“You completed your CDL training, obtained your license, and secured employment as a truck driver. Although life is good, you aren't quite the "king of the road" yet. In the first year out, there is still much to learn.” This is what Dennis Orpik always said.

Let’s learn more about what Dennis Orpik recommends for new truck drivers.

Learned From Years in the Transportation Industry By the Words of Dennis Orpik

When you first start driving, you have no idea what you don't know. At least not yet. You may learn a lot both on and off the road. It will take some time to get the swing of things or establish your credibility as the one who can do the job. Use these suggestions to keep the cargo coming your way until that time arrives, establish a professional reputation, and develop into a dependable truck driver.

Hey. You will get lost if you are a new truck driver, and I'm sorry to say that. It might happen a little or a lot, but either way, be ready. The following are some truck driving tips for beginners that I used when I was new in this industry.

1. Work on your skills

"Work on your skills" may initially appear merely another way of saying, "Be a better truck driver." But in this case, practice and experience are only some of what is being discussed. Instead, I am talking about broadening your knowledge and enhancing those talents that are only sometimes instantly deemed crucial in driving, even if both are significant methods to develop.

So, what qualifications are necessary for a good truck driver?

• Adequate communication
• Management of time
• Problem-solving
• Organization
• Independence or accountability
• Critically analyzing
• Mechanical expertise

2. Defense driving

Defensive driving entails staying alert and vigilant for unexpected or changing road circumstances. You must drive with extra caution around drivers unfamiliar with trucks and their operations. Make sure you leave ample space in front of you—about twice as much as what the typical driver maintains. The amount of time it takes a truck to stop after applying the brakes is known as the braking distance. For a commercial truck, the typical stopping distance is 4 seconds. There are still 390 feet till you come to a complete halt at 55 mph.

3. Observe your health

Being healthy plays a significant role in improving one's driving. Health difficulties not only raise safety concerns, which is why the DOT also has medical criteria, but they can also help you have a much longer career. Any truck driver should prioritize eating healthfully and trying to exercise.

4. Always check your car twice

As a driver, it can be too simple to overlook the value of maintaining your car because some inspections might become normal, and maintenance may be seen as someone else's job. The best truck drivers, though, are those that take good care of their cars, and they frequently gain from it. Not only are pre-trip checks necessary by law, but they are also a crucial part of avoiding mishaps and other problems. After you park your car, it's a good idea to give it another once-over to ensure everything is in order—no lights are on, tires are in bad shape, or anything else.

Commercial

5. Keep a good driving record

Any driver should strive to achieve this, but professional drivers, in particular, should. A truck driver's ability to maintain a spotless driving record may be the difference between promotions, wage increases, and more work opportunities. If you have a record free of infractions and accidents, aim to keep it that way.

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6. Avoid rushing

While meeting deadlines is vital, getting to your destination is more crucial. The idiom "the longer you take, the faster you'll get there" is frequently used. Never compromise safety for speed. And keep in mind that adhering to appropriate safety standards is the most reliable approach to getting to your location and completing that delivery.

7. Get enough sleep

Did you know 697 people died due to drunk driving in 2019 alone, according to the NHTSA? Driving while fatigued can be just as risky as driving while intoxicated or high, and it can be considerably riskier if you're in control of an 80,000-pound truck. Find a location to park and nap if you start to nod off, or better yet, get adequate rest in the first place.

8. Maintain a safe following distance

Ensure you're far enough away from the automobile in front of you if they slam on the brakes because commercial trucks have a significantly longer stopping distance than typical passenger vehicles. Similarly, it's crucial to check your mirrors and know which lanes are open in case you have to make a sudden lane shift to avoid an accident.

9. Consider road signs

When transferring freight to a new location, pay attention to truck route information and watch for warnings regarding weight restrictions and low bridge clearances.

10. Always plan your route

You need to plan your itinerary before you get on the road carefully. To prevent delays from construction, traffic, and other factors, you should be aware of the best route to take. A strategy for rest stops, fuel stops, and other crucial stops along the trip is also advised. You can stay on schedule and prevent unneeded delays by planning your trip.

Also, research trucks stop ahead of time. Research the truck stops along your route before you start driving. Find out which truck stops offer the services you require, such as parking, showers, laundromats, and eateries, using online resources like apps and websites. Call home whenever possible. Being out on the road can be very isolating, and you must connect with the people you love as often as possible. Talk to friends, too. You can complain about the crap and laugh it off together.

I hope, I don't forget any point. I sincerely hope these tips for new truck drivers are useful to everyone. Good luck and safety to you wherever you go!

We took this video from Driven Trucking YouTube Channel.