7 Mistakes Rookie Truckers Make and How to Avoid Them

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No one can ever underestimate the job of a truck driver. While everyone else is sleeping, most truckers are on the road, hauling. And despite the challenges they face day in and day out, these road warriors must continue moving food and products to keep store shelves stocked. They must also ensure the timely delivery of medicines and medical supplies.   

Since life on the road is not a joke, many rookie drivers commit critical mistakes in their first few days or weeks of trucking. Most of the time, these mistakes can lead to disastrous consequences. If you are new to this field, here are seven common mistakes you should avoid making:

1. Neglecting work-life balance 

A new truck driver needs to understand that driving a commercial vehicle is a demanding job. Life on the road can be challenging, and your working hours are longer than usual. If you are starting a trucking career, prepare yourself for the job’s most significant impact in your life: not spending enough time with your family. This can take a toll on your mental and body health, so try to look for an employer that upholds a work-and-life balance. Avoid setting your expectations too high, and learn to be flexible and adaptable to changes to survive the difficult life on the road.

Before getting behind the wheel, it’s also important to have a clear understanding of what this career entails. Knowing the key things to consider before starting a trucking career can help you manage your expectations, find the right company fit, and maintain a healthier balance between work and personal life.

2. Overconfidence 

Overconfident and know-it-all newbie truckers are more likely to commit grave mistakes and get involved in road accidents that could put their own lives and the lives of others in danger. While it helps that you are confident in your own skills, it is equally important to acknowledge the fact that it takes several months for truck drivers to master their tasks in a safe and timely manner.

Possession of a commercial driver’s license (CDL) isn’t tantamount to being a safety-conscious, reliable, and trustworthy driver. However, it is a sign that you have the potential to become one. Attending a trustworthy CDL driver school is beneficial, but proper training is what primarily improves your skills. As you acquire your CDL, be humble and acknowledge that there are still many things you need to learn.

Building good habits early on—like patience, focus, and humility—will set you apart from other drivers. Taking time to learn best practices for preventing truck accidents can also reinforce safer driving habits that protect you and everyone else on the road.

3. Disregarding your worth and value

While it isn’t a good idea to be overconfident, it won’t hurt to know how much you should be making. Avoid companies that expect too much from their drivers. Ask other drivers and determine how much you should be paid and what perks and benefits you should receive. Ask around and know which trucking companies give the best perks and salaries, and how long it should take for you to get a promotion and pay hike. Besides salary and benefits, also know the companies’ working hours, amenities, rest days, and other perks.

Rookies who understand their worth are also better positioned to plan their careers strategically. Networking at truck stops while following proper etiquette can help you meet experienced drivers who share insights about fair pay, good companies, and life on the road.  

4. Ignoring health issues

Most new truck drivers tend to overwork or overexert themselves on the job. This is detrimental to your health and your driving safety. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), around 100,000 motor vehicle accidents and 1,500 fatalities per year in the United States can be attributed to drowsy driving and sleep deprivation. Moreover, 50% of crashes involving commercial truck drivers are caused by extreme fatigue resulting from a lack of sleep. Since you are just starting in this career, do not expect too much from yourself. Know your limits and find a healthy balance between work and rest.

Never compromise your health for convenience. Make time for regular exercise and eat healthy foods and snacks. This will need extra planning, but it will keep you from chronic health issues typical for truck drivers, such as sleep apnea, high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and various back problems.

You can also look into gear and trucking essentials recommended by seasoned drivers to make your cab environment more comfortable and supportive of a healthy routine, especially during long hauls.

5. Forgetting the qualities of a good trucker

While trucks are massive vehicles, don't act like you rule the road when driving. Being in a hurry to get to your destination and a lack of focus when maneuvering often lead to driving mistakes, which can be fatal. Complacency is also a big NO as it can get any trucker in trouble. Remember what makes a good trucker—alert, independent, responsible, deadline-oriented—and cultivate these traits in yourself. By exhibiting these qualities, the dispatcher will know that they can trust you in handling trucking tasks punctually and professionally.

Part of being a good trucker also means keeping your rig in top shape. Practicing proper truck maintenance habits that keep your vehicle roadworthy helps you build a reputation as a dependable and safety-conscious driver.   

6. Having conflicts with the management

Remember that you are a newcomer to this profession, so ensure that you maintain a clean employment record by fostering a positive relationship with your employer. Try to avoid any disputes with management. If there’s a miscommunication, take the time to explain your side and resolve it before your shift ends. Be friendly yet professional to your driver manager (DM), dispatcher, and the client you work with. While these people don’t sign your paycheck, they have control over the amount of work that will be given to you, so having a good relationship with them spells the difference between a successful route and a delivery trip with no backup or support.

Having strong communication skills and professionalism will make your work smoother and more rewarding. Remember that your reputation is built on consistency and how well you work with others—not just on your driving ability.

7. Not taking safety seriously

Prioritize your safety, always. Be extra careful when driving at night. Allow a huge ‘buffer zone’ between you and the vehicle you are following. Stay on your lane; if you need to change lanes, do it carefully and make sure to check your mirrors. Maintain control over your truck by driving at a slower speed than necessary. It pays to follow the recommended weight limits, as an overloaded truck is difficult to control and maneuver.  

Avoid violating safety regulations, such as driving too fast, overloading your truck or trailer, and ignoring warning signs and standard highway safety practices. Committing these mistakes can cause accidents and serious injuries or, in a worst-case scenario, fatalities. Since you are a rookie, as early as now, start forming safety-conscious habits. This way, you can stay away from accidents while developing a clean driving record.

While it is sometimes inevitable, a new truck driver does not have to commit rookie mistakes to learn and become more experienced in this field. You need to focus on driving and your goal for the day, and remember the training you were given. Do your job with enthusiasm and without sacrificing your health and well-being. Keep an open mind as you familiarize yourself with the ins and outs of your new job. This way, you can avoid sabotaging yourself even before your career takes off.