There are many truck drivers out there — more than 2 million at last count. So how do you tell the good ones from the not so good ones?
It’s not too difficult, as it turns out. While all truck drivers have certain strengths and weaknesses, the best drivers all share certain traits. Once you learn these qualities, work on mastering them, and they will serve you as a trucker like nothing else. Here are the 4 traits we believe make a good truck driver:
Patience
Whether you’re sitting in traffic or waiting for your truck to be unloaded, staying cool under pressure is important. Losing your head in rush-hour traffic, or an otherwise inopportune time, can spell disaster for you – and possibly for others.
Time-Management Skills
Knowing how to spend your time out on the road is a necessity. Pre-planning your route and staying on schedule will get you to your destination and back on time. Be sure to plan out when you are going to make stops before beginning your trip. If you have good time management, employers will be stepping on themselves to hire you.
Discipline
Sticking to your schedule and being disciplined is key. Be professional about when you do (or don’t) make stops. Try to multitask on those stops. Additionally, being able to successfully maneuver around traffic accidents will keep you chugging toward your destination. This also works for staying in position when the truck is leaving.
Concentration
Being on the road means spending a lot of time driving. This isn’t always the most exciting activity in the world. If you want to thrive as a trucker, it’s important to maintain that control as you are driving, and keep your mind from wandering too much.
Did we miss anything you think is an important trait to have a truck driver? What trait or quality sets you apart from others?
Share your comments with us (and other drivers!) on our Facebook page!
Ready to take the next step towards a career in the truck driving industry? The right training makes all the difference. Learn how our ACI training programs can help you reach your career goals!
