What to Expect Your First Year as a New Truck Driver
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- Опубликовано: 9 май 2014
- A new truck driver endures the most challenging part of his entire career, in their first year.
Just a few things the new trucker ought to be aware of, so you know what to expect in your first year.
The pay is often lower than a more experienced driver, the loads dispatched to new drivers aren't usually premium loads, new drivers are often kept out on the road for very long periods of time, and sometimes trucking companies take advantage of new drivers.
This first year may be somewhat stressful, but is necessary to get in hours behind the wheel, and get experience to add to your resume. Trucking companies like to hire drivers with experience, so you may not have much choice when it comes to your very first job in the trucking industry.
After the first year, things should start to get better..... the driver will usually travel with his own company truck, and not as a team member/driver trainer, so become more independent.
The loads will be better and things will fall into place.
If you love to drive, hang in there... it'll be worth it in the long run.
For more information to find out what to really expect from that first year as a CDL driver, check out www.smart-trucking.com/new-tru...
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In 2019 you will not make great money out of the box the first year. Most companies that pay well require at the very least a year of experience so if you are considering trucking expect to make about $35,000 to $45,000 your first year. You definitely have to pay your dues before you start making descent money. A lot of it depends on your company and how much they can keep you rolling. I am 4 months in and it is very tough being away from family and friends. I am sticking with it because it is a good career and you don’t have to have a boss breathing down your neck. Trucking can be extremely frustrating at times but there is nothing like rolling down a beautiful highway over the mountains in Idaho or Montana or Colorado or Tennessee and taking in the scenery. What a wonderful world I think. Today let’s do one thing kind for someone. Just one thing. God bless America.
I drove for 32 years. Now retired. After a few years I realized that sometimes YOU HAVE TO SAY NO. There is no load worth mine or any one else's life. According to any dispatcher....the load is hot....and has to be there. And you get there and wait for hours to get unloaded. Back in the crazy days....I would leave home on Saturday night and get back Friday night. During the whole week I might have gotten 10 hours sleep. Running 3 log books, and dodging scales. Today is different. Never let that dispatcher force you into an unsafe situation. Because, when you screw up, the dispatcher will deny everything. Be cool And be safe. They call me Payback on the radio. Peace.
I would suggest that if there is that much distrust between you and the company, it is time to move on and say good bye.
Frank Mills
Most states have laws where you can't record someone unless that person is aware he is being recorded.
Be careful as many states require that the persons is not only notified that he is being recorded but that you have been given consent as well
drayhazel
Actually some do most don't. Most states have laws that say ONE of the two parties needs to know the conversation is being recorded. You can be that one party.
It's legal for the participanting parties to record a telephone conversation in most states.
Not all but most.
Record first and then look up the law for the state your in before telling the other party they were recorded once you find out it was legal.
I tried trucking and did it for four months. Even though it was a great job, I was the worst truck driver and I wasn’t getting any better-so I gave up. Kudos to those who do this job well.
I applaud all you truckers out there for the hard work you do. It’s hard enough to drive a regular car in some of these heavily populated areas, but to drive a massive 18 wheeler in the same tight spaces is an art. Not to mention the lifestyle that I’m sure can be lonely and stressful at times. As an American consumer that buys a lot of the stuff you carry from points A-B, thank you for what you do. I always try and be courteous to the truckers I share the road with!
New drivers , I've been driving 17 years and I am still learning. He's exactly right . Be patient and courteous. Backing for example ,well we all been there . Heck there are days I can blind side in on one shot and there are days I couldn't straight line back to save my life.. Lol.. If you get frustrated just step away and cool down . And remember the cars that share the road . Keep in mind that's somebody's mom or sister or dad in that car. Don't let your emotions dictate your driving . And don't get overconfident. When you think you have all figured out that's when your gonna f### up and tear something up or worse
Never let your guard down
Howard Joe can you get fired for 2 bent rims in Less then 24 hours
Howard Joe
Still , I meant
I'm not even a trucker, and this is just fascinating to watch. The culture, the vocabulary, and everything else is so cool.
