Your First Year as a New Truck Driver -- What to Expect (and How to Survive It!)

YOUR FIRST YEAR AS A NEW TRUCK DRIVER -- WHAT TO EXPECT (AND HOW TO SURVIVE IT! Your first year as a new truck driver will no doubt be challenging. Watch this video if you want to know what you can expect during that first year as a new trucker and how to survive it!
The first year of your new truck driving career will present many new situations to you.
Knowing what to expect from that initial year of your trucking career, will help you to prepare for those situations or better yet, avoid some of the situations!
These are a few of the examples of things you may face in your first year as a new trucker.
- You may be assigned Ugly loads.
-- You'll need to deal with a driver trainer, which can be a challenge.
-- Take the time to understand your contract.
-- Away from home for long periods.
-- The pay can be low for the first year.
-- You are getting driving experience that first year, so you need to tolerate the situation as best you can. It doesn't last forever.
-- Navigational issues. Know how to avoid getting lost and what to do if you do get lost.
Watch the video to learn more detail as to what you can expect in that first all important year as a professional truck driver.
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[@SmartTrucking]

Hey Driver! Thanks for tuning into our video! What was the toughest (or IS the toughest) part of your first year as a truck driver? (There are more things than we covered in the video, but we felt those were the big factors.)

[@ArshSingh-gn9dy]

Hello m in Montreal m new in india I have Saudi Arabia license m trealer driver

[@MolonFrikenLabe]

Just finding a place to park in some areas. Finding a place to shop (walmart can be ok but access and parking can be challenging). Developing systems of doing not only a job, but living a new lifestyle. Checking every shower before you leave to ensure you aren't leaving anything (glasses...) behind. Want to buy something off Amazon? Neato - now where are you going to have it shipped to?

[@mystikgaming2k]

I had to do blindside backing about 3 times and I still managed to do it because I was G.O.A.L

[@JOSH-bx5wp]

I would say route planning, as a new driver when I started out, not knowing where I can find a place to park before or after my delivery appointments was challenging ,especially in GTA and surroundings. And when you are on the clock the pressure gets intense. It happened me couple times that I aimed for a certain truck stop and I got there but it was full and I has to keep driving with no other choice. And i think that was very stressful.

[@MolonFrikenLabe]

Don't discount Google maps. Not for navigation by any means, but the satellite photos are invaluable. Look for those nice wide corners. That is usually your way in.

[@johnathoncraft8125]

Sadly, a lot of trainers get paid for your miles and their’s and they are only in it to make money, run you as hard as they can, and not actually teach you anything but how to drop and hook trailers and drive the truck forward. Hardly any backing practice because he’s more worried about timing than teaching the student. That was my experience sadly. Still learning along the way and get lost a lot, but I just take it slow and don’t hit anything and I feel more confident every day. Haha

[@frederickknapp5340]

as a flat bedder, I have had to pick up loads at an Amish sawmill. One time I had an Amish girl guide me on her bike to the proper spot. Don't know her name or where she came from but she saved me from getting lost in the middle of nowhere.

[@connershepherd998]

Pgt hired me as a fresh student with no contracts, they get me home weekly and I brought home 1200-1300 weekly last week I hit 1700

[@pointnIaugh]

I delivered a load in downtown Jacksonville during a football game and crowds of people walking would not let me turn. Dave is right, the police blocked the road for me.

[@jessicadrawdy8292]

i live in jax

[@jeffproctor1273]

That’s the main thing, don’t lose your mind take a couple of deep breaths and get your mind straight and continue on. I’ve been out here for 35yrs and 💩 still happens, so don’t think that it only happens to you because it don’t.😎

[@SmartTrucking]

That's right!

[@chddrone]

The only thing I missed in this video was how poorly drivers get treated by most receiving docks. This was a shock to me . 10 months driving.

[@hiramrosajr8231]

Amen

[@SmartTrucking]

Sad but true! It should be your carriers job to rectify that situation!

[@tomswrld3657]

Trucking is my dream job because 1. I’m my own boss 2. Don’t gotta talk to anyone 3. I like to travel and drive 4. I can see the world 5. My dad was a truck driver.

[@BlindBadger212]

Unfortunately you are wrong on so many levels.

