ALT-3 Truck Driving is it right for you as a Career Move
I have been in the transport industry for many years. My parents owned a courier company as I was growing up, and I now work in 24 hour towing company. As someone who witnesses many drivers come and go, here are a few truths when it comes to truck driving and what to expect.
WHAT TYPE OF TRUCK DRIVING?
What type of truck driving are you looking at getting into? My company has trucks from 1 tonne to 30 tonne, transporting anything from cars and boats to heavy machinery. At times we do country and interstate work as well.
Are you looking at getting into interstate truck driving? Long hauls that can take two or three days turnaround, possibly more.
You also need to look at your truck license, what are your restrictions? Do you have a medium rigid or heavy rigid license.
WHAT TYPE OF LOADS DO YOU WANT TO CARRY?
When it comes to truck driving there are so many options of haulage you can choose from. As I said you can transport cars and boats, heavy machinery that includes excavators and sheds, or possibly livestock or wood.
Once you have decided what type of driving you want to get into, you need to consider your own learning abilities and the company you are working for. Here are some tips for assessing yourself as a truck driver, and assessing the company you work for.
ASSESSING YOURSELF AND YOUR ABILITIES
-If driving interstate, are you able to be away from your family for long periods of time? Will your wife and family suffer for your long hours?
-When learning a new job such as trucking, you must give yourself at least two months to learn the ropes. This includes any job training involved too. When you receive that first pay packet do not be alarmed, you are still learning. Don't expect high earnings until you are at least two months into the job and have given it a good go.
-Can you take directions and instructions properly? Your truck driving may depend on receiving your jobs through a dispatch operator, can you work well with someone telling you what to do?
ASSESSING COMPANY STRUCTURE AND PEOPLE INVOLVED
-In my experience, those that complain or are abusive towards the radio operator will not get quality or quantity of jobs. Those drivers that complain every time they get a job get shoved to the bottom of the pile. If you receive a not so high paying job, don't complain just go and do it.
-Bum down, head up. Go wherever a dispatcher asks you to go. Some companies pay your fuel for you, or you may possibly be paid a wage. There is no cause for you to complain about distance if this is the case. And if you do need to travel a long distance to the job, there may be a high paying one just around the corner from that one.
-If you have complaints regarding your radio dispatcher, voice your concerns to management not the person themselves. Radio dispatchers have a job to do, and KPI's to meet, and other people to answer to. Never tell a radio operator how to do their job, you are not aware of the circumstance for a decision to be made.
-Look at the technology involved in the company. Do they have GPS tracking, computer terminals in the trucks, paperwork that has to filled out.
I hope this helps you when deciding if truck driving is a good career choice for you. In my experience oin the transport industry, these are just some of the few important requirements you need to assess before you embark on this career.
