8 Common Mistakes Made by New Truckers

1. Traveling at an Unsafe Pace
2. Ignoring Road Signs
3. Forgetting About the Trailer
4. Not Accounting For the Weight of Fuel
5. Being Hesitant With Lane Changes
6. Not Maintaining Relationships with Shippers, Receivers, and Dispatchers
7. Failing to Make Adequate Preparations for the Stress
8. Not Having a Backup Plan
9. Conclusion

Many inexperienced drivers make critical errors in the first few days and months as a trucker. But even experienced drivers can make mistakes when they become too complacent on the job.

Driving a large vehicle can be dangerous, so it's important to be extra vigilant on the road to prevent harm to yourself and others.

Here are eight common mistakes that truckers make while on duty, most of which can be prevented with extra caution and respect for the road and others using it.

1. Traveling at an Unsafe Pace

The standards for operating trucks in the United States allow a maximum weight of 20,000 pounds for a single axle and 34,000 pounds for a tandem axle.

The load being carried by the truck's wheels is quite substantial. Due to this heavy load, the risk of losing control of the vehicle increases the faster you go.

Additionally, as you are heading downhill, it becomes more difficult to control the truck's speed. So pay special attention to the declines and look out for any obstacles should you lose control of the vehicle.

2. Ignoring Road Signs

Even if you use a navigation system, it's still important to pay close attention to what is happening in real-time on the road.

Road signs are in place to ensure everyone follows the rules and knows how to drive and act appropriately on any given road. Adherence to these signs is not only a must but also ensures the safety of everyone, including pedestrians.

One road sign that is often neglected by truckers is the clearance marker found at bridges. These height restriction signs are so often ignored in one city in North Carolina that there is even a website dedicated to vehicles that ignore them and end up crashing.

Pay special attention to the height limit on your vehicle and don't try to force your way in where you simply won't fit.

3. Forgetting About the Trailer

It might appear difficult to forget that you have a 28-foot trailer dragging behind you, yet it does happen.

New truck drivers, especially, risk making mistakes that involve misjudging the turning distance or the maneuvers they need to perform.

It is vital to ensure you have enough space to turn if you need to, and then wait patiently for the road to clear before making your move.

4. Not Accounting For the Weight of Fuel

Fuel is quite heavy and should be taken into account when traveling on bridges or roads with a weight limit.

Two fuel tanks holding a combined total of 150 gallons dangling under the cab are a lot of extra weight to lug about.

In addition, your gas mileage and the amount of time it takes you to travel can all be impacted by a full tank of fuel.

To avoid overloading, don't fill your tank to capacity if you know you will be driving in areas that can only take a certain weight. After driving hundreds of different routes, you will eventually be able to determine when and how much fuel to put into your vehicle.

To begin, just remember that traveling at fifty percent of your fuel capacity isn't nearly as stressful when you already have a full load and are about to get on the highway. You have the option to refuel during your travel.

Having said that, make sure to plan your trip considering the available gas stations. There are stretches of highway, particularly in the western part of the country, that can go on for hours without a truck stop coming into view.

5. Being Hesitant With Lane Changes

If you are going to switch lanes, you should do so confidently, as long as there is plenty of space available and it is safe to do so.

When you feel uncomfortable, the most prudent thing to do is to simply hold your ground. The more uncomfortable you are, the greater your chances of making a mistake and causing harm.

Switching lanes could be dangerous for both you and the other vehicles on the road, so make sure that you check your blind spot, indicate in time, and move swiftly yet safely.

6. Not Maintaining Relationships with Shippers, Receivers, and Dispatchers

Everyone in the trucking industry works long hours and under stressful conditions. Show some courtesy and respect to other players on the field so that you do not add more to anyone's plate.

Even though shippers, receivers, and dispatchers don't sign your actual paycheck, they do have some indirect control over how much work your company gets. Client relations is very important for maintaining and securing workflow, so make sure you put your best foot forward as a representative of your company.

7. Failing to Make Adequate Preparations for the Stress

Truck drivers work under extreme levels of stress and pressure, which can often lead to mental and physical complications.

In terms of mental health, there is the strain of dealing with other drivers on the road, making sure you deliver on time and the added responsibility of hauling large (and often expensive) freight.

Physically, truck driving is strenuous on your body, with backache and muscle injuries being some of the more common ailments.

You can also try to adjust your seat to improve your posture while driving so that you prevent long-term damage to your back muscles.

Following a nutritious diet and stretching as much as possible while on the long road will also help you feel happier and healthier while you do your job.

8. Not Having a Backup Plan

You have done your safety checks, loaded the truck, and you're ready to go. But have you made allowance for anything that could go wrong?

Always have a backup plan or two for possible pitfalls, such as a tire burst, a lost load, a dead battery, or misplaced keys.

Whether you're an owner-operator or a member of a large truck fleet, make sure that there are plans in place in case something goes wrong. These plans can include insurance on the vehicle and goods, as well as personal insurance for drivers.

It will also be helpful to have the numbers of your dedicated roadside assistance handy, in the event of an emergency breakdown or accident.

Conclusion

Being a truck driver is a stressful, yet rewarding job. However, if you want to perform a decent job, avoid making these common mistakes.

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