December 07 2022 in Truck Driving, Trucking

The Freedom of Trucking: Blessing or a Curse?

The freedom and flexibility that come with being a truck driver are some of the most coveted aspects of the job. But without experience, it can be extremely difficult for new drivers to learn how to manage their time and duties.

In this article, we explore some of the challenges that arise when starting your truck driving career, and offer some tips on how to make sure you’re doing everything you can to keep your responsibilities on track!

Having The Proper Mindset

If you’re serious about being a successful trucker, it’s important to have the proper mindset. Being able to manage your time efficiently and prioritize appointments is vital. You will also need to manage finances, which means having a good handle on how much money you make and if any spending habits need adjusting. Finally, it’s crucial for truckers to stay healthy because being on the road for long stretches can take a toll on mental and physical health.

Have a Clear Plan

As a truck driver, you have to plan ahead. You need to know where you are going, how long it will take, and what you want to accomplish during your trip. This means having your route planned out in advance and knowing the particulars of each stop along the way. It also means having a plan for when things don’t go as expected (and they always do). You need to be able to adjust quickly if any of these factors change due to weather, traffic, or other unexpected circumstances.

Develop Strong Relationships

As a trucker, you’ll spend a lot of time with other drivers. This can be good for productivity and camaraderie, but it’s also an opportunity to learn from those who are more experienced. The same goes for customers: the more you know about them, the better your service will be, and the more they’ll appreciate you (and come back).

Great Communication is Vital

Proactive communication is an essential part of being a good truck driver. It’s important to keep your driver leader (dispatch) informed of progress or delays you’re experiencing. Verbal communication is important, but it can’t be the only way you communicate with your dispatch team. We recommend using the company-issued electronic device to document communication so that you have a record to refer to in case there are any questions later on.

Time Management Can Be Daunting

As a trucker, time management is imperative. You must create a plan and stick to it. This hinges on how well you perform your truck driving job. The most important thing to remember when making your schedule is that you must arrive on time for all stops. You should also include an extra 15 minutes in case of traffic or unforeseen delays that could throw off your entire day.

Trucker Burnout is a Real Problem, Especially for New Drivers

Trucking can be a tough job, and it’s understandable that new drivers may experience some burnout. Burnout is a condition where you feel exhausted, burned out, or bored with your work. It’s important to pay close attention to the signs of trucker burnout so that you can find ways to combat it before it becomes a serious problem for your health and well-being.

Drive with Warrior Logistics

At Warrior Logistics, our highest priority is our team. We provide a superior environment for each of our Warriors to thrive, and that means making sure they feel supported and valued in their roles. While the open road may not be for everyone, it’s a lucrative and fulfilling career that allows you the freedom most other jobs do not. Apply today to one of the best truck driving companies in the industry!

November 24 2022 in Trucking, Truck Driving

Common Mistakes Rookie Truck Drivers Should Avoid

Rookie truck drivers may not have had the chance to gain the valuable experience that comes from years on the road, which can lead to mistakes at the beginning of their truck driving career. However, there are some mistakes that even veteran long-haul drivers make. These mistakes can be costly for trucking companies and, more importantly, put you, the driver, at risk of serious injury. In this post, we’ll look at common mistakes rookie truck drivers make so you can avoid them yourself:

Going Too Fast

Speed limits are not suggestions. They’re laws. Speed limits help keep everyone safe and prevent accidents, so always obey them.

Keep this in mind when driving around curves on highways or even just through city streets: The posted speed limit can change depending on whether there’s construction nearby or whether there are other vehicles parked on both sides of the road (which could reduce visibility). Again: Always drive according to posted signs!

Ignoring Road Signs

Road signs are there for a reason. They are meant to keep you safe and ensure you stay on the right path, but rookie truck drivers often ignore them or fail to pay attention. Ignoring road signs is one of the most common mistakes that rookie drivers make.

You don’t want your first day behind the wheel to end with an accident or getting pulled over by police officers who could write you up and jeopardize your truck driving career.

Not Communicating with Your Operations Manager

If you experience a problem while on the road and need help, always communicate with your operations manager. Just like you, they play an integral role in the trucking company you work for, and it’s their job to assist and equip you with everything you need to do your job safely. Remember these things:

Be sure to speak clearly and calmly so that they can understand what you need.
Ask questions about anything that needs clarification.
If there’s an issue on the road ahead of you, like an accident or unexpected weather conditions, let them know so they can prepare for possible traffic delays and help you navigate the situation safely.

Not Preparing Yourself for the Stress

Stress is a normal part of life and can come from many sources. Truck driving jobs are inherently stressful, but truck drivers should be aware of possible stressors that could arise and how to prepare for and avoid them.

Physical stress – Driving for long periods can take a toll on your body, especially if you are not properly rested or nourished before starting your shift.
Mental stress – Situations like inclement weather or traffic congestion may cause frustration, anger, and distraction when driving conditions are not ideal.
Emotional stress – Drivers should always be mindful of this aspect of their work environment. Regardless of what’s going on with your home life, coming across as condescending, arrogant, or demeaning during conversations with fellow truck drivers leads to unnecessary conflicts and affects everyone involved. At Warrior Logistics, our core values include treating everyone with integrity, accountability, and professionalism.

Burnout

Truck driving is demanding, and you need to be physically and mentally prepared for it. To keep yourself in tip-top shape, you should get enough sleep, eat right, and take care of your body. Never get behind the wheel if you’re unwell. Taking care of yourself should be your first priority, and if you work for a trucking company like Warrior Logistics, it will be theirs too.

Grow Your Career as a Professional Truck Driver with Warrior Logistics!

At the end of the day, we’re all humans. We make mistakes. But knowing which to avoid when it comes to truck driving is critical and can mean the difference between life and death. While valuable experience can only be gained while on the road, Warrior Logistics provides its truck drivers with everything they need to set themselves up for success.

Join Warrior Logistics as a professional truck driver and move your career forward with one of the industry’s largest transportation companies! Entry-level truck driver, or experience driver position are needed in Texas, Dallas, Houston, Denver, and Kansas City. Apply today!

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Tag: trucking lifestyle