Trucking isn’t just a career – it’s a lifestyle too. It’s an incredibly lucrative job; however, it’s not for everyone. With this job you spend many hours on the road and a lot of time away from your friends and family. Therefore, it’s important that you get to know the ins and out’s of this career before you decide if it’s a fit for you.
Whether you’re looking to embark on a new adventure or you’re simply curious to deepen your knowledge about the life of a truck driver, this is the article for you. This blog will explore all the best tips and tricks you need to know in order to thrive in this position. Keep reading to find out what they are…
Minimize Your Risk of Road Traffic Accidents
Life as a truck driver means hundreds of hours on the road, which also opens up the possibility for potential accidents. Make sure you get plenty of rest and remain alert on the roads, even when they aren’t as busy. If you do happen to be involved in a road traffic accident, it’s always wise to seek legal counsel immediately. We recommend you seek out a qualified team such as Lamber Goodnow that can help you claim the compensation you rightfully deserve.
Pay Special Attention to Your Relationships at Home
When it comes to a career in trucking, the time you spend away from your loved ones is often considered the largest drawback. If you focus on long-haul travel (which most truck drivers do), you’ll be away from home for days, if not weeks, at a time. This means you need to pay even more attention to your relationships. Try to find ways to keep your connection alive even when you are not at home. For example, make use of technology such as facetime and organise virtual dates with your loved one.
Get Involved with the Trucking Community
So, we’ve spoken about the detrimental effect trucking can pose on your relationships back home. However, the silver lining is that there is a fantastic trucking community waiting for you with their arms wide open. It’s a tight-knit group of people that understand the struggles you are facing. After you get to know them, they will start to feel a bit like your family. We recommend you look out for trucking community groups on social media platforms such as Facebook.
Find Out How You Will Be Paid Before Accepting the Job
Generally speaking, most truckers will be paid one of two ways. You can expect to be paid by the mile or by the hour. This is a vital differentiator. If you are only being paid by the mile, and you’re expected to go on a long journey, you need to understand that you won’t be paid for the time you spend resting or sleeping. Get all the details written down in a contract before embarking on your route.
Enquire About Your Employer’s Pet Policy
As we have previously touched upon, many hours on the road can be rather lonely. That’s why it shouldn’t shock you to know that many truck drivers always have a trusted pet companion with them. Some rider programs allow employees to take a pet with them on the journey, so make sure to ask your employer if this is a possibility.
No Matter Your Experience, You’ll Never Stop Learning
No matter how many years of experience you have underneath your (seat)belt, you will never stop learning in this industry. Life on the road is very unpredictable and you never know what may come your way. Take the time to sit down and listen to other truck drivers. You will be amazed at how much you can learn through the simple act of socialising.
Choosing to become a truck driver is a decision that can ultimately change your life. Although there are plenty of opportunities in this industry, there are also a few drawbacks. It’s important to do a deep dive and research everything there is to know about this career path.
Trucking is a demanding job, so make sure you’re up for the task and be realistic about your expectations. Consider how this may affect your quality of life and learn to find a harmonious balance between your job and relationships. If you’re confident that this is the role for you, make sure to gain as much experience as you can and stay as safe as possible on the roads!
