*Looking to haul heavier freight, here are some quick tips.

If you’re new to the world of truck driving, you may be overwhelmed by the new lifestyle. If you want to navigate the job on and off the road to the best of your ability, there are some tips and tricks you’ll want to know about sooner rather than later. So, keep on reading to find out everything you need to know about your first year as a truck driver in order to make the job as easy as possible.

Say “yes” to experience and seat time

One of the first things any truck driver will tell you about your first year as a driver is that the most important thing to focus on is getting plenty of seat time.

To start, you may be driving for a company-sponsored CDL training program. Or, you may even be driving around with a driving trainer. This can make for cramped conditions at times. Furthermore, this means you’ll have to learn to work with someone else before you can get to driving by yourself.

Do your best to communicate clearly, and to work out a schedule that works for both of you very early on in the process. This can make things much smoother down the line.

Adjust to the new schedule

Whether you are driving with a trainer or you’ve been cleared to drive by yourself, there’s a schedule you’ll have to adjust to that you’ve probably never experienced before.

You’ll need to be prepared for long hours on the road. Also, you’ll have to figure out how to budget your time wisely. Make sure you’re using your break time to take care of laundry and other chores before you get some sleep.

Take care of your physical and mental health

Most importantly, make sure you’re not neglecting your health while adjusting to this new lifestyle. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per day, and don’t go too long without eating balanced meals and nutritious snacks. It also helps to use your downtime to keep in touch with family and friends back home!

Do you have any advice for new truckers? Sound off in the comments section!