I think so too Brandon! Thanks for following! Dave
Lol right. I’m on a very different career path, but this is interesting.
ALEXIA. I also think so
Big Meat its a part of life. Just because you sit in a truck doesnt mean its easy.
to all your truck drivers out there, you have my respect you give up your lives away from your families to provide for them God bless you all
We do it for the money
Looks and sounds like a real trucker to me.
Johnny Wayne best American trucker image ever.
For real man look at that pete.
I want to be THIS kind of old person
The trick is to get your own truck and your own authority, your own trailer and get rid of these dispatchers. When you get your own truck with your own authority, you get to decided what loads you want and don't want. You get a heck of a lot more cash, mainly because there is no dispatcher to take the cut. My dad is talking to guys that's been doing this and they would be earning over 10k a week, no lie. My dad showed me a screenshot of one of his buddies doing a load for 1.5k, easy money
My dad already owns his truck under his own company but he's currently working to get his own authority. With that comes time and patience and it will be difficult the first couple of times but you will get use to it (as they say). He's currently talking with his insurance company to have the proper insurance for it. Once that's over with, he'll wait for 3 weeks (a month basically) and he will have his own authority and a trailer to work with. Then he'll be set.
With the truck industry, you have to fight for your own and part of that is doing your own thing and not having these snakey dispatchers literally taking your cash
Ok
Facts
google maps and google earth helpfull tool for finding locations and google earth shows the layout and entrances.
Ryan P very helpful tools.
the best city map to get, for Chicago, is the "low bridges" map. Chicago has a lot of low bridges, less than 13 ft.
hands down this is the best video I've seen for new drivers,I drove for 25yrs OTR loved it .I cried in that truck two days before having to get out because of health problem,had two heart attacks ,got out end of 2009.I miss it so badly I'm on disability now,good luck to all the new drivers hope u make it and to other veteran divers stay safe brothers.✌👍😃🚛
That sucks, especially since you enjoyed it. I'm seriously considering getting my CDL, I've been doing commercial driving since highschool (just a pickup truck dropping off parts and the like) I've always enjoyed driving and I'm debating taking the next step.
Lord Blackworth just give it a shot ,lifestyle is different you will love it or leave it.
Stick with what you're doing. OTR trucking is a terrible way to make a living. You'll have nothing but stress, fatigue, and home sickness.
Jerry James, I appreciate your service. Thank you, brother.
Jerry James If you don't mind me asking, what was your salary like?
My son started driving Solo about 6months ago he absolutely loves it.He's learned a lot of good info from other drivers. He said that they are by far the BEST. TEACHERS.He plans his trips ahead so he not stuck in some scary space to park at nite. He's averaging 3000 mile a week.and he knows he's not going to be making the big bucks for awhile but he's single and no comments so it's perfect for him.And I don't think he's had to many UGLY LOADS.He hates the short runs most of all.But he LOVES THE JOB and glad he got into it.His dispatcher wants him to become a training instuctor.The company is really impressed with the job he's doing in such a short time.He got a notice last nite that his ITA is at 88% .Oh before this he spent 10 years in roofing construction .making PEANUTS for pay.
+Jannette Becker Good for him! If he's with the right company he'll have a career he'll enjoy for life. Tell him I wish him good luck. Dave
Jannette Becker lies
Im not telling anyone how to get your cdl. Or what to expect for your first year. This is what I did....
Turned 21(1996)
Got a DOT physical
Studied the book (sorry , no internet)
Took every test possible, all endorsements.
Went to a local driving school that had TT training and signed up for lessons.
Took 3 lessons @ $150 each.
Instructor (retired Maryland state police) told me I could pass the test.
Went to the mva and passed my test.
At that point I got a local job driving a bus at BWI airport. Union job, Signed up for Employee Parking, Im 22 driving the bus for flight attendants and airport employees. I shouldnt need to say anymore. It was fun.
Worked there for a year.
Left there and went to a company that had class B openings that also had tt.
