No matter how many miles you have covered on a bike or in a car, truck and lorry driving is a whole new world. But there’s more than just driving you need to think about, if you are to turn this opportunity into a long and prosperous career.
So, to help you on your way, here’s our 5 top tips for new truck drivers:
1. Bedding in
You will learn more about truck driving from a year on the road than you ever did in your lessons and tests, just as a new car driver does. But it isn’t just driving a truck and understanding all the nuances of the Highway Code that you’ll learn – you’ll also become more familiar with the rules and regulations that govern commercial vehicles.
2. Safety first
As a truck driver, you’re going to oversee a potentially lethal weapon. With several tonnes of metal under your control, it’s important that you always put safety first. Safety tips for new lorry and truck drivers include checking your tyre pressures, ensuring your brake lights are working and ensuring your load is properly secure. It’s also important to understand any special safety policies that your employer has put into place.
3. Plan your meals
One of the most commonly overlooked aspects of trucking is refuelling – and we’re not talking about diesel, we’re talking about you! You should plan your meals so that you always have something to eat to keep your energy levels up. You can make pack lunches for yourself or make your means in your cab, whichever suits you best.
4. Get to know your company
If you are working for a single company or brand, it pays to learn more about them so that you can better understand their goals. You can also educate yourself on your company’s delivery policy, so that you can answer people’s questions if they have any. If in doubt about your source material, ask your manager for an information pack.
5. Work your way up
Lastly, it’s important to remember that 99 per cent of people don’t get their dream job straight away. As a new truck driver, you’ll have to work your way up and build up a good CV to be considered for prized roles in the future. It’s also important to be a good employee, so that you can count on a good reference in the future.
