5 Common Mistakes New Truck Drivers Make (+ What to Do About It!)

[@VitoVeccia]

Better to swing too wide and people say "rookie", than to hit something, and people say "rookie!"

[@deanlabbe9952]

Some forty years ago when I first started driving an old trucker told me." There are old truck drivers, there are fast truck drivers, but there ain't no old fast truck drivers". Over the years I found this to be true.

[@lewthrasher5865]

In my forty years,I tug tested every trailer and I always went underneath to check the 5th wheel jaws are closed.

[@lawrencepowell633]

One of my first deliveries took me into Chicago and the other drivers were really upset that I kept getting out and looking while backing into a dock. I just tell myself to save myself and I'll never see these other trucks again.

[@misterl1668]

At the end of the day you/your company will pay for damages, not the other drivers. You did exactly what you're supposed to.

[@flatbedladyv2191]

You prob will..but OH WELL!!! THEY WERE NEW TOO!!!

[@yhwhswarrior6086]

Any time there is heavy traffic or I'm in a city I turn off everything so I can focus on everything around me. Crazy can happen in a blink of an eye.

[@kingcrusher5524]

Good Deal!

[@SanDzFit]

I pulled out of a truckstop two days ago, and the storm had blown an orange construction barrel right into my path. I stopped the truck blocking part of the intersection, got out and moved it back. Then I completed my turn safely. People were honking but I’m not gonna run over something like that regardless.

[@xMontorix]

Man, I'm in my first year and it took me 9 months to FINALLY confidently & easily back into docks & truck stops. I used to intentionally only go to rest stops because I couldn't handle the inconsistency of me backing. Now I rarely have to pull up sometimes. Some things we pick up on at different times.

[@PATRIOT-nt5ub]

Hat's off to all the hardworking American truckers. May the Good Lord watch over & bless you & your loved ones.

[@jamespoff8632]

Thank you

[@poppyneese1811]

Not a truck driver, but a few observations I’ve made as a Sale Rep that has driven many interstate miles sharing the road with many big trucks. #1 The vast majority of truckers are great drivers that do their best to be safe on the road! #2 I have yet to meet a truck driver that’s not an awesome person, very interesting to talk to, their smart people that have a lot of time to think about everything, men or women. I love hearing stories about where they’ve been, what they do and the coolest things they’ve hauled. #3 most of us me included owe our jobs to the people that sacrifice their home life to haul what we sale or buy, Thank You Drivers everywhere!!! Remember when it comes down to it, you are the people that make this Awesome thing we call America possible!!!

[@SunnyIlha]

Here's an extra. Sleep really well. Get a nice hotel room one night a week during your 34. Luxuriate. Treat yourself. DO YOUR LAUNDRY in complete HAPPINESS. Get a NICE (not some cheap motel) hotel, one night, spend the money. It'll keep you feeling right, feeling good, feeling the Pro that you are.

[@vincej4319]

Always park it when your not feeling it is safe to continue. Such as bad weather. Do not risk your life for anyone.

[@steveconley4351]

I use to drive a truck for BN Express and Swift and my biggest mistake in the beginning was letting my nerves get the best of me. I was doubting myself and forgetting what I learned in the 3 week cram session of trucking school and was making mistakes in my backing of the trailer. Sometimes it took me forever to get a trailer in the dock and I would get frustrated. Then one day I relaxed and got determined and when I got to my destination I backed that trailer in perfectly without even pulling up. I surprised myself and from that point forward I never had another problem backing a trailer again.

[@gerald6692]

My boss in the beginning years always said , before taking a chance in any situation ask yourself if it’s worth the “paperwork “ if things go wrong

[@rust8infinite]

Complacency is number 1 to me also. I run to Philly from Pittsburgh sometimes, gotten familiar with with 79. I dont care if its sunshine, birds are chirping, and its dry outside. once I hit the mountains its business time for me. I'm on maximum alert. take her slow and steady, I'm not racing to to the bottom. The name of the game is to get home and in one piece ladies and gentlemen. Getting cocky or lazy is how accidents happen.

[@SoCal780]

My very first boss used to say to me, “listen to that little bird on your shoulder.” In other words, if it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it!

