you're not lost and confused. Plenty of sleep and healthy eating is a key to staying alert.

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friendlyskies25@reddit (OP)

I try to, but most of time I don't know where im going till im supposed to already be on my way, a lot of last minute changes.

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forkystabbyveggie@reddit

Google maps is your friend. NOT FOR NAVIGATION but for satellite/Street view and the reviews.

Drivers often leave hints and instructions for warehouses and the such. Don't see a review with instructions? Leave one for the next guy.

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Always_Shifting_4459@reddit

Sometimes Google maps is more accurate than the Garmin GPS that's updated so often helps to use both

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forkystabbyveggie@reddit

I would never recommend this to someone in OPs shoes. Once you have a few years and can build a sense for where trucks should and shouldn't go, and be able to tell risky areas from bridges through satellite view, I completely believe one could run gmaps as primary nav.

But for the love of God, for the new drivers, do not use gmaps unless you're in the plains or the desert

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Always_Shifting_4459@reddit

I would... I started at Stevens Transport. Always used the Qualcomm navigation once I figured it out. After a year met up with one driver I started with. Come to find out he never used Qualcomm and always used Google maps.

Hence why I said to use both! And get a Rand Mcnally road atlas for extra help and planning.

Some years later hauling frac sand for Pioneer locations near Midland/Odessa just about all the roads to those locations were on google maps. All the directions were from their yard in Midland getting out there. Your "trucker GPS" doesn't always help you 😂

Fast forward to now as a fuel hauler there's been times Garmin didn't have a clue and kept sending me places I SHOULD NOT go and along routes you steering wheel holders could go but definitely not hazmat... whereas google maps was more accurate and spot on where to go and not go so what you decide to use and not use is up to you

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BackgroundMoney5931@reddit

This is so valueable!! My company had Dropbox on some of our customers but it wasn’t great info. I found out that truckers leave reviews and it has saved me many times! If it’s a risky place there should for sure be a bunch of reviews on google. Also if it is tricky navigating to the location they will drop truck directions.

I didn’t find this info out for a couple of years it could have saved me a lot of headache as a new driver

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ear_cheese@reddit

Then you’re going to have to be a few minutes late. If they can’t provide you with enough time to pre-plan and get there, that’s their issue not yours. Take your time, get your plan straight, look it up in satellite view, all that.

Then call them and tell them your new ETA.

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Ok_Pack_5136@reddit

If I’m going somewhere I’ve never been, I use google street view to look at the area I’m picking up or delivering in and find the best approach to the dock. I also keep an eye out for problem areas such as low clearances and such.

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Mamatiger85@reddit

Also check Google reviews for where you're going, many times drivers will leave tips as to where to park, which entrance to use, check-in procedures, etc.

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Always_Shifting_4459@reddit

Trucker Path helps with that too

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OccupyRiverdale@reddit

I’m not a trucker, but I’m a commercial insurance broker who spends a lot of time looking into and researching manufacturers/distributors as prospects. Part of that research is checking google reviews, and I would say like 90% of the google reviews for non-hospitality businesses are drivers giving feedback and providing advice for pickups/drop offs. Also I’ll frequently see drivers add pictures of the dock/entrance with those reviews. It’s definitely an excellent resource.

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1Stack_Mack@reddit

Absolutely! I do this when I go somewhere new

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PositiveAlcoholTaxis@reddit

Been saved by this before.

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NinjaColv@reddit

I also pull up to stops sometimes park somewhere safe a lot of times it's the center lane and I walk to the dock looking up and down for any obstacles and for the best way to back in and I also ask ppl for help stopping traffic or whatever u need. Don't be afraid to ask for help most ppl are friendly...even if they call u a newbie or make fun they normally do it in a playful manner and still help

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SpiritualFlamingo599@reddit

Exactly what i do, just went to southside LA for the first time delivering a tanker of yeast and doing that saved me the headache of being stuck pointing the wrong way.

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Rag3QuitnRob3rtGame@reddit

Satellite also helps. It did loads for me when I did DG

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DukeBradford2@reddit

Yup. this. Just picked up a load and street viewed it. Stop in front of blue building in case they load me on this side of building instead of where the company tablet tells me to go.

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Puzzleheaded_Shift46@reddit

Those are definitely words to live by! I don’t move freight, I pull either an end dump or RGN hauling heavy equipment 90% of the time, step deck moving smaller stuff on occasion. In some ways that’s easier in many it’s tougher….but one rule I live by that I wouldn’t change even if I was moving vans from terminals to docks all day every day is I don’t trust the GPS for turn by turn directions…ever. I pull up the sat map, look at the route it suggested, and on anything roads other than highways and interstates I look at where it’s telling me to go, make adjustments where I know that’s not going to work, then right down my own directions on a piece of paper. Even delivering out logging roads with 12 turn-offs, 8 forks, and 5 switchbacks between the main road and the job site I’ve never had that method fail me.

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4DAttackHummingbird@reddit

A trucker I know would literally tell them “you need to give me some time to get my bearings, I’ll leave in half an hour” and spend that half hour planning

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friendlyskies25@reddit (OP)

That's what I gotta start doing

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Virtchoo@reddit

I usually just street view the last mile or few miles at pickup and delivery.

It’s your job, your license, and your paycheck. Some companies will try to pressure you to do more and more, the hardest thing to learn as a new driver is when to put your foot down. I used to get the whole “when will you be there” calls and after enough of the “I’ll be there about when I get there” replies they learned.

Make sure you’re getting enough sleep. The best way is to just get a routine. I start at about 2am, and shut down at around 2pm. Never have to fight over a spot, the start of the day is smooth because nobody else is on the road till the morning rush hour, and I get to completely skip the afternoon rush hour. Afternoons are the worst because everybody is excited to get back home so they drive crazier. Nobody want to get to work.

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DukeBradford2@reddit

Airplane mode as soon as i tell them the weather is too bad to continue and will update when it gets better

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StrangeReason@reddit

I love this!!!!

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Tremerefury@reddit

Lmao! Good idea!

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StrangeReason@reddit

You're the captain of the ship. You decide. Never let them hurry you. It's like dispatch versus safety... It's almost like two different companies

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Fluxus4@reddit

Who are you with?

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friendlyskies25@reddit (OP)

Kight

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flergityberg@reddit

I did something like that my first week at Swift. There’s a yellow safety pole at a Walmart in Utah that hates me. 😬

As said: plan, plan, plan. You might ask to switch to Swift (Swift and Knight are the same company), in my experience being OTR wasn’t the constant rush that you’re describing. I had time to preplan, and I also got paid to deadhead to my pickups. I also got an extra week of training.

Use Google Maps to see your pickups and drop offs, and if you don’t see where the entrance is, call them and ask. If you can’t get someone on the phone, call your dispatcher. If you get somewhere and don’t know what to do, get out of the truck and find someone to ask.

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grimnir_music@reddit

I cannot imagine not being fully paid for deadhead miles as a company driver. You do the same work empty or loaded. Anyone not being paid needs to find a new job!

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Panakinn@reddit

Yea i always have Google maps up like 10miles away from drop off just in case. Too many times co pilots led me to the middle of bum fuck no where.

