So you want to be a truck driver? The first step is to enroll in truck driving school and obtain your CDL. After that, you’ll be prepared to drive for a company or start a career as an owner-operator. Although truck driving schools in Arizona will teach you everything you need to know about driving a big rig, there are some things you’ll learn only after you get out on the open road and start driving professionally. To give you a head start and help you get your truck driving career off to the best start, here are some essential tips for new drivers.
- Build a Good Relationship with Your Dispatcher – If you start your career driving for a company, you’ll want to get on good terms with the dispatcher. A good relationship with your dispatcher can result in better loads and even more miles, which ultimately means more money and an easier time on the road.
- Never Refuse a Load (If You Can Help It) – Truck drivers are allowed to refuse a load that they feel is unsafe or is not reasonably expected to arrive in good condition, but these should be the only reasons you refuse a load. Refusing a load for any other reason can paint a bad image of you as a driver and reduce your future pickup opportunities.
- Take Care of Your Truck and Your Body – It may seem obvious, but it’s important that you take care of your truck if you want to enjoy a long and successful driving career. A well-maintained truck can save you a lot of headache in the long run. It’s also important that you take care of your body, which means getting plenty of rest, exercising when you can, and having a good diet.
HDS Truck Driving Institute employs only experienced drivers as instructors, which means you’ll receive real-world advice from drivers who know the ins and outs of the trucking industry. You’ll also receive the finest training that will not only help you pass the CDL exam, but also become the kind of professional driver that companies seek. Contact us online or call 1-877-205-2141 to learn more about enrolling in our fully-accredited CDL school in Tucson.