[@J.Panxer]

Good vid, I'd add leave your ego at the door. Slow is safe, safe is fast. Let truckers over when they signal. If they need to get over, there's probably a good reason. I've never seen a wreck that couldn't have been prevented by slower speed and an ego that was checked in baggage. Be courteous out there.

[@misterl1668]

Courtesy is one of the biggest things that can get everyone home safe. No sense in tailgating someone if there's someone else in front of them. Get over when you cleared the slower car. Let others over if there is an obstruction or incident ahead. Don't cut ppl off. Etc etc. Huge one right there

[@carychurchill733]

"Drive your trailer" Learned that lesson delivering a load to McGill University in downtown Montreal after a snowstorm. tried to get directions from onsite supervisor whose english was as bad as my french. Boy that load still wakes me up at night in a cold sweat. Love the video

[@theodorerinehart781]

Glad you are finally making some bank with sponsorship, you are a mentor to so many ppl in this industry

[@jessesager9460]

Some of our younger, fresh drivers at work really need to watch this channel.

[@joseambriz5897]

My uncles have a trucking business and they suggested I get a license for semis in case they are in a squeeze. It's a relatively small business with about 8-10 trucks. My dad works for them and he is currently teaching me how to drive. I'm 15 and at first everything seemed impossible. Now I feel like might actually be able to do this.

[@SmartTrucking]

For sure you can do it and I agree with your family about getting a license. It's a handy thing to have and it guaranties you'll always have a job. Besides all that, I bet you find you really enjoy driving them. I know I do!

[@kirkjones9639]

I started at about your age. As long as you have that license, if things get tight or you are between, with nothing on the horizon, you can get a job, and put food on the table.

[@gallaieousyehudai12]

I'm training for my CDL with PAM transport. Blessed to live 21 years, hoping to get a boost in life. I've worked construction, retail, and worked in a van dealership. We are studying our pre-trip inspections currently, my second day of 3 or 4 weeks. I continue to pray and study, thank you for this video.

[@TerminusOmega13]

I just got my CDL training with PAM. Are you a C1 student too?

[@89vision89]

Backing up is one of the FUNNEST things you can do after all these miles its also the most satisfactory thing you can do and give you a feeling of accomplishment once you bump that dock!

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup!

[@passionforguns]

I’ve been licensed 16 months doing local LTL. He’s so right, the first time I watched this I listened to it, now I know it. Every point is so perfect, you newly licensed drivers should be listening to this twice a day minimum.

[@david04g35]

I started driving 2 months ago and at the beginning I was like this is not for me, then I saw this video and it helped me a lot. Thank you señor 🙏🏽

[@mattluszczak6567]

Double check your handbrake before getting out!

[@PickupsAreNotTrucks]

Matt Luszczak hahahaha! Never even crossed my mind. I’m so used to it. Half the time I reach for it in my pickup.

[@rdmerck]

Outstanding points. To your point of not rushing. I was drilled when getting my CDL the following: 1. Haste makes waste 2. When dropping a trailer, take a LAP... (1. Drop the landing gear 2. Disconnect air/electrical 3. Pull the pin) 3. When hooking a trailer, call your PAL (1. Check the pin 2. Secure the air/electrical 3. Lift the landing gear) 4. Do not ever deviate from points 2 and 3, and if someone comes to talk to you or something interrupts you, start all over.

[@christopherb.fields3437]

Every corner I take I take it wide as possible. If I got 50ft of turning space I’m using all of that 50ft. Make no mistake I only got about 2 years of driving experience but I’ve learned a lot since my first day behind the wheel. Man I remember my first trip to Philadelphia, it was a total crazy affair with all those little streets with parking on both sides. To many drivers out here don’t wanna hurt their pride with getting out and looking while backing. Man the hell with that, my pride would be hurt so much more hitting another rig or trailer while backing compared to getting out and looking 4 or 5 times. I’d rather get out and look and instead of ripping of someone’s bumper or radiator. I remember when I first started driving I was always in a hurry not checking my equipment properly or doing a tug test. I’ve had too many close calls and I was done with that. Not any more, I don’t driver like a CR England driver but I’m not running 110+ mph anymore. But as always Dave, you are the up most respectable driver I know. A true professional! I love the videos, stay safe buddy.

