Starting a new career as a truck driver can feel like trying to drink out of a firehose. There’s so much information coming at you – often faster than you can absorb it! It’s no wonder there are common “rookie mistakes” made by new drivers.
Here at Allegiance Trucks, we strive to make your life easier. We’ve gathered up the most common mistakes that new truck drivers make and how to avoid making them below. For more new driver tips or to shop trucks for sale, visit one of our dealerships. We are based in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. We also serve those in Boston, Massachusetts, and the Southern New England area.
Mistake #1: Not Taking Care of Yourself
A truck driver’s physical health affects their ability to safely and efficiently do the job.
For example:
- A drowsy driver is more likely to get into an accident.
- A hungry or dehydrated driver has a harder time staying alert, which can make it harder to spot upcoming obstacles and adjust in time.
- A driver that’s gone too long without a break can succumb to highway hypnosis and lose focus.
It’s important to prepare your body for the long drive ahead, which includes getting good sleep, staying hydrated, eating healthy meals, and taking breaks.
Mistake #2: Not Starting Off Organized
A new truck driver will start off with only a handful of work papers. But these will multiply before you know it! Truck drivers have piles of paperwork between filling out logs, collecting receipts, maintaining truck service records, and more.
If you don’t start off organized as a new driver, you will end up with a jumbled mess in no time. It will take an excessive amount of time to track down the papers you need when you need them, so start off your career as a new driver with a solid organizational system.
Mistake #3: Not Sticking to Safety Practices
Safety practices exist for a reason! They help reduce the chances of an accident and protect yourself and those around you. Yes, they take time and can be tedious. But they are essential! Always follow the steps in a pre-drive truck inspection, follow the safety guidelines for the work site, and any other safety practices put into place.
Mistake #4: Not Asking for Help
New truck drivers aren’t expected to be experts right away. Give yourself slack and remember that it takes time to learn the ins and outs. It’s okay to reach out for help, whether that be from your boss, a coworker, or your local truck dealer. Gain from their wisdom and use it to make yourself better!
Want more new truck driver tips? Looking to shop trucks for sale? Whatever you need, the experts at Allegiance Trucks are here to help. Contact us or stop by one of dealerships in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. We also proudly serve those in Boston, Massachusetts, as well as the Southern New England area.
