For The More Experienced:

Having the experience you do now, if you could offer only one piece of advice to your younger self during your first year, what would you say.

Just as when learning most things in life,..... Mouth closed and ears open!

Just as when learning most things in life,..... Mouth closed and ears open!

Agree with this whole heartedly. And don't make emotional decisions. Think first and act later instead of the other way around.

Take your time and keep your cool.

I'd say 90% of the mishaps new drivers have are because they're rushing to get something done or they're overwhelmed by the circumstances. Maybe you're trying to back into a dock and you're holding people up. Maybe you're in heavy traffic and you realize you might miss your exit if you don't make a move quickly. Maybe someone made a dumb move on the highway in front of you and you lose your cool. Maybe things aren't going as quickly as you had hoped on the docks at your last delivery before home time and now you're not going to make it home when you expected to.

It's very easy to become overwhelmed when you're new to trucking. Not only is the lifestyle a major life change, but the job itself is difficult, dangerous, and stressful. You have to keep your cool, take your time, be patient, and remember the golden rule of trucking - don't hit anything! Anytime you can park the truck at the end of the day without a scratch on it you've accomplished the most important thing. Hopefully you've done so after making your appointments on time and handling yourself like a professional anytime you're on the job. But regardless, never compromise safety.

One of the most important elements of safety is keeping a calm, clear mind so you're capable of making logical decisions and being fully aware of your surroundings.

all great words of advice.