[@cassiuspuckett8789]

Damn it, Dave!!! Where the hell was you at when I was a rookie!!! Excellent advise and explanation on what is ment by rookie mistakes. Personally, I think the number 1 rule for anyone, especially a rookie, is DO NOT GET INTO A RUSH!!! Always slow down and think the situation through. But I agree with your 5 think that rookies do to get them into trouble. You always give great advice Dave!!! Thanks for sharing.....

[@Trainfan1055Janathan]

I found truck driving to be far less stressful if you just ignore the fleet manager...

[@kennethfillmoreCoolCatKen]

I have asked other Drivers for Guidance years ago and I found that they did not get upset they was happy to help out another Driver

[@SmartTrucking]

Good to hear!

[@garys8415]

All true, also watch your fatigue level, stop and rest if that head is nodding, a 30 minute nap will make all the difference. Nothing is more important than your safety and everyone else’s 🇺🇸

[@danieldeblasio9368]

Hog two lanes if necessary to make a turn.

[@HMMELD]

Cornering - so right, Dave! Many rookies swing too wide. Drivers MUST know the turning raduis of the truck. First thing I'd do if I was a trainer - practice with a trainee exercises in the turning raduis - also affecting it are the position of the tandems and the 5th wheel. We'd go over and over again and again exercises, set out pylons. Thats what I did when I got out of training so I could get some real training since trainers wouldn't teach or train at all. One thing that helped me - a dirt lot where I could see the wheel tracks after the fact. Another - practice with a toy truck. Another - take corners very very slowly watching every bit of it with mirrors - cameras - everything. Make it so if you get part-way into it and realize you cant make it - pull out of it - back up if need be - get out and direct traffic if need be - so you can back out of it or go straight until you can make it with more room. Cars are surprisingly understanding, patient, tolerant. Another thing - Dave's right dont rely solely on GPS - not even one made for a truck. Get a map, an atlas of places you frequent - plan your route in advance with maps and the internet. Get on-line and carefully plan your trip so there are no surprises, no need to turn around or do a u-turn or run up against a low bridge. One thing drivers must do - know beforehand if the need to swing left to make a right turn - thats where the net comes in handy - they have all kinds of views on Google maps that help - you may have to make your move 100-200 feet in advance of the corner that may be blind to you. One thing you must avoid at all costs - cant make a turn but cant go straight either b/c the road narrows - too narrow for a truck. Cant do a u-turn. Screwed. Catch-22. You simply MUST plan the trip in advance using the net so that doesn't happen.

[@johnm6642]

I agree with you can an atlas and cope directions. Another thing I do Dave is I use Google Earth so I can get an aerial view of where it is I'm going if I've never been there before. Also when I do is I will match the shipper is directions with what my GPS is telling me if he's hitting the major routes and some of the major side roads and I'm going to have to take then I'm pretty confident that both are on the same page and I'll be there pretty clearly. Hope things are better with the family day if you've been missed

[@halkael2317]

My dispatcher told me I need to hurry once... haha... once! Hurrying is NOT a part of my job! Safety is!! My answer to him was “I only work in two speeds, if you dont like this one, you sure as hell wont like my other one!!” Not sure if its taught everywhere, but I was taught “G.O.A.L”... or Get Out And Look!! Any driver that criticizes another for getting out to look... aint a professional!! Its part of the job!!

[@kjtrucker4553]

I been driving 8 years and still learning...thanks for always teaching sir💪

[@Durahan82]

Notes from my Rookie year 2018-2019 1:00 - I took the space i needed to make the Turn , even if i had to get on the Sidewalk **!@#$% NE Suburbs** and LongIsland is a total Hellzone 4:00 - Most GPS "AKA Garmin" confuse No truck roads with No U-turns and Weight/Height limits and makes you take detours you didn't need. 5:55 - Back-up in a Tandem Axel trailer is easy , But with a Spread Axel won't move the same way and i don't wanna talk about B-trains . 8:00 - The only Truck that's Late is the one you turned over on the side of the road . Even if i double check , Recaps tires are a unreliable bane. 10:00 - The mountain pass , HWY 16 Crossing in the Bighorn National Forest , Between Worland & Buffalo in Wyoming . Don't cross it in winter unless you have death-wish . I came back alive with more Gray hair than i had .

[@rooseveltrainesjr1536]

I've been driving for 30 years . An I still listen to u an learn. Really good advice.

