Congratulations on earning your Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)! We know the journey to obtaining it wasn’t easy, and you deserve to feel proud of this great achievement. But now that you have your CDL, you might be asking yourself the good ol’ question: “So what now?” 

Starting your trucking career comes with a range of challenges, from finding the right company to adjusting your lifestyle to the demands of the job. But don’t worry, AAA Freight’s guide for trucking newcomers is here to help you make your first steps toward a rewarding career on the road!

Choose What Works for You: Local, Regional, or OTR

Choosing between local, regional, or over-the-road (OTR) trucking is the first big decision you have to make as a truck driver. Local routes keep you closer to home with regular hours, but they can be intense with lots of stops and starts. Regional routes offer a balance, with more time on the road but still regular home time. OTR routes take you across the country, offering the most adventure and highest pay, but with long stretches away from home. Consider your lifestyle, personal preferences, family needs, and career goals when choosing what works best for you.

Look for Companies that Will Support Your Growth

When starting out, it’s important to find a trucking company that values your growth and success. Look for employers that offer training programs, mentorship opportunities, and clear paths for advancement. Companies with good reputations treat their drivers with respect and provide the support needed to thrive. And while your focus should be on learning and making steady progress, you should never be afraid to ask potential employers about benefits, pay structure, and career development during interviews to ensure you’re joining a supportive team.

Seek Advice from Experienced Truckers

Experienced truckers have a wealth of knowledge that can help you avoid common mistakes and succeed in your career. Don’t hesitate to ask questions and listen to their experiences. Joining trucker forums and Facebook groups, attending industry events, or simply chatting at truck stops can provide valuable insights. They will give you a deeper insight into the challenges you may face, and they can even help you find a job through referral programs.

The best thing about the trucking community is that it always sticks together. Therefore, as a trucker, you will never be alone!

Remember that You Still Have a Lot to Learn

Earning your CDL is just the beginning of your learning journey in the trucking industry. Each day on the road will teach you something new, whether it’s about handling your truck, understanding regulations, or improving your time management. Try to stay humble and open to continuous learning.

P.S. Practice backing as often as you can.

Focus on Safety

Safety should always be your top priority! Follow all traffic laws, stay alert and rested, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Regularly inspect your truck before and after trips to catch all issues early. Remember, a safe driver is a successful driver!

Take Care of Physical and Mental Health

Trucking can be demanding on both body and mind, so it’s crucial to take care of your health. Try to cook for yourself whenever you’re able, drink more water, and find time to exercise, even if it’s just stretching during breaks. Mental health is equally important; combat loneliness by staying connected with loved ones, taking breaks to relax, and finding hobbies that you can enjoy on the road. Also, make sure to take a 10-minute walk every day - both your body and mind will be grateful!

Enjoy What You Do

Trucking is more than just a job; it’s a lifestyle. Find joy in the freedom of the open road, the beauty of new landscapes, and the satisfaction of delivering goods across the country. Connect with fellow truckers and share experiences. When you love what you do, the challenges become easier to handle, and each day on the road becomes an adventure.

If you become tired of the same old routine at some point, you can always break the monotonous cycle with new hobbies. We already wrote a blog about interesting hobbies for truckers, so make sure to check it out here.

Conclusion

As you embark on your trucking journey, remember that every mile brings new experiences and challenges. Embrace the adventure, be patient, and never stop learning. Your dedication to the road will lead to a rewarding career filled with endless possibilities. We hope this guide will help you with your trucking beginnings and we wish you lots of luck throughout your journey!

Whether you are a fresh graduate or a trucker returning to the industry, you should contact AAA Freight to explore the various career options we offer! We’re currently hiring both solo and team drivers, so call our recruiting team as soon as possible and become part of our growing squad! 773-250-7467