After you get lost a few times you wont care anymore. You get lost, you figure a way out of it. No big deal. Relax, so what if you do get lost? I've never heard of a truck driver that was lost forever! They always seem to show back up again!

 

I'm an O/O running expedited freight, so almost every shipper and consignee I go to are new to me.

I always do a good pre-trip planning. I use my wireless card to mapquest the directions, then cross reference it with my garmin, and also the map. I write detailed direction on a sticky note and put them on the lower edge of my windsheild so that I can see the directions without having to take my eye's off the road.

Everybody to some degree has FOF (fear of failure). Just do the best that you can possibly do, and the rest will take care of itself..

 

My biggest fear is winter driving, or rather, the prospect of doing so. Even though I live in a place which isn't too far from the arctic ( it's supposed to be the northern-most city in north America ), I've never driven a truck in winter conditions. I honestly don't know how to cope !! :cry: :cry: I wish I could attend a winter-driving course somewhere !!

 

I probably (and hopefully) don't have to tell anyone on this site this, but ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS have a road map in the truck with you!

I was sweeping one morning and some guy in an 18-wheeler stopped and asked me how to get to Douglas (I live in Tifton), and unfortunately I think I had told him the wrong highway. But because I drive for the city and hardly ever go out on the road, I don't need a map with me. But for fear of sounding like a smartass, I never did ask that guy why the hell he didn't have a map?. And it wouldn't have had to have been a laptop or a brand new one, either. An older, out-of-date map could have helped him in his case.

Going over the road without a map is like entering a sword fight without a sword.

 

Thanks for all the great tips!!!


Its nice to know this is more common than I thought.

It is also WONDERFUL to know that not all drivers are like the ones on the CB!


Its nice to know there are still some great drivers,like you all here, that will take the time to counsel a newbie!


thanks again
+neil+

 

if you would just calm down a minute and think about it, you would realize that all you have to do is wait until the light turns red again.. this is an example of calm thinking, perhaps some meditation classes would help you

 

Try to take deep breaths, close your eyes and just sit there and relax. What you are having is a panic or anxiety attack. There are medications you can take but almost all have a side effect of drowsiness. Since you are on the internet look up how to control panic/anxiety attacks, maybe start at webmd.com. You may find something that helps you. Just remember the more you try to use the suggestions the easier and faster they will take effect to relieve your attacks.

Hope this helps

 

I feel ya! I have ADHD myself. It is very frustrating to say the least!

 

It might be a good idea to discuss this with your Safety Department.

The good one's won't complain about a driver coming to them and saying" I want to stay safe, develop and improve my skills, be better prepaired for inclimate waether, and keep your ewuipment and our client's freight in one piece!!

In terms of winter weather, I was in a very similar situation to yours, except that I'm a native Texan who, in his early/mid forties, had only driven on snow twice in my entire life. That, BTW, was in a toyota Corrolla, about 18 years brfore I ever climbed into the cab of a big truck.

There was simply no way in Hell that I was going to take an 80,000 lb. missle, and teach myself about driving in winter weather.

So, I asked to team up with an experienced driver who was a good team partner, a good friend, and a good mentor as well.

If Safety won't work with you on this matter, then find another company who will!!

BOL2U!!

 

You remind me of my first days driving that big orange pumpkin! I was the same, always getting uptight, nervous, and mildly paranoid when coming into a new customer - which, let's face it, that's twice per load for a new guy, right?

You have to work on your confidence, for the most part. I don't know what training you went through, but my trainer (and major props to driver trainer D. Preciado @ the Schneider W. Memphis terminal!) took us through DOWNTOWN Memphis, TN in the final weeks of the course. I *HATED* that area, and dreaded each trip...until I didn't. After a while, all those tight turns, heavy traffic, and one way streets were just old hat for me. My point is, having that experience - and succeeding at it - gave me the confidence to face new challenges.

So think back on the most challenging part of your training - the part that made you feel like you do now - and use that to build your confidence.

Also, like previous posters have said, call ahead and verify directions. Write them down on a notepad that you have quick access to. Look at those windshield suction cup mount clips, and attach your notepad to that so you have quick access to directions. Use short and efficient notes - don't write them out longhand. Use abbreviations, but keep them the same from now until forever, so that they're all old hat. Here's an example.

X-PAC

1500 FT. JESSE RD.
NORMAL, IL
(309) 555-1212

- I-55 NORTH XIT #167 (VETERANS PKWY)
- EOR T/R (SOUTH) VETERANS PKWY
- APPROX 1.5 MI
- @ 2ND S/LITE SEE BRIDGESTONE/FIRESTONE RHS
- T/R (WEST) FT. JESSE RD
- NEXT S/LITE T/R (NORTH) TOWANDA
- FAC 2ND DRV RHS
- STAGE TO RIGHT REPORT TO SHIPPING

Each step should be short, sweet, and to the point. Write big so you can read it at a glance, and separate each step with a line in between so it's easy to find the next step. When you call for directions, don't let them get away with this "turn right at the third light" stuff. Tell them you need street names as well. Light counts are useful, but how do you know if the guy counts that blinking yellow as a traffic light? Also ask for landmarks as in the example above. Bridgestone has two enormous tires on the edge of their property - it definitely stands out!

As long as you plan ahead and do your homework, you will start feeling much better when you go into these new areas. After awhile, you start learning little tricks to keep you focused on the task at hand, not what MIGHT happen IF you miss a turn (piece of advice? Three rights make a left, and vice versa! ).

Also, use sugarless gum when going into new areas - sounds weird, I know, but it helps gets rid of that nervous energy. And if you do use a GPS with mapping software (and I suggest you do) ALWAYS keep that truck atlas close, and before you start out, double check all roads it's routing you down for low bridges, truck restrictions, size and weight restrictions, etc.

Don't worry, what you're feeling is normal and actually useful. It keeps you concentrating on the task at hand, not paying attention to the talk radio station or (worse yet) a cell phone conversation.

Bill