Finally OTR (Please Give tips)
Posted by WorldIsYours02@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 32 comments
Hi, I’m finally heading out on the road and was looking for some advice for a beginner. I’m also curious about the people claiming to make six figures in their first year—is that actually possible? If so, how?
Since I’m 23, single, and don't have kids, I feel like I’m in a good position to really commit to this. What’s your advice on building a solid routine and diet? What positive habits should I start developing now? Also, on the safety side, what are the leading causes of accidents, and what are the main things DOT or state troopers look for during inspections?
Caucasianjulio@reddit
Get out of the truck on your 34, and eat healthy. Start your day as early as possible so you have a better chance to get parking in the evening, Truck stops fill up quick.
WorldIsYours02@reddit (OP)
what is a 34
Caucasianjulio@reddit
Your 34 hour reset
Chocolateapologycake@reddit
Get yourself an instapot at the bare minimum so you can cook. A small electric skillet but that’s more of want if you don’t have space. Portable car freezer and small fridge to save money and your health while eating on the road. If you can commit to food prepping a vacuum sealer is also wonderful.
Get a decent truck GPS, you don’t need a huge screen it just has to be accurate.
Get a good pillow, a good mattress cover and adequate comfortable bedding.
If you can afford to spend on an electric toothbrush get one, it’s easy to neglect things on the road, and this will prevent costly dental issues down the line.
Get a first aid kit together with pain meds, sleep aids, tums, etc. no need to spend money in the truck stops for that. Get an eye mask and ear plugs if you struggle to sleep with lights or noises. Get a large pack of baby wipes.
For working out get a yoga mat and some of those resistance bands. Much more light weight than free weights to bang around in the back of the truck and you can get a decent workout.
Get as least a 24 pack of bottled water to have on hand at all times.
Have a change or 2 of nice clothes. You might do your 34 in a cool place and want to explore a city you’ve never been to.
No you won’t make $100k as a rookie. Just focus on your experience building and take it slowly. Ask for help before you hit something. If you are backing and need a spot there’s bound to be someone who will help.
As far as DOT there is plenty they can get you on. Start with common sense stuff-tires, lights, brakes. Does everything look in good working order? Check the oil, make sure you have coolant and wiper fluid. Make sure there’s no audible leaks.
I teamed with my husband for nearly 2 years and we had to make that truck comfortable. This is what worked for us.
badmechanic12345@reddit
Park at the back of the lot in truck stops and walk to the C store. Don't buy any food from stops unless you need to(not want). Get out and walk at the end of the day and on your 30. DO NOT pick up that lot lizard as she probably has moved from truck to truck without a wash. A foldable bicycle is a great investment as you get to see the area around you on your 34.
ShabbatheJamaican@reddit
Eeeeyuk, I don’t understand how drivers use lot lizards especially when wife is at home and woman are at bars, are lot lizards really that popular ?
badmechanic12345@reddit
Baytown texas would like a word
Gilgamesh2000000@reddit
They exist and you see them for a reason
badmechanic12345@reddit
Edit: Oh and never start smoking or vaping . And never board eat as in only eat when you stop for a break
WorldIsYours02@reddit (OP)
Hey man thanks a lot i do not smoke or drink neither do anything else i do wanna get a foldable bike tho because i really enjoy biking also it would be fun to bike because some rest areas have the most beautiful nature
Desperate_Fee_808@reddit
“Finally”?? You were looking forward to it? Lmao
OkSense1496@reddit
Me too. Grew up my whole childhood hoping to be a truck driver one day. Now I am, and loving it.
homucifer666@reddit
Ahhh, the ol' "six figures your first year" lie that recruiters tell...I'm so sorry.
Your first year is all about building your basic skills and adapting to the lifestyle. Making the most money will not happen and shouldn't be your focus.
Be patient about learning backing, because it's going to take a lot of trial and tribulation to master. You will likely still be dodgy even after your first year.
Make a habit of getting proper rest, eating well, and getting exercise from the very beginning. It gets much harder to add those things back in once you've fallen into an unhealthy routine.
Be safe and open to learning. Your first year will teach you far more than any school ever could. Good luck!
WorldIsYours02@reddit (OP)
Hey thanks a lot
MacandMandy69@reddit
Keep your door closed, wheels turning, be an asset and not a liability to your company, and let your dispatcher know that you want miles, and reward him or her when you’re in with a simple dinner card or similar. That’s a small thanks for them keeping you rolling and making good money, and don’t forget the guys and gals in the shop.
