Hiring and Keeping Good People

Most companies struggle witha high turnover rate. So they develop company policies to deal with it (which usually means abandoning flexibility). Maybe some incentives or some company benefits.

Although these things are very important to a lot of people, one of the biggest problems i've seen many drivers quit over is; not being treated like a human being.

Many drivers hold their feelings inside. They seem to be enjoying their work on the outside, but on the inside, they're thinking about quitting.

Talk to your drivers individually. Tell them what they're doing right. Tell them how much you appreciate their work. And how important it is to you that they are happy with their job. Ask if there is anything you can do to make it better. Then do it.
Little things mean a lot to some drivers. A ham on Thanksgiving or Christmas, a little cash bonus after a profitable week or just give him a break once in a while.
And never rush your drivers. Always tell them to take their time and be careful. Especially in the rain or snow.
Respect your drivers opinions. Many of them can give you some excellent advice if you just ask.
Explain things to drivers. Drivers are thinkers. They need details on everything. Even things that may not be their responsibility. The more they understand everybody's job, the better they are with their job.
Never yell. Yelling is for Mommies and babies. If your driver did something wrong then just teach him how to do it right. And if that doesn't work then fire him. But bosses who yell at their employees are what I call verbally abusive people. And they don't deserve a good worker. I would rather make half the money working for a nice guy, than to work for someone like that. If you are the type of boss who likes to yell at people, then you need help. You need to learn self control. And I feel sorry for your wife.
Believe the FACT that a driver is your equal. You are not better than him just because you own the company.

Climbing the Trucking Ladder

If you don't have any experience and you're interested in becoming a truck driver, here are a few ways to get started.
One way is to start by driving over-the-road. Many of these companies have their own truck driving school and will hire inexperienced drivers.
Another way is to get a job driving a small truck. You may not need a C.D.L. for some of these; route sales positions (bread, cakes, chips, soda, etc. they deliver to grocery stores). These companies like to hire sales people and teach them how to drive a truck. And freight haulers (find them delivering to warehouses and factories) have small trucks too.
Nine out of ten companies that have drivers, are always hiring. If you seem to have good common sense and a decent work history (and of course a good driving record) almost anyone will hire you. Believe it.
Just go anywhere you see a few trucks making deliveries, and ask the drivers if they are hiring.
If you'd rather move up into a management position in the company you already work for, then talk to your boss about it. Express concern that moving up or moving on is in your future. They might consider it, if you seem to have a good attitude and common sense.
You might want to consider buying your own truck and being an owner operator, once you learn the business. Many huge companies started out with a guy buying a truck.
When you meet someone who is doing the job that you want, ask them how they did it. If it worked for them, it can work for you.
And never stop learning. Ask everybody everything. If they are nice enough to tell you, then soak it up.
Many successful people became successful by copying someone else. And many drivers have gotten better jobs by talking to other drivers.
You're already off to a good start by reading this book.

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Mirrors Block Your View

Many trucks have huge mirrors that block enough area to hide a motorcycle, bicycle or small car.
When you take off or turn, you must lean forward or backward, and check behind your mirrors.
Mirrors are also the first thing you are most likely to break when you pull next to another truck, or into a small dock.
Mirrors are like big ears sticking out. Please be careful with them.

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The Worst Drivers

There really are a lot of stupid drivers out there. Those of us that are trying to be safe, are constantly challenged by these idiots.
When you see these idiots, give them room because they are coming anyway. If you try to compete with them, then you become just as stupid. And it will just make you and everyone else stop unnecessarily.
Passing on the right at entrance ramps. These people actually believe they will get there sooner if they pass another car. They don't realize that, that car was about to exit anyway. They think that they are in line, like at the supermarket, not even considering the fact that everybody is going to a different destination. ( Not to mention that they are causing a bottle neck).
Blowing stop signs. Some people never stop at stop signs. And when they get a ticket, they think it's the cops' fault.
People who tailgate a slow driver in the left lane. Don't they realize that they are about to kill somebody?
Anybody who cuts in front of a truck and the stops. Even at a slow speed, all that weight will smash a car like stepping on a bug.

Other Noteworthy Ideas

Tailgaters can't see. Especially behind a truck.
When turning left from a left turn only lane, aim for the opposite left turning lane. And don't turn your wheels until you're ready to go.
If you have to step on your brakes while you are turning, you are going too fast for conditions. You should slow down enough before the turn, so that you can accelerate (very slightly of course) and pull yourself through the turn, don't brake through the turn.
Most drivers don't know that if they get a speeding ticket for going sixteen miles over the speed limit, that it is an automatic license suspension (if you are driving a truck). And so is reckless driving (which includes tailgating within twenty feet).

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Getting Your C.D.L.

A commercial drivers license (CDL) is not that hard to get.
Just go to your local Secretary of State or Department of Motor Vehicles office and ask for the C.D.L. rule book. It's free.
Take it home and study it. Read it over and over, until it becomes familiar.
Then, go take the written test. There are four separate tests. If you fail one or more, don't worry, you can try again, two more times. And you'll only have to retake the ones that you failed.
After you pass all four tests, you will be issued a C.D.L. Permit. This permit will allow you to legally drive a truck, when there is a licensed C.D.L. driver with you.
With this permit, many companies will hire you (if you have a good driving record). Even if you have no experience. They will teach you how to drive a truck. Some over the road companies will even pay for your truck driving school.
The final step is taking your road test. For this you will need a truck. If you can't seem to get a job with only a permit, you will have to complete your road test to get your CDL.
Maybe you can find an owner operator and pay him for his time. He might even teach you a thing or two. Can't find an owner operator? Try going to the nearest truck stop. Or maybe get on a C.B. and ask if any owner operator wants to make some money. One hundred dollars should buy his time for a couple of hours (they are used to making about fifty dollars per hour).

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