You’ve graduated from truck driving school and started building your career as a truck driver. You’ve been driving on local routes, getting on-hand experience, and wondering if it’s time to move on to long-haul trucking. This change won’t be just a different route but stepping into a whole new career.
While it’s an exciting change, it comes with managing more responsibilities. Here’s how to make the switch successfully:
1. Figure Out If Long-Haul Fits Your Goals
Local trucking gives you a predictable routine and keeps you close to home. Long-haul driving, on the other hand, takes you across states, often for weeks at a time. It’ll only work if you enjoy the process of travelling, want to explore new places, or need a higher paying job.
But it’s not for everyone. Long-haul drivers spend a lot of time alone, which can be both freeing and challenging. Your truck could break down or be stuck because of snow or adverse weather for several hours or days.
2. Upgrade Your CDL if Necessary
In Canada, you require a Class A Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) if you want to start a career in long-haul trucking. Check your current license limits on the type of vehicles or loads you can handle. We offer a 5-week Ontario-approved MELT program that prepares you for Class A licence. Our students receive personalized coaching, so we help you in mastering every skill needed to be a responsible truck driver. Reach out to us for more details.
3. Learn From Experienced Long-Haul Drivers
When you join a logistics company, you’ll be paired with an experienced driver for a few months. Ask them about the challenges they’ve faced, how they stay organized on the road, and what advice they’d give to someone just starting. You can also join online trucking forums to ask questions. Members of these forums are quite supportive and use this advantage sincerely.
4. Get Comfortable With Life on the Road
Long-haul trucking isn’t a 9-to-5 job. You’ll sleep in your truck, eat most meals on the road, and manage relationships from a distance. Start by figuring out what makes you comfortable. Invest in a good mattress for your truck and pack things that make your space feel like home, such as photos, favorite snacks, or a portable coffee maker. You’ll also need an emergency meal and medicine kit. Read through our guide here.
5. Plan Routes Like a Pro
Unlike local deliveries, you’ll deal with multi-day trips, weigh stations, and varying weather conditions. Use trucker-specific GPS apps to find the best routes and stay updated on road closures or restrictions. Here’s our go-to app recommendations.
6. Focus on Your Health and Safety
Even though hectic, it is mostly a sedentary job. You need to make time for regular exercise, even if it’s just stretching during rest stops or a couple kilometres of walk. It’s also easy to get into a habit of eating fast food, so pre-plan your meals. You can buy a small freezer and microwave, cook and pre-portion freezer meals.
Don’t go over your daily scheduled hours. Follow Hours of Service (HOS) regulations to avoid burnout, double-check your vehicle before every trip, and stay alert behind the wheel.
Some logistics companies are more supportive than others. In the first couple years, focus on gaining experience with the right employer. Benefits and pay are secondary. For more trucking support, follow our blog at Caledon Truck Driving School.
