Best Headset For Trucker

Hi there, I was wondering which headset you would recommend for a new trucker. I’ve heared of Blue Parrot but haven’t really heared of any other brands. I was wondering if you could toss me some ideas on what brand to be looking for. I was thinking of purchasing one when I get onto a truck for PSD training. Thank you!

Totally subjective to be honest. It’s more about which style Is more comfortable for you to use. If I were a trainer though, I wouldn’t allow a student to be on the phone at all unless stopped. The focus needs to be on paying attention to what you’re doing and there’s a ton of things to pay attention to without being distracted by a phone conversation.

I use a blue parrott model and like it a lot. Do not worry about what the guy said about having one while training. You will need it and in a lot of states now it is required while driving. I bought one of the mid priced models just find one that fits well and you are comfortable with the controls on. If you are short on money it will not take long with a loyalty card to save up for one. Nothing wrong with other brands but I had the BP recommended to me and look at I would say the majority of drivers seem to be using them. The sound from the earpiece if very good.

Robert B is in my opinion correct if you're trying to get you CDL you should concentrate on the driving. If you have your license and are talking about learning the company policies and procedure, I highly advise getting a blue tooth of some kind. As a trainer I didn't allow my trainees to talk while driving, mostly because I'm talking alot about what they're doing right and wrong trying to correct problems. After they have their CDL they can use a bluetooth. I have 2 because I broke one and while waiting to get it replaced under warranty I bought a second they're both good. I have a Blue Tiger, and a Blue Parrot. Do the research, also remember only one ear piece should be covered. Good luck in training.

I agree with Robert B, as further explained below, that your first focus should always be driving. My PSD trainer bought me the Blue Parrot B450-XTfor passing my CDL. While I do use it, I would recommend the following:

1. Experiment with the functions while NOT driving. Only use those functions that you have confidence using. Don't try to learn how to use functions while driving.

2. I only use mine when not in traffic where I'm just cruising in the right lane at 60 mph, while everyone passes me. When I get into traffic, inclines or a weight station, I hang up to focus on driving.

3. If it malfunctions while driving, forget about what you were trying to do and focus on driving. It's not that important.

That being said, among other things I won't mention, my trainer has blown at least 2 weight stations because he was distracted just talking on the phone.

Use good judgment. If you find yourself distracted while using it take it off for a while and just focus on driving.

Do not worry about what the guy said about having one while training.

The "other guy" is Robert. He does heavy haul loads and overdimensional freight.He's been driving longer than you and I put together, plus a few other people thrown in. So when he posts something on here, it's worth reading and following up on the advice given, especially when you're new.

As he wrote, worry about learning to drive and a hundred other safety things that go with it first. A headset is about #108.

Appreciate the compliment but I’m far from being an expert. I don’t post much but will when I see something that could potentially be hazardous and really not all that important. I don’t own a gps unit and very very rarely use my phone because there’s just too much going on to deal with a phone call to pass the time. Granted, with the loads I do, there’s even more to pay attention to, especially on heavy loads, so all y’all don’t get mad when I’m slow on hills, chances are, the equipment or machine I’m hauling weighs more than a standard truck and trailer fully loaded lol. It’s all in good fun though and I love this side of the industry and enjoy talking to others who share that passion and the constant learning involved.

I wholeheartedly agree. I think headsets are the biggest distraction out here. I don't drive around with it sewn into my ear and only use them when absolutly necessary. If I'm on the highway and need to make or receive a call I make sure I'm in the far right lane, cruise set to speed limit, focus on nothing but the call and maintaining distance from the guy in front of me. I use the Blue Parrot 400 headset. Not a huge fan myself.

Totally subjective to be honest. It’s more about which style Is more comfortable for you to use. If I were a trainer though, I wouldn’t allow a student to be on the phone at all unless stopped. The focus needs to be on paying attention to what you’re doing and there’s a ton of things to pay attention to without being distracted by a phone conversation.

So far I've never tried to hold a conversation on a Bluetooth headset. I've been driving for.. Awhile. And the best use I've found for one is to link it to my laptop to watch movies. Rather it's in your hand or up against your ear it's still doing the same thing.

I included a picture of what happend from wearing a Bluetooth while riding a bike. At least it was just a carbon fiber bicycle...

And not that one.

Yeah i'll wait till I get out on my own and not in training. And i'll do what everyone else recommends and not use it a lot while driving and only use it during emergency's and focus mostly on the road and only use it when I can set the cruise control and still keeping an eye on the road for following distance and checking the mirrors around me and everything else like that.