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Unique_Arm435@reddit

Yuck. They won't get better. You will have to get better to make it.

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Lord_B33zus@reddit

I work Knight for a year, made 1500-2K/wk, gotta try and get on a dedicated account. But yeah, it eventually gets better. On the plus side, Knight is self insured, so it may not go on your record. I know guys who had mishaps and were still able to transition to Walmart and such.

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Fluxus4@reddit

It sounds rough man. Lots of good advice in here though.

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mrockracing@reddit

Nah man, ALWAYS trip plan, and trip plan well. ALWAYS take your time. Double check things, don't rush. You're attitude should be mellow the whole day through, REGARDLESS of what you're assigned to do. This is how you prevent accidents and keep from missing things. If you aren't being given enough time to handle yourself like that, then that is on your dispatch, NOT you.

This job can be alright if you follow my advice, but you're not going to like it at first and it's going to take time to get where you need to be...

1. Take it slow. As I said, double check everything, be methodical, and take your time. GOAL as many times as you need to. If you're tired and trying to park, creep, and stop moving when you look around. NEVER. RUSH. ANYTHING. This is how disasters happen.

2. Rest. Rest whenever you can. Doesn't necessarily mean sleeping perse, but mentally and physically resting. Video games, YouTube on your phone, whatever. Keep your truck clean and shower often. You'll feel so much better.

3. Run as early in the day as you can, trip plan to park at company terminals, and if you're going to be parking after 3-4PM in most of the country, download the apps, make a account, and use the reserve parking and pay it. It sucks, you're already broke, I get it, but trust me. Ignore the hogs and super truckers who tell you otherwise. Make sure you reserve nice and early after you trip plan and realize you'll need to stop. Try and aim for TA's/Petros. They suck, but they'll enforce the parking far more reliably than Pilot/Flying J. Don't be afraid to kick someone out of the spots when they didn't pay. You paid, you deserve to get in your space and get to sleep. If I could, I liked to run at 2:30-3AM. Not always possible. That's what trip planning is for.

4. Get an Atlas, and download Smart Truck Route 2, and CoPilot onto your phone. CoPilot is for when SMTR2 has issues or your Internet is bad. Pre-Trip. Pre-Trip HARD. Do a full run down the night before if you can, or after your first stop under a load. In the morning, do a refresher and use an expo makeer to mark any major notes on the windshield. If you're given a load and don't have time to plan the entire trip, plan your next leg in extreme detail. If there is no next leg, then younhave no choice but to plan the entire trip in detail.

5. Shipper taking too long? Hours looking iffy, constantly trip plan your time, and if you're allowed to leave, leave and come back. Don't short change yourself and screw yourself over.

6. Get an air fryer with plenty of features. Get an electric freezer-cooler and an emergency battery pack for it. Buy all of your food at the grocery store before you head out, or where the food is cheapest if you know you're headed there (Tennessee usually has excellent prices). If you can, cook at home and freeze. Air fryer liners and tin/aluminum trays work great. A microwave is also an essential. My go tos were the quick and easy stuff. Premade salads/sandwiches (remember to unfreeze a day early lol. Frozen sandwich sucks), ready rice for most meals, microwave safe hot cups and a carton of eggs (won't last, but it's something you can find pretty easy on the road), peanut butter and jelly, I love sausages, and one of the best OTR breakfast foods is Corn Beef Hash with egg. You'll have an air fryer and trays though, so you could 100% cook in there. I cooked plenty myself.

7. Get out of that truck. On your 34's, and downtime etc, exercise, go see a movie, go to a local museum, just get out of that truck and away from it.

8. Don't be stubborn. Take help when it's offered, within reason. Someone spotting you when you're blacking, excellent. Don't get mad and be a super trucker, use that extra set of eyes the way a true captain would.

9. Always check your hours, taxes, and miles. Don't hesitate to ask questions and don't be afraid to ask analogue analyze you're pay.

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Singledad247@reddit

Yeah, I hear that. Just make time to Google Map your stops; it should give you an idea of what you’re getting into! Unsure where you’re working, but assume it is for a MEGA? Get on a dedicated account if you’re making 1k a week!

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bud215@reddit

Ok I know this sounds like bullshit, but what I'm going to say, you will need to learn or you won't make it. You drive the truck not your dispatcher, once your behind the wheel your the boss, dispatchers will push you and push you, but you see here's the thing if you get into an accident they don't get in trouble. They aren't the one that has to take responsibility. So yeah your in charge of the truck. So plan plan plan till your ready. Also no matter what they say take your rest. Because they are going home every night. And if you fall asleep behind the wheel your not ever going home. Be careful be safe and get home.

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ADZ1LL4@reddit

Also, meth. Lots of meth.

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Most_Adagio@reddit

doing that prep plus working those hours? People have a life. I switched jobs And have a much more calm easier desk job with the government and i earn twice as much. Trucking sucks

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Pretend_Ad_8465@reddit

I agree with your sentiments but healthy eating is next to impossible for most truckers.

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1Stack_Mack@reddit

Meal prep every week. Avoid red meats and have tons of veggies, fruits and nuts. Pistachios and almonds are very good at filling you up with protein and you don't need a lot of them. It's not hard if you make an effort and stay away from the rolle grills and the fried garbage they have under the heat lamps.

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droptozro@reddit

Fatty Red meat(by itself) is satiating and has all the essential nutrients you won't get from those veggies and nuts alone. Your ancestors didn't all live on that stuff for centuries all year round.

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1Stack_Mack@reddit

Lean meats. Fish chicken turkey

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droptozro@reddit

All of it. Not all cultures could get fish and chicken all year around. Go watch The Cholesterol Code if you're worried about cholesterol. It's all been bullcrap lies. People earing tons of red meat for years with full CAC scans and little or no atherosclerosis signs.

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1Stack_Mack@reddit

Cholesterol is mostly hereditary

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droptozro@reddit

Nope. It can change daily. What is hereditary is the same foods our families have been eating for decades now.

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Pretend_Ad_8465@reddit

Possible for just SOME of us not ALL of us. You make the assumption that we are all rolling with fridges and microwaves and easy access to grocery stores when on the road. Some folks are gone for weeks and months so they aren't home to meal prep weekly and food deserts are real especially in more remote areas. I stay away from the roller grill and fried crap but Subway fatigue is also real and we all have to eat so we get by with what we can.

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TypicalOcelot7933@reddit

Look into Walmart plus. They offer delivery and will go to truck stops if you are specific about the delivery address.

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friendlyskies25@reddit (OP)

I usually just eat ham and cheese sandwiches lol

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Always_Shifting_4459@reddit

Only making 1000/week? 🤣 try being lucky to make 400/week for the same BS when I started 12 years ago and only made that much a number of weeks at that place while drivers with just their permits were making 3-4 times that amount in the oilfield back home

Yea it gets better if you stick with it and get better

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Motor_Trick_9376@reddit

Honestly it does not. I have done it for 33 years

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Used-Chemistry1685@reddit

Yes it gets easier. Mirrors are your friend. If you want to make money you’ll be doing 12-14 hour days-sometimes longer. $1000 a week is shit money. Start looking for another job and don’t quit your current one till you do. put your notice in, they prob tell you to park the truck and move on.