Moved up to driving tt (tractor trailers)
Left there in 2001 and went to work for my current employer.
Currently work Sunday evening through Friday morning averaging 10 hr day, home every morning.
Pulling doubles.
$90k a year!
Good jobs are out there!!!! Train, Play by the rules, Watch your Ps and Qs. Excel!
2
I enjoy all ur trucker videos, very informative. I went to trucking school in Baltimore for 6 months and they really didn’t speak jack shit on the industry today and all the bullshit with it. I’m in my first year, 8 months in. It’s been rough and I keep thinking about the end game. Barely making any money. Spot on with most stressful thing in ur first year. In my second week I got lost in New Jersey rush hour traffic and was lost in the residential neighborhoods for 2 hours! Most stressful memory of my life, I was lucky to not make it on the news that day, can’t recall how many drivers would have to back up at traffic lights and honk there horns at me lol
being away from home was probably the toughest part of being a trucker when I first started. I hated seeing my wife cry when I had to leave. even if it was for 2 months. I was OTR for 4months and then got on a dedicated acct with better home time through Werner. After 4 years of them I got a Local Yard Jockey job though JB hunt and go home daily. Decent pay for easy work.
I'm in CDL school now going from a teaching job in public schools (social studies: economics, geography, history) to trucking. I'm very much looking forward to it. From the looks of it I'll be making more $$$$ trucking than teaching in a public school even in my first year trucking.
the 52 people who disliked this are swift drivers 😂
I bet you're right! Dave
i know your comment is a year old, but what's the stereotype of swift drivers? just so ya know i'm not one.
caleb wondering about swift - are they not good to work for? especially to start out with?
I'm in middle school I love learning about trucks you can learn a lot from this and you make a lot of money
I drove many years haha He is telling nothing but the exact Truth!
Haha when you mentioned a trainer. Yea...my first driver trainer had an old Peterbilt that was totally trashed on the inside. I had to literally wade through the garbage just to get around the cab and bunk. Turns out, this horrible condition gave me a serious lung infection and I spent over a week in a Detroit hospital recovering. When I got better, the company was compassionate and issued me a new trainer to finish my training. That was awesome. He was super nice, clean, and knowledgeable. Once finished with training, I drove for the carrier another 6 months and then went to Werner running dedicated loads for Forward Air. Man, the miles and money added up quick.😊
Forward Air is a good outfit!
Been driving for 30 years and I'm still learning but it's such great job wouldn't trade it for anything.
Don't expect to make over $40k with any of the training companies your first year, 2nd year you should make $70k or more.
Pretty much everything in this video is true. Just got my cdl 3 months ago and got a job at a pretty big company. Low rate of only 0.25$ for all miles but I’m team driving over 5000 miles a week. My biggest challenge is that it’s gonna snow here soon in the mountains and I’ve never even seen snow in my life.
Some companies are putting cameras pointed directly at the driver watching your every move and listening to your telephone conversations. "BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING YOU," even in the cabs of trucks !
+Joe Player I would NEVER work for them. Let the people that monitor those cameras drive the god dam trucks. This kind of shit must stop!
1. Id moon the cameras.
2. Id cover them with tape when I wasnt mooning them.
3. Id cover the microphone part.
Joe Player How do you stop drivers from texting? Backwards camera is pretty much it, or some people will just keep on texting. Plus they like to see your head constantly checking mirrors.
Rookie Freediver I feel like they’d use that against you in the case of some issue. It would make you look guilty
I’m not a trucker but I’m so fascinated by this industry....thank you sir for posting!
Thanks for watching! It really is a fascinating industry! Dave
Those are some loud a$$ birds in the background.
Braulio Vargas Jr 😂😂😂
Loud ass birds are better than loud ass people
I've been driving for just over 2 years now, and everything said here is very true. I would add that breakdowns could stress you out as well. I still struggle out here with mechanical and electrical problems with the truck and trailers whenever a problem arises. I feel like quitting all the time, but I know that I need the experience in order to be successful out here.
