Hard and Soft Skills to be successful in Trucking
Being a truck driver is not just knowing how to drive a truck . Professional truck drivers need a huge variety of skills on the road and in their career. Having said that, truckers are the workhorse of American business, keeping supply chains flowing and businesses stocked. New in the field or already an established driver? Here are the best truck driver skills you have to master to succeed in the industry.
Hard Skills that every Truck Driver requires
When somebody inquires what a truck driver requires, it is probably driving skills. However , trucking needs. more than a few technical skills other than having the wheel.
Commercial Vehicle Driving (CDL)
To operate a truck, you are to possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL):
- Class A CDL: Applicable to tractor-trailers, flatbed, and bigger loads.
- Class B CDL: box truck, dump truck and straight truck.
- Class C CDL: Drivers of smaller HazMat vehicles and passenger vehicles.
The majority of truck drivers are going to seek a Class A CDL as it provides the most flexibility and the most high-paying opportunities.
Safe Driving Practices
Truckers are people who deal with heavy and huge trucks that can cause some significant damage. Clean driving record and strict adherence to regulations of the traffic are the keys to safety and success in the trucking industry.
Logbook and Record keeping
Current truck drivers need to keep proper records to stay compliant and safe. Being able to note down miles, service hours, inspections, and load information will keep you in line with federal specifications.
Truck Tarping and Interlocking
Issues such as tarping and untarping loads should be familiar to flatbed truckers, especially. Tarps are heavy and cumbersome. Therefore, proper methods can help prevent injuries and keep cargo dry and safe from the elements.
Loading/Unloading Freight
An efficient truck driver knows about various loading and unloading techniques including hand unloading, forklift, crane and HIAB. The more methods you know, the more valuable you will be to shippers and carriers.
Load Bar Operation
Truck drivers should be aware of how to use freight securing devices, i.e. cargo bars (load bars). Load lock bars, jack bars or e-track bars, accidents and broken deliveries are avoided when used properly.
Vehicle Inspection and Checkup
A truck driver should check and clean their truck. Early detection prevents accidents that could happen to your car and avoids costly road accidents.
OTR (Over the Road) Driving
Long-distance trucking requires discipline, familiarity with hours of service regulations and the ability to be comfortable with a sleeper cab. OTR driving is one of the most challenging – yet rewarding – jobs in the trucking industry.
Truck Driver Soft Skills
The soft skills of a truck driver are equally important besides technical skills. These are the skills that make you special, build trust and develop your career.
Physical Fitness & Stamina
Long-hours of driving need concentration and stamina. Tarping, loading and unloading freight also require strength.
Strong Work Ethic
With trucking, the greater the number of loads that you deliver, the higher the earnings. A promise of a continuous work creates a reputation and income.
Time Management
Effective timing of driving, filling up, meals, and rest breaks enable you to optimize the productivity and earnings.
Reliability & Dependability
The clients and carriers require truckers who report on time and deliver loads without accidents. Reliable drivers get recurring business and more rewarding loads.
Patience on the Road
The trucking is characterized by traffic jams, bad weather, and delay that catches unawares. Being patient will be safe and will alleviate stress.
Rapid reaction and solving problems
Whether it be sudden road closures, or accidents, truck drivers have to improvise and make smart decisions to ensure freight continues.
Navigation & GPS Skills
A good sense of direction is very important, even with the sophisticated GPS system so that there will be no delays and that all shipments are timely.
Teamwork & Communication
Although it can seem that truck driving is an independent job, it comes with dispatchers, clients, and logistics teams. Effective communication skills will create a relationship and operation that is smooth.
Honesty & Responsibility
The distinguishing characteristic of great truckers is that they are able to accept responsibility, acknowledge mistakes, and come up with solutions. Character develops trust.
Customer Service
Fundamentally, trucking is about service to customers. Professional approach and customer orientation make one time jobs into a repeat business and referrals.
The Way Logity Dispatch can assist truck drivers to develop
We know at Logity Dispatch that there are no perfect truckers. Other drivers are skilled haulers who find it difficult to complete paperwork or compliance. Others do well in locating loads but require someone to negotiate better rates
That’s where we come in. Our services enable the truck drivers and trucking companies to succeed by:
- Document and compliance management
- Dispatch and load negotiations
- Planning routes in an optimal way
Are you a novice driver or a seasoned owner- operator? We will assist you in doing what you do best and we will take care of the rest.
Get to the Next Level in Your Trucking Career.
The trucking business is challenging, yet, with the proper truck driver competencies and the proper resources, you can increase your revenues and reputation.