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PresentationLive943@reddit

I'm making $550 a week after tax doing full OTR 70+ hours a week with a mega carrier. $1000 would be great.

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7thDaydream@reddit

Dude what? Thats literally slavery. Almost every mega carrier will hire you out of school if you have a decent driving record.

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Used-Chemistry1685@reddit

You’re not doing coming right. My comment still stands

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Big_Chemical_5165@reddit

What company so I know to avoid it as someone currently in CDL class that's fucking insane

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CrwnViic@reddit

Bruh, I once made $12. As a contractor, I was in the negatives and owed the company money. Folks out here have no idea and offer no help. Cold world

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trucksarekewl@reddit

Any place that hires him with 5 weeks experience is gonna be just about the same situation

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SlightLeading9203@reddit

Irish trucker here ..it does get easier but in time about six months you will fell better..i work for the same kind of company drop a load then find out what's next...I don't do one kind of job I do trippers,curtainsiders,tankers,containers,and here in Ireland the roads are tight...the best thing I can recommend is find one work buddie who has knowledge of everything and consult with him/her regard your drops/collections...plan before you set off...I find Google maps street view a most as can see the layout of farm or loading bays i be up against...stick with it lad.

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Slyfer29@reddit

Don't give up, after your first year when you leave your starter company, thats when you'll see serious money. You're going to make mistakes, but you just started. No matter what, stick it out for at least a year, in like 5 or 6 months you'll probably get on a good dedicated account and make a little more for less work. Make sure you're saving your money and dont take on any debt.

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caseylain@reddit

My trainer taught me number 1 thing is maintain a steady sleep schedule. Second is that dispatchers are not your friends, and will run you to death if you let them. From their POV, you must LOVE running that hard since you keep doing it.

What I learned is to don't cheat on your on duty status (as a company driver). That's the one thing you have control of, no matter what. That 70 hour max exists for a reason. If you're working, you need to be logged as on duty. Trip planning? Thats work. Paperwork? Work. Getting a wash out? Also work. Sitting on a scale? yup, Work. Going in to get your scale ticket? Believe it or not, work. Drop and hook? Oh you better believe that's work. Log you're hours faithfully, and drive out your clock whenever you can, and you'll be taking 34's regularly.

Now, will you be making 2200 miles a week anymore? Depends on the loads you're being sent, but as a new driver I'm willing to bet the answer is no. So, it's up to you to decide what you want to do.

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friendlyskies25@reddit (OP)

My trainer taught me the complete opposite, any time you’re on duty and not moving, you’re wasting time. But you sound a lot more logical

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PlastomaGaming@reddit

I think most people have said it but just slow down, I know it sucks especially when you can’t afford to slow down but those are the times when shit happens. I’ve had my mistakes but after all of them I’ve learned one thing and that’s to take a step back and BREATHE if you’re ever super stressed.

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Jerm_DaGnome@reddit

While it is true if the wheels aren't turning you're not earning, sometimes you need to stop, take a 34 reset clear your head. Get off the truck for a night if you can get yourself a hotel and do something you enjoy.

Is this the first accident you've had? Its not good but there is worse that could've happened. I won't ask your carrier unless its already shared somewhere and you're ok with telling people, but is it a mega carrier (swift/knight, prime, cr england, etc, 5,000+ trucks) if so I cant say for certain but this may not be the end of the world as far as accidents where they're concerned.

2200+ miles is lower average for most places i think. And depending on cpm yeah $1,000 is about right unfortunately. I've done 2.5 years otr/western 11, 1 yr class B trash truck, and another 3 yrs non cdl driving. It really doesn't get easier either unfortunately. Maybe for some it does when they find their niche, I had found a niche but moved and lost that opportunity. I'd say ultimately give this company at least a yr if you can and get something out of it. Experience you can take to a better paying company or better schedule. And maybe at the end of your year you really dont care for this and do something different entirely.

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1Stack_Mack@reddit

I will say this about Google maps. They now have an AI feature called "ask maps" that is near the top of the home page. If you put in the dimensions of your vehicle, it routes the same way Hammer app does. I don't trust it 100% yet, but the AI does a pretty damn good job of taking only truck routes if you put in the correct parameters

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Existing_Inside5200@reddit

That's awesome I'm gonna try it out tomorrow

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1Stack_Mack@reddit

Put in as much info as you can about your truck when you use it. Height, weight, length, any haz mat. And I always start with "CMV routing from my location to xxxxx"

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Blackdogtrucking@reddit

Thanks you are my new friend

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Dr_Adderall_2000@reddit

No, but your awareness does…. Just messing about, but in all seriousness… it gets easier so long as you learn. I was stuck in sand earlier and thought the same thing. But I guess it’s all about perspective. Any job can be easy or hard. If you make it easier then sure, it gets easier.

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Jimjam916@reddit

If you feel yourself getting overwhelmed, you gotta take a second and breathe. Then, get out and look. If you're confused, ask someone for help. I've been there, and I still have days that overwhelm me, even after 13 years. TAKE YOUR TIME.

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friendlyskies25@reddit (OP)

That's definitely something I gotta work on, the dispatchers make it seem like being on time is life or death. But I got to take a deep breath and realize, it's just dog food.

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Existing_Inside5200@reddit

All dispatchers are like that. Just learn to stand your ground early and often

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just_me1969@reddit

How are you working 80+ hrs a week and only getting 2,200 miles.

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friendlyskies25@reddit (OP)

A lot of it is spent dropping loads, or picking up loads, most of my runs are only around 300 miles, with around 50-100 mile dead heads.

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Existing_Inside5200@reddit

Long ass live loads?

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LoadsDroppin@reddit

Droppin WHAT now?!? lol

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charonco@reddit

Do they not pay you for your deadhead miles?

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XGrimmcommandoX@reddit

Show me someone that clearly doesn’t know what they’re doing.

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driver004@reddit

When in doubt, hazards on and get out and walk around. The only stupid question is the one you didn’t ask. Most accidents happen when people get in a damn hurry, don’t do that.

So far as the 12-14 hour days go, you get used to it after a while especially since you seem to be putting in so much time on the highway.

I’d say find a better carrier but your making that difficult

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friendlyskies25@reddit (OP)

Tell me about it, 5 weeks and I already hit something. But seriously though, you're right, I gotta learn to slow down, the only prize you get from being in a rush is a preventable, as I've learned lol

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Existing_Inside5200@reddit

Don't feel bad driver...I got a job pulling reefers straight out of truck school. First week solo I forgot to slide my tandems and on a right turn I got a curb but kept going and got stuck and my trailer tipped so far I thought it would fall over with 45k lbs. Nope, just two busted rims and a tire.

A week after that I was leaving a very tight fuel island and started my turn before my tandems were past it and busted a rim and tire on the freeway.

Then a few months later I was leaving a shipper at 2am pitch black in the country. Another right turn and hit a yellow pole on the sidewalk. I finally got fired after that one. Lesson is... Adjust your mirrors properly and get a new glasses prescription LOL...

