Fear of trucking

Fear of trucking

Newbie trucker here, and I gotta say, this job is kicking my ass. I've been on the road for a few months now and I've seen some crazy shit out there. From road rage to bad weather to mechanical breakdowns, it's a constant struggle to keep my cool and stay safe.

Newbie trucker here, and I gotta say, this job is kicking my ass. I've been on the road for a few months now and I've seen some crazy shit out there. From road rage to bad weather to mechanical breakdowns, it's a constant struggle to keep my cool and stay safe.

Today have been reading this article https://newjobs4you.com/blogs/experience/fear-of-driving-personal-stories/ and I'm not gonna lie, though, I have some fears too. Like, what if I get into an accident or get pulled over by the cops? What if I get lost or run out of gas?

And they do get to me. They make me anxious, nervous, and stressed. They make me doubt myself and my abilities. But I don't want to give up. I want to overcome my fears and enjoy the ride.

So, that's my story so far. How about you guys? How long have you been trucking and what do you like or dislike about it? Any tips or advice for a rookie like me?

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17
Comments
Sufyaan
Sufyaan
02.13.2025
Listen. What you are going through is absolutely normal and understandable. I am sure that many people experience stress and anxiety during the first months. Driving a huge truck is not easy. You will encounter bad weather or shit roads more than once, and the truck may break down at any moment. You will gain experience, and after a while it will not seem like a problem to you.
Valentine
Valentine
02.13.2025
When I first started, any strange sound from a truck would make me panic. It seemed to me that it would break down any minute, and I wouldn’t have time to deliver the cargo to its destination. It’s been 11 years now, and every time I get behind the wheel I feel a little nervous. Understand that even the most experienced driver can face many difficulties on the road.
Stein
Stein
02.13.2025
Never stop learning, whether you've been doing the job for 20 days, 20 minutes or 20 years. If you ever feel unsafe in your work conditions, that could mean questionable whether or maybe you are feeling fatigued, it's going to cost you a lot less time to pull over and wait it out / take a 30 minute rest then it will to be cleaning your truck out when it's in the ditch.
Lorenzo Powell
Lorenzo Powell
02.13.2025
Do not neglect good rest and regular exercise. After a month of active work, your back and neck will hurt like hell, even daily 10-minute exercises will help relieve tension. Frequent breaks at night will help to cope with drowsiness. Try to sleep at least 7 hours.
Troy
Troy
02.13.2025
Try to eat no more than 3 times a day, although it will be difficult at first. I recommend you to spend some money on buying the necessary cooking utensils (a kettle, a small portable stove). Truck stops don't always have a good variety of healthy food, so you can cook yourself a meal at any time. Always keep quick snacks at truck, they will help out when there is absolutely no time for a full meal.
Eva Johnson / Customer Support
Eva Johnson / Customer Support
02.10.2025
Before each long trip, take a couple of minutes to check the oil level, brakes, battery, tires. Do not ignore the strange noises and vibrations when braking. Make sure that the load is properly distributed and fixed.
Copeland
Copeland
02.09.2025
I don't know if anyone has written about this before, but. Always keep a sufficient distance between the truck and other vehicles on the road. This will give you time to react in case of unpredictable actions by other drivers.
Lewis
Lewis
02.08.2025
I started working on a truck only 3 months ago. I was constantly worried that I wouldn't be able to deliver the cargo on time, especially when the dispatcher is constantly rushing you. So my advice to you is to never rush, feel comfortable
Boone
Boone
02.08.2025
I will share some advice that helped me a lot in my first year of work. When you feel very sleepy, it helps to listen to the radio or just any music (not necessarily very loud). I know that some people just drink a lot of coffee or energy drinks, but an hour after they make you feel even more sleepy.