Thank you for the really insightful videos. Looking forward to seeing all of you out on the road!!
Thank you sir I'm enrolling in truck driving soon and you addressed almost all of my concerns and some I never thought of. I trust ya
I don’t understand why anyone would give you a thumbs down when you are trying to help people. I appreciate your words of wisdom. I just finished a career with the Fire Department in my city, and enjoyed driving the ladders and engines. I like machinery, know engines well, used to be an aircraft mechanic and can fly a plane, and I’ve always admired and appreciated truckers. As the world just found out, you are wiped out without them (little humor) I also own several antique trucks (two are chain drive) I am about to go the truck driving school and enjoy your videos very much. Thanks for what you do 😊
I must say that I am very appreciative of your sound advice. I haven't even passed my CDL yet, I'm in the infancy stage of pursuing my truck driving profession. Your message is just what I needed to hear and my biggest take away from what you said. Experience and Patience is going to be the catalyst for my success. Thanks again from your experience.
Good Luck Jose! Dave
Use Everblades - Heated Wiper Blades! They are wonderful in terms of driving in snowy conditions! No stress whatsoever!
Great videos. I really enjoy listening to an experienced driver passing on his experiences in the industry.
Hi, thanx alot for all good info passing on to us. am going for the school next have be thinking abt all this stuff alot. thanx once more for answers
Sincerely appreciate the video, hope you and yours are doing great! Thank you
Driving team absolutely sucks. I've done my 8 month contract with CRST and now I am running running running away. They don't care if you abd your co driver don't get along. And most of them expect consideration for their sleep, but do not return it.
Driving team is a tough deal for sure. Good that you are done your training... it's a brutal way to learn and get your foot in the door, for sure.
It was definitely an experience.
JuJo2010
A few years ago when I was working security at a college after my shift was over I talked to a trucker who was parked in the school's parking lot for the night.
He was a rookie truck driver and was going to be driving team after he was trained for the duration of his contract.
The friggen morons that ran that company had him and his trainer hauling guns despite having a no guns policy. (of course most truckers ignore that but he was training so he didn't. I hope hos trainer ignored that policy)
I gave him permission to spend the night in the parking lot of course. I always gave permission to truckers to park there.
Some trucking companies are run by magical f---ing idiots.
I know a fellow who drives team with his twin brother. Funny think is you can never see the two of them at once. I think he has two CDLs so he can do double the hours! They'll catch him eventually.
Just wanted to say I love your videos!! I’m studying to get my CDL and your channel has proven to be a valuable resource :) Thanks for the awesome content!
This is a very useful video which you've put together here. So much information and truth! Great Work!
Thank you very much for your candor & wisdom. As someone w/no experience looking in from the outside, I appreciate the emphasis on reality....
I'm compiling a list of questions to ask before & after getting hired
thx for the vid pal, I enjoy learning for ya. Road test on Friday....
Well, because of you, I went and got my class 1, upgraded from the 3 with air I already had. 17.5 months later, I have done ok. ! week with experience, landed a OTR job with a dedicated truck and running single. Left after 3 months to another company and have been pretty much been running super B flat bed since anywhere in Canada between Quebec city and Vancouver. Thank you for all the videos and advice. I have recently even interviewed the interviewer while im being interviewed. Watched most of your videos. Been a great help!
Thank you very much for the frank, straight forward info. Very appreciated.
Thanks for all your work keeping the country going!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm only a 10 year driver and always learn something everyday like these videos
Thanks for your words
I only have been 3 days on the road and yeah it's very stressful
Watching this video help me to see and prevent things
Thanks
thank you very much for that amazing and wonderful advice, every word is appreciated may god bless you and what you do.
