Have you ever thought about becoming a truck driver? You’ll get the chance to travel around your area a bit while getting paid for the adventure, and there are tons of valuable skills you can learn along the way. But there are a few things you’ll want to be aware of before you begin heading down this career path. Here are 5 things truck drivers want you to know before you apply for that job.
It’s Important to Stay Fit
Since you spend most of your work day sitting down in your truck, it’s important that you stay in shape while you’re on the job. Not to mention that you’re probably going to be snacking during your drive and stopping to get lunch at local fast food places. While you’re home, it’s important to ensure you’re getting healthy meals and taking the time to get some exercise into your routine. Your body will thank you!
Blind Spots are Serious
You’ve seen those signs on trucks saying, “If you can’t see my mirrors, I can’t see you!” Those signs are there for good reasons. Big rig trucks have much bigger blind spots than your average car, so it’s vital to proceed with caution. You’ll get experience dealing with blind spots while you’re training, but you must stay vigilant every time you get on the road.
There are Lots of Ways to Entertain Yourself
Think truck driving careers subject you to hours of boredom? Think again. While you might not be able to catch up on your favorite TV show, there are plenty of ways to keep your mind working while you’re on the road. These days, you can find podcasts on any subject imaginable, helping you to learn about your favorite subject while you get from place to place. You can also use your drive time to discover new music or listen to an audiobook.
Keep Track of the Forecast
The weather can be one of the most volatile factors on your drive, so it’s important to keep track of the forecast along the way. Check the conditions before you leave and each time you stop so you have the best chance of avoiding inclement weather. If you do run into some weather trouble, get to a safe place and wait it out instead of trying to push through. Your safety and the safety of other drivers should always come first!
Stay Focused on Your Goals
Any job can get frustrating from time to time, no matter how much you enjoy it. When you start questioning why you wanted to become a truck driver in the first place, keep your goals in mind. Are you saving up for a big purchase? Striving for a promotion? Working to support your family? Keeping those goals at the forefront of your mind will keep you going when the going gets tough. Of the 5 things truck drivers want you to know, this may be the most important to a long lasting career.
Becoming a truck driver is a worthy pursuit, and Source One would be happy to help you get started in your career journey. Contact us today to learn more about working with Source One!