Beginning your career as a professional truck driver is an exciting time in a trucker’s life. You have officially finished your CDL training and now it’s time to take to the road as you follow your dream. Here are a few tips to help you as you begin your career as a truck driver:

1. Rest before you become exhausted.
   Sleep deprivation is a health risk that causes truckers to drive while drowsy. This can cause fatigue, daytime sleepiness, clumsiness and weight loss or weight gain. Not only does exhaustion hinder your health and safety, but the more exhausted you let yourself get, the less efficient your recovery time will be. SOmetimes parking is difficult for truckers, especially rookies; if you manage to get parked early, and get up really early, you will save a lot of time, energy, and frustration.
2. Keep your distance while driving.
   While driving your rig, don’t follow too closely behind the car in front of you. People seem to think they’ll get where they’re going faster if they tailgate, but in the end the time you save is minimal and the risk you create for yourself and your fellow drivers is significant. In addition, the higher vantage point of your truck allows you to keep an eye out for aggressive drivers on the road and avoid them.
3. Join your local trucking association.
   Join the local state trucking association to stay up to date on state and federal regulations. Not only will you create friends and mentors but you will gain valuable contacts for jobs and assistance. You never have to go into the transportation industry alone!
4. Take advantage of Phoenix Capital Group’s services.
   This one-stop transportation services company provides freight factoring, non-recourse factoring, equipment financing, fuel cards, and a free load board. From cash flow, financing, and finding loads for free; PCG is here to help you get on the road, and stay on the road!
5. Take care of your truck, and it will take care of you in return.
   Give your vehicle a thorough check each and every morning; check fluid levels, horn, mirrors, etc. The brakes are particularly vital, given how much weight is riding on them. If you spot anything unusual, report it to dispatch before attempting to drive. It is always better to be safe than sorry while driving on the road.
6. Don’t forget to take care of yourself.
   Truck driver safety has less to do with your vehicle, and more to do with yourself. Get enough sleep, take plenty of brakes, eating healthy, exercise daily, and stay connected with the outside world. This is the perfect recipe for a healthy mind and body!
7. Make time for your loved one back home.
   Schedule time to talk on the phone or video chat 24 hours in advance, this is something for the both of you to look forward to. If there is an issue or argument between the two of you, handle it immediately. There is nothing worse than letter negative feelings manifest during your time spent on the road. Never forget to let your significant other know how you feel, you never know what will happen in the future. Last, be appreciative of your loved one at home. Although you are on the road for long periods of time, your loved one is fighting their own battles at home; let them know you care and appreciate their hard work too.
8. Do not deny work.
   If your transportation company sees you as a working truck driver that they can rely on, then you will become more valuable. Your work ethic is a characteristic that separates you from other truck drivers on the road.