What ALL Truck Drivers Should Know (It's NEVER TOO LATE!)

[@richardmcavoy6413]

This guy has never uttered an untrue word on his vids. I've driven coast to coast, and Dallas, Texas, to Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, in all seasons. When I was driving on slick packed snow in the Rockies, the danger wasn't the weather or the road surface, it was 4 wheelers. I avoided trouble by assuming they were idiots who would like to involve me in an accident. That mindset helped keep me out of situations where they could involve me in an accident. You"d be wise to pay attention to these 10 points. Kudos from an accident free, ticket free O.O.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Richard!

[@ravenone6255]

10 Things every Truckers should know 1. Dispatchers: Good /Bad 2. Bad Equipment : Truck/Trailer --could cost you 3. Dangers: 4 wheelers,distractions,.... 4. Unsafe locations ---research = common sense 5. Don't sign a lease from carrier 6. Don't be owner /operator in big companies 7. Mechanics : Good/Bad 8. Healthcare : eat right,exercise. .. 9. Pay statements: watch them---miles,mistakes.. 10. Pension plan? ---have a retirement plan

[@mrfixit3291]

Raven One great job, Thank you!

[@SanDzFit]

I've had troubles with those on four wheels, but nobody nearly takes my mirrors off or runs me off the road like other truckers, especially if I'm doing the speed limit or in a construction zone. Truckers these days are no better than the four wheelers.

[@rettrucker02]

All of you drivers pay attention to this man he speaks the truth, I am retired from 30 + years of long haul driving and have experenced most of what he said.

[@J.Panxer]

Also onramp/offramp safety. Every time I've almost been killed is when 4 wheelers can't imagine that they might have to be at highway speeds to merge onto highway traffic. And the moment that you put that turn signal on to move over to save yourself and the idiot on the onramp, whomever's been behind you for the last 3 miles will suddenly have a brain dump and decide to pass you in the lane you need to be in. "Screw you, me first" is their mindset, and they'll kill you to prove that they were right. 3 open lanes on your left and they'll refuse to use them cause screw this 18 wheeler trying to be mindful aware and safe. Anticipate and give plenty of room, and in a pinch where you're running out of room and space, drift over to where your steers are in the lane you need to be in, THEN signal and move over. The idiot behind you will lose their mind with rage when they realize that they can't immediately pass you and endanger everyone around. That's a daily occurrence for me. Scan wide, scan far.

[@christophercruz8660]

As a baby to the game of only 3 years you are the only type I will talk to and learn from. The old school guys are a wealth of knowledge and the only way to learn in my opinion 👍great video funny and informative with tons of great advice

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Cruz!

[@scottdworakoski5824]

Just started year 37 in the industry two weeks ago. I’ve seen the best & the worst out there. Driven through everything Mother Nature can throw at you. Your info is right on the nuts & bolts of the industry. New drivers, please pay attention to this guy! It’ll save your butt in the grand scheme of things! Kudos to the videos!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Scott! Stay safe out there! How much longer are you planning to go?

[@scottdworakoski5824]

Smart Trucking : trying to get into a different job line, but, only have video production to fall back on. The company I’m currently with has me out of Minnesota to Kansas and Missouri along with Iowa & Wisconsin more than I’m home. Now with this pandemic thing, and given I work in Medical Waste Disposal, it’s only going to get worse. Thank Heaven for an understanding wife! Keep up the AWESOME Videos & thanks for all you do! God Bless!

[@SmartTrucking]

Hey Driver. Thanks for checking out our video! I guess you could also say that any CDL driver at any stage of their truck driving career could benefit from any of these 10 things. Are there any things that you have changed in your trucking career, in order to live a better life?

[@tjdup3082]

yes pull chemical tankers! seem to deal with more advanced people from disbatch to customers

[@J.Panxer]

Heavy haul and flatbed have been really 10 fold better than dry van/refer ime. You get plenty of exercise, strength training, your mind is incredibly active from having to constantly solve problems and be situationally aware. It pays better too. Not as good as tanker, but you'll never really be hurting as long as you're not eating at a truckstop every night. Really enjoy your videos. Keep em coming!

[@R-BURQUENO]

number two on this list is exactly why I record all my circle checks before I go on my phone!!!!!

