What are some good skills to have as a driver?
Posted by SuspectOk2931@reddit | Truckers | View on Reddit | 12 comments
A really good one I think is finding alternative routes quickly when there is traffic on the highways. Also for bigger companies informing dispatch/drivers about traffic.
Are there any other good ones you guys can think of? Thanks
Milk_MAN1963@reddit
We deliver to the same place everyday. If something goes wrong don't get into a pissing match with the receiver. Things are fucked up because of management. You have to work with the same receivers everyday
CaseyJones37@reddit
Patience.
SuspectOk2931@reddit (OP)
That’s true. Not a lot of that.
Freightshaker000@reddit
...and then more patience.
potatocross@reddit
Simple fixes and troubleshooting.
I’m hourly but that’s doesn’t mean I want to be stranded waiting on a repair or tow company. I’m not going to change a tire or repair an engine, but I’ll pull a fuse, I’ll try to fix an air leak enough to limp or even try to fix light issues.
If I can’t fix it or figure it out in 5 minutes I’ll still call the shop. Half the time they ask me to check/try all the stuff I just did so it makes the conversation quicker.
SuspectOk2931@reddit (OP)
Nice 👌 I have to learn how to pull fuses and stuff
potatocross@reddit
Usually is a fuse puller in the box in newer trucks. The trick is comprehending the list on the box cover to know what fuse may have blown to give you the problem you have.
Or sometimes on our KWs there will be a fault for no reason and you pull one of the main power fuses for 5 minutes to reset it so you can keep trucking.
FantasticPainting232@reddit
Being able to master and regulate your emotions. Especially rage and stress. So many things happen that are out of our control that can result in a rage response. It's difficult to surpass this. It's not as simple as bottling it in. It's about training yourself not to have that rage response in the first place.
BleachIF@reddit
Load securement
SuspectOk2931@reddit (OP)
Flat bedding is internetina ngl
Kkalemauser@reddit
Using a forklift/pallet jack.
How to bolster freight so it doesn’t move.
BrussKnackles@reddit
I feel like that could depend on what you're doing. I've only been a local driver and I feel like once you get used to your area of operation you know the traffic patterns, unless theres some freak accident like a truck flipping over or a landslide you know what you're getting into. My yard is in a group chat and we let eachother know how the delivery plants are looking so we know what to expect when we show up. I've had been caught up in traffic for natural disasters before and have had google maps try to route me through random ass windy mountain passes. I've always ignored it when I'm running 9 axles on the ground.