Your first long-haul trucking job may be exciting and anxiety provoking at the same time. Despite careful training and education, it’s natural to have some nervousness about going out on the road for extended periods, hauling large loads and navigating tight loading docks. Preparation is key to having the best possible experience on your first long-haul trucking job. These suggestions will help.
Talk to Your Loved Ones
One easy mistake for new truckers to make is to forget to talk to their loved ones about what it will be like when they are out on the road. Because long-haul truckers can sometimes be away for weeks at a time, the distance is something that can have an impact on relationships, particularly if you are married or have kids. Making a plan for how you will keep in touch and making sure the lines of communication stay open are both critical to settling into a routine that works for you and your family.
Save Time for Staying Healthy
When you’re a trucker, your job is to sit down all day, which can easily take a toll on your health. From the start of your career, make time in your schedule for exercising every day, so you get an adequate amount of physical activity to stay fit and reduce back pain and joint stiffness. You will get sick of eating fast food quickly, so fill your cab with healthy food in a well-stocked cooler to get you through the day.
Be Ready to Make Mistakes
The first long-haul trucking job is hard on every driver. You will make mistakes, as all of the other drivers have before you. Embrace it as both a job and learning experience, and your skill will continue to grow with every trip.
HDL Truck Driving Institute gives you the tools you need to be confident and successful as you build your career as a truck driver. Call our truck driving school in Tucson today at (877) 205-2141 to learn more about enrollment and our training programs.