All kidding aside, we all make rookie mistakes in our career. I've been driving a year now and since I learned from my previous mistakes and fixed the problems I haven't had any incidents or accidents and have become a good driver that is confident and in control. But in the beginning I was a stress case and had high anxiety during backing and tight spots. I would sometimes be so overwhelmed to the point of tears. The 12-18 hour days were killing me and I was doing splits which was making it worse so I learned to preplan and strategize. Once I stopped doing splits I was rarely fatigued. I sleep consecutive 8-9 hrs a night. I can't do naps anymore.

You have to figure out what works for you and your lifestyle and stick to it. Even if you're eating frozen meals every night, it's still healthier than truck stop food. Keep snacking to a minimum unless it's healthy food. Don't get like me and always have a bag of Lay's sitting on your lap. As for the pay, the only one that can change that is you. Maybe a smaller carrier will pay more and have a better schedule that works for you? I'm on my 3rd job in 1 year (1 fired, 1 told to fuck off and now my current place) Sometimes you have to job hop to find the right fit!

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BackgroundMoney5931@reddit

It happens don’t let a little pole be the end all for you. Think of it as you got that out of the way now move on and be more aware. Stop and get out no matter what. Don’t ever just turn into somewhere because you’re worried about what’s behind you! Get out and look.

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driver004@reddit

My more direct advice, get yourself a day off to get a shower, eat a big fucking burger or salad or whatever strikes your fancy, and calm the fuck down for a minute. Think about how to go about things by the number and Barney style, write a checklist if you have to. Do things calmly and procedurally, like we said in the infantry slow is smooth smooth is fast.

When you pull in somewhere, take a tactical pause and make a plan, walk the lot if you have to. Don’t give a fuck about what anyone else does or thinks is that gets in the way of mission completion. For any backing scenario, always ask yourself is there a way to make this easier you don’t get bonus points for trick shots here.

Oh and take a daily multivitamin, no way you’re hitting your micros and that takes a toll.

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sethqua30@reddit

Great advice. I went through the OTR never knowing what's next bs, and all I learned was prep prep prep. Now I'm local construction delivery and every stop I'm even close to unaware of, I stop and walk it. Instead of me spending multiple hours trying to get unstuck, money calling a tow, hitting an obstruction, etc... it's just minutes out of my day and the job gets done. Patience and safety gets the job done

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driver004@reddit

Mission first mentality has been surprisingly useful for me in civilian existence.

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Vegetable-Wallaby-26@reddit

One minor parking lot accident shouldn't prevent you from getting on with a better company. They all badly need more drivers. I recommend Crete. When I was there, around 2014 to 2017, they were awesome.

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driver004@reddit

Things have gotten weird these days. I have years of experience, an almost unblemished psp (yeah they caught me with a lit abs light last year, I expect my appointment with the guiettine any day now) but I’m blackballed because I’m under diversion for misdemeanor defended myself competently in a bar fight but there wasn’t a camera to back me up. Note that a diversion isn’t a conviction and mine literally just is ‘don’t break the law for 2 years’ but whoop de doo

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driver004@reddit

Oh and take things one day at a time, when you get a good day make sure to remember to notice and take advantage, find some little things to enjoy.

Redditing is one of mine, I also do Rosetta Stone, have a book on electronics to teach myself new things, I have a list of documentaries, when all else fails I have a switch. Some people like music, some I’ve known even take up drawing. Find what fits to keep your mind occupied with something other than trucking for a bit, it helps

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john925@reddit

Look, you’re gonna make mistakes. That’s all part of learning. As long as you don’t do anything entirely fucked up like wreck the truck or really, REALLY stupid, you’ll be fine. But don’t let dispatch push you around either. If you’re tired, park it. Better to be late than in a ditch or dead. A lot of it comes down to common sense and erring on the side of caution. At least in my experience it did. If GPS wanted me to go down a road that looked sketchy, I wouldn’t do it. I’d keep going until I found a better way or was able to turn around. You just gotta be careful, take it easy and learn as much as you can. Sometimes the best way to learn is to experience it, make mistakes, and improve from there. But I think 3 weeks of training is entirely too short.

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StrangeReason@reddit

Lots of good advice in here and yes it definitely does get better.

Make sure you are hydrating and take some deep breaths and never be in a hurry.

And if you need help, get out and ask For help. I ask for help backing at truck stops or in delivery yards if I need to. Most people are totally willing to help.

It takes time to learn everything about this job. So give yourself some time, space, and grace. Start believing in your abilities. Maybe this company is not a good fit for you also.

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realgrasputin@reddit

Why anyone ever does dry van is beyond me. I wouldnt do this job if it didnt pay me well.

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Drizzle_13@reddit

It gets better. I used to get anxiety to the point I would need to pullover and chill for a bit especially after getting through a congested city.

It's an industry full of heartless companies that just want to chew you up for everything you're worth if it makes them money. If you're with a mega, focus on getting experience, and avoiding moving violations. Make sure the mistakes you make are not the expensive ones. Keep an eye out for better opportunities. Dryvan sucks. Flatbed, reefer, and tanker will make more.

Above all... Create your boundaries and make sure you are able to take care of yourself. Hard work is important blah blah blah, but at the end of the day you need to be in good mental and physical health to make it work long term. If you keep going the way you are you will burn out, kill someone, or yourself. Don't let these companies do that to you.

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crooksFTW@reddit

That’s me anytime I get out the mountains 🤣

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AverageVoid@reddit

Sounds like you're with a shit company that's expecting you to give 100% and pay you 30% get a better company. I work about 60 hrs a week and make about 1600-1800 weekly at a starter company. If you can't decide when you have the mental capacity to drive a rig without making mistakes the job is probably not for you. This one looks extremely preventable, if you are so burnt out and confused why something like this happened it could just not be the job for you.

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TypicalOcelot7933@reddit

If you don't mind me asking, is the OTR?

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AverageVoid@reddit

Yup

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Jasonh123_@reddit

What starter company if you don’t mind sharing? I’m thinking about getting in the industry and that pay sounds pretty good

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AverageVoid@reddit

I sent a pm and for anyone else interested just pm me.

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friendlyskies25@reddit (OP)

Kight, it's really not that bad, I just have to learn to stick up for myself, im sure they'll hire you through

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Jasonh123_@reddit

Is home time pretty regular, or does it depend on where you live?

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friendlyskies25@reddit (OP)

Oh no, I know exactly why it happened, I was trying to see where I was trying to park, I wasn't as alert as I should have been, but you're probably right.

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DANO8503@reddit

Earth view on Google Maps, Birds Eye perspective for every delivery makes it easier to plan out how your going to enter and exit or set up to back.

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The666Apes@reddit

The biggest thing to remember as a rookie driver, you control the truck. Not them, they aren't out here sitting in traffic, having to trip plan properly and taking care of the truck. Slow down, take your time and breathe. You're young, it'll come in time. Unfortunately some of these trainers are just in it for the money and aren't training future truck drivers, they're just telling them what to do and barely getting them through the training.