Bonner
Bonner
02.07.2025
Always keep headache pills with you, I really had to use them after driving for a long time. Medications for stomach or intestinal problems (especially if you eat a lot of junk and fast food), and definitely eye drops.
Aleksander
Aleksander
02.07.2025
The main problem that you will have to get used to is the lack of personal life. You will rarely see your family or friends. At first it will be emotionally difficult, but gradually you get used to such a lifestyle.
Khalil
Khalil
02.07.2025
For me top problem: terrible options of food at truck stops. Subway(at like 85% of truck stops), McDonald's, Wendy's, Arbys. We dont have enough time to go to Walmart multiple times a week to restock out food. Even not everyone has a fridge or portable stoven at truck for cooking.
Trinity
Trinity
02.05.2025
I see so many negative answers about this job and it makes me so sad. I don't deny that it's difficult, constantly worrying about being late or something happening to the truck. But there's nothing better than the feeling of freedom when you drive through incredibly beautiful places. I had a lot of satisfying experiences while driving that I will not soon forget.
Malach
Malach
02.05.2025
This lifestyle is just not for everyone. You'll either love it or hate it. You will be away from home for a long time, and sometimes you feel so much depressed. Not-so-healthy eating and sleeping habits. Be ready to eat A LOT of sandwiches! No free time, constant lack of sleep and feeling of fatigue. I hope I didn’t scare you away from driving)))
Asad
Asad
02.04.2025
Learn as much as you can about the equipment you operate. Don't let your dispatcher force you into something that unsafe or illegal. What ever happens on the road is only your responsibility.
Randolph
Randolph
02.04.2025
Listen! Always be prepared for unexpected actions from other drivers, constantly monitor the situation especially on busy roads, and do not make sudden movements to avoid accidents. Safe travels bro!
Frank / Support NJ4Y
Frank / Support NJ4Y
02.03.2025
Take turns and curves slowly. Always do pre and post inspections, every time you stop do a walk around checking tires, lug nuts, and lights and for spots of leakage from any wheels and under the whole vehicle.
Lambert
Lambert
02.02.2025
Sometimes it can get very cold in the cab at night, so always have warm and most importantly comfortable clothes. Before going to bed, always check if the doors and windows of the truck are locked. Safety first man!
Brogan Chang
Brogan Chang
02.02.2025
Always report about any problems to your dispatcher. Always check that the load is properly secured. Sometimes a truck can break at the most stupid moment, so a set of tools will not be superfluous.
Roman
Roman
02.01.2025
Don't try to be a hero and ignore fatigue. Never put yourself at risk. Try to get enough sleep, don't forget about snacks. If cops stopped you, the most important advice is not to panic. Just stay calm. Show all the necessary documents. Just let them do their job.
Karol
Karol
02.01.2025
With each year of work I began to feel more and more confident on the road. The more you drive, the easier it is for you to remain calm and confident, despite any situation.
Sutherland
Sutherland
02.01.2025
Does anyone listen to podcasts while driving? It helps me cope with stress very well, I don't feel sleepy, it helps me focus more on my road.
Frazier
Frazier
02.01.2025
Enough sleep, proper nutritious meal with a lot of fiber and protein (if you don't want digestive problems) + lots of water. Whenever possible, it is important to do exercises to avoid back pain in the future.
Pittman
Pittman
02.01.2025
Many drivers quit after just a year or two. It's not only physically difficult, but also emotionally. Almost 90 percent of the time you're alone, you have no one to talk to. You rarely see your loved ones, you can't always be home for holidays or birthdays. That's the tough part of driving!
Mari
Mari
10.09.2024
the most terrifying thing is running out of snacks 💀
Magnus
Magnus
10.08.2024
road will teach you, don't worry
Denzel
Denzel
10.08.2024
the road is friendlier than you think
Addie
Addie
10.08.2024
bad weather is bitch
Fred
Fred