[@bigeric8334]

Good call on the taking horrible loads when you first start....my 1st day driving a truck by myself they sent my ass to Brooklyn I was sweating bullets the whole day. I barely knew how to drive straight lol. I was following the GPS and I didn't realize you can't follow it 100% it starts taking me thru a neighborhood and I couldn't make a turn and all these people start coming off their porches because I was about to nail some cars...but what a learning experience

[@SmartTrucking]

Fun huh?

[@Killjoy4evr]

I just wanted to let you know that you made this video when I need it most I've only been on my own without a trainer for about 2 weeks now and I've been stressing like crazy and this video helped push me through and improve my mood today thank you so much

[@SmartTrucking]

Glad to be of some help!

[@e.ssential755]

I was less stressed and made more money driving Roll Offs than I do driving Otr in my first year. Thinking about giving it up. Smh

[@jme92685]

The first year is the toughest. Just have to plow thru it. Then you basically know what’s up. Just take it one day at a time.

[@canceraxe1447]

My second week training in big carrier trucking school. For the first time, I drove a semi truck today and felt good.

[@SmokeNYC]

Congratulations! Which carrier?

[@cryptonator1988]

Im currently in the process of finishing up my first year. You are absolutely right about everything its ugly the first year its stressful and you really dont make shit. But i was aware of all of this before hand i know i dont have experience so cant expect top dollar but we all should make at the least 25hr i feel even as a new driver. Just try to get with a carrier that has work so you can expect a more consistent pay or a dedicated account to start because otr is up and down one week 6k miles the next week only 2-3k miles sometimes 3-5 weeks straight only 2-4k for teams then eventually you will get a week of 5-6k mabe two weeks in a row then back to like 3-4500 miles so your checks will fluctuate between as low as 400-1200 a week no more then 1400 on a good week but you wont see many weeks that high so be prepared to make between 38-50k your first year. But once you make it past a year you should get a solid job paying 65-70k after two years maybe like 76-80k possibly up to 90-100k after 2 years exp so hang in there new drivers you wont get rich but you can have a comfortable living in this industry and own nice things and provide for your family nicely and give them a better life dont give up or quit hang in there. There is light at the end of of the tunnel.

[@johnnycray4427]

Thank you. I'm 4 months in

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup!

[@shannondavis5728]

My trainer went to sleep and i drove 800 miles straight by the time he came out of the sleeper birth!… and he was flabbergasted because he ask me why I didn’t take a break!

[@jwwilliams]

I kept telling myself just a little longer and I'll be in my own truck.. took me 2 months and four trainers to get through FFE training. I'm not going to lie it was brutal..

[@kennethnugent8255]

one thing, I ALWAYS call the customer also....they may know which exit is closed, which street is messed up, etc etc....just something I always do

[@jerrodlopes186]

There are a TON of local and yard jockey jobs out there. You don't have to do long distance OTR to get started. Work where you live. Just some encouragement for new guys.

[@richwillis8]

i find google maps in satalite mode is very helpful can get a birds eye view of the roads and your destination. so helpful

[@dmp762]

If you can afford it, you can go to a truck driving school and get you cdl before you apply for a job. That way you don't owe them for your cdl.

[@ztharris69]

I like to write my last mile directions on my windshield out of the way with a dry erase marker. Idk how legal that is but I find it works for me.

[@DaveRea]

I transport semis. Best money I’ve ever made. No forced dispatch, no appointments to keep and I only work when I want to and take time off for as long as I want or can afford. I WILL NEVER bump a dock again ... EVER

[@PleasePancakeGD]

don't expect the best shifts, time off in the summer, or xmas. You are new, and its your job to prove that you can take any crap that comes your way. Don't play games and call in sick when you don't get your way. Once the company knows that you can handle it, they will start getting you on better runs and maybe a long weekend once and awhile. It takes time, but if you can power thru, it will get better.

[@SmartTrucking]

Yup!

[@watcher206]

I made the mistake of not knowing my contract when I first got into the Industry with Roehl transport. I knew they made you sign a $7,000 contract, but I didn't know it applied if they terminated the driver for any reason, or even no reason. So when they terminated me during phase 2 training, they stuck me with the bill three weeks later.. I suspect that with a contract like that the company is making more money off of terminating their students than the freight itself.