[@georgebrown8302]

Thanks Dave. As a first year driver I've already encountered most of these things.. Trying to navigate this industry as a new driver can be overwhelming at times. Especially when you start out with a "mega-carrier". They totally make you feel expendable. But thank you again for your truth, and wisdom.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for saying so!

[@kanyeedigum182]

I wish there was YT in the 80s when I started, had to learn day by day then, I soon learned a good dispatcher could get a load out of a empty shed. Good luck.

[@Druku1977]

Going through bunk equipment with my carrier rn. I'm a new driver, was given a garbage truck to drive on my first week out. I went to the top and said I'm not taking another delivery in this thing till it's completely fixed. It throws faults left and right. From temp to coolant to transmission. Headlights have a short and the steering us jacked up. They're fixing it this weekend.

[@SmartTrucking]

Good man!

[@BrokeTruckerGyal]

Man I appreciate you so much for kindly sharing your wisdom with us.

[@SmartTrucking]

Happy to help!

[@derrickzenner9300]

Look out for 4 wheelers that are trying to get in a wreck with you. I've only seen them around big cities running the free roads as apposed to toll roads.

[@jayfab4907]

I love the face you made when you were served that big plate of greens!!! lol.

[@laylowtube]

I'm New in the Business (over one year) and the ones that have scared me the most It has been other 18 wheelers...!!!

[@ksolo1960]

Great advice Dave! All young people starting their careers should b saving for retirement, compounding interest is a beautiful thing after 40 yrs. I would like to mention, b careful contributing to a company owned plan that's invested in thier own stock's, if they go under you can loose all your money! Enjoy your videos!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Good advice and thank you!

[@danlindeke4039]

You have to make right turn,but little room,lots of traffic. Go straight ahead to next block,turn left. Go another block, turn left. Go another block,now you are back to street you wanted to turn right. But you can now turn left with using opposing traffic lanes for trailer to pull thru. ....clarence

[@Ur_Boy_Daze]

Watching this as I am broke down because the trailer I picked up is junk. I reported it. Was told take it 3 miles down the road to the TA. Now I’m here for the foreseeable future.

[@carls2210]

I worked for an intermodal company. Making good money. I would always start between 2-3am everyday and my dispatcher knew this. Well they starting hiring for night shift and put a guy in the truck without giving me a heads up. So I show up one morning and my truck wasn’t there. So I call her and she says she is going to move him to another truck. Well this gets to start being an everyday thing. Needless to say I ended up leaving because after a month she finally moves him to a truck that the day guy started later in the morning but she stopped giving me good loads. When I turned my stuff in the manager of the yard and her asked why I was leaving and I told them this exact reason. She said she stopped giving me good loads because I woke her up over my truck not being there and I said yes I did because you’re the one that controlled who drove what trucks.

[@dwaynewood1795]

You should get your own docu-series on the Discovery Channel. Your always spot on with the truth about trucking. Keep up the great videos.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Dwayne! Appreciate it!

[@derickwest6996]

Amen on bad dispatchers. I pulled hopper bottoms for a little while and had a dispatcher that wanted to dead head your wheels off. I got into it with him several times over trying to get me to dead head over 400 miles to pick up a crappy load that went less than 100 miles. I told him I couldn't do it because I'm not making any money it's going to end up costing me to haul that load. His reply was they were in the trading business. To which I replied well I'm in the money making business and I'm not wearing out my truck costing myself money to haul your cheap crap. So I ended up taking the trailer back to their yard and quit. It was truck, my authority, my fuel, my insurance, and my signs on the doors. Screw them cheap freight clowns

[@jerrywong2091]

Thank you so much for the advice. These days people do not share these valuable advice for new drivers.

[@1VaDude]

Spot on about saving for retirement too. True words of wisdom!

[@chuckiefinster544]

Talking about the owner operator situation, Dave is 100% correct. A local carrier here in NC cut off their owner operators in favor of their own drivers during this pandemic

[@sandasturner9529]

Right on with the good advice Dave!

[@markrupprnkamp5832]

Great information. It always helps to talk to one of the drivers to see how the company really operates not how the recruiters say it operates.

[@syedhaider7950]

how dare some people dislike this very informative video?

