Newbie Just Starting, Could Use Advice In General.

Hello, I'll be starting my first truck driving job next week, I completed a fairly immersive 3 month long CDL School that ended in March, and I know how to drive the truck technically (in terms of how to shift, stop, back) but with Trainers usually and never straying far from home (within 60 miles). There's so much that you don't really learn until you do it day after day in the real world. I'm going to be driving Regional Hopper Bottom, hauling anything from grain to fertilizer which is what I really have wanted to do since I thought of becoming a driver, but the company that I hired on with doesn't really have a training program, and I'm pretty much on my own from day 1. If anyone has any advice or suggestions as to what to expect, what to do, and what not to do, I'd sure appreciate it. I know I'll get it all figured out eventually over time, but you all do it everyday so I'm tapping into the wonderful world of professional drivers that have done this for a living and know more than I do. (Which is a heck of a lot) Anything is appreciated. Thanks so much -C

This is one of those type of professions that you don't know what you are getting into until you're in the drivers seat. Company I am training with gave us a 3 day orientation. And never once except for the first seaters asked any of us to perform a road test. I would think this is a basic fundamental thing. NOPE. After I was hired, on the second day the trainer moved over and said "ok, your turn". I told him no one ABC company ever road tested me. He was totally shocked.

Getting in the drivers seat will be a challenge from day one. I am on my 3rd week of training. And I can tell you, you will learn what and what not to do quickly out there. One bit of advice I can give is, always leave your self plenty of room around you, and be courteous on the road. I have found many of seasoned drivers know what to look for in newbies on the road. And they give you extra help out there. Also, don't be afraid to strike up a conversation with other drivers. I found they are more than willing to talk and pass on knowledge. My trainer who has been at it for a while doesn't talk to anyone. But I say, screw him. I want to learn as much as I can. And everyone I have met is very helpful. Good luck to you.

Don't worry about it Take it one step at a time Plan your route before you start and check for truck routes and low clearance in your rand McNally truckers map book Don't worry about that guy riding your back bumper, drive the truck in a manor that is comfortable to you Watch your right side all the time, as that is most likely to be the trouble spot When backing, G O A L

Yes GOAL will safe your life and prevent headaches, you will have a lot of miniture heart attacks from time to time, know that most of us went through it, some of us are still getting them, so welcome be brave, have courage, pray, and push on, be safe out ther, .... out

Don't worry about it Take it one step at a time Plan your route before you start and check for truck routes and low clearance in your rand McNally truckers map book Don't worry about that guy riding your back bumper, drive the truck in a manor that is comfortable to you Watch your right side all the time, as that is most likely to be the trouble spot When backing, G O A L