[@kenw6361]

That tip that came up on screen about Google Earth was excellent. Those overhead views have saved me a major headache on more than one occasion.

[@williamcarey8529]

Great video as always and I love the stories about the "Lettuce King"!! One other point that I would like to make is doing a "tug test" when hooking up to a trailer!! Just because you hear a "click" does not mean that the locking jaws are completely closed!! I dont see a trailer falling down to often but it will save a headache and unnecessary stress on a driver when it happens!!

[@AlbertMaruggi]

I'm going to write these down and laminate the card to keep it with me, Super advice, thanks Dave and Catherine.

[@Powerfullpepper]

Google has a review area for companies. Some driver are posting valuable information about shippers and consignees in the review section.

[@dirtydoge756]

On number 3, another helpful tip there with backing, is to get someone you think you can trust as a spotter. I don't want someone telling me which way to turn the wheel, I think it just confuses me, and or other drivers. All I need from them is to tell me if I'm going to hit something. If I'm not gonna hit whatever i'm backing near, I can get it. SPOTTERS, All you need to do is tell me if I'm gonna hit something!

[@ALEXTHETRUCKINGGUY]

I turn the music off and roll both windows down when I'm backing. If someone's yelling I'm getting too close ill be able to hear them

[@frankswain9483]

WONDERFUL Advice, sir! Not just for newbies, but, every single trucker out there. It's easy to relax too much and make a stupid mistake. You likely saved at least a few of those from happening. Many thanks!

[@PAUL_K]

Like a 50 million dollars in cash (Yeah! Imagine) - time is a precious resource, information is a precious resource. Information on time - is priceless! Thank you for all the information you giving us!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Pavel!

[@SunnyG-it8bt]

Lol male receptionist drives a Prius lolllllll 😂😂😂

[@davidrigoni8231]

Great advice:-):-) schools will teach you that you have to keep the trailer as close to the right curb as possible on a right turn. I swing as wide as I need and watch that no one is trying to sneak by. And if oncoming cross traffic is to far forward, wait till they clear

[@grassblade63]

This is my third year of driving, and my third time of watching this video. Now, with a small bit of experience, I can see how much value there is in these lessons. BTW, since I haul to grain terminals a lot, I usually have the CB on and visit with the other drivers as we're waiting in line. If I ever hear a lot lizard on there, I'm going to remember that Lettuce King story.

[@SmartTrucking]

Man, we laughed our tales off over that one!

[@charlesfranklin7752]

Learn how and when to say NO ,,, saves so much time and heartaches or heartburn

[@Joe_334]

Lol, Tums

[@timengland3649]

Great advise from an old sage. I remember a few things I was taught by an excellent trainer. One was how to Button hook. and to remember it takes the trailer at least 10 ft to respond to every input/correction you make with the steering wheel. I never had a problem navigating with a Rand McNally and a Truckstop Guide. Pre GPS. Back in the day you called the shipper/receiver and they would give you the directions and the cool ones had automated service that would guide you in from whatever direction you were coming from. As a rookie I had anxiety about backing up and my trainer caught it. I would be backing up feathering the clutch and my leg began shaking. He strongly believed in GOAL. He made me get out, ck the hole and do another lap @ the rig to calm down. Another lesson was to shut everything off that could be a distraction and ROLL THE WINDOWS DOWN! He used to beat that into my head because even though you made your set-up, GOAL something may happen behind you and having the window down will let you hear someone yelling or a horn blare. To me it is common sense today, back then it was valuable lessons learned. I miss that guy!

[@startrek91481]

Double check the Consignee address on the BOLs. Learned that the hard way. I had a load delivering to South Dakota, and the shipper loaded me with a load going to Pheonix... So, I ended up going the long way to Pheonix, AZ from Dallas, TX via Souix Falls, South Dakota.

[@WideAwake502]

Rest in Peace Old Man. I learned a lot from you on KZbin

[@josmith213]

being a beginner trucker the first thing I would tell a new trucker (assuming they have already been thru school) is GET A TRUCK GPS. God that thing is a life saver, and mine has modes like easy, fast, etc. Just set it on easy and stick to the main roads, so what if it takes 10 mins longer, take your time. I got called out of the blue to take a box truck on a few stops and didnt have my TRUCK GPS, regular google maps took me thru some tiny side streets, luckily it was just a box truck. LORD THANK YOU FOR TRUCK GPS!