[@tuckerwilliams6816]

Great advice as always Dave. Tucker here in the sunshine state and wearing my Smart Trucking tee shirt .

[@SmartTrucking]

Hey Tucker! That is awesome! Keep the shiny side up Tucker!

[@aneet1980]

Thanks dave for your great advices, I just started my carrer last year, your videos have really prepared me to put my future carrer on a right track. Keep posting great videos.

[@SmartTrucking]

Happy to help, thanks for watching!

[@fredmcculley9501]

Man you make a lot of sense on everything you say I'm glad I hear from you every now and then ❤️

[@afriendofafriend5766]

When I drive, (as a 4-wheeler), on the interstate, freeway, etc. and I see a big rig, my eyes are checking him constantly. Give as much space as possible. Check the lights, is he coming into my lane? Slow down or speed up to give him room. My #1 priority is always safety, but my #2 are the truckers that stock the food I buy and the clothes I wear.

[@Jump_Jay]

I cook while I’m on the road, and stay out of the truck stops fast food!!

[@whiskeyandagyro3135]

Taking a second crack at the CDL test this wed. (Ohio). Ready to start my career and finally get out of unskilled slave labor employment.

[@SmartTrucking]

Good luck Jon!

[@paulb7365]

If you see a old hand at the truck stop offer to buy him a cup of coffee or a meal. I promise he will gladly help you any way he can. Keep up the good work Dave!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Paul!

[@billbelk7250]

I hear ya about settlements. The only company in over 30 years of driving that always paid more than I expected was Mercer! And fast-after every load! If I had a truck…

[@BullseyeBob]

Thank you for pulling for us new drivers!!

[@angeloantonio5483]

love yr videos. I was never a big time driver, just a yellow driver that got in every ones way. But I can relate to much of the stuff you say. We had the same weather and rules as everyone else, except we slid up the hills not down

[@jeffchapman9382]

I've been driving for this one carrier. And I'm on a 1099. But one thing I like about it is I can take time off whenever I want and for as long as I want because I'm an independent contractor. I go through these mode swings. Like right now I want to drive again. But when I start feeling burned out like maybe after a couple of years. I'll just take 6 months off and drive for Postmates or something and make a little gig money. Or maybe I'll take a couple weeks off and go on a deep sea fishing trip. But I think that's one of the biggest things for me is just being able to leave the carrier at will and come back at will. Owning you're own truck is not a bad idea but the eld kind screws owner operators. What if you wanted to drive for a few different carriers? You can put those magnet signs on the side of your truck with the dot #, or whatever you want to do. But now you'll have to use the carrier's eld equipment and have it installed on your truck. And that really sucks. You can drive for different carriers and run one logbook if you had a paper logbook. They should get rid of the eld's. I heard there's more trucking accidents now than there was before. The government is dumb. They should leave truck driving to the guys who really are doing this as a career. That's why the turn over rate is high. There's a lot of drivers out there that are safe and they don't want to kill anybody, and they're good drivers.

[@michaelgoza5437]

Awesome tips. I’ve learned never think you know enough. Always be open minded and available to learn more.

[@SmartTrucking]

Absolutely!

[@KozmikEl7]

Absolutely words to live by if you work in the industry.

[@tom27151]

I’m the driver, dispach, PR and light duty mechanic, and yes , the wife cheaps me out on my paycheck

[@mattberg916]

Sounds about right!

[@SmartTrucking]

Got a laugh out of me there!

[@sstevocamaro]

It’s not always about the inner city ghettos.. The rural areas can bring big trouble!! Ask me how I know..

[@CrimsonJimi]

LOL i love the enthusiasm listing off the different numbers

[@carloslugo9457]

There is one issue, small truck stops. Always check your air lines one time up in Wild West Virginia my airlines were cut

[@mikesmith-wk7vy]

Prime is big into having its drivers lease trucks through them

[@jayrider2726]

You can meet some people in trucking schools from very interesting backgrounds, we had one guy who was a retired police detective which was hard to believe at first.

[@bigryanm7083]

great info Mr. Dave, thanks for giving advice for new drivers!

[@SmartTrucking]

Happy to help!

