Curious to tap into the well of insights from real-life road warriors, we turned to our Facebook community with a simple question: What’s a lesson from your time as a truck driver that has truly stuck with you?
The response was a symphony of stories, but two melodies stood out prominently – Have patience and help each other.
On that note, let’s dive into the anecdotes and reflections shared by these drivers.
“In traffic, somebody’s gotta come in last, might as well be me.” – Emily O.
“Do not get stressed by the traffic. We are the professionals and act like that.
But if the boss gets stressed, find another boss. 🤔” – Rolf T.
“I’ve learned that no load is so important that you have to give up your safety or the time spent with your loved ones.” – Chris G.
“Patience… number 1 rule for me. As it holds value to all other rules as a truck driver.” – Werner S.
“I was always told when you get around the older guys that have been driving for a long time, keep your mouth shut and ears open; you will learn a lot. I learned a lot from the older guys, everything from respecting fellow drivers to dealing with DOT to driving in bad weather. In my opinion, try learning something new every day ‘cause it might help you tomorrow.” – Billy S.
“Take your time and do it nice and slow. Especially if you are backing up.” – Donald B.
“I’ve learned patience, being in a big hurry because you have a hot load can only cause a person to make mistakes for various reasons which take longer to fix anyhow. Yes, get your job done and do it the best you can. We all have deadlines but don’t rush yourself in an unsafe manner for a load, it’s not worth it.” – Aaron A.
“I drove mostly East coast, and some mid and West coast, for 10 years moving furniture. The best things I learned were where the good truck stops were, AKA showers, fuel, and mechanics. But most of all, I learned respect for other drivers. If they had a hard time backing into a spot, I would help them and be a spotter. I’ve had to get into a few tricky spots blindside with a sleeper. But I did it. Got out and looked several times.” – Samantha P.
“To always try and help new/other drivers to make life out here a little better!!” – Peter S.
“Get out of the truck every day and walk a few miles. If you don’t make time for your health, your health is going to make time for you. Enjoy that layover, enjoy that breakdown. Get out and live. Don’t just sit in the sleeper.” – Jeffrey A.
“Patience is the most valuable asset as a trucker. Don’t stress what other drivers are doing; you can’t do anything about them…” – Zane A.
“Patience and your life are more important than any load, take your time.” – Bill C.
“Always drive for conditions.” – Christine M.
“Every day is a new learning experience – 50 years and counting.” – DavidLee F.
“Stay alert and watch your road signs.” – Mark V.
“Take your time and do it right. The second you rush is the second you make a mistake.” – Zachary W.
“Trust your Spidey senses. If something feels wrong, it probably is.” – Joe F.
“You are the captain of your ship. Not your boss, not your broker, not other traffic.” – Will K.
“You’re not going to go any faster than the guy in front of you in traffic.” – Mark A.
“Take care of your health!” – Bobby K.
“Traffic is what it is, there is nothing you can do to change it. Just go with the flow and take your DOT breaks when you’re supposed to.” – John G.
“I’ve learned over the years that nothing is worth being aggravated over! If you’re getting aggravated: STOP! Calm down and then move on past it. Aggravation is a distraction that will kill you or someone else.” – Jake S.
“If you get too sleepy just pull over.” – Jordan B.
“Thirty-three years, 2.5 million miles accident-free, I have learned I don’t know everything I’m still learning.” – Donald P.
As we park our exploration of the invaluable lessons learned from the open road and the wise truckers who navigate it, one resounding truth lingers: Patience is the compass that steers us through life’s twists and turns.
These tidbits from truck drivers not only provide us with a glimpse into their profession but also mirror the challenges and triumphs we all encounter on our individual journeys. Just as a driver waits for the traffic to clear or for a storm to pass, so must we learn to navigate the pauses and delays that come our way.
In a world where haste often takes precedence, the lessons shared by these road-tested veterans serve as gentle reminders that the journey is just as important as the destination.
So, as we travel the road of life, let’s remember that in practicing patience, we’re not merely enduring the wait; we’re sowing the seeds of resilience, understanding, and growth that will, ultimately, lead us to a more fulfilling and purposeful existence.
