5 Tips for New Truck Drivers
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.