Being a truck driver is a rewarding career, but being a great truck driver is even more rewarding. Truck driving is not an easy job, it requires hard work and dedication. Truck drivers take pride in the hard work they do. After all, without truck drivers, our grocery and convenience stores would be empty. Whether you’re a rookie or a veteran driver, there is always room to improve your skills as a truck driver. Keep reading below for 5 tips to becoming a great truck driver.
Safety
Truck driving is considered one of the most dangerous jobs in America, so safety must be a driver’s number one priority. Truck drivers are responsible for keeping their freight, themselves, and other motorists on the road safe. Other drivers on the road may not know the difficulties and challenges truckers face on the road, so truck drivers may have to go the extra mile to ensure everyone is safe on the road.
Prioritize Health
A great truck driver will prioritize their health. After all, taking care of your health can help you have a long lasting, successful career as a truck driver. It’s no secret that truck driving is considered an unhealthy profession. Drivers lack healthy food options, exercise, and a good sleep schedule.
Stay Compliant with Federal Regulations
Trucking rules and regulations are monitored by two organizations, one at a state level and one at a federal level. The trucking rules and regulations are established at a federal level (FMCSA). Staying compliant with federal regulations is essential for keeping yourself and others safe on the road. It can also save you from getting fines, which in return saves you time and money.
Maintain a Clean Driving Record
The best way to avoid traffic violations is to be aware of all the moving and non-moving violations you could get. Certain violations can affect the eligibility to operate a commercial motor vehicle
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) provides a list of violations. If you are issued a citation for FMCSA’s safety violations, your CDL could be in danger of suspension.
Here is a list of a few things that can cause you to get a point on your driving record or possibly a suspended CDL.
- Speeding
- Following too close
- Overweight
- Traffic violation
- Reckless driving
- Driving without proper endorsements
- Logbook errors
Drivers must be aware that any type of violations could result in a loss of their CDL.
Balance Trucking and Home Life
Truck driving is hard and demanding work. Becoming a truck driver means spending many hours and days on the road. You will sacrifice a lot for your trucking career. For many long-haul truck drivers, it’s hard to separate life at work from life at home. Learning how to have a balance between home life and work life is essential if you want to have a long-lasting career in trucking.