[@stonemoney691]

Thanks mr. Dave for the word of knowledge. Stay blessed🙏

[@JasonVladimir]

More solid advice, thanks for sharing!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Jason!

[@peters1927]

Right on 0:18 second I’m putting like, because I know already it will worth to watch.

[@steveno3158]

Enjoy your videos, real advice from a trucking professional. Thank you sir!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks!

[@kyakubi]

I’m sorry for you. It’s always snowing there...

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you for noticing! I'm sick of it and really looking forward to spring!

[@ricardo9013]

This channel has been very helpful for me. I just drive a big straight truck but the advice is all great.

[@mrsevenfold9702]

This guy is brilliant love all the advice Dave ❤

[@tjdup3082]

nice mention on the shop, thats sumthing that goes un mentioned, iv found the hacks and backyard shops are now damn close in hourly rates as pete or cat dealer, so i find its just easier to go there, u got good trained gyes , they got manals and proper procedures and torque specs, iv never had a problem with dealer work,with the backyard ones iv had countless problems, small and simple fixes but a pain cause it wasnt done right the first time

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup!

[@CForged]

I think we should discuss how a bad company with unsafe equipment will intimidate a driver to run and then when there is a DOT moving violation it gets put not only on the company but also the drivers CDL. Bad companies can ruin a decent drivers career

[@SmartTrucking]

That's true!

[@emilioballi]

Thanks for all the info, I really like watching your videos, guys like you are doing a great service for truck drivers hopefully I'll get to meet you one day and thank you in person. God bless you and your wife.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Emilio! Drive safe!

[@waltwynn-sandiegonorthcoun8475]

These companies can wreck your DAC report and make you unemployable.

[@brianedwards7047]

From watching videos and coming from trucking background specially when family been doing for 30 years thing is today not like it was in the 70 80 or 90s where you could make real money so just seems like you either own your own truck or go local for hourly pay

[@danieldeblasio9368]

"Oh, we never had any trouble there." Lol.

[@SmartTrucking]

Friggin dispatchers!

[@tomth9m658]

It would of saved me a lot of hard lessons learned it I would talked to you ten years ago.

[@hamishkay3010]

Very informative and helpful video, I hope to become a trucker soon

[@SmartTrucking]

Hey that's cool, you're going to dive into to a trucking career. Glad to have you onboard Hamish, to our Members Group!:)

[@mikehouston5263]

THE BLIND FOLD SMILE!!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 I love this kind of content👍👍👍👍👍 GREAT Work!!

[@patchrat1]

Good tips as a side note the company’s that have there own trucks and lease/oo trucks will always give the heavy loads to the lease/oo and save the light fuel saving loads for company trucks

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup!

[@cassiuspuckett8789]

Thanks for the advice. And thanks for sharing.....

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Cassius!

[@corylangford5658]

Thanks Dave always great advice.

[@Tyler-xe1es]

Dave, you could make 10 videos on 10 things to know and that still is barley touching the iceberg !

[@SmartTrucking]

You're right!

[@andrewbarlow8937]

Great Video. Thank you for your video.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@wnewbury4]

Very minor thing compared to the good advice from the video. A sliding fifth wheel will change the weight on your axles. I took a truck that was stretched out, I didn't move the sliding 5th wheel and it cost me 200 some dollars at the chicken coop.

[@Ultrakillerism]

The common thread between 2-wheelers and 18-wheelers: 4-wheelers are terrible and a good few of them shouldn't be allowed on a road

[@SmartTrucking]

So true!

[@anthonyc362]

Dave, back when there was real food at truck stops, were truckers this overweight? In general, I remember most men were not overweight, now it's more common to see a fat guy than a thin guy. I'm not a truck driver.

[@SmartTrucking]

It wasn't just the better food that kept us in shape back then, we did all sorts of hand bombing our loads on and off. Didn't see too many overweight drivers back then.

[@gearlabell3059]

Love how you bring the truth

[@larryborkstrom3580]

I agree the first carrier I tried to work for tried to get me to sign a lease I didn't it if violated common sense this whole profession is 90% common sense and I agree all the food out now it's garbage if something tells you that it ain't right it's not right

[@papasmurf1904]

The first two are why i just left the company i was driving for! Why is it, that the driver is the one who in the end is forced to go???