[@SmartTrucking]

Yeah, they're an invaluable tool!

[@threeballmonte2003]

Hey Dave, just want you to know that what you’re doing for us is AWESOME!! Please keep up the good work! I legitimately watch 4-5 videos of yours during my study breaks and jot down all of this info into my notebook for future reference. I’m heading to CDL school later this month, so all this info is super helpful!! Thanks again!!

[@theoriginaldab]

you would be surprised how many people in shipping and receiving don't even know how the hell to give you directions to get into where they've been working for 30 years

[@redeemedmat2211]

I’ve been watching ur videos all day I can say u sir are a great blessing to us young truck drivers my dad is from ur era of trucking I’m 31 been driving since 21 I’ve done almost everything flatbed lowboy oversized heavy containers Dry van now I’m currently local doing dump trucks but I’ve been almost everywhere in the USA 🇺🇸 driving my dads trucks with my my younger brother and I can honestly say ur videos are great keep it up I love them very Accurate and professional

[@clayboren6178]

Years ago on my first trip to Oregon it was so foggy and I went down Dead mans pass without even knowing i was on it. Thankfully I was going slow enough, but not at the recommended speed for the weight. Thank God I made it safely.

[@TheNewLife4ever]

Thank you. I'm in my 3rd week of six weeks of OTR training and appreciate the refresh...Keeps me focused on what's really important versus trying to remember everything all at once!

[@carlinbrumback8931]

Your the man.Been driving 23 yrs,and still listen to you.Take care

[@l0rdcroissant]

I was criticized my instructors because I started off taking my corners big :) lol but I never hit anything

[@SmartTrucking]

Old guys that taught me always told me " take as much room as you need"

[@stripedcollar335]

Im changing careers at 47 and I will be looking for my first job in a week or so. My father drove for 20 years. I used to ride with him during the summer. I remember being amazed at the things he was able to do with that truck. Im praying to be half as food as he was. Im grateful to have access to these lessons from drivers with a few miles on them. Keep it between the ditches. Peace.

[@Crafty-One]

I'm from Quebec doing a vocational program to become a trucker. I absolutely LOVE your channel. I just discovered it. Especially awesome too that you are Canadian. It just the cherry on top for me Thank you for sharing your wisdom. 🙏 🍁 I really enjoy hearing you speak. God bless sir.

[@Cynderfan35]

I chose to become a truck driver, took 2 years but now few months later in 2nd job (first one was ended due to argument between customer and company i worked for), I still prefer take things calmly, not try hurry. I got timetable I've done for my route, but it has 2-3 options in case of an delay or extra pickup requested. Mistakes I've done has been driving very tired, however I had lot of spare time so I drove to my next spot, took nice 20mins nap in the truck to refresh myself before moved to load in goods. I figured out my sleep had caught attention of some people but to me, i rather sleep few minutes to gain back strength, than drive entire day dead tired, risking i get into accident. Never can be too careful, specially around here with some people trying insurance scams.

[@SmartTrucking]

Exactly right! Never can be too careful!

[@wmorris3484]

Good info. Keeps me listening. I pulled over into a quiet rest area for a 30 minute break one night and took a nap. 30/60 minutes later I awoke to the sound of scratching on my sleeper. Nap time over time to leave

[@KadeKillz]

One thing that stuck with me from Driving School to get my license that one of the instructors said... We aren't "truck" drivers. yes you drive the truck but you're really driving the trailer! So we're "trailer" drivers.

[@ministryinsong]

Great Advice for the new driver. I’m retired now due to disability but I remember passing my Class 1 test (UK License) and as a new driver no-one will hire you. You can only get a job with an agency who send you out to drive the trucks of all the people who wouldn’t hire you as a new driver! Anyway I can remember as a green 1 week past my test driver turning up at a job at 6AM and looking at 200 tractors and trailers all parked, and a long row of loading bays. I had no clue what I was supposed to do, thankfully I asked a driver I found and he told me you go to the office get a tractor number a trailer number and a bay hook them up and back in. It is a scary time as a new driver at the best of times but something this size and the catastrophic capabilities of it out of control is terrifying. So keep up the advice to the new guys, anyone with good sense will be extremely grateful.