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KnowledgeHonest9109@reddit

You might consider switching to a trucking company that cares about the law. 80 hours a week is actually not legal. 70 hours is the maximum. And 12-14 days may or may not be legal depending on what you’re doing. You can’t drive more than 11 hours per day. I worked for Roehl transport for year and a half, before I switched to work for my dad’s trucking company, and I’d say it was a positive experience. They were very concerned with being safe and legal. My dispatcher would remind me to trip plan(even though I did it anyway), and they would give me a talking to if I went over my hours. They also were very good at making sure I got home regularly and when they said they would. I had two funerals to go to during my employment with them, my grandma and my brother, and they made sure I got home for both of them. I don’t know what they’re paying truckers currently, but in the past I’ve heard other trucking companies pay you better, so that’s something to consider. Anyway… the turnover rate in the trucking industry is insane, so don’t feel bad if you don’t think you can keep it up with your current job. A lot of other truckers feel the same, and alot of the trucking companies refuse to get a clue why everyone quits

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BoringJuiceBox@reddit

Hey fam you’re in a better position than me, I’m making 600-700 a week non-CDL and just had a minor accident last week that has probably ruined my chances at a trucking career.. keep going and hopefully soon you can get paid better somewhere

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TypicalOcelot7933@reddit

Will the accident put points on your license?

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BoringJuiceBox@reddit

The kid wanted $4.7k from my employer so they ended up saying to just go through insurance so.. probably? Idk how it all really works tbh

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TypicalOcelot7933@reddit

Did the police write you a ticket?

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BoringJuiceBox@reddit

Nope, happened on private property(Walmart parking lot) I just gave him the insurance info

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Gomju86@reddit

Nope

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theused5703@reddit

GOAL. Get out and look.

It seems so simple and dumb…but the amount of times I’ve walked around buildings and parking lots to see what I’m getting into has saved me so many times

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LaMarquis93@reddit

That’s BS to be making that much if you are OTR. Maybe look for a local job.

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Big_Chemical_5165@reddit

What companies do you know of where someone can make significantly more than 1000 a week fresh out of CDL school?

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LaMarquis93@reddit

I’m not sure but maybe look into flatbed or get you hazmat and tanker endorsements. That’ll probably help you get paid closer to that starting out.

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Ksull72487@reddit

Local jobs probably gonna want 2 years experience. 5 weeks I don't know too many companies that'll take the risk on 20 docks a day 😂. But I agree.

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LaMarquis93@reddit

He may get get lucky, The job im at hired 2 guys with no experience at all 🤷🏾‍♂️

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PositionBubbly6087@reddit

"On the bright side, you just performed a spontaneous 'aerodynamic delete' and discovered a concrete block's natural habitat. Welcome to the club—G.O.A.L. (Get Out And Look) is now your new best friend."

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P3asantGamer@reddit

I'm so glad that I spent a few years driving hostler before getting on the road

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LexingtonPatriot1775@reddit

Be a better driver.

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Far-Implement3231@reddit

Sure it does, when you walk away for good.

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FlintIron@reddit

When I started, GPS’s were a new thing and people were using Mapquest. My directions were wrote down on a note pad. The saving grace is that I could request directions on the Qualcomm based on previous driver experiences.

The first year is the hardest, the second and third years most dangerous as you can get overconfident.

In this day and age, after a year you can go where you want. Come join me in LTL. Yes we pull those double trailers you can only back up like 12 feet, but we always know where we are going. We have mwets, turns (to a terminal and back) and lay downs. Laying down means your lane is so long, you spend the night there in the hotel. I’m currently a Dallas to El Paso lay down. I will make over $115k this year.

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FlintIron@reddit

When I started, GPS’s were a new thing and people were using Mapquest. My directions were wrote down on a note pad. The saving grace is that I could request directions on the Qualcomm based on previous driver experiences.

The first year is the hardest, the second and third years most dangerous as you can get overconfident.

In this day and age, after a year you can go where you want. Come join me in LTL. Yes we pull those double trailers you can only back up like 12 feet, but we always know where we are going. We have mwets, turns (to a terminal and back) and lay downs. Laying down means your lane is so long, you spend the night there in the hotel. I’m currently a Dallas to El Paso lay down. I will make over $115k this year.

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ManyRisk7578@reddit

Nope. It unfortunately doesn’t. Everyone will tell you how much they make a year but won’t tell you the impact it’s had on their health and home life. Go pick a real trade.

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NE0NM00NSAL00N@reddit

Make sure you log that on your pre trip inspection

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Dangerous_Ad4451@reddit

The picture up there has more to do with carelessness than being tired and confused

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azmodan72@reddit

Wtf. $1000 a week??

Go to an LTL.

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firemarshalbill316@reddit

Stop doing that then.

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amp804@reddit

Take your time especially in lots. You probably learned your lesson now but if you can't see something don't move until you look. Three weeks of training and then being out solo is crazy. I had 5 months and they considered that early. The stress is common in your first year and so is being tired. $1000 a week is low but maybe that's what rookies make these days idk. If you feel you need more training go to another company. I made that kind of money in 2013 as a rookie

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BackgroundMoney5931@reddit

Smart truck route! It’s cheap for the subscription but worth it. I have a subscription along with my Garmin and my company tablet gps. Always plan ahead when going through a bigger city, gps is sometimes worthless in that case.

If they are hitting you with last minute changes you can be late. They aren’t going to be there if you hit someone or something that’s on you. It will follow you on your record. Get your experience and find a better job. There’s plenty out there. I work at a company that hires fresh drivers and have mad 100k plus every year I been here.

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TheGreatHumungous@reddit

Eh, you take the bad with the good.

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thebugman40@reddit

it does get easier. Two important things to be able to do as a trucker is to stop and think and tell people no. plan as much as you can before you leave and if something doesn't seem right stop and think things through before you continue. trucking is absolutely an industry where you are given enough rope to hang yourself. from being asked to do things that you shouldn't to being scheduled too much you need to have the back bone to tell people no.

as you have figured out once you make a mistake it takes a lot more time than being slow and careful in the first place.

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nasdawg77@reddit

Look the first year is the toughest. Maybe 2 even until u get your rhythm. It takes a lifetime of learning in this industry and stress is real. Plan your routes have a few GPS to use. Know where i cam stop with your hours. Take time to breathe and it will come my friend.

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Chamber53@reddit

It’s supposed to get easier. It’s supposed to. It’s not supposed to be that anxiety ridden. I’m sorry about what you’re going through and your current state of mind and emotions. Knowledge is comfort and power. Right now isn’t about money, discipline yourself not to rush. Time is money BUT right now that is NOT important. You are learning a craft, give it time. Always look at satellite images of the places you’re stopping at. Compare the location directions and pinpoint on tha satellite image where exactly the truck entrance is. Get the image of the layout of the facility in your head, again knowledge is comfort.

I wish I could be of more use to you. It’s hard to give any guidance without being there with you. It’s supposed to get easier. Sometimes incidents like that may put things in perspective.

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ursisterstoy@reddit

The 80+ hours a week when you are supposed to keep it below 70 in 8 days? If you’re ever too tired you need to call and say something, give it at least 6 months, remember the mistakes so you don’t repeat them. I also found that it’s also important to never get too cocky. Even if you get good you can start making stupid mistakes for showing off. 2+ years and I’m still a rookie compared to other people here but I’ll still get out and look, it still have those days where I’m not perfect on the first attempt backing up. Just try it out for ~6 months and get some sleep. If it just isn’t your thing hang it up and do something else. If you improve the first year is the worse and by the second year it’s your new normal. Whatever you decide to do for hauling. And with 1-2 years you have a lot more options.