[@SmartTrucking]

There's a Texas senator, Babin, who's asking that very question to the FMCSA right now! There is supposed to be a policy in place within the FMCSA that prevents driver coercion only it's not working. Babin's asking them why that is. Should be interesting to follow!

[@joshthompson1755]

Love this little video cuts lolo

[@alexanderklepczarek8726]

Can you show us how you watch your statements and what you use to know if you're doing it right? Thanks! You saved me tons already, keep it going!

[@markpoland426]

You get your own truck get your own authority

[@sugarhardlyknowher]

I just love your videos! I've watched so many of them and you always have wisdom to impart. I feel a bit more prepared to begin trucking thanks to your excellent advice. Thank you sir 😊

[@cliffp.8396]

Quality advice as always

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@curtis7599]

Schools will never let you instruct or teach there because you speak the truth and it's necessary to know these things.

[@mikea1929]

Thanks you for your help

[@SmartTrucking]

Glad to help!

[@travisshort7929]

What states allow 4 wheeler on the road?? Indiana doesn't allow them unless they have turn signals and all that but you don't see them

[@JohnNorris411]

Cover your ass - Video, Pictures, and journal. Book, I keep notebooks/journals if you will. Just a record of everything I move. I will put the truck number, start milage, any issues. Times and locations of every start and stop, the trailer number of every trailer etc. Basically, a DVIR and Log book in text format and I can add in my own notes. Easier than going through old logbooks, It only takes a few moments, I can, for instance, pick a random day and time from let's say last year, I can tell you exactly what I was doing that day at that time by just looking in my book, I can tell you what trailer I was moving and where and what time I hooked up and where and what time it got dropped off. This has come in handy when there was any discrepancy in my paycheck, I can cross-reference my own book to the check stub and if they left out a load I could go to the office and show them exactly what load they shorted me on, I can give them the trailer number, where I picked it up and at what time etc.. Pictures, if I find any damage to a truck or trailer, dents, scratches etc, I will take a picture of the damage and make sure you can see the location of the pickup location in the background, so if ever someone tries to pin the damage on me, I have a picture of the truck/trailer with the issue at pickup to prove it was not me and get stuck with a repair bill. Sometimes I will even take the picture and send the pic to my company before I move the load just to have it on record somewhere. Video, I always have a dashcam running, If something happens, it is your word against theirs, unless you have video.

[@SmartTrucking]

Excellent practice to have! I do the same! Saved my butt a couple times!

[@christophersmith8272]

I always knew you were a Chevy guy!!😁

[@JoseMartinez-ll7vo]

Love yalls videos! Great info!!

[@flight0007]

Thanks Dave !! 👍👍👍

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@wolfman1662]

New driver or drivers getting back into OTR after taking a hiatus. If y'all could've done one thing differently what would it be? For me I would've done it in June or July.

[@josemartinez-sb9nk]

Thank you, sir. Great advices. Appreciated.

[@po6600]

Tyvm Sir

[@rickjames2014]

Thanks 4 sharing this info

[@stefanlopez4873]

Love your work

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@williamrichardsonwhr9767]

Thanks. This is all good information.

[@Parqaleeta474]

Bless you. Thank Sir.

[@guycufaude7312]

The dispatcher is just a messenger between planners and you. Don't believe the resume that the operations team gives you or the statements used to manipulate you. I'm on your side. We're family. Those that use the resume "I was a driver." It was so long ago they no longer have valid experience. Consider the fact that the insurance industry will insist they are day 1 trainee. Over 6 months off of the road. Regardless of the amount of experience.

[@tomassmith4061]

Solution for #8: Flatbed!

[@BladeRunner-td8be]

"Truckers lead a sedentary lifestyle" ??? Yes, many and perhaps most do but some work their asses off delivering for instance, mattresses, local flat bed drivers, (like me), food delivery trucks, the list is endless. Believe me I don't need any exercise other that what I get at work.

[@goSNAKEMAN9]

Did lettuce king get lettuce to eat that is funny as hell.

[@SmartTrucking]

He'd eat whatever was in the wagon. Saw him go through a case of dill pickles one time.

[@andrewjr6477]

Great advise . Love your videos.

[@tedinstead9642]

Awesome Very helpful and funny