{"id":4155,"date":"2019-08-13T16:29:19","date_gmt":"2019-08-13T20:29:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alltruckjobs.com\/blog\/?p=4155"},"modified":"2019-08-13T16:29:19","modified_gmt":"2019-08-13T20:29:19","slug":"truck-driver-ride-along","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.alltruckjobs.com\/blog\/truck-driver-ride-along\/","title":{"rendered":"Video! Truck Driver Ride Along | The Realities of the Highway"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n
\n \n
\n \n
\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n
\n \n\n
<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n
\n Rate this post<\/span>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n

What I imagined trucking to be like vs. the reality that I discovered in my recent truck driver ride along are drastically different.<\/p>\n

My Truck Driver Ride Along Fantasy<\/h2>\n

I imagine cruising down the highway. I\u2019m blasting my favorite jams on the radio and counting how many people I see doing something they shouldn\u2019t be while driving. When I get hungry, I stop at delicious roadside diners in adorable little towns. As I enjoy my meal, I make small talk with the locals. Every turn presents a new view. I explore the country as I drive, seeing the sights and absorbing as much information as I can. I’m learning about different places, people, and traditions in the United States. Every morning I am greeted by a gentle sunrise peaking just over the hills. Every night a magnificent sunset bid me goodbye as I head from one state to the next.<\/p>\n

\"truck<\/p>\n

My Truck Driver Ride Along Reality<\/h2>\n

I rode with Patty at Carlisle Carriers for several hours. You\u2019re constantly checking your mirrors and watching what is going on around you. You\u2019re barely drinking any water so that you don\u2019t have to pee too often. You most likely keep a variety of easy snacks in the truck with you to reduce your number of stops. You\u2019re on a time crunch, so although you\u2019re passing dream destinations, you can\u2019t stop. Someday you\u2019ll get there. Someday. Although the views are spectacular, your main focus is hauling cargo from point A to point B \u2013 safely and on time.<\/p>\n

\"truck<\/p>\n

Five Things I Learned During My Truck Driver Ride Along<\/h2>\n

With that said, here are five things I learned during my truck driver ride along with Patty<\/a> that I think would be helpful for people considering a career in trucking!<\/p>\n

You\u2019ll have a pretty rigorous schedule<\/h3>\n

Although you will get to pass by lots of beautiful scenery, you won\u2019t have the same luxuries as you would road-trippin’. You only have so much time to drive each day. Plus, you have a strict schedule when it comes to what time you pick up and drop off cargo. This means that you probably won\u2019t be able to stop and do touristy things unless your time is up for the day or you get stuck in a layover<\/a>.<\/p>\n

You have to pay attention<\/h3>\n

Although listening to music or a podcast is fine, you do really have to pay attention on the road. You have to pay attention to what\u2019s happening all around you. Your attention isn\u2019t just on what you see but also what you hear. If there\u2019s something wrong with your truck or trailer, chances are you\u2019ll hear it before you see or feel it. It\u2019s important to be able to listen for anything that may be going wrong.<\/p>\n

It might get lonely<\/h3>\n

Unless you have someone riding with you, like a family member or a pet, you\u2019re going to be alone on the road. This is hard for some people to adjust to. It\u2019s just you with your thoughts and the highway humming. Loneliness can be challenging for some new drivers, so it\u2019s important to make sure you are in a positive headspace and that you have a support system you can phone from the road.<\/p>\n

Team driving has its pros and cons<\/h3>\n

Team driving is always an option. The way team driving works is that while one person is driving, the other person is typically sleeping. This allows you to cover more miles in a workweek than if you were by yourself, and you split the earnings with your partner. The key to a successful team driving partnership is finding someone who wants to take similar days off and who you get along with. Check out this interview with a driving team<\/a> to listen to their perspective on the pros and cons of going this route.<\/p>\n

You have to adjust to a new \u201cnormal\u201d<\/h3>\n

The reality of it is, if you want to be a truck driver, you adjust to a new normal. Your schedule is going to change to match your deliveries. Your plans might get thrown off by traffic jams, road closures, and delivery schedule changes. You have to learn to go with the flow and adjust to the trucker lifestyle.<\/p>\n

Watch this video to see my truck driver ride along first-hand, and check out our YouTube channel for more trucking videos!<\/p><\/blockquote>\n