Driving a truck can be a major task, especially if you are a rookie. While you may have passed the test and got your license, practice is what is important when it comes to truck driving. Maneuvering a huge vehicle on the road is a skill, and it comes with experience. As a result, novice truck drivers end up making some common mistakes. But if you are aware, you can avoid them easily.

Going too fast
While this may seem like a generic mistake, truck drivers must maintain a certain speed limit. According to the truck driving regulations, you can only be allowed up to 20,000 lbs per single axle and 34,000 lbs per tandem axle. However, these figures can change according to the classes in which the trucks are categorized, so make sure to read through the regulations that apply to your vehicle. You may be in a hurry to reach your destination, but if a truck carrying too much weight loses control due to speed, the repercussions can be severe. Always drive within your speed limit and give regard to safety.

Ignoring road signs
Road signs are put for a reason. Ignoring these signs is like driving with no caution or care. For a heavy vehicle, this can be a dangerous precedent. It can be difficult to back up the lane if you miss out on signs about changing speed limits or a one-way street. Also, one of the most important signs to look out for is the clearance marker. You may be crossing under several bridges on your journey, and the clearance marker will inform you whether the height of your truck is lesser than the height of the bridge to ensure your vehicle does not get stuck. Even after such clear signs, many truck drivers avoid paying any heed to it, only to get stuck under the bridge. Stay alert and look out for essential road signs.

Size of the trailer
It is easy to drive a small car or even an SUV; however, driving a big truck with a huge trailer attached is tricky. This can be especially tricky on certain turns and terrains, as bad judgment can lead to serious accidents and injuries. Always drive with extra caution, and at an intersection, take your time and slow down to move your vehicle. Do not get bothered by the honks because it’s better to wait patiently to do this job than to end up hitting someone or injuring yourself.

Fuel the right amount
Each gallon of fuel weighs around six pounds which is a lot of extra weight. There are about two 150 gallons of fuel tanks attached under the truck, so imagine the excess weight that needs to be driven around apart from the weight of the delivery. It is essential to know when to fuel up your vehicle and how much to fill in to ensure that you are not putting too much pressure on your engine. This affects your gas mileage and the time it takes to finish your journey. This is something that can only be learned with experience and time.

Changing lanes
Always be extra cautious when changing your lanes. Do it only when you find enough room to change lanes and when there is no oncoming traffic. Due to the big trailer, squeezing yourself into another lane can be challenging. But it doesn’t have to be that way. Always look for enough room and opening. If you think you are stuck behind a slow driver, don’t worry; take your time because safety is paramount.

Build a rapport
This may sound odd, but maintaining a good relationship with the driver manager, shipper, or receiver you work with is crucial. This doesn’t affect your driving or safety in the least bit. However, this affects your business and network. If you build a good network and rapport with these guys, you will likely get more business out of them and, in turn, more income. Plus, in case of an emergency, you can ask for favors.

Stressing about the trip
It is important to be prepared for the trip. If it is a long journey with multiple stops, prepare yourself mentally to stay on the road for a couple of days. Also, go through the truck driver’s regulations and see how many hours of driving you can do per day and how many hours of rest are necessary. That said, do not stress. When you are not on the road, ensure that you live a healthy lifestyle to cope with the sporadic lifestyle while on the job. This will keep you fit physically and available for more job opportunities.

No backup plan
There can be several emergencies that can arise during your journey. Always be prepared with a backup plan. There could be complications like an accident, low fuel, dead battery, or some other mechanical failure, so it is essential to know some basics about your vehicle for a quick fix. Also, get some roadside assistance service to help you immediately.