[@a-a-ron4679]

I’m a new driver and all I heard day in and day out was SLOW DOWN. Now I double, triple, and quadruple check everything. As far as complacency. If that truck is in 11th or 10th gear or lower, the radio is turned way down or off completely and any phone call is put off until I’m stopped or rolling down the interstate

[@truckersfortrump574]

As a driver for 25 years that's the same advice I would give new drivers. Great talk

[@mmtruckingllc657]

I've only been driving for 8 years and I agree to absolutely everything that you say there,,, yeah now I can look at a turn and say, "yep I can make that, it will be tight but I'll make it" then I just go real slow, I don't care if it's holding up traffic! That's a super funny story about the Lettuce King,,, that guy must have been a little off his rocker! I say that in a nice way..... Stay safe driver's! And God bless!

[@lewthrasher5865]

If you get out and check will make a hero when you get in without hitting something.

[@georgeisaak5321]

This is "experience" talking and even thought i am not a truck driver myself , i appreciate him talking like that because one day it can save my life or someone else's life just because some "rookie" took the time , watched this video and was better prepared , proactively thinking and payed attention !!!! Thank you kind sir for your contribution !!!!

[@AC-kl9yy]

Thanks so much for the info! I'll be headed to trucking school in a couple months and I'm here like a sponge soaking up everything you say! Much appreciated words of wisdom.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks AC! Enjoy the school!

[@blakebunch4485]

Good information here. I work night shift construction zones hauling asphalt to the lay down machine dumping on the move with flashing lights every where and traffic moving in the open lane usually way to fast. I tell the new guys all the time "the hardest part of this job is learning how to breathe"

[@robertwolfiii8711]

We did 100% when we did our IT we went hard on the computer and took precautions was focused now I have to go back to my 42 year old life Maybe the children of the world can choose to use. Thanks for showing us a little of your life.

[@samlopez7179]

This is the reason I subscribed. I wanted tips. I am a new driver. 13 months and these tips will definitely help me. Do more educational vids like this. Thanks

[@Connie1Fan]

Hi 👋 This happened to me 5 years into my trucking experience (44 years in it now) I had a 1982 Conventional Peterbilt, which I loved and left home to pick my trailer close to downtown, I made that load often, but the previous Sunday I installed a beautiful small aluminum diamond plated tool box behind my sleeper and afterwards when I picked my loaded trailer I noticed it was close but I didn't think it was an issue, until I turned on the same corner as usual, there was a car there, but turning I remembered the box and stopped (my bad, because I blocked the road) got out and looked behind the sleeper and sure enough I would have crushed my beautiful box. Lucky for me I asked the guy behind me to back up so I could back up and and he helped with that other car that was keeping me from making the turn as he let him continue thru the intersection, once road was open I was free and made my turn safely. I had to keep that box in mind the entire 2 weeks until I returned and removed my beautiful box 😏 It was a close call and I got very lucky all the way around that day.. Even 40 years after I didn't forget my mistake! Drive Safe!!

[@rayme4raw]

He’s right about corners. Experience will teach you, so swing wide for the first couple of years. I have gone down roads that I should not have only because I did swing wide enough. Had one guy tell me that I was the talk of the lodge he was saying that an 18 wheeler came down his little dirt road and didn’t hit nothing. I told him Yep that was me

[@frederickknapp5340]

I started in 1999, I have a friend who started in 1979 and even today he is still teaching me. I don't know everything about trucking but I am always willing to learn more

[@kirkjones9639]

I really appreciate you taking the time to do these videos. Wish all of this was available when I started out. Cell phones, the Internet and all of the current electronics available, these days can make life for a driver much easier. Downside is that they can keep track of what yer up to. Be safe out there.

[@abdieinte3172]

Appreciated. It’s awesome advice. Am a new CDL driver just for 3 month driving. My biggest problem is that BACKING,! going through TIGHT ROADS, & always there’s pressure my TEAMMATE but I try to learn and stay ALERT. It’s really helpful to me ur ADVICE THANKS 🙏 x

[@CadillacCowboy620]

I love your videos. Always a good refresher for me. I’m still guilty of these at times when I know better. Always good to be reminded!

[@yoyounknown9824]

everything you said right. As new driver i learn everything while on road but it’s just cost to me a lot every mistake that i made thank you sir.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for watching!

