As a new trucking graduate, you’ve worked hard in truck driving school and earned your commercial driver’s license (CDL). But the journey is only the beginning. Navigating the trucking industry as a new graduate can be daunting.
Here are the top five challenges trucking graduates must face when starting their careers:
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Getting Hired
Landing a job in the trucking industry is your first step after graduation. Luckily, there is high demand for qualified drivers, and many students are pre-hired while they are still in school. In most situations, you’ll have more opportunities to build your experience with over-the-road (OTR) jobs and will face more competition for shorter routes. If you’re more interested in a local or regional job, you may need to spend some time building experience first.
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Mastering the Skill of Truck Driving
After you’ve been hired, the next challenge is mastering your truck driving skills. While you learned the basics of truck driving during your CDL training, driving efficiently on the road requires a lot of real-life practice. You’ll need to master shifting gears, handling all types of weather, and navigating different roads. You’ll also need to maneuver varying loads and use the safety equipment properly. Taking your time and being patient is vital as you practice these skills.
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Understanding the Regulations
The trucking industry is heavily regulated, and you’ll need to understand all the laws and regulations involved in professional truck driving. This includes knowing what loads you’re allowed to carry, how to properly document your trips, and how to adhere to the hours of service rules. Staying updated on all the regulations is essential to staying compliant and avoiding potential penalties.
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Dealing with Homesickness
As a professional truck driver, you’ll be away from home for long periods. This can be difficult, especially if you’re new to the industry. You’ll need to find ways to stay connected with your family and friends, such as keeping in touch via phone or social media. Additionally, when you’re out on the road, taking time for yourself should be a priority. This can help you stay positive and reduce feelings of homesickness.
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Managing Your Finances
As a truck driver, you’ll be responsible for managing your finances. This includes setting up a budget, tracking expenses, and preparing for taxes. Keeping your finances in order and making sure you’re setting aside enough money to cover any unexpected costs is crucial. Additionally, you may want to create a retirement plan or other investments to start saving for your future.
Start Your Truck Driving Career With DSW
At DSW, we take pride in recruiting the best CDL graduates. With our state-of-the-art equipment, competitive pay and benefits, and family-focused company structure, we are confident that we offer the best trucking jobs in the industry. We will work for you just as hard as you work for us.
