Article By Rainy - The Mental Side Of Trucking: Decision Making & Judgment
Topic 22170 | Page 1
Fantastic post by Rainy! I can't believe the vast knowledge that is on this website. Experienced drivers, rookies, and those of us contemplating getting started definitely benefit. I am glad I found the Trucking Truth!
When I read this.......
"People will spend a month flip-flopping back and forth between a few companies, then have a eureka moment of why one is better than another. Often the reason will be something like “the terminal is close to my home” or “my brother's friend's cousin's nephew worked there twenty years ago and loved it.” When it comes to OTR , terminal location means nothing, so this person just eliminated some really good companies from his list for no reason. And how has that company changed in the two decades since your reliable witness (who you probably never met) worked there?"
....I said to myself, "yep, that is me right now."
Another awesome article by Rainy talks about how many ways decision making and good judgment are important to your truck driving career.
The Mental Side of Trucking: Decision Making & Judgment
Most people tend to think that shifting, backing, and braking are the most difficult and important aspects of driving when they're getting ready to enter the industry. The reality is far more complex than that. Every action is preceded by a decision you've made, and each decision by an evaluation of the information available.
Your ability to evaluate information and make good decisions will affect every aspect of your career. In this article Rainy covers a variety of different situations that require smart decisions and sound judgment.
Terminal:
A facility where trucking companies operate out of, or their "home base" if you will. A lot of major companies have multiple terminals around the country which usually consist of the main office building, a drop lot for trailers, and sometimes a repair shop and wash facilities.
OTR:
Over The Road
OTR driving normally means you'll be hauling freight to various customers throughout your company's hauling region. It often entails being gone from home for two to three weeks at a time.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Very Very good article, thank you Rainy for the helpful information we can all use and learn from.
Loved it Rainy.
The part that struck a chord with me was "representing our company". We, each and every one of us, also represent the trucking industry. Professional conduct at all times is also a decision we chose to make or unfortunately dismiss.
Great job!
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
Loved it Rainy.
The part that struck a chord with me was "representing our company". We, each and every one of us, also represent the trucking industry. Professional conduct at all times is also a decision we chose to make or unfortunately dismiss.
Great job!
Thanks guys....so true G Town. When we cut someone off or if a driver doesnt shower and smells going into a customer it reflects badly on us all.
But what company wants someone who makes poor decisions. Not all things in life can be fixed, so one bad mistake and there goes your career.
HOS:
Hours Of Service
HOS refers to the logbook hours of service regulations.
That is one fabulous post, Rainy. Thank you very much for taking the time to put that together....I'm sure that it will help many of us.
One thought - I would alter the motto to "If I'm not SURE that I can make it, I won't try to force it." Wheeling a 70', 40 ton vehicle around, we need to be sure we can fit, sure we can clear it, etc. before we go for it.
Another awesome article by Rainy talks about how many ways decision making and good judgment are important to your truck driving career.
The Mental Side of Trucking: Decision Making & Judgment
Most people tend to think that shifting, backing, and braking are the most difficult and important aspects of driving when they're getting ready to enter the industry. The reality is far more complex than that. Every action is preceded by a decision you've made, and each decision by an evaluation of the information available.
Your ability to evaluate information and make good decisions will affect every aspect of your career. In this article Rainy covers a variety of different situations that require smart decisions and sound judgment.
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Another awesome article by Rainy talks about how many ways decision making and good judgment are important to your truck driving career.
The Mental Side of Trucking: Decision Making & Judgment
Most people tend to think that shifting, backing, and braking are the most difficult and important aspects of driving when they're getting ready to enter the industry. The reality is far more complex than that. Every action is preceded by a decision you've made, and each decision by an evaluation of the information available.
Your ability to evaluate information and make good decisions will affect every aspect of your career. In this article Rainy covers a variety of different situations that require smart decisions and sound judgment.