[@henryfurlott2222]

You are terrific. I'm not a trucker, but a boater. Some things you mention like slow down, don't rush, double check everything applies to boating (almost any size, and any type, sail or motor). Another thing I see with other idiot car drivers is trying to squirt in to the right or curb, as the truck driver has moved over to make a right turn. When I cycle, I"m one of those weirdos who hold back and wave to the truck driver that he's clear to turn (and there's lots of room for me to go through). Must be one helluva job manoeuvring those things around the city, so being a jerk sure won't help them!!!! (Thanks for shipping all those goodies everywhere.)

[@larsharris]

Guy that trained me. Was ordered by the Police in NYC to run over the hood of a car that was parked infront of fire hydrant/corner. Took his tandems over the hood. Told to “drive on” Remember spacing changes. Where your tandems are matters. Are you sure there is enough room to open doors when you are between two in use loading docks?

[@aviationworld3858]

Such good advice! I am a Driver Trainer and you gave me a few good tips for my students. Actually, I will send them this video Thanks again!

[@ashantajarawayoung2421]

I love this video 😊 Thanks

[@davidmellet5924]

Dave I've been driving 30 years your rite on

[@johnberry8117]

Thank you for your knowledge, I’m getting back into trucking & I really appreciate your channel! Everything you talk about & relay to us subscribers is very helpful. Keep up the great work n thank you for your service.

[@stevenblue4822]

Watch out for Streets,it is a hell of a headache being 53ft & have to go right or left with parked cars on both sides . This is a good Instructor to listen to .

[@shannondavis5728]

All responsible experienced truck drivers hold a special place in my heart for as long as i live!!!….i was blessed to be trained and mentored by some of the best truck drivers with whom the company i still drive for to this day!!!

[@michaelrains2268]

Awsome advice rookie or seasoned driver. Funny story, have a blessed day!😊

[@ATbierer]

thanks for making some of the most informative trucking videos on KZbin. It really helps new guys like myself. I’m in the middle of my mentor ship with a mega carrier, and I just encountered the first 3 of those all in one place; New Jersey. Intersections don’t stop traffic back far enough for you to clear the right turns. Ended up having to eat up my lane and most of the lane beside me, and still wait for a big break in traffic so I could swing into the oncoming lane in order to clear it. Sweating bullets on that one. Then the GPS started acting up and we got turned around in a neighborhood. Was a mess. So we make it there, and the shipper has this tight yard with barely enough space to maneuver because they have electrical boxes and concrete blocks in the middle of the damn yard. Really only option was to blindside it, cause turning it around wasn’t an option. Yikes. Frickin North East man.

[@rizb506]

I can’t thank you enough for the effort in creating these videos 👍 you have my respect.

[@GPTransco]

Thank you for the shoutout! Great episode.

[@PickupsAreNotTrucks]

Complacency is a big one. Bravo. The newer guys out here are pretty careful and still full of nerves, or at least I was the first 2-3 years. After your 4-5th year a guy starts thinking he knows it all. I went through that phase of jamming gears and full throttle and now I look back at it as being dumb.. it’s hard on yourself, it’s hard on the truck, it’s hard on freight, and it’s dangerous. Now a full 8 years in going on 9 I take it pretty easy. 3rd gear idling through any truck stop or shipper/receiver.. just be careful. There’s been a few times where I thanked myself for being careful because just a couple more miles an hour through an icy parking lot and I would’ve slid into a car, same as coming into intersections to turn too quick. I think I’ve become more nervous now 8 years in than I ever was before, the last thing I wanna do is hurt someone. I’m in too deep now to find a different job. I’ve got 110k of shiny paint and chrome in the driveway that’s gotta get paid off before I can kick back and relax.

[@georgeramos3437]

I’ve been thinking about being a truck driver. Idk if I’m going to do so, or not, but I will tell you this is my number one trucker experience advice channel.

[@CALICOAST805fishermanlopez76]

My experience was common sense don't be afraid to block traffic if can to make turn as long as your and them are safe. Yes judgement calls! Thanks bud for your video's.

[@guybuddyman838]

Good tip about calling shipping recieving before heading down. I’ll use that.

[@alejandrofallas9734]

Thanks for sharing your knowledge with everyone Dave. No doubt,you're the truckers Godfather.