It is imperative to cross all of your “T’s” and dot your “I’s.” Too many time has the office staff corrected many if not ALL of your paperwork. Including, FOLDING your paperwork (there’s an example of how to fold your paperwork on the wall right where you turn it in…). For a simple task that may take you 5 minutes of consideration, may take us 30 minutes to figure out what you did on a day to day basis. Please take the time, fill out your paperwork correctly and legibly.
TRUCK STOP ETIQUETTE
The truck stop is hands down the most important social hub of trucking. It’s a club that welcomes new recruits and reveres its elders for their miles and experience. A truck stop is an oasis of the road that offers entertainment and camaraderie while you fuel your truck and yourself. Whether you’re a new or experienced truck driver, there are a few rules to mind for your fellow drivers that even the best of us can grow lax on from time to time. Consider this a guide on truck stop manners for all of us.
The Golden Rule
Don’t: Park your truck at the fuel island while you go inside for a meal, shower, and paperwork.
Do: Fuel up the truck and then relocate the truck to an actual parking spot.
You don’t want to be the driver waiting on the guy parked at the fuel island, so don’t be that driver for somebody else. The same goes for every rule that follows.
The Other Golden Rule
Don’t: Leave behind “trucker bombs” in your overnight spot. Or anywhere else for that matter.
Do: Take your not-so-mellow yellow bottles into a restroom to properly dispose of the contents.
We all get it. Long hours on the road combined with drums of coffee leaves Mother Nature knocking when there isn’t a restroom for miles sometimes. If you’re too embarrassed to take it in, we recommend the book Everybody Poops. Remember the Scout rule to leave a place better than the way you found it.
Look Presentable
Don’t: Be confused for somebody from a Photos of Shame Hall of Fame.
Do: Put. Clothes. On.
Not every company has uniforms but many have dress codes. And even if yours doesn’t, take some pride in your profession and cover up.
Lend a Hand
Don’t: Wait for another trucker’s mistake to become your social media hit.
Do: Look out for other drivers and offer a lending hand.
Whether you’re new or old to the truck, life still happens outside of it to keep us distracted and tired. Everybody is going to have a slip up every once in a while. Do your best to offer a smile, with the benefit of the doubt, and kindly let a fellow driver know about a light out or signal them into a tight squeeze.
Make a Courtesy Call
Don’t: Accept night callers.
Do: Educate yourself about human trafficking and call for help.
Be aware of certain figures who move from truck to truck. Check out Truckers Against Trafficking and stick one of their free stickers in your cab window with the helpline info.