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OneMulatto@reddit

Damn bro I feel sorry for you. It gets better. Get experience. I work maybe 4 days a week. Sometimes 5. Literally sometimes 6 hours a day and I make what you make with having the entire weekend (Friday around noon to Monday 3am) off.

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Puzzleheaded_Shift46@reddit

The job doesn’t really change, but with time the drivers get better….usually. Granted a few don’t, they’re just born to fail…but those that learn from screw ups don’t make them again and being a better driver makes the job a whole lot easier.

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Singledad247@reddit

If you hit a fixed object and nobody sees it, DO NOT REPORT IT! Practice these words “it was fine when I last saw it”!

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DaphneBerryShake@reddit

Never forget that you have 53 feet behind you. Swing it wide regardless of the turn

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Eastern_Witness7048@reddit

I hated my first year out, I remember one time I was ready to leave the truck and fly back home. I made it through the year and now I've been hauling fuel for almost 20 years. It's still rough sometimes but it's doable. It's a growth phase and growth is usually uncomfortable. Get your experience and find you a local job. Fuel hauling ain't bad, just need 1 year CDL experience and your tanker and hazmat endorsement. The experience can be anything, doesn't have to be tanker or hazmat. Good luck

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Pitiful_Clothes4369@reddit

Try to find a dedicated route where you’re on the same route. I’ve been going to the same city for the last 4 years and I barely use google maps now (my trucking gps has been at home after a year of driving). First few months you’ll get overwhelmed and tired all the time but it %100 get easier if you’re cut out for the job. Also, are you OTR or regional? This job is worth much more than 1k a week. Best of luck to you!

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tequoia1243@reddit

Had this happen and I played it off to the yard employees saying I'd call someone.

I parked in a corner and took out my tools and took the whole skirt off and put it piece by piece in the cab and hid it, eventually dumping it somewhere. I also popped a tire at the same time and just rolled with it until the next morning where I lied and said I found a flat during my pre trip.

Was like it never happened.

3 years later and I'm local making like 2x the money with a consistent schedule.

Definitely wouldn't be here if I didn't hide all my own mistakes as much as I could tho lol

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ogloc1995@reddit

I wouldn’t say it gets better. Tolerable is probably a better word lmao

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CRYPTOORACEL001@reddit

hii

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CrwnViic@reddit

Nope. Not for me.

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TheIrishMan1211@reddit

Commit to six months right now. Just commit. You can always leave after that. Give yourself a real chance, not just a few weeks. You will get the hang of it and you might fall in love with it. Don’t quit yet!

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FailingComic@reddit

First off, I have to call out the bullshit. Your not working 80 hours a week. At max you can drive 60 hours in a 7 day period. If they are having you unload and thats what the discrepancy is, fucking leave. You can make 1000 a week literally anywhere OTR without touching freight.

For the rest of it, honestly its the same answer. The company sounds shitty and has set you up for failure. People laugh at primes setup but 2 weeks of side by side driving paired with 30-50k miles of training is extremely valuable. Theres a reason the people who stay there generally have nothing bad to say about them. Its easy to talk crap when you haven't worked there. Not saying to go to prime but 3 weeks of training simply isnt enough to know all you need to know because every common situation doesnt come up in 3 weeks.

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EqualReserve3273@reddit

All those hours and miles and only making $1000??... how??

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Vast-Yak-8713@reddit

It only takes 3-6 months to get easy

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Actually-Fine@reddit

The pay vs workload feels off. 2,200 miles for ~$1,000 is… not great, especially if you’re truly working 12-14 hour days. You’re not crazy to feel burned out. That’s a lot of output for not a lot of reward

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Rough-Method8876@reddit

Not sure if it’s been mentioned OP. But anything over 70 hours in 8 days is not okay. It’s illegal. And generally frowned upon by the road pandas. If you’re actually pulling 80+ a week? Learn to set firm boundaries. And never give into them.

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Difficult-Tonight910@reddit

Just keep at it and see where you are in a year. Learn from your mistakes. Do your best to sleep when possible. Sleep debt while being a driver is very unforgiving. It takes me days to catch back up if I can only sleep half a night. Especially when they have me on back to back loads. One big thing, if you have the slightest doubt about anything. Stop. Walk around the ENTIRE rig. Know what's happening. I'm also newer still been at it less than a year. There's times where I get out and look where I'm 10 feet plus from hitting stuff with a line of trucks waiting on me. Then there's times where I'm an inch from running a reserved parking sign over that I didn't see was in the spot I'm backing into. And I only got out to look that I wasn't hitting another truck. If something feels remotely wrong or odd just stop and assess the situation. Situational awareness is a huge tool of the trade and when that slips things go haywire. As long as you don't make any major mistakes, totalling a truck, personal injury or death, etc you're doing alright. At some point most drivers will have little bumps and mistakes along the way it's all about how you come back from it. Also if you have a tiny bump and there's no actual damage, I suggest you don't report that type of stuff. There isn't anything wrong with reporting it but why risk the company being mad for nothing. Don't forget about it, but don't get yourself into trouble over nothing. If you feel like you need more training let your management know that. If they're worth their salt they will gladly get you the help you may need on certain things. I put myself on extra dock backing training cause I knew if I didn't I was gonna mess up badly. Best of luck to you.

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blueminded@reddit

I'm not a trucker, and I know this doesn't help, but I feel for you dude. I hope you find your way.

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dontdoxmebro2@reddit

It gets so easy after a few years you won’t even think twice about entering an unfamiliar area. Enjoy the learning experience, we’ve all been there.

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CapitanPino@reddit

Always trip plan! It makes your life so much easier and the tech we have now a days should reduce surprises to rarely happen.

Every time I choose to "trust my gps" or just say ef it and roll i always get screwed because I dont give it the good ole plan. Seriously, I will give myself two or three routes in case construction or a new "truck restricted" sign pops up and my truck gps doesnt know what to do.

Plus its good to know when you'll come up on a tight intersection.

[-]

jqmallah@reddit

Rookie year is rough. 12-14 hour days at $1,000/week means you are running hard for about $11-12/hour. That is below what most company drivers make at megas.

The lost and confused feeling fades after about 6 months. You start recognizing patterns, knowing which shippers are slow, which receivers have tight docks. It becomes muscle memory.

If you are at a small carrier with that pay structure, consider moving to a larger fleet after you hit 6 months solo. The training wheels come off around then and you become hireable almost anywhere. Megas are not exciting but they pay predictable and have benefits.

Hang in there. Week 5 is usually the worst.

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ldlong2832@reddit

No

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Existing_Meeting_318@reddit

Kick it back together and get some tape!

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LetMeReload@reddit

Burned out in only 1 month and change? It might be time to find a new career bud. We all have good and bad days but you have to keep your head up and be strong minded.

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25_Unknown_Devices@reddit

You got anyone to just talk to during the day? Experienced drivers who like to bullshit?

