Guest post by Trucker Fred
Truckers move 73% of America’s freight, 8 times more than railroads. That’s a staggering amount, and it puts a lot of weight on our shoulders. We’re the backbone of this country’s economy, keeping goods moving across the miles. But life on the road isn’t always easy. It’s a lot of time spent solo, with the open road as your only companion.
Over the past decade, I’ve learned a lot out here, both about the country and myself. These are some of the lessons I’ve picked up from the driver’s seat.
1. Save for Lean Times
When I was a new trucker, I used to think I was doing okay saving money, but then my income got cut almost in half one year due to some health issues. I realized I could have been putting away a lot more when things were good. Now I was forced to live on way less, and luckily, I still managed to make it work.
But the big lesson for me was avoiding what they call “lifestyle inflation.” It’s so easy to start spending more just because you’re making more. But in trucking, you have to prepare for those lean times. And they can come anytime and due to any reason - a slow market, poor weather, a mechanical breakdown, or even a personal emergency.
This way, I have the mental peace of being financially secure but never overspend. This is the most important lesson I want new truckers to understand.
2. This Country is Vast
As truckers, we see more of this country than most folks ever will. You should take the time to experience it. From the concrete jungles of the East Coast to the rolling hills of the Midwest, from the deserts of the Southwest to the mountains of the Pacific Northwest, I’ve hauled freight through every kind of terrain imaginable.
Yet, sometimes trucking can feel frustrating. You can get so focused on deadlines and tight docks that you forget to look around.
And it’s not just the scenery that’s diverse. It’s the people too. I’ve met farmers in Nebraska, oil workers in Texas, fishermen in Maine, and everything in between. Everyone has their own story, their own way of life.
One time, I was hauling a load of oranges from Florida to California. I stopped at a little diner in Arizona, and the waitress told me about how her family had been farming there for generations. There have been countless such small conversations with people I would have never met, staying in my small town.
3. Independence Comes with Limits
They say trucking is all about freedom, about being your own boss. And there’s some truth to that. You’re out on the open road, managing your own time (within the hours of service, of course). You’re often hundreds of miles from any direct supervision.
But it’s not like the old times anymore. These days, ELDs (electronic logging devices) track our every move. Dispatch knows where we are, how fast we’re going, and when we’re taking our breaks. It’s a different kind of freedom than the old-timers talk about.
You still have the autonomy to make decisions on the road, but you’re always connected, always being monitored. I remember when ELDs first became mandatory. A lot of drivers were resistant, felt like it was an invasion of privacy. But I’ve come to see the benefits. It helps keep everyone honest, keeps the roads safer. And let’s be honest, it keeps us from pushing ourselves too hard. We all know how easy it is to get caught up in the miles, to try and squeeze in one more run.
4. Tight Docks (and Tighter Schedules)
Backing a 53-footer into a tight dock is a rite of passage for any trucker. It’s a test of skill and patience. And it’s not always pretty. I’ve scraped a few trailers in my time, and I’ve seen others do worse. There’s nothing quite like the feeling of your heart sinking as you hear that sickening crunch of metal against concrete.
But it’s not just the physical challenge. It’s the pressure too. You’re often on a tight schedule, with dispatch breathing down your neck to get the load delivered. The dock workers are waiting, and sometimes they’re not the most patient bunch. You’ve got cars honking behind you, adding to the stress.
It’s a high-pressure situation, and it can be incredibly frustrating. I remember one time I was delivering a load to a grocery store in downtown Chicago. The dock was barely wider than my trailer, and there were cars parked everywhere. It took me three tries to back in, and by the time I finally got it, I was sweating bullets. The dock worker just smirked and said, “Took you long enough.” It’s moments like those that make you question your life choices but always remain calm.
5. Handling Loneliness on Long Hauls
Hours on the road, just you and the highway. It can be peaceful, a chance to clear your head and listen to your favorite tunes. But it can also be lonely. You miss your family, your friends, the comforts of home. You eat your meals alone, sleep in a cramped bunk, and spend days without seeing another human being besides the occasional cashier at a truck stop.
There was this one stretch I drove through Wyoming. It was just miles and miles of empty highway. I didn’t see another vehicle for hours. The loneliness can creep up on you.
Lots of fleets now allow you to keep pets with you. I’ve seen dogs, cats, even a few pigs. It’s a nice way to bring a bit of home with you on the road. It is also helpful to have some music and podcasts to listen to.
6. You Cannot Always Trust the GPS
The GPS unit on my dash has gotten me out of some tight spots, guided me through unfamiliar cities, and helped me find my way when I was lost and confused. But it’s also led me astray more times than I can count. I’ve learned to take its directions with a grain of salt. You have to use your common sense, double-check the route, and always have a backup plan.
One particularly memorable GPS mishap involved a “shortcut” through a residential area in Connecticut. The GPS failed to mention the low bridge ahead. I ended up wasting time on a reroute.
Now, I always check bridge clearances and rely on trucker-specific GPS apps that account for truck height and weight restrictions. They’re not foolproof, but they’re a lot better than relying on standard GPS apps designed for cars.
Another time, my GPS tried to route me through a closed road due to construction. I ended up having to backtrack for miles, adding hours to my trip. Resources like state DOT websites and trucker forums can be invaluable for staying informed about road closures, construction zones, and other potential delays. A phone call to the shipper can save you a lot of headaches.
