Being a Professional Truck Driver
Posted by
Jim Pitman on Fri, Aug 05, 2011 @ 05:53 PM
As truck drivers we are known by many names – some are good like “ Long Hauler”, “Parking Lot”, or just plain “Driver". There are others that are bad like “Road Hog”, “Truck Driver” (with a demeaning sneer in the voice), and other names that are not appropriate to include on this blog.
One title which is not mentioned enough is “Professional Driver”. Being a truck driver is not just a job - it is a profession, even if the media and the general public do not recognize it as such. This negative perception of our profession is something we encounter every day. The good news is - the power to change this perception is in the hands of each and every driver out there on the road – by the way we react, interact, and engage with everyone we come in contact with.
The mobile billboard we drive represents us, our company, and the overall trucking industry. Some drivers focus only on the miles at the end of the day, the hot shower at the next fuel stop, or the well deserved time off. It is the Professional Drivers who understand that along with all of this, there is the responsibility to create a better image of drivers, the company, and the industry and to make the roads safer.
One of the most effective ways for us to better our image is to be courteous and safe drivers. We all know that the motoring public, with few exceptions, do not understand what is takes for an 18 wheeler to make turns in a congested city, or for 80,000 lbs. to come to an emergency stop. On a daily basis, we are cut off, hedged in, tailgated, or put in dangerous situations due to other drivers’ inattention. Many blame it on ignorance or just plain stupidity, but who is calling the kettle black? For every time we see a car creating a dangerous situation, we can also count on our fellow drivers doing the same things – tailgating, cutting people off, laying on the air horn to voice an opinion, or tuning the XM radio instead of looking ahead to see that the lane is ending. Professional Drivers have to make up for these bad apples that spoil everyone’s image.
What makes someone a Professional Driver?
- Take control the situation – Don’t let it control you
- Take responsibility, not just for your own safety, but for the others we share the road with
- The way you drive has its own body language – be aware of what you are “saying”
Most of all, the Professional Driver accepts that road hazards are a part of life. They believe that just because the hazards may be created by human error it does not make the people whom we share the road with less human – it requires us to be more responsible for their safety because they are human.
There are many new drivers who are counting on experienced drivers to be an example and to give them guidance. As Professional Drivers we need to also take these opportunities to mentor the next generation.
You can do this while on the road, but you can also pass on words of wisdom by commenting on this post. We welcome your thoughts, ideas, and experiences!
We also welcome any Professional Driver who wants to join our team. Visit Gordon Trucking's website to find out more about GTI's professional truck driving opportunities.