Tips for Starting Out in the Truck Driving Industry

If you’re considering a career in the truck driving industry, chances are you’ve already spoken to a few professional truck drivers. Unfortunately, there’s a lot of bad advice and bravado passed around in the trucking industry, and the standards that apply to trucking veterans are not the same (and not much help) to men and women just starting out in the field. Whether you’re just starting to research a career as a truck driver or are preparing to finish off truck driver training, here are some tips for starting out in the truck driving industry.

Learn to Manage Traffic

Although it may be the case that avoiding heavy traffic is easier said than done, most of the time you can do a lot to alleviate the problems. As you begin to schedule your runs, you will need to learn the art of traffic management. Estimate your average travel speed, stops, and distance between major cities to determine when you will drive through any major metropolitan areas. If your route will take you through a heavily-congested city during rush hour traffic, leave earlier or later to avoid some major traffic jams.

Take Care of Yourself

One of the most important things to remember as you get adjusted to life on the road is to take care of yourself. Make sure you are getting your daily recommended amount of vitamins and nutrients, stretch before and after every run, and get plenty of rest. The better you take care of your body and mind, the better you will adapt to life on the road, and the more successful your career will be in the long-term.

If you want to gain the skills needed to land a job in the truck driving industry, look for a reputable truck driving school in Portland. Whether you are going for your Class A, Class B, or Class C CDL, truck driving school is your best opportunity to learn the skills needed to be a professional truck driver.