[@SmartTrucking]

Lots of carriers make money that way. It can be a really crooked industry when you work for or with the wrong people. Dave

[@BannerSound]

I had no idea that the law says that the trainer cannot be in the bunk while the trainee is driving; I trained with CR England in 2006 and my time with my trainer was on a very good dedicated run (drops on both ends) from Los Angeles to Long Island, NY then take an empty to leave for 2 days in Jersey City, NJ (this is when he did his home time in Brooklyn and I really enjoyed the time hanging out and exploring NYC each day) then when it was loaded, on back to LA. I usually drove nights and he days, we both drove the full 11 hours allowed and we not once parked the truck except to shower and when we may have been waiting a short time for paperwork. He told me that any time the we went thru weigh stations, had to fuel, or get off the freeway for ANY reason (even to use the "comfort facilities" whether in a rest area or otherwise), he had to be in the passenger seat if I was driving- Also when we went thru any large urban areas.. There were times he was in such a deep sleep and snoring so loudly, obviously exhausted, it took me quite awhile to wake him- I felt for him and thought of the long term effects on him, as he did this same run for several years while he trained; We got along very well and stayed in touch after I was on my own...

[@reedr1659]

Oh, man... my first year? I'm pretty sure the experienced guys were saying I couldn't find my ass with two hands and a map. Did that job for five years and drove in some really crazy places. Frozen mountain passes, off road up mountains. My advice: find a hard job. It will make you a better driver.

[@juwanet]

Seriously good advice

[@NomadicDave2032]

Gave up my cdl 15 years ago then had two kids and have raised them as a stay at home dad for a decade, took care of mom too till she passed this past January and every thing fell out from under me and been homeless for 6 months, and the whole time I’ve heard the call of the road as my only option and it is. Getting my cdl back soon and heading back out to rebuild my life for not just myself but my kids doing regional, my last resort but a big part of me is super eager to get back out “where I belong”. I just never liked a job or had any pride in any job than when I was a trucker. I’m old school and done this before, but your videos are extremely helpful and remind me of a lot of things I’ll need to remember. Can never know too much, see you all out on the road.

[@jamesschultz30]

I dont think it can be overstated, if you really get in a jam, dont be afraid or embarrassed to call the police to help you out. It's much better ultimately to be a little embarrassed than to get stuck under a bridge or take out a four wheeler especially when you are just starting out. The police would much rather help you out, than have to with the consequences of you making a bad decision.

[@blackdog1960les]

when I started driving in 1981 truck driving schools was few and frowned on -- I bet Dave can remember those days

[@SmartTrucking]

Yes I can! I can also remember when the big carriers decided they should become their own driving schools and thinking how potentially dangerous that could become!

[@waswolltihr1526]

The trucking company that I used to work for (not as a driver) lost a driver in fatal accident almost the same way you described your mishap at that gas station. He wanted to couple a new trailer and got out of the truck to have a better look at the situation when the tractor started to roll forwards. He tried to hop back into it and when he had climbed half way in the tractor rolled past another parked trailer so closely that it hit the driver's door which was subsequently squeezed shut with him still in it... Nasty... :(

[@dannydoughboy120]

Not a trucker here, and would never would have made it as one, however I have great respect for truckers, and enjoy watching the video's Dave puts out. Stay safe Truckers, our country depends on you.

[@brett_outdoors]

Hello. I’m 57 and thinking about driving truck now. Would like to give it a try. I’m in 🇨🇦 and I would be doing cross boarder runs. 3-4 days on the road. Love your videos. Glad I found your channel. Cheers.

[@greggbosecke6849]

Important thing in many jobs is experience and experienced guys that are willing to teach the rookie. I can remember clearly in my job, the veterans that were willing to teach their knowledge and the other side of it, the guys that shunned you because you were knew. Important to latch on to the good ones. If you learn from the good guys, when you are older you become one of them. What a great site this is. Cheers

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Gregg! Dave

[@AshTheFriendlyNeko]

When it comes to wrong turns (and I've made my fair share of em), if you can get into that spot without wrecking anything, you can find a way out just the same. If you panic, chances are you'll make your situation worse. Keep your head about you, know your truck and how much room you need for any given option (especially overhead. I can clear 13' with a flatbed and that's saved my butt a time or two. I wouldn't dare chance less than that), and you'll be fine.