7. Truck Stop Food
Let’s be honest, truck stop food is a gamble. Sometimes you find a hidden gem, a diner with a surprisingly good burger or a home-cooked meal that reminds you of your grandma’s kitchen. But more often than not, it’s greasy, overpriced, and leaves you feeling sluggish. I’ve had my share of questionable experiences, from rubbery eggs to mystery meat that I wouldn’t feed to my dog.
So what’s a trucker to do? For one, I always keep a well-stocked cooler in my cab. It’s packed with fresh fruits, vegetables, sandwiches, and plenty of water. This not only saves me money but also helps me avoid the unhealthy temptations of truck stop fast food. A small portable grill and a slow cooker can also be lifesavers, allowing me to cook healthy meals on the go. I even know some truckers who bake bread in their cabs!
Finding healthier options at truck stops is getting easier, though. Many now offer salads, grilled chicken, and even vegetarian options. I’ve also learned to look for local diners and restaurants near truck stops. They often offer fresher, more affordable meals than the chains. Apps and websites that list truck stop amenities and nearby restaurants are also helpful resources.
8. Patience and Tolerance
Out here, you see it all. Impatient drivers weaving through traffic, cutting you off, tailgating, and generally making the road a more dangerous place. You see accidents waiting to happen, and sometimes you can’t do anything to prevent them. It’s frustrating, it’s scary, and it can be downright infuriating.
I’ve learned that patience is more than a virtue; it’s a survival skill. Taking a deep breath, letting things go, and not letting other drivers get under your skin can prevent a lot of close calls. You have to remember that you’re driving a massive vehicle, and you have a responsibility to keep yourself and others safe. Road rage isn’t worth it, not out here.
9. Always Have a Plan B
Just when you think you’ve seen it all, the road throws you a curveball. A tire blowout in the middle of nowhere, a sudden blizzard that closes down the highway, a deer darting out in front of your truck – out here, anything can happen. You have to be prepared for everything.
I’ve learned to expect the unexpected and always have a “Plan B” – an escape route, a backup plan, a way to get myself out of trouble. This means carrying essential tools and supplies, like a spare tire, chains for the snow, jumper cables, and a first-aid kit. It also means having a good understanding of the area you’re driving through, knowing alternate routes, and having a reliable way to communicate in case of emergencies.
A CB radio can be a lifeline when cell service is unavailable, allowing you to connect with other truckers and get help when you need it. Once, during a severe ice storm in Pennsylvania, I lost control of my truck on black ice and ended up jackknifed in a ditch. I was stranded for hours until another trucker came along with chains and helped me pull my rig out. That experience reinforced the importance of not only having a Plan B but also the camaraderie and willingness to help each other out that exists within the trucking community.
10. Planning (More Than Just Maps and Miles)
Before I even turn the key, I’ve already mapped out my route, identified potential fuel stops and rest areas, checked the weather forecast, and made sure my paperwork is in order. Planning is essential for a smooth trip, and it can save you a lot of time, money, and headaches down the road.
But planning is about more than just logistics. It’s about managing your time, your energy, and your resources. It’s about knowing your limits and not pushing yourself too hard. It’s about prioritizing safety and making sure you arrive at your destination rested and alert.
I remember one time I tried to push through a long drive without taking enough breaks. I ended up getting drowsy behind the wheel and almost drifted off the road. Nowadays there are tools and app signals to help with driver alertness but back then it was not so sophisticated.
My Top Tips for New Truckers
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Double-check Your Route: Don’t blindly trust your GPS. Use multiple navigation tools and call shippers/receivers for specific directions. Truck stops and rest areas can change, and sometimes the best route isn’t the shortest one.
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Plan Your Fuel Stops: Know where you’re going to fuel up and have backup options in case of unexpected delays or closures. Fuel prices can vary widely, so it pays to shop around.
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Pack a Well-Stocked Cooler: Save money and eat healthier by packing your own meals and snacks. A cooler full of fresh fruits, vegetables, and sandwiches can make a world of difference on a long haul.
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Maintain a Pre-Trip Checklist: Thoroughly inspect your rig before every trip to catch potential problems early. A pre-trip inspection can save you from breakdowns and delays down the road.
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Secure Your Load Properly: Prevent accidents and damage by ensuring your cargo is secured correctly. A loose load can be a dangerous load, so take the time to secure it properly.
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Communicate Effectively With Dispatch: Keep them updated on your progress and any issues you encounter. Clear communication can prevent misunderstandings and help keep things running smoothly.
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Learn Basic Truck Maintenance: Knowing how to handle minor repairs can save you time and money on the road. A few basic tools and a little bit of knowledge can go a long way.
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Get Enough Rest: Prioritize sleep to stay alert and focused behind the wheel. Drowsy driving is dangerous driving, so make sure you’re getting enough rest.
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Stay Organized: Keep your paperwork in order and your cab clean to minimize stress. A clean and organized cab can make a big difference in your overall well-being.
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Invest in Comfortable Gear: A good pair of boots, a supportive seat cushion, and weather-appropriate clothing can make a big difference in your comfort level. You spend a lot of time in your truck, so make sure you’re comfortable.
That’s all. I hope new truckers will find some of my ramblings useful!