Starting a new career can be tough, especially if you’re entering into an industry that’s completely new to you. Courtesy of the drivers from the Paper Transport fleet, here are some tips for new CDL A drivers.
Tip 1 – Slow Down
“It’s not about how fast you work – it’s how smart you work.” Joseph Vander Loop Jr. – It doesn’t pay to run around trying to get tasks done as fast as you possibly can, Especially, if you will only end up having to go back and redo all of your work. Work smarter, not harder.
(Photo credits to Joseph Vander Loop Jr.)
Tip 2 – Be Open to Learning
“In this industry, about the only thing you can count on is things will change … Adapt and move forward.” Steve Runke. – In trucking, things change almost daily. For that reason, you have to be open to learning new processes, technology, and change.
(Photo credits to Steve Runke)
Tip 3 – Stay Positive
“Always look for the good even in a bad situation.” – Kelly Middleton. We all have our moments where we get down, yet what defines us is how we get through those moments and the best way to do it is to stay positive.
(Photo credits to Kelly Middleton)
Tip 4 – Put Safety First
“Don’t take shortcuts … on the route or with procedures.” – Frank Metzenbauer. If you don’t put safety first, you could run into a lot of problems. Certainly, worse yet, you could hurt someone else. Do the job the right way.
(Photo credits to Frank Metzenbauer)
Tip 5 – Don’t be Afraid to Ask For Help
“Never let your pride keep you from asking for help. It doesn’t matter how long you’ve been driving.” – Kevin Skylar Lewis. The biggest mistake that anyone tends to make in a new job is not asking for help, but swallow your pride and reach out if you need it.
(Photo credits to Kevin Skylar Lewis)
Tip 6 – Be Patient
“I came into this job unexpectedly … I was reinventing my career and thought I could do it overnight.” – Justyn Bauder. Paper Transport is here to help you with your career change. You will not be comfortable doing some of the tasks at first. 6 months from now will be different.
(Photo credits to PTI’s Marketing Team)
Tip 7 – Be Aware Of Your Surroundings
“When you are out doing your pre trips and post trips, make sure your back is protected by a fence or another trailer.” – Betsy Berrens. Professional women drivers especially need to be careful out on the road. Try to stay in well lit areas and shut down at bigger truck stops.
(Photo credits to Betsy Berrens)
Tip 8 – You Are Not Your Truck Number
“Most trucking companies out there will treat you like a number. PTI doesn’t do it that way.” – Chip Panter. At Paper Transport, we call you by your name, not your identification number.
(Photo credits to PTI’s Marketing Team)
Tip 9 – Find A Company That Fits Your Needs
“Work for a good company and it won’t feel like work.” – Frank Metzenbauer. Selecting a trucking company can be overwhelming. You don’t want to get stuck in a job, or be treated like you don’t matter. Do your research, and ask lots of questions.
(Photo credits to PTI’s Marketing Team)
To conclude, these 5 tips from experienced drivers definitely offer some valuable insight on what it takes to be successful as a new Class A CDL driver in the industry. In fact, it’s good advice for any driver with any amount of experience because there’s always room for improvement in everything we do.