The Good Big Truck Driver

A good big truck driver takes pride in being a driver. He or she contributes to the trucking industry in a positive way, making the most out of trucking so that it is a rewarding career and not just a job.

In order to get to this point though, a person must make sure he or she is the right person for trucking before becoming a trucker by asking questions to other drivers and to trucking companies to make sure they know what they are getting into. People who end up on the big road and hating the job will have a hard time becoming a good truck driver.

After a person decides that trucking is the right move here is how he would handle the job to become a good truck driver.

The Mind Of a Better Driver

Driven by this mindset, they perform as professionals. On time appointments, safe operation and courteous driving habits comes automatically. And though patience is a constant struggle,(lol, ok for me anyway, I wear the numbers 1-10 out!)good big truck drivers understand the importance make every attempt to master patience. He knows that rushing is usually a waste of time and effort and could easily lead to poor decisions, so he counts (ok, I count)or do whatever else is effective to be patient.

They pay attention to their surroundings so that they can be proactive to avoid incidents. They try not to ride in packs of other traffic including big trucks. They make up for other drivers poor driving habits. For instance, if someone ahead is tailgating the good drivers is doing nothing wrong but he knows to allow extra space or get away from those vehicles because it is a potential hazard waiting to happen.

Good truck drivers never wait until the last minute to leave for appointments whether it is to pick up or deliver. He or she realizes that anything can happen to cause delays. Leaving to arrive just in time is not a smart plan for success. The more cushion in extra time from departure till arrival at least to the close proximity of the destination the more likely it is that arrival will be on time even if there is a problem in route like a blow out. A good truck driver leaves early.

Good drivers always signal before slowing to make turns or changing lanes. Some drivers will slow down exit the highway and hit the ramp before putting on a turn signal, what's the point? It's too late.(we know already then)

Some drivers will be turning in a turn your coming out of on a busy street and your waiting to keep from pulling in front of him only to see him turn on the signal when he gets to the turn and they there is too much traffic for you to pull out. Good truck drivers don't do that. He or she wishes to make negotiating traffic easier not only for him or herself but for others who share the roads.

Good truck drivers always turn on headlights in rain or bad weather because they know that it makes them more visible to others.

Good drivers wear their safety belts at all times because they know that statistics show that wearing the seat is safer for the driver and for other highway users. (Plus now it's enforced with fines and points so that makes a person even more stupid not to wear the belt, yep I said it).

Good drivers are courteous and thoughtful. For instance, when traveling through residential areas early morning or late night or even at normal times in most cases the Jake brake is not needed. We like hearing it but if we take a minute to think about the people who live in the neighborhoods, the father might like it but mom's might jump and drop a frying pan on the little one's head or something, so they turn the jakes off when it is not needed. More and more communities and towns has noise ordinances now anyway.

This mindset is how we look at life so we use it consistently while driving. For instance, when pulling up to a red light, there is not need to block someone in a driveway. We let them out and then pull up or if it does does not cause a problem with the flow of traffic we leave the driveway open for others to get in and out. Often you will see us parked behind broke down four wheeler or other big trucks to lend a helping hand.

Sometimes we may get over a lane to the left when possible so traffic can enter the highway. (But we wish they knew that traffic on the interstate has the right of way and that they are suppose to adequately accelerate or slow down to make the merge a smooth move with out us holding their hand!)

However, you must judge the incident. Good truck drivers don't pull in front of traffic in the lane to the left to do this. The ramp traffic is supposed to make the adjustment to enter the highway when necessary. A good truck driver doesn't make lane changes that require others to slam on their brakes to accommodate a merger. (unless your avoiding an accident, like I said you'll just have to use common sense to judge the details on a case by case basis, there are some real idiots out there) Defensive driving is second nature to them because they are constantly thinking of the welfare of others. This affects the way they drive.

(People don't realize how much psychology is involved in driving habits. In my opinion it is very closely related to how you view yourself and others around you. For instance a self centered jerk will cut people off or ride the left lane for no reason, etc.)
Good big truck drivers are good people who happens to be drivers. They think of others as much themselves. Good big truck drivers love people and understand that everyone has the potential to change their lives so we do what we can when we can do help them. They have the inner desire to see others prosper and live well.

They tend to make good boyfriends and husbands. They usually find that balance to successfully nurture relationships at home with family even though they are on the road most of the time. That's because they are trustworthy and reliable. They give and receive equal amounts of respect.

They keep companies profitable and products on your favorite store's shelves when you expect it to be there. Our attitudes are pleasant and positive because our outlook on life is that all things are possible and the future is what you decide to make it now.

There are truckers all over the world going through what I go through everyday who could immediately identify with us truckers over here in America. In every country that trucks are on the road delivering the essential products, raw materials, building materials and other goods to where they need to be for other businesses and communities to thrive. It's good to be an employed as an essential part of a vital industry.

Without trucks in any country, that country stops. Without good truck drivers at trucking companies the bad truck drivers would cause the companies to collapse. Good drivers know this and treats the job with the responsibility and the respect it deserves.

They bond with others out here similar to that of military comrades, or football players, or race car drivers, etc.

(To whom it may concern: Your life is not dictated by what you endured or what your ancestors endured. You can choose to let the past propel you forward or drag you back, it's up to you. You know or can learn what it takes to be successful (read or ask questions)so don't make excuses for why you don't have it, find out how to get it and go get it. Others have done it with absolutely no advantages so to make excuses instead of making some type of effort means you are a fool. Set goals for yourself and work toward them. You can do what anyone else can do. Believe in you, not in those who say you can't achieve because of what you or your people has been through.) ok, back on topic . . .

Good truck drivers know life isn't necessarily fair but to us adversity is a challenge to make us stronger. They find ways to reverse the disadvantages of becoming a trucker to use them as advantages. We know the power of planning ahead. We overcome, we excel, we make things happen. It's in our nature.

If your gonna to drive, be a professional, be a GOOD BIG TRUCK DRIVER.

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