Desperate_Fee_808@reddit
I love you for this comment lol..”yeah you can make 100,000$ your first year”..the ocean front property that was sold in classrooms across the country..man I tell you lmao
seneeb@reddit
First year it's quite possibly to make a decent amount, 100k isn't likely. I was at 48cpm for my first job so I would have had to do 148,000 billable miles to get it. That's 2850 miles/week 52 weeks/year. So, technically doable. But let's face it, your be lucky to get 2k miles a week and obviously you need some time off.
Get your skills, don't spend all your money at the truck stops on food. Get a small freezer and a few cooking items so you don't get too fat. Walk 30-60 minutes extra every day and you'll be fine
rcbrown527@reddit
Get one of those coolers that plug into a cigarette outlet. Just always look around your truck for mishaps. Like always. Walking to trailer doors , look around. Fueling up, look around. Up in the trailer ,look around
Sad_Conversation9857@reddit
Live like you're making 2$ an hour. put as much in savings as possible. Keep the driver door shut and be respectful on the road. You're not gonna know everything in a week or two. Listen to the old school drivers but realize they are likely 60% full of shit lol
WorldIsYours02@reddit (OP)
yes i don’t really like old school drivers calling people soft because they wanna have a social life is stupid.
Sad_Conversation9857@reddit
I agree to a point. Cellphones are a huge distraction and can cause problems otr. Some days its good when nobody can reach you and nobody knows where you are. It just you and the road. Personally thats my church. You just gotta find that good balance of knowing when you're driving thats your job and requires 100% of your time and focus. plenty of time for friends and family once you hit the air brakes for the last time each day.
WorldIsYours02@reddit (OP)
not really man in my opinion when i used to work 10-12 hours in warehouse i still used to find time to hangout with friends i think the main issue is we only have certain free time frame to hang out if it was a local job you can hangout end of the shift
Gilgamesh2000000@reddit
Do not allow yourself to be a bootlicker. It doesn’t matter how much you work and how much you allow yourself yo get abused.
Sometimes it’s healthy to say “no” do not allow any employer to guilt you into situations that you regret or are uncomfortable with. It’s ok to have personal time. You owe no explanation for your personal time.
Go to work, do your job, be polite and stand firm on business.
Gilgamesh2000000@reddit
That’s everyone. Mostly full of shit. If everything that was told to us was 10% tru we could both retire now.
18-Spinning-Wheels@reddit
Your first year, you will likely be on edge a lot with new experiences like high winds, driven rains, and snow/ice conditions. Follow your gut instinct if you feel its unsafe to run. Dont let a company or dispatcher coerce you into running because your load is "hot".
Your second year is more when YOU are the biggest problem. You potentially become overconfident with your abilities and honestly get complacent. Seen this in lots of new drivers in the last 30+ years.
Gilgamesh2000000@reddit
Complacency is a silent killer
Apart-Steak-7183@reddit
Good luck.... I mean this in a good qay
CouldBeWorse2410@reddit
My friend did local food service his first year. 10-14 hour days 5 days a week for a year.
He then got a local no touch route at the beginning of his second year. Made $108k with a 45-50 hour work week. It can happen.
His experience and current position is specifically why I dropped everything to get my cdl. Pay my dues year 1 and going straight to where he works.
AgapeAnus@reddit
I made about 40k my first year gross and actually took home about 30k. I did 100k miles and could've done more if I hadn't had to be down for repairs as often as I was. You're not going to make 100k your first year in trucking on anything but an odometer if you're lucky and bust ass.
My advice would be to get a prescription for trazadone for when your sleep schedule gets nuked and you're literally too tired and stressed out to fall asleep.
WorldIsYours02@reddit (OP)
i don’t have issue with sleep i can always fall sleepy if i am been tired nothing will stop me from sleeping
Casperuis495@reddit
Yeah, we all thought that. Till you're 36 hours into a 10 hour day from sitting in a dock 6 hours to get loaded, use your split to keep it rolling because "it's just 4 more hours" after you've ran 6, blow a tire and wait for the shop, get the rest of your split and have a fresh clock to run. Youll finally hit the bed, and your eyes are burning too bad to close them (personal experience)
Sufficient_Shock9590@reddit
🔥