10.06.2024
Keep your mind sharp
Grayson
Grayson
10.04.2024
overcoming challenges, makes you better. Accept it, face it, move on
Aidan
Aidan
10.04.2024
Focus on the road
Iqra
Iqra
10.02.2024
we all navigate through our own storms
Sion
Sion
10.02.2024
fuck that, stay professional 💪
Josef
Josef
10.02.2024
key is to face your fears, and do things that you're afraid of the most
Daniels
Daniels
10.02.2024
fear is a mind killer
Marni
Marni
10.01.2024
I've seen more bad days than I care to count.
Krueger
Krueger
10.01.2024
OMG, you're just getting started. You'll find your rhythm
Iestyn
Iestyn
10.01.2024
enjoy life, even when it's rough
Gordon
Gordon
09.28.2024
be rested and alter
Elias
Elias
09.23.2024
actually driving at night can be dangerous
Orlando
Orlando
09.10.2024
this job isn't only about beautiful sights
Haroon
Haroon
09.07.2024
ye, you've just realized that this job ain't easy
Leroy
Leroy
09.05.2024
Been haulin' since '92. The more miles you log, the less you'll sweat the little stuff.
Levi
Levi
09.05.2024
being on the road for a dew months is nothing, keep rolling, keep learning
Pascal
Pascal
09.05.2024
maybe it's not for you
Barney
Barney
09.03.2024
road tests you, you have to pass it
Declan
Declan
08.29.2024
you'll get over it
Clayton
Clayton
08.26.2024
Nothing scares you more than not meeting deadlines
Xander
Xander
08.20.2024
If you run out of gas, well, that's just irresponsible. And finally cops, they're just doin' their job. Maybe you have something to hide?
Perry
Perry
08.20.2024
accidents can happen, but they're less likely fi you're paying attention
Ayden
Ayden
08.13.2024
Eat good, get plenty of rest, you'll be fine
Keanu
Keanu
08.11.2024
park the rig and stare at the stars, it will have a relaxing magic on you
Callum
Callum
08.10.2024
calm down, it seems like you're fighting the world out there
Duke
Duke
08.05.2024
hope you are not afraid to ask for help
Jean
Jean
07.25.2024
take your time to adjust and trust your inner feelings
Dewi
Dewi
07.11.2024
had fears driving in the city, it's been 1 year since it gone
Bernard
Bernard
07.01.2024
call your family, talk a bit, relax, continue journey
Mcleod
Mcleod
06.17.2024
you're not alone, everyone feels fear in different forms
Samson Archer
Samson Archer
06.07.2024
been there, it'll go away soon
Aine
Aine
06.03.2024
eyes on the road, and you're gonna be all right
Wilfred
Wilfred
05.17.2024
Safety first
Kirk
Kirk
05.16.2024
not too deeply, because you may faint 😂
Loui
Loui
05.16.2024
when you feel overwhelmed just pull over and breathe deeply
Safiyyah
Safiyyah
05.10.2024
trust your rig, and skills
Fergus
Fergus
04.10.2024
Just remember, every mile you drive, you’re getting better.
Greene
Greene
03.16.2024
Me too, especially on ice roads
Tamsin
Tamsin
03.15.2024
13+ years here, still get nervous
Artur Ishch
Artur Ishch
03.04.2024
no shame in having fears
Johnathan
Johnathan
12.19.2023
Just keep your head on a swing and trust your gut.
Benito
Benito
06.13.2023
You just have to learn to deal with the challenges and risks. The best advice I can give you is to always be prepared. Check your truck before every trip, plan your route ahead of time, and have an emergency kit handy.
Eddie
Eddie
06.13.2023
Don’t let the fear get to you, just keep your eyes on the road and your mind on the job.
Lepe
Lepe
06.12.2023
You’ll get better with time and experience. And remember, we’re all in this together. If you ever need help or advice, just reach out to your fellow truckers. We got your back.
Seamus
Seamus
06.12.2023
I feel you, man. I’ve been trucking for over a decade and I still get nervous sometimes. It’s a tough job, but it’s also rewarding. You get to travel, see new places, and be your own boss.
Milo
Milo
06.12.2023
The key is to stay calm and confident. Don’t let the fear paralyze you or make you panic. Just trust yourself and your skills. And don’t forget to enjoy the ride. There’s a lot of beauty and wonder out there, if you just look for it.
Alastair Glover
Alastair Glover
06.10.2023
Hey, welcome to the club, kid. Trucking ain’t for the faint of heart, but it’s a hell of a way to make a living. You’ll see some shit out there, but you’ll also see some beauty and meet some good folks.
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