So, You Want To Be A Trucker?

So, whether you’re currently a trucker or you are interested in finding more about the life of a truck driver – here is a little insight for prospective drivers into the skills required, and a few basic questions to ask yourself before you get started.

Why do you want to be a truck driver?

Driving a truck is NOT for everyone. It can be hard work, and demands a high level of skill and focus. But a few common characteristics that many of today’s drivers possess include:

• You’ve got to like to drive.

While the thought of driving for long periods of time may sound pretty basic, it really does require particular essentials. As a truck-driver, you will experience various driving conditions, from weather to roads, and keeping focus is a must throughout. If you’re the type of person who gets bored driving to the local supermarket, or when on a road trip needs to stop every 30 minutes or so, sadly – trucking may not be for you.

• You need to be extremely safety-orientated.

Although some may think otherwise, trucks require far more skill to drive than your average car. They’re heavy equipment, and require a high level of both driving ability and experience to be handled and functioned correctly. Trucks require constant focus, and safety needs to be your main aim at all times.

• You need to have patience.

Sure, when you consider a truck drivers role, you’ll immediately think of the road. However, this isn’t the only aspect of trucking that you’ll experience for long periods of time. When on the road, you’ll also have to do a lot of sitting around and waiting, especially in loading docks, traffic and truck stops. Patience really is one of the must-have personal specifications of being a truck driver.

• You need to have independence and be comfortable with being alone for long periods of time.

As a truck driver, you’ll spend a lot of time alone. From driving alone in the day to sleeping alone at night, truck drivers require a strong sense of independence and a full understanding of the role before you start.

• You have to be a self-starter!

On the road, there’s no boss telling you what to do. So, you’ll need to have a strong sense of self-discipline and ‘get up and go’. You’ll need to plan your own work day, and make sure you meet both client and employer deadlines. Working hours can also be very long, between 12 – 14 hours is common.

• You need to be in reasonable physical shape.

Although your fitness levels don’t need to match that of a footballer or weightlifter, you’ll need to be in relatively good shape in order to climb around the equipment, move freight and couple and uncouple trailers. Truck driving can be a tiring job, and with long working hours and little sleep, your physical ability will definitely be tested.

• You need a clean driving record.

Many trucking companies will want to reduce their liability exposure as possible, and therefore require the very best of drivers with the very best experience. Certain offenses are an absolute no-go to starting a career within the truck industry, so be sure to always expose your offenses (if any) to your future employer for safety reasons.

So there you have it, a few characteristics that you may require in order to live a long and happy career life as a truck driver. We hope you enjoyed our advice, and if you have any questions regarding our online fuel management services – please do not hesitate to contact our friendly and helpful team on 01524 291 391 today!