[@michaelpowell-ngatchou6274]

I remember, when I worked as a security guard, I was training a guy when I was still just getting used to the job.

[@gatman18]

I did a few years in the US ARMY, I think I’ll be able to handle it💯

[@kennymars264]

Im just of fan of Big Rigs.....I watch alot of channels, and you really seem like you should be a spokesperson for the industry.keep it up!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Kenny! Dave

[@JavierGarcia-de9lh]

Well when I was in the tanker haz mat I would work Thanksgiving and Christmas and New years but now I'm older and still would do it again❤

[@lukemccardle2379]

My first month out I was looking for the customer one night there building was hidden behind a bunch of trees no outside lighting I went right by them.When I realized it I was on a 2 lane road that I couldn't u-turn around on I had to ride about 10 miles out in the country before I found a place big enough to turn around ,I had a long line of cars behind me lol .But I stayed calm like my trainer had told me a month before and it made a stressful situation not turn into a disaster.

[@MegaDominican]

I plan to start next year and you keep posting very useful information for new drivers like me. Thanks.

[@blueberryman269]

Customer traffic department instead of shipper’s directions for me,whenever available. I contact shipper when going to load. Customer to verify delivery address instead of billing address. Just from experiences also!

[@M4CB]

Perfect timing. Just got in the truck with my driver trainer 2 weeks ago.

[@mariocar92]

I always told myself not to go down a road I could not back out of

[@SmartTrucking]

Smart!

[@adriandennis3283]

Slow and steady wins the race.

[@corylangford5658]

Thanks Dave always great advice! I made a wrong turn and went down the wrong street in PA it cost me a 1000 bucks!!! Do not make a wrong turn!! Always map it out!!!

[@stephencobb292]

Ask a recruiter about a contact? That is like asking the devil for ice water. Lol!!!

[@stryker5673]

I should've known this five years ago, especially the pay. I was broke coming out of school and the stress of being financially struggling was too much. Navigation was tough too. I got flustered easily. It was too much. I'm getting back into it after driving B truck now. This time, I'm ready.

[@SmartTrucking]

Just relax and take your time!

[@mikequaid]

Thank you. You are one of 3 or 4 on here I learn a great deal from. I appreciate you and your wisdom. I had my CDL in my 20’s but my driving record was horrendous so I remained as an aircraft mechanic. That supported me and my family very well. I’m in good shape and semi retired at 63 and am now looking to again obtain my CDL and do what I’ve always had a desire to learn and experience. I’m also a commercial multi engine instrument rated pilot. So in Feb/Mar, I will obtain my CDL for a second time. I don’t intend to go thru the major carriers because it seems they all use automatics. I first learned in a 13 speed and would prefer to learn in a shifter truck again. Otherwise I’ll have a restriction on my license. Again, thanks for being out here.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks for writing in mike! Take care! Dave

[@simplyharley7639]

I just started and doing my training period with stevens transport and my first 10 days wasn't to bad. Ready for my next 4/5 weeks :) been having fun.

[@omarbryant8501]

Perfect advice I have 10 years experience I've been off the road five years getting ready to get back on the Road you gave perfect advice

[@KozmikEl7]

😂 Great Information! Wish I had this when I started! I got lost my first time and it was a shit show! I had to back out a mile or so on a curved dark street cars on both sides took me a extra hour and a half but lucky I had patience and approached it smart enough to get out and take a look several times before I made it out of there! Never happened since now I run doubles n triples, new guy's do not run Doubles n triples when you start out. It's even worse when your alone starting out.👍

[@cabnis]

Wish i would of seen this two months ago. Finally i got my own truck and making my own miles been stuck with a trainer for 4 weeks was brutal on my wallet but nonetheless he was very knowledgeable with 20 plus years of experience

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank god you got good trainer!

[@oinnsheathen5684]

Needed this man

[@Flo_s503]

Youre a legend brother thank you!

[@kdog1227]

Thanks, very encouraging. Needed to hear this.👍

[@kashifshehzad2328]

U give best advice. appreciate it.

[@freshheir7483]

Thank you your literally a live saver

[@mystikgaming2k]

My first four days has been rough for me. My truck was already having problems and broke down on me but I’m hanging in there and thanks for these tips!

