Life on the road can be quite an adventure, but professional truck driving requires much more than just transporting cargo. There are several characteristics that employers look for when hiring truck drivers. Recognizing and refining these skills can help you become a better candidate for the job. Do you think you have what it takes? If you’re seriously interested in pursuing a career in the trucking industry, check out our top traits of a great truck driver.
Traits of a Great Truck Driver
Expert Driver
I know what you’re thinking. It may seem obvious, but having an outstanding driving record is one of the most important traits of a great truck driver. A clean driving record assures potential employers and clients that you are a dependable driver who is capable of safely delivering their cargo. Skilled drivers also lower the costs of vehicle operation and are much cheaper to insure, which increases your chances of getting hired significantly.
Skilled Communicator
Having excellent communication skills is essential to being a great trucker. As a driver you act as a representative of your company, so you need to have outstanding people skills. You must be engaging, polite, and honest in order to build and maintain lasting relationships with clients. Positive interactions with your clients will increase their satisfaction with your work, gain their trust, and keep them coming back!
Reliable
You cannot be a successful truck driver without being reliable. You must work quickly and effectively while on the job to establish trust with your employers and your clients. If you break this trust, it could be very hard to gain it back. There are a lot of people relying on you to get the job done, so remember to always meet your deadlines in a safe and timely manner. If your quality of work is consistent when it comes to completing assignments, more jobs will follow!
Patient
Whether you’re in rush-hour traffic or waiting for your truck to be unloaded, losing your temper could cause a lot of problems for you, your coworkers, and for other drivers. That’s why patience is one of the most important traits of a great truck driver. Learning how to manage road rage and stay calm in any situation could save you and your fellow drivers from getting into avoidable accidents. Remember that you are bigger than most of the other vehicles on the road, so you have to keep your cool. Being patient can also help you maintain better interpersonal relationships with your clients, coworkers, and your superiors.
Alert
As a truck driver, you must be fully aware of your surroundings at all times. This means paying close attention to your own vehicle, other drivers, the conditions of the road, and any obstructions that may be in your way. Without this attention to detail, you could cause accidents and potentially damage your cargo. Getting enough rest is absolutely crucial in order to stay alert and avoid exhaustion or highway hypnosis during a long haul, so make sure you’re getting enough sleep!
Independent
When your rig is your office, you can’t really pop over to the human resources department whenever you need support. That’s why trucking companies are always looking for intelligent, self-reliant drivers who can handle the responsibility of working alone. Truck driving requires a lot of problem-solving. Whether it’s an issue with your truck, your cargo, or your route, you have to be able to adjust to the situation on your own.
Do you have the traits of a great truck driver? If you think you have what it takes, apply today!
Did we miss any top truck traits? Share them with us in the comments below.
