As a new driver on the field, you still have a lot to learn. With time comes experience, but we know you want to be the best driver you can be now. That is why we put together a list of skills that we feel are important for new truckers to have (especially their first time out on the open road).
4 important skills for new truckers to learn:
- Driving
- Interpersonal skills
- Stay clean
- Set financial goals
Driving
When it comes to being the best truck driver you can be, your driving skills need to be close to the top of your priority list. We know that you had to earn your CDL to even begin a career in trucking, but there are still things you need to learn even after the test is completed. If you don’t feel comfortable backing up your rig in certain situations, that is something you need to work on in your free time. You don’t want to be in a sticky situation where you have to back it up and are unable to. Practice makes perfect.
Interpersonal skills
Just because you will be in your rig all day by yourself does not mean that you do not need good people skills. You will be dealing with other individuals on a regular basis. Whether you are talking to your dispatcher or dealing with shipping/receiving when picking up or dropping off a load. As you know, some individuals can be awfully rude, but that doesn’t mean you have to. Learn to control your temper and focus on getting your job done right.
Stay clean
Remember when your Mom told you to always make your bed first thing in the morning? It’s important that you view your rig as you did your bed back when you lived at home. How you take care of your truck is a reflection of your reputation. You want to give off the best impression possible if you are meeting someone for the first time. Your truck is not a trash can, so don’t treat it as such.
Set financial goals
Since you are on the road for most of your job, you do not want to blow all of your money while you are working. That’s why it’s important to set financial goals. Whether you set them privately or you meet with a financial advisor, it is important to take care of yourself and watch over your money so you can retire comfortably.
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