This guy is absalutly right touched all the bases. I was stuborn i got into the game to haul cars and i didn't want to do anything else but the company i wanted to work and got my CDL for changed it policy and no longer hired out of school with a reverence from a company driver.so i said screw it and refused to go over the road away from my family. I kept at it for a year trying to get hired and finally i got a break a friend if mine knew a senior driver in the largest car hauling outfit in America and got me an interview. I was skeptical cuz i had some felonies for work i did on the street. But the terminal manager was very moved by my story and by my drive and energy so he looked at me An said you hustled in the street if you want to make a clean honest living and have a life changing career then come hustle for me. And he wasn't lying 120,000 a year pension full coverage insurance only 67 dollarsa month in union dues isn't bad for my first job.i only go over the road for 2 days max once or twice a year. But it isn't easy work its dangerous and allot can go wrong if you ain't careful especially loading the vehicles on the truck.
That's something that kept me away from car hauling. I saw a guy go off the top rack on a slippery day while he was loading and decided I didn't want to try that!
Thank you so much for sharing your video. Awesome advice. I myself just started and yes I am in training and yes you're right the pay is crappy but like you said it's not going to be easy but I have to start somewhere. Again thank you for sharing your video.
Great advice and knowledge! I am past my first year and I have all kinds of trucking jobs begging me to work for them. Time you put in definately pays off. Love your video ❤
Thank you for explaining that subject in a way the new drivers will understand. Your videos are very informative. Keep them coming!
Glad you're getting some value from them.:)
Am a NEW TRUCK DRIVER in September is going be my Fourth month and I face a lot of pressure . Teammate, DM and an others. One thing I realize is that TAKE UR TIME. I made a small MISTAKE and they say it’s ur responsibilities to take ur CDL. So, as he say TAKE UR TIME PLEASE.
Appreciate coach .
Thank you sir for your honesty and sharing
Wish I had found these videos a few years ago would have helped me tremendously. I learned the hard way for awhile tell I made friends with veteran drivers.
Sharing wisdom in honesty yet tact, kudos!
Thank you!
Great video as always, thank you Sir. Take your time and move slowly. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast.
I really liked this video gt my cdl's month ago.. Alot of very useful info.. Thnx keep d vids coming
I’ve only been trucking for 7 years and this guy is definitely someone I would take notes from. Everything is true this guy spoke. Thanks
Some great advice, thank you for sharing!
I'm not driving yet but I have a feeling to make sure not just your safety but also the public safety a must.
I have been an OTR driver for almost 30 years. It was fun back in the day. Now it's just a job like any other. The difference is you are stuck at the job for weeks on end before you get a few days off. Find local work and live your life.
Completely agree!
Thank you very much for all your videos, they are informative and precise. I enjoy watching... 🙂
Thanks Karen! Dave
you just put all my worries into perspective sir.Much beers to you sir.Im 47 and my dad has been driving for 46 and never was willing to teach me a thing.So im going out pretty much blind.Thank you sir.
Thanks for the advice! Really helpful
I was blessed to have a person that really cares about new drivers learning as much as possible as a Trainer. I couldn’t imagine a situation without the knowledge tools he provided for me while on training. Really great guy that I still call him once in a while. I really hated the pay while training ( $500 per week 😂) however; the good thing is that I saved plenty of money before venturing into truck driving. What I love about your videos is that everything you say I either have experience that or faced it after watching one of your videos, which lets me know you’re the real deal and knows his stuff. Keep the good videos coming please. Thank you.
Just signed on for a new job today. Thanks for the tips
Gives me a lot to think about, thanks!
Age 24, just got my CDL a week ago. Starting pay 40cents a mile. I already knew how to drive before I got my CDL. It's up to you to find a good paying company. Though I've known the company owner for a year before I got my cdl, so that helped.
this video is very good for advices thanks to the man that says all this wonderful information about a new truck driver I appreciate that ...this served me for my new adventure experience driving a truck . nice video badass videos man
love this channel 🤗😂😂😂, they give you nothing but the true info.
Thank you for this very helpful information!
Good advice for anyone starting out in any job.
Great Advice!!! THANK YOU!!!
Appreciate the honesty.