[@thomaskemper8336]

The best videos thank you so much this old guy needs this info.

[@Bdb83]

What a wholesome dude. God bless

[@genxer6928]

Thanks and all best to you and new, old driver's. Keep it safe out there all.

[@joshmiller2446]

Thank you so much man! I watched this and many of your other vids before I got my license in February 🙂 your advice has been invaluable! The last 4 months have been rough, but I'm learning every day and love my job☺️

[@BobirJon369]

God bless you guys!!!

[@ricroc4736]

I been watching your videos for three plus years great information and great things to learn

[@izzcarrasco]

Wonderful video much appreciated for me.almost coming out.of school

[@chrisolszewski8690]

Love the voice of experience, rock solid advice as usual 🍒

[@billarroo1]

I had a load from Los Angeles to Miami, one of my first loads using a GPS, where I got stuck in a residential area, I kept checking the address, it matched, so finally I called the customer, even though the address I put in was correct the GPS had me on the residential side of Miami, finally I got out of there without hitting anything !! So even though GPS are good use your judgement also.

[@drue1492]

Im a new truck driver in Norway, been working for 1 month, I find these tips very helpful, thank you

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you Drue!

[@sefrosa5093]

True story speaking facts 👍🏼

[@davidgharat3501]

Great video...very motivating.....Thanks

[@azaanusa]

Good one

[@commentcrafter4158]

Thank you so much Smart Tucking! I will keep the rubberside down!

[@johnmarshall4442]

Good advice. You gotta keep your cool and think .

[@richardmcavoy6413]

Excellent advice. Absolutely true. Do your research then gut out that first year.

[@ruko3781]

Im gonna start at the beginning of 2020 this is very helpful thanks

[@604h22a]

All excellent info 👍

[@marcl3959]

Good advise, thank you

[@behroozkhaleghirad]

As always, I learnt something useful. Hopefuly these information will ease my start of being a truck driver. Thanks for teaching

[@pjay1281]

As a young guy, who’s very interesting in trucking. Thank you 🙏🏾 for these valuable informations.

[@redshae]

Thank you… more videos please

[@ybrtransportcorp7679]

Thank you for all your videos,

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@wannabtruckin9099]

Just want to say tks for your videos been watching for alil while. I always get something out of them.. very helpful for a rookie

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you for watching! Dave

[@hardthoughts08]

Thanks big time

[@LegacyFarmandFiber]

Thanks for the video. I love this stuff! Im starting this career in a few months and this channel is great.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@wilderperez5467]

muchas gracias excelentes concejos saludos amigo

[@ziptie4061]

I truly do love your videos.

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@g41thomas]

Another great video.....Thank you

[@SmartTrucking]

Our pleasure! Thank you!

[@melgriefito1387]

WOW, Amazing video, I'm speechless! Thank you, sir, you just set me up for success. All I can say is thank you, Wisdom is the principal thing, with all we're getting, get understanding. I receive the understanding. I fell like I was in a classroom with a great teacher, 🙏 God bless you, sir

[@cleverwink8262]

Thanks for the video, just graduated and got my CDL. I can attest to being nervous and forgetting things while driving. prbly going to end up going with Western Express, hope i can get on with a better company within a year.

[@travelcanada3542]

great help sir thanks

[@IlocanoFilipinoC]

Informative, Thank u

[@SmartTrucking]

You are welcome. Glad to hear you got some value from the video, Ryan. Thanks so much for the support.

[@adidaman1234]

Great video, as always. Wish you made it before I started my first year haha

[@vicki4493]

Thank you for for videos like always

[@SmartTrucking]

Thanks Vicki!

[@juliantapia9837]

Excellent information! I wish I heard this early on. Thank you for the great videos!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@joshnoca]

These are really good honest a wise tips mate! Thank you very much! God bless!!!

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you sir!

[@AnabolicAsylum]

Thank you Dave, great timing with this video! Starting my trucking career next month and needed some encouraging words. You're a goldmine of knowledge bud.

[@SmartTrucking]

Glad to help!

[@fjm1235]

I start CDL school in 30 days. I like your approach to teaching & look forward to absorbing the information.

[@hanadali7316]

Thank you David I like your videos Keep going good work

[@SmartTrucking]

Thank you!

[@abdellmarss8695]

Thank you so much