You’re ok, it’s stressful learning. I still have what I like to call “arrival anxiety” where I stress out about how I’m going to arrive at a location and who am I going to see or talk to to finish my load or pick one up.

It’s just part of it, I frequently look at satellite imagery of where I’m going. I do a lot of deliveries with specific contacts, so i usually call when I’m loaded to give them an eta and ask questions about what to expect on arrival.

Actually just had a bad day a couple of weeks ago. And when I have a bad day 🤦‍♂️. It’s a bad day.

Going to pick up an excavator, expecting a large, but legal, 160. At a specific address. Look at the map. This is a home. On some county roads in Mississippi. Oh boy. Try to call contact, no answer. Make the 2 hour drive. Did some trip planning and figured the best approach setting me up with the best route out once loaded. Get there, had to go down a couple “no truck” roads. No excavator.. neighbor comes over asking questions. Apparently a truck loaded with an excavator stopped at this exact same house a couple of weeks before.

Customer finally calls back, I’ve got the wrong address, so did the last driver 🤦‍♂️. Get the new address. Back side of a neighborhood. Difficult approach and exit no matter which way I come. Get to the machine. It’s a very much oversized 210. Not a legal 160. Start permits, get loaded. Good to roll, get to the first turn. It’s a tight one. But doable. Start making it, bolts on my dogbone braces sheered off, middle axle on rig shifts, bends airbag brackets, pops a bag. About stuck the truck into a ditch. Was able to back out of it, ended up on the road I started from only now I’m damn near into a ditch on that side. Get a wrecker out, pull me through the turn, up the road to a parking area, separate my rig from the trailer. Wait hours for my coworker to go load my other bobtail on his landoll and bring it to me, swapping for my break down. Make the rest of the trip with no issues and deliver next morning to where it was rented from.

Shit happens. It’s all part of the show.

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Requilem@reddit

Sadly no, every year it gets worse. I've been out of the industry for 7 years now and I still don't miss a single thing from it like I from my other previous careers.

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HopeItMakesYaThink@reddit

Buddy, it’s okay to have your CDL and not be a trucker. Look into riding a bus for your local transportation department. Maybe try out yard work, a yard mule gives you far more visibility and you stay in the same place so you don’t get lost.

OTR is where the big(ger) bucks are, but they’re going to stay far from you if you’re already suffering. If you’re driving 2200+ miles a week and falling apart like that, do something else before you hurt yourself and others.

Trucking isn’t for everyone, but there’s almost always a field for a clean CDL. Get off the highway before you stain your license.

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friendlyskies25@reddit (OP)

Honestly, 2200 miles a week is pretty easy, it's just trying to navigate through cramped little docks with little to no instructions after driving 7 hours that messes me up, the driving part is really fun.

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HopeItMakesYaThink@reddit

Ah, my apologies. From what you wrote, I thought you were having a hard time of all of it. Getting the load there isn’t even half the battle, and the areas only get more cramped over time. This career is only going to get worse, and the automation is clenching up the other end. If you’re driving want to keep trucking, you do that. It won’t get easier, you have to just do what is necessary.

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WillingPresence3743@reddit

This is what happens when you try and take the easy route.

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thatguysjumpercables@reddit

Ask your fleet manager if there are specific instructions to get to locations you're sent to. When I worked for Prime you could send a specific message and you'd get an automated reply with directions. Saved my ass repeatedly.
Sit down and figure out exactly what your route is and write it on your windshield off to the far left side with an erasable marker. Highway number, then exit number, then street name, then street name, etc. It's so much easier to follow those directions than fiddle with your phone while driving.
Slow is smooth and smooth is fast. Get out and look around. Make a plan in your head for how to navigate tight spaces and docks and parking at truck stops. If you're worried about other drivers or your manager getting pissy tell them to fuck off. You gotta worry about you, dawg.

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Tonkatte@reddit

2 is a good one!

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thatguysjumpercables@reddit

Saved my ass over and over again

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Tonkatte@reddit

Never thought that, going to use it. Actually brilliant.

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waynenewnham@reddit

It gets better the moment the playlist hits just right

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TebFord@reddit

Truckin isn’t for everyone. And it doesn’t pay anything anymore. But just cause you made a few mistakes in your first few weeks, don’t punish yourself. If it’s something you really want to do, keep at it and get better. Do keep in mind: In order to work 70 hours in trucking, you gotta work like 80-90 hrs. Just is what it is.

You’re never gonna have a normal life or a 40-50 hour week. And nowadays, we work for almost nothing compared to 20-30 years ago.

I’m 61. I’ve done this all my life. But it used to be fun and we made really good money. My advice to a youngster is find a trade or a good warehouse/factory job. Sleep at home. The worst thing in the world is to get old and realize you hardly know your family. Especially nowadays when you don’t even get a lot of money to do it.

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kakarota@reddit

It does when you stop making simple mistakes.

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NukeSniffer@reddit

I was there about 10 years ago. Thought I got myself in over my head I tell people all the time if I had to go back to the start with everything I know now I wouldn’t do it, but I am very happy where I am at now.

Driving gets easier, the stress dwindles over time, you will get a better paying job. Get a year or 2 under your belt and you can really explore your options. I decided to go to LTL and I’m hourly now, Monday-Friday and home every night. My first year was the worst. Working all the time, never home, stressed all the time and only making about $700 a week.

At the end of the day it’s all about your own personal limits and if you can handle it, especially the early parts of the job but it will get easier and more lucrative 100%

Good luck!

[-]

BrooksandHud@reddit

I was a back up driver and I always hated driving. There’s like 100 ways to lose your job by mistake every time you leave the yard .

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ASH515@reddit

Keep in mind that most every employer has controls in place to be able to prove that every mistake is the driver's.

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Vaguechicanery@reddit

Slow down. You need to get used to doing the job slow, then you eventually learn to do it smooth, and once you can finally do it smooth, you can do it efficiently. The job won't get easier, you'll just get better, which will feel the same.

This is rough, but I'm sure you've learned the lesson in front of you from it. The quicker you learn to not accept pressure from others (dispatch, other drivers, shippers, receivers, etc) the easier time you'll have. When you're pressured, you aren't paying attention.

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IncredibleJim87@reddit

Always

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jstreeter1994@reddit

Don't feel too bad after about 10 years. I took out a fire hydrant with my trailer. Everyone makes mistakes. Take the time to learn from them. Some days are gonna be great. Some days are gonna suck, it's all about how you make Em.

[-]

ss5dyson@reddit

It gets easier, but I can't say that it gets better. The good thing is that trucking is so diverse. You just have to find something that you enjoy. OTR does suck for the most part. The main thing is to get your experience so you can explore all of your options.

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Glorious_Dingleberry@reddit

Your first year is going to be brutal, but if you can manage to get past that you’ll start to get your feet under you. You will be more confident, comfortable and successful once you earn that experience.

My first year was a nightmare filled with mistakes. I got lost I got stuck and yes like you I even got into accidents. I was constantly filled with anxiety and was always stressed out. But again once I learned enough and better understanding how to handle common problems, things got easier.

It takes time but if you’re willing to tough it out, you’ll be in a position to pick your jobs, depending on the hours you want to work and money you’re looking to earn.

