Stepping into the cab of a big rig for the first time is a moment no truck driver ever forgets. From excitement to nerves, every trucker’s first day holds a story worth telling. We asked our community of truck drivers about their first day on the job, and the responses we received were heartfelt, humorous, and full of wisdom. Whether they faced icy roads, shifting gears for the first time, or feeling that first sense of freedom, these stories give a glimpse into the diverse experiences that come with becoming a truck driver.
Excitement and Freedom on the Open Road
For many, the first day was a thrilling adventure filled with anticipation. Connie Baker remembered joining her husband on the road and qualifying as a second driver with TSMT despite never having driven a truck before: “I had never shifted real gears, but my husband spent the night teaching me gear patterns with a broomstick. We ended up trucking together for 25 years!”
JD Hiott still feels the rush of that first day: “It was exciting! Almost 10 years later, I still get that child-like enthusiasm every time I hop in the truck and get a dispatch.”
Similarly, Jenn Durrant shared how her first day solo felt like ultimate freedom: “The first day on my own was the most awesome feeling of freedom ever!”
The Nerves and Challenges of Day One
Not everyone’s first day was smooth sailing. Brian Light admitted he was terrified when his father-in-law turned him loose in a KW cabover back in 1983: “I was scared shitless, hauling a 40′ acid tanker!”
For Phil Mee, the nerves hit hard on a long haul from Maine to the Bronx: “I was so nervous, I smoked a pack every two hours! I should have brought something to drink because my tongue was stuck to the roof of my mouth.”
And then there’s Brian Harrison, who faced icy roads and ill-fitting chains on his first day: “It was the first of November, and I had the wrong-sized chains for my tractor. Yeah… not fun.”
Learning from Mistakes and Moving Forward
First-day mistakes are inevitable, but they’re often valuable lessons. Rafael Pardo confessed he was so focused on shifting gears that he forgot to steer straight: “I was concentrating so hard on shifting that I forgot to go straight on the road!”
For Jake Swieringa, his first concern was whether the trailer was even following him around the corner: “My first worry was if that trailer was going to run over the car that pulled up too far!”
Even Abe Fernandez Jr. had his struggles with shifting on day one: “I was grinding the crap out of my trainer’s truck, but he didn’t mind as long as I learned.”
Overcoming Adversity: Perseverance Pays Off
For some, the first day presented serious challenges, but their determination carried them through. Marty Edwards described his first day as horrible: “It was an all-night run, and I’m not a night person. But I pushed through, and here I am today.”
Lonnie Hefner faced a twin-stick transmission on his first day and had no idea how to handle it: “My boss said, ‘Don’t worry, youngster, you’ll figure it out by the end of the trip.’ And I did!”
Unexpected Surprises and Memorable Moments
Some first days were full of surprises. Rick Pedalonright recalled a minor accident that occurred just 10 miles from the yard: “My trainer stopped for a yellow light, and the truck behind us ran into us. When I called the office, the safety director’s first question was, ‘Were you driving?’”
Zach Lively had his own unexpected experience after driving across snowy roads only to open the trailer and find it empty: “Upon arrival, the trailer was completely empty! It turns out someone messed up loading it back in Amana, Iowa.”
Despite these mishaps, both drivers persevered and continued on their trucking journeys.
Looking Back: The First Day Was Just the Beginning
For many truckers, their first day was just the start of a long and rewarding career. Billy Avara summed it up well: “It was a little rough at first, but I made it 43 years before retiring.”
Leonard Bradley echoed that sentiment, reflecting on a career that’s lasted over two decades: “It was a challenge, but 22 years later, I’m still rolling.”
No matter the challenges or triumphs, every trucker’s first day is a vital chapter in their journey. For some, it was a day of excitement and newfound freedom. For others, it was a trial by fire that tested their resilience. But in the end, it’s those unforgettable first experiences that set the stage for long, successful careers in trucking.
