What's your best piece of advice for rookies?

When i started in the business as a punk assed rookie many years ago an old timer gave me some
wise advice do your job to the best of your ability and keep your fi$#$ mouth shut.
As i look back now that was great advice.
Also you will support your family well, but you will miss out of many important family events, your kids will grow up before you even realize it.

cheers
 
My advice to a rookie would be to not get all caught up in the negativity that surrounds this trucking industry. Let people vent and have a good ear, but don't let those who whine every day bring you down.
 
Kinda feel like Norm Peterson when he had the beer tasting job. We got another big pay increase this year. I told them to keep it but they said I've earned it. O well, I reckon it'll compensate for the nightly waffle house visits or the daily Mexican restaurant 64 ounces of bubbly
 
Also, I really can't stress enough how important it is to make sure your brakes are properly functioning at their maximum ability. Don't even think about putting the truck in gear unless you've thoroughly inspected the brakes and made sure the brake fluid reservoir is full. Properly gapped and seated spark plugs are also paramount for maximum power and fuel efficiency.
 
Brakes working well are as important as well planned or unplanned Breaks and the 2 are not identical yet it takes good Brakes to have good Breaks.
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Ask your recruiter, safety administrator or human resource personnel for a copy of the Trucking Repository Alliance Incorporating Leverage Endurance Restrictions so as to not alter gravitational standards therefrom, as some students have discovered, generating directional deviations (otherwise referenced as control reduced and suddenly halted or C. R. A. S. H.).
When Restrictions are not met, many loopy conditions apply where the least condition will garner positively negative approval by other T. R. A. I. L. E. R. enthusiasts.

Remember: There is NO LOAD so hot it has to cool off in a ditch, off a cliff or bridge or laid over in a curve.
 
God made me realize more than once I wasn't as great as I thought I was. After all these years I still learn something new. Try not to sweat the small stuff.
 
Take your time!!! If you feel nervous about backing in somewhere, ASK FOR HELP.

Buy a CB and use it for something else beside a back up radio. You know the kind that when you reach a BACK UP you turn it on and ask "Whats going on?" Have on and listening in the background and you will know what is going on and what lane to be in before you get there.

Talk to the seasoned drivers, buy the a cup of coffee at the truck stops and pick their brains. They remember what it was like when all the drivers was there to help each other. Back when we talked on the radio not cussed out each other. Do Not let them retire with all that info that they could share and pass on.

Most of all....... Put your time in with your ass in the seat. Nothing better that miles under your belt and loads delivered to help you learn and have something to pass on to other drivers in years to come.
 
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