You got this Trucker.

[-]

ZacDidntDoit@reddit

I’m only 4 months in but yeah, it gets easier. I spent a lot of time pulling a 53’ reefer with a sleeper through downtown Chicago so I either had to get good or get gone. If you’re tired, pull over and sleep. If someone has a problem with it, tell them to fuck off. People are going to expect more out of you than you can offer and you’re going to learn how to tell them to suck a dick. Always slow down and watch your mirrors when making any kind of turn, idc if it’s a wide open lot with nothing in it, get into the habit. Get out look anytime you’re unsure. Fuck what anyone else thinks, it’s your license and ass on the line if you hit someone or something.

[-]

LyeeRoy@reddit

You will always make mistakes, they just won't be this frequent.

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Mindless_Library22@reddit

Once you get a good local job it does lol

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LT-buttnaked@reddit

No

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Confident-Ear-9388@reddit

Hey I got some good advice but can't respond for another hour and a half

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IIxNullxII@reddit

Just like most jobs, it does get easier. I remember feeling overwhelmed for the first 2-3 months, but once I learned the limits of the equipment, how to back better, and how to sleep in a moving vehicle (teams) everything started to fall into place.

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derpmcturd@reddit

Only if you get better. Really, not kidding at all. You need to pretrip better. No time to pretrip? You need to wake up earlier. Not getting enough sleep? You need to end your previous day sooner. It all comes back to you and your skills on and off the road. You can control everything you do. It wont be simple in the beginning, but get into a habit and after some more months it will be super simple.

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Rare_Needleworker204@reddit

If you never been to a place don't hesitate to call and ask where youre supposed to be and where to go. Yes there are assholes out there that won't help but 9 times outta 10 there will be someone there to help you

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friendlyskies25@reddit (OP)

Technically, I actually was, BUT I wasn't supposed to be there until after I dropped off my empty, but I didn't see my bosses text until way later because I was driving. I definitely should call for help more often though.

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1Stack_Mack@reddit

Like someone above said, the only stupid question is the one you don't ask. It's ok to ask for help finding locations

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Spare-Good-5372@reddit

Man, I hate to tell you this, but if I were your boss and you hit a stationary object with your truck, you'd be fired immediately with no questions asked. I'm sorry you're having a rough time of it; sounds like the trainers didn't take enough time to actually train. You can't just release a driver onto the road before they're ready, but such is life nowadays it seems.

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marathonhalf1971@reddit

It does get better you’re just in a learning curve be at a very big learning curve. My one piece advice for any truck driver use satellite Google map view for any place that you are going to picking up or delivering you can see where the docs are. You can figure out the best way in and out of the business itself and if you’re not sure there’s a tab where you can click phone and you can call them right from the app. Good luck to you

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the_ms_shiva@reddit

Your first year is hell but it gets better.

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StructureBetter2101@reddit

Being tired is not an excuse to cause an accident. DOT does not allow drivers to drive while tired. If you're tired you have a legal responsibility to take a rest. Have you asked your company for some extra time? More rest breaks?

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friendlyskies25@reddit (OP)

Its definitely not an excuse, more of an explanation, it was a really dumb accident that was easily preventable, it was entirely my fault.

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Ksull72487@reddit

At 5 weeks. It ain't that dumb. All good your bound to have something happen lol. For some guys it's much worse. Live and learn.

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Famous-Eggplant8451@reddit

In my opinion no. But if you can hang in there at least 6 months and start applying for local work it does.

I started applying for local at 6months and found a great job. Hourly pay. Home every night. Construction is the best imo the hours are early and long but horly and all overtime on friday. It was worth it for me in the long run

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ParticularArrival111@reddit

Won't get easier but pay will get better

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NJNeal17@reddit

Trust me buddy, it gets easier. Everything you are doing feels wrong but it'll all come into focus if you work at getting better and not just hoping it gets better.

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NFLTG_71@reddit

Dude, we’ve all been there. It gets better. The best thing I could tell you is to take a deep breath you’re gonna make mistakes you’re only human. You’re not perfect. The best thing for you to do if your company gives you shit just explain to them yes I’m gonna make mistakes. I’m just not gonna make the same mistake twice.

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Snookfilet@reddit

I think it mostly gets better because YOU get better. Learn from your mistakes so you never repeat them. As your skill level rises the things that used to stress you out won’t so much anymore. The job is the same, it’s you that changes.

Oh, and your paycheck rises with your skill level hopefully.

Slow down, and don’t hit anything. Always GOAL.

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friendlyskies25@reddit (OP)

I got the learning part down, the only problem is by the time I learn, I already made the mistake lol

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Spiritual-Pen-1976@reddit

2200 miles and 1000 a week, yes it gets better but not there

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Ok_Bug_6470@reddit

Where you at, I’ll buy the part that’s not bentnuo

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Natste1s4real@reddit

It does get better friend. You will get more experience and avoid some situations and learn how to handle the ones you can’t avoid. The good thing about any successful trucker, is that we learn to figure things out because we are often on our own. Part of figuring it out is also knowing when to ask for help. You can’t control everything, but you can control what you do about it.

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JengaKittens@reddit

Yea dude it’ll get better, we’ve all been there in the beginning so stressed out you think everything is going wrong all the time. Eventually you’ll get enough time in and get comfortable telling your dispatch to fuck off you need to rest or plan.

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wombolishous@reddit

It never got better for me, stopped after 5 years of pure misery.

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keytiri@reddit

Head on a swivel, daylight is your friend; if you can’t see any, then you’re most likely going to be hitting something. At night, it’s the marker lights; one time I was poking around a drop yard, pitch black, I was looking for a spot to drop my empty and while turning realized I couldn’t see the red marker light. I stopped and got out and was within inches of smashing the side of my trailer against the front corner of another.

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MadMysticMeister@reddit

No, the job doesn’t get any easier you only get better. Trip plan, do thorough pre trips, do your time at this company and when you have 6 months hop to one that actually pays. You should try and prioritize sleep, don’t let this gig run you to the ground, that’s how things like this happen and it’s all gonna be blamed on you

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4DAttackHummingbird@reddit

I’ve only been on for 8 months including training but I will say this would have been a much harder adjustment period if I hadn’t been team driving this whole time. When we didn’t really know what we were doing yet it was really great to have someone else in the truck to help. Plus a team driver never works over 12 hours.

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CartographerWest2705@reddit

No

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possibly_lost45@reddit

It's pretty easy when you don't hit stuff

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friendlyskies25@reddit (OP)

So I've heard lol

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Ksull72487@reddit

Lol pick your poison when it comes to trucking. It all sucks. I started as a B Class water delivery guy. 80 stops a day with 40+lb bottles. Now I bump docks in Chicagoland locally.

It all sucks in some way shape or form. Does it get easier? Yeah. You'll get used to it and it'll still piss you off.

You're pretty fresh to the shit. 2 years experience and anyone hires you.

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1Stack_Mack@reddit

And also, for what FWIW, those skirts are dumb as hell anyway. Wait until you can't back into a dock with auto wheel locks because it will tear the skirt off. That's always fun

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Glad_Inspection_2702@reddit

Boy if u dont quit TODAY….idk what to tell u