Stepping into the world of trucking can feel overwhelming. It’s a career that demands skill, patience, and a constant commitment to safety. To help rookie drivers navigate this challenging journey, we turned to the experts—our community of seasoned truck drivers. Here’s their best advice, straight from the road.
1. Safety Comes First
Veteran drivers emphasize the importance of prioritizing safety above all else. Ward Miller wisely advises, “No load or delivery time is as valuable as your life.” Arnold Jaimes Jr. echoes this sentiment: “No load is worth your life. Slow it down and arrive safely.”
2. Keep Your Cool Under Pressure
Driving a truck, especially in challenging conditions, requires a calm mind. Glen Hidlay shared his wisdom: “#1, don’t panic. Find a safe place to pull over and calmly figure out a solution to your problem.” Rick Petersen adds: “When in doubt, get out. Whether it’s weather, tricky situations, or even your health—take a step back and keep it safe.”
3. Plan, Prepare, and Be Resourceful
Success in trucking often comes down to preparation. Susie Gilcrease recommends keeping essentials on hand: “Carry replacement bulbs, extra placards, grease packs for the 5th wheel, and some basic tools. Also, keep snacks and drinks in your truck—truck stops can be expensive.” Jeremy Morgan and Ricky Groover also stress the importance of learning how to read an atlas, instead of relying solely on GPS.
4. Keep Learning
Trucking is a career that thrives on constant growth. Sunset Smoky offers this advice: “Get all your endorsements and learn to drive every manual you can, especially a 13-speed.” Sheri Horton Frenden reminds drivers to listen to their experienced peers: “Take advice from veteran drivers—they’ve been where you are.”
Raymond Sulak highlights the value of diversifying your skills: “When given the chance to learn a new piece of equipment, do it. Learning a variety of equipment will make you more versatile and open doors to opportunities.”
5. Trust Your Instincts
Many drivers urge rookies to trust their gut feelings. Doug Bray keeps it simple: “You’re in charge of that truck. If you don’t feel comfortable, don’t do it.” Amber Mendenhall adds: “Your safety is more important than any load, especially in winter conditions.”
6. Patience is Key
Dealing with traffic and tight schedules can test anyone’s patience. Terrence Brady offers valuable advice: “Work on your patience constantly. Stay focused on the road.” Roger Willis suggests: “Stay out of the cluster of trucks and always scan ahead to anticipate potential issues.”
7. Respect Yourself and Others
Respect goes a long way in trucking. Paul Linnemeyer reminds us: “Be courteous to everyone. Stop and help your fellow drivers, and always respect the rights of others.”
8. Take Care of Your Health
The trucking lifestyle can be demanding. Chris Knox cautions: “It can take a toll on your personal life, so be sure you want to do it. But it can also be a very good life.” Dennis Everett emphasizes being prepared for all situations: “Always have a coat, tools, coolant, oil, fuel additive for winter, and washer fluid.”
9. Avoid Complacency
Even experienced drivers need to stay vigilant. Frank LeClair reminds us: “Don’t get complacent. Just when you think you’ve got everything down, that’s when mistakes happen.”
10. Stay Grounded
Kenneth Wagner offers this simple piece of advice: “Stay focused, and always keep safety as your top priority.”
Final Thoughts
Trucking is a rewarding career but comes with its unique challenges. The advice shared by these seasoned professionals highlights the importance of safety, preparation, patience, and respect—both for yourself and others. If you’re starting your journey, take their wisdom to heart. As Bishop Hinners puts it, “The #1 responsibility of your job is to get you, your truck, and your freight to its destination safely and on time.”
For more stories and support from drivers just like you, join our Truck Drivers USA Facebook community. It’s a place where you can connect, share, and learn from others who understand the journey.
Stay safe out there, and remember—you’re never alone on the road.