I would like to take the time to thank you for the informational videos, as I am currently preparing to get into o.t.r. trucking. your videos are best on utube. Your honest opinions, and what to truly expect when getting started in this industry, and tips on how to help us succeed have truly helped me to more confident in my new career choice. please keep up the informational videos, they do help. thank you!
Hey, Thank you! Good luck in your new career. I can honestly say I enjoyed every day of my driving career. Sure there are tough days, but every job has those. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. Dave
Dave, thank you for your input. Have been stressing a bit trying to make the right and sound decision.
Victor Puentes It's good to weigh everything. (Dave)
Thanks a lot man. A lot of what your saying hit home for me god bless
Patrick Finley pray in one hand and shitin the other, see which one fills up the fastest,......
Thanks for the information.was very helpful
Thank you vey much for the honest view greatly appreciated
Thank you! Dave
thanks for taking the time for making this video fou us newbies, I just got my cdl yesterday!!!
Eric Caro
trucker or not, I'm not sleeping in the same bed with some dude. I'll sleep on the floor if I have to lol
Cintara Sukapatna , good luck with be😂😂
You won't be sleeping in the same bed lol. You'll probably be sleeping in the passenger seat.
😂
It's gonna to be a bunk
Sleepers are built with double bunks.
best trucking advice video ever!!!!!!! thanks for posting
Thanks ! Dave
Good video right to the point. Guy knows what hes doing
This is so true the same applies down under in New Zealand.
I'll begin training in a week from now. I began watching some videos made by a training company out of Colorado, and boy, there is so much to absorb and I have yet to begin training for my CDL permit! Thanks for the caution sign as I approach Mill Ave!
Great advice, sir. One thing I found useful in getting an idea of the layout is to look at the area using google maps satellite view and especially the street view. I’ve found many of those elusive “shipping/receiving” signs that aren’t so obvious in satellite view. 🤠
go down a mountain in a gear that you would go up it in and you will never smoke your breaks
Perfectly said, never heard it said that way...perfect!
Jeff Riles im scared for mountain drives but i also wanna get the experience i need!
No,you're wrong.
I've gone 25 on ceartain parts of the CA/OR mountains and when I'm on my way back and i drive down it feels safe to drive at 45-50 mph and so i do it,Its not what you think is safe it is what you feel is safe.
It's always better to go SLOWER down a mountain than you normally would.. You can go slow down a mountain a million times, but you can only go down a mountain too fast once... cause you'll possibly die.
NO NO NO !!! first one down with flames coming out of brakes gets a free pair of new pants..
This is some of the best advice! Especially when you arrive at customers to walk the entrances, never assume anything! Plan plan plan. Look at curbs for evidence of trucks, look for other trucks. If you see other trucks you know your not in that bad a predicament. And stay calm!! Trucking is fun, but you have to have a truckers spirit. 😚
Good to get advices from an experienced driver thanks!!
Thank you! Dave
This is very informative. Thank you.
thanks for da video buddy I've learned alot, very helpful and informative. i can talk to my wife and decide what's best for our family
Top notch advise and driver wisdom. Thanks man.
Eric Grunden Hey Eric, no sweat. I enjoy passing on what I've learned over the years. (Dave)
This man is the embodiment of hard work and experience.
Really appreciate your advice, as I am thinking of making a career change to OTR trucking.
I'm about to leave for CDL school! this was very insightful, i plan to do a nightly Vlog of my experience and what we cover each day.
Thank you sir, just good,good lesson.
thank you very much for the good advice.
Thank you for this info. I tried and failed at trucking. I lasted like 6 months. I would have probably made it further if I would have had someone like you around for advice. You should get a job as an advisor for new drivers. You have a calm cool demeanor and seem to have extensive knowledge. You make me want to try again. I was a good driver. I went on to drive local deliveries. I just never adjusted to life on the road. You look so confident and happy. I have been out there and know how miserable it can be. I drove teams so sleeping was a big challenge. I did have some great times driving to So Cal and Seattle. I love the open Desert in the evenings. My partner would be asleep. I’d just be cruising and enjoying the beauty of it all.
Thanks guys for the mentoring. :)