Question:
1. Never call your driver manager a (edited)
2. Allways blow your horn for the kids (on the highway)
3. Don't wear tight pants
4. Never Ever ride the (edited) of a slow-moving 4-wheeler, it ain't worth it
5. Don't back into a dock while your'e still half asleep
6. Learn how to weigh your load, bridge laws, etc. while in training, or you'll be
sorry
7. Stay clean
8. Be friendly to shippers/receivers, truck stop clerks, planners, drivers,
everyone
9. Call home
10. Notice the absence of slender healthy drivers; eat well, get some excersise
11. Don't fret about backing up, other drivers understand, and you'll learn
12. Don't fight with family on the phone
13. Don't (edited) where you're not supposed to, if you can help it. Be courtious
14. Your two best friends are mirrors and following distance
15. Display the American flag on your truck
16. Don't be an idiot, get some sleep
17. Dont (edited) too much
18. Love your job
19. Do it right!
20. Be nice to Big Tough DOT cops that look like SWAT
I've been driving for six months and love every minute of it, except for the stress! Getting through school and training was a real long haul, but the real learning started when I finally got my truck. It's been a rough road. I should have paid more attention to learning PTA's and qualcom and the aforementioned axle weights and bridge laws. That cost me. But things are getting easier and I'm encouraged, having a great time for the most part.

Answer:
Excellent advice. The "stress" will get better as you keep repeating the same situations over and over. I hardly ever get a knot in my stomach anymore when I miss a turn or am heading into something I can't turn around in.....
Of course....as you chill-out and get more confident, you then have to face the opposite situation: Over-conficence. Then it gets harder to follow those excellent rules because you naturally lose your concern for risk as you rack-up miles where nothing's happened. Many drivers start doing things they'd never do when they first got behind the wheel -- tailgating or driving aggressively, etc -- because nothing bad has happened.....yet. This is why experienced drivers get into more serious high-speed accidents than newbies. They let their common sense slide a bit and start to believe their accumulated skill can make-up for driving behavior they once thought unacceptable.
Your newbie instincts when you first got behind the wheel were right. The trick is to hold onto this sensible caution as build more skill around it.
....one little thing.....watch that horn blowing . It's fun and I do it too sometimes, but you gotta make sure you're not scaring other drivers or being mis-interpreted. It's a warning device.
...and keep those American flags clean and properly displayed. Nothing more disrespectful than a dirty, tattered flag flapping against the truck. That's probably a bit old-fashioned these ays, but back in the day when I grew-up...vietnam....such disrespect to the flag was considered un-patriotic. Fly it with respect and reverance, or don't fly it at all. It's a sacred symbol, not a bumper sticker....

Answer:
I worried from the start that I would get complacent. That didn't happen but I did get a little over confident as soon as I began to relax. A couple of cheap lessons straightened me right up. Had to get into my exit lane in a hurry and ended up restacking 4 pallets of wine. Twice I've begun lane changes without serious scrutiny of spot mirror, and there was a car right next to me. Made me a much better driver. And as you mentioned, ain't no big deal missing your exit, just go down and turn around at the next. I got into a tight area yesterday that I wasn't sure I could get out of, but was absent the heart attachs I used to get in those situations.

Answer:
The number one rule of newbie drivers: KNOW YOUR LIMITATIONS. Sounds simple enough but 90% of all new driver accidents occur when drivers do not know their limitations. What would you rather have, a write up for a late load or having your truck scraped off the side of the road.

Answer:

If you really mean that and understand why the exprience makes you complacent, you can fight its effect -- and will have to for as long as you drive. It's always pulling at me, that's for sure.....and it only gets harder to fight those little temptations.
Nicely said harrys
(And a good example of why slow lane changing is a good habit to develop. Slow lane changing with lots of blinking and mirror checks reduces risk. Do it all the time no matter who's around so it becomes a habit. Someday the habit will give you enough time to reverse a sure colision course with something you didn't spot. ) happens to th best of us

Answer:
also, take great care in driving in winter conditions...everything is different from west to east no storm is the same. that was my biggest fear when I started....and for good reason tooLive in St. Louis? Looking for concrete truck drivers....great pay and benifits...pm for details

Answer:

Harry............good post......you may also add, you drive the truck, don't let othrs drive the truck from their CB's.
Answer:
Harrys-Good post!! And congratulations on surviving the first six months!!!
All good information that you posted and great responses!! I would just add that for every situation you will face, planning is going to be the key. Proper Prior Planning Prevents Poor Performance!!!
Also, drive within your individual capabilities. If you are in doubt in any situation, Stop!!! Get out and look it over!!!!! If you find yourself going down a road you aren't sure of, STOP!!!! It's easier to call 911 and ask for help than it is to explain an accident.
Glad you're enjoying it!!! Be safe!!!!
ArtI ride for those who can't! POW/MIA - You are NOT forgotten!!
Lead, Follow or get out of my way!!!