If you have a few unanswered questions about being a truck driver, you’re not alone. Whether you’re truck driving out of Nashville or any other location, the industry will put you in many situations that you would never encounter when staying in one place to make a living. From securing your first job to living on the road without unnecessary stress, there is a lot for new truck drivers to learn.
That’s we put together this quick list of trucking FAQs, designed specifically for new drivers. If you have an unanswered question we didn’t address, feel free to reach out to the team here at Drive MW and ask away.
What is a CDL?
A CDL is a commercial driver’s license issued at the state level. It gives drivers legal permission to operate different types of commercial motor vehicles.
There are three classifications of CDLs:
- Class A – required to drive tractor trailers, truck and trailer combinations, flatbeds, livestock carriers
- Class B – Required to drive straight trucks, tourist buses, city buses, school buses, box trucks, dump trucks, and more
- Class C – Required to operate tank trucks, HazMat trucks, buses, and more
You may also need to secure special endorsements, depending on the nature of your truck driving job.
How Do You Find Truck Driving Jobs with Training?
This is one of the most common trucking FAQs for new drivers, but securing that first job with company-sponsored training isn’t as difficult as it might seem initially. Start by looking up some of the trucking companies that you see on the roads and searching for companies in your area. You’re likely to find that most large companies and even some smaller local companies have some type of training program for new drivers.
You can also search job boards where trucking companies often advertise. Some of the best options include the following:
Besides Driving, How is Your Time Spent?
Truck drivers have hobbies, families, and passions just like anyone else. They can enjoy many of those activities from the cabs of their trucks or at truck stops and rest areas across the country. Many drivers have televisions, radios, and other electronic amusements in their trucks.
When it’s time to park for some downtime, drivers are often found talking to their loved ones back home via phone or video chat. They listen to audiobooks and podcasts, read books, and get outdoors for exercise. Whatever you might do back home in your free time, you could potentially do while on the road.
Is It Hard for a Truck Driver to Balance Work and Family Life?
It is more difficult to balance work and family when you’re away from your loved ones for days if not weeks or months at a time. With a supportive partner back home and the right attitude, it is possible to reach a point of satisfaction in all areas of life.
The key is to maintain consistent communication with your family while on the road and unplug from the rest of the world when you’re at home. Yes, that includes putting down your phone and turning off the television to focus on your family. Quality time spent with loved ones when you are at home can make up for the time you miss while working.
What Should I Bring on the Road as a Truck Driver?
Bring any personal items that you need for routine self-care plus those needed to pass time when parked. That includes a good shower kit and shower shoes because truck stop showers are shared by many travelers. Whether you’re truck driving in Nashville or across the country, make sure you bring a jacket, coat, and other warm attire because you never know where you’ll end up or how the weather may turn unexpectedly.
You may also want to bring along work gloves, chargers for your electronics, and cleaning supplies to keep your truck in order. Wet wipes for impromptu showers are great as well.
What if I Have to Use the Restroom While I’m Driving?
Most truckers are able to hold their bladders until they reach the next truck stop or rest area. If you frequently drive in areas that don’t have many stops, you can add a portable toilet to the cab of your truck. That makes your downtime easier as you don’t have to get out of the truck even if you are parked near a restroom.
Where Will I Park the Truck to Sleep?
Truck drivers park mostly in designated areas of truck stops and rest areas encountered along their routes. These areas are known for having everything a driver may need, including safe areas for sleeping, restaurants or other convenience foods, drinks, and possibly some form of entertainment nearby.
If you aren’t near a designated stopping point and need to stop, you can find a safe place to pull your truck off the side of the road to sleep. Some drivers will park in parking lots for large stores as well. Pay attention to signs that designate no parking zones or that tell truck drivers aren’t welcome to park.
Do Truck Drivers Deal with a Lot of Stress on the Road?
All drivers handle stress differently. While some find the job intensely stressful, others enjoy being on the road and find great enjoyment in the job. Some stress and anxiety are common when you start out as a new driver, but it should ease into more enjoyment as you learn the ropes of the road.
What Do Truck Drivers Do for Entertainment?
This is one of the most valid truck driver questions because you’re going to have downtime on the road. Truck drivers often read books, listen to audiobooks and podcasts, video chat with loved ones, and play video games much as they would back home.
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