Trucking 101: Five top tips for new drivers

A career in the haulage industry is an excellent choice for those seeking a stable and rewarding job. For decades, the freedom this profession offers has attracted individuals seeking a career extending beyond the confines of a standard nine-to-five job. However, before embarking on a trucking career, it's essential to understand some crucial aspects of the industry.?

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Are you the right person for the role??

A career in the truck driving industry isn't for everyone, and deciding whether you're suitable for the role is worth exploring. There are several attributes and personality strengths that aren't mandatory but are worth considering:?

• Having a love for the open road – for some, truck driving sounds like a monotonous job. However, for those who enjoy driving, it provides them with a sense of freedom and responsibility.?
• Time management skills are crucial to the role - your employers and the customer will expect deliveries on time.?
• Trucking can be an isolating profession with long hours behind the wheel. Drivers must be able to work alone and find ways to entertain themselves during their downtime. Our blog on preventing boredom on the road provides several tips and tricks.?
• Despite popular belief, trucking is a physical endeavour. Staying active and eating well is crucial to maintain good physical and mental health. Check out our tips on staying healthy on the road.??
• Prioritising safety - Safety should be second nature to every truck driver. Keeping yourself and others safe on the road is essential.?

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Training??

Getting into the profession requires extensive training. It's crucial to factor in training requirements and prices. The following will give you an estimate of costs:?

• A provisional licence consists of two forms; a D2 (which is free) and a D4. A D4 is your medical, and the cost for this varies between ￡50-￡120.?
• HGV lessons vary in price but can end up costing up to ￡1,390.?

Pay??

There are many myths surrounding salaries in the haulage industry – for drivers in the UK, salaries range from ￡21,450 to ￡30,713 per year. Entry-level positions start at the lowest salary range, while more experienced drivers can earn more.?

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Challenges??

As with any profession, some aspects will be challenging - the same can be said for truck driving. While many love the profession, experienced drivers will quickly warn new drivers about the challenges.?

• The first year is the toughest - Your first year behind the wheel will involve adjusting and getting accustomed to the role.?
• Stress - A trucking career will inevitably include stressful situations. Whether dealing with traffic, meeting tight deadlines, or finding parking, truck driving can be incredibly stressful. SNAP Account takes some of this stress away by providing drivers with over 470 service partners with booking availability across Europe.?
• Extended periods away from home - Time away from home and family life is frequent - taking its toll on relationships. However, with modern technologies, there are many ways to stay connected.?
• Communication is vital - Effective communication skills are crucial. To effectively manage time, truck drivers need to communicate with dispatchers, mechanics, shippers, and receivers effectively.?

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Positives?

Challenges aside, the profession has many perks that make it a rewarding career choice:?

• Stability - Truck drivers will always be in demand. Joining this profession provides job stability.?
• Diverse opportunities - The industry offers a range of opportunities to suit different preferences and lifestyles. Long-haul trucking is best suited to drivers who enjoy exploring new places and don't mind being away from home for extended periods.?

Localised trucking offers shorter hauls and allows drivers to return home daily. Each job comes with its own unique set of challenges and benefits - it's worthwhile considering these before joining the industry.?

• Working environment – Truck driving isn't your typical nine-five office job. With HGV driving, you can be out and about without the pressures an office job brings.?
• Company benefits - Depending on the company, drivers can benefit from medical coverage, health insurance, accommodation discounts, and more.?

A career in truck driving isn't for everyone, but it can offer fulfilment and diversity for the right type of person. As with any job, there will be positives and negatives. Understanding some significant factors about the industry will help determine whether this profession is the right fit.?

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Are truck driving jobs in demand??

The number of HGV drivers has dropped by?16.5%?in the last four years - an ongoing decline since the pandemic. As a result, it has increased workloads for those still in the industry.?

Investments are ongoing to counteract the decline - in 2022, the Office for Veterans' Affairs provided ￡100,000 to the charity Veterans into Logistics. The funding enabled the charity to significantly uplift its annual training, increase staff numbers, and treble available training.?

Investments are having a positive impact on the current driver shortage. However, truck drivers are still in high demand across the UK and Europe.?

What do truck drivers do to pass the time??

The life of a truck driver can be a solitary affair – with long hours on the road and downtime spent away from loved ones. Feedback conducted via SNAP's Facebook page found that:?

• 32% watch films and TV shows?
• 18% opted to clean their cabs?
• 14% read a book?
• 14% socialised with others at truck parks.?

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What skills do you need to become a truck driver??

There are several skills required to become a truck driver, these can be categorised into two types: soft skills and hard skills. Hard skills represent the more technical and tangible abilities required, and soft skills are more intangible - both are equally important for a successful career in the industry.??

Hard skills relate to the following:?

• Navigation??
• Basic mechanical knowledge?
• Route planning?
• Securing loads?
• Attention to detail?
• Backing and docking?

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Soft skills refer to:?

• Communication?
• Time management?
• Organisation?
• Adaptability?

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Susie Jones | SNAP?