When you’re setting off on a new journey and beginning something new, it always helps to talk to those who have tread the path before. That's why we sat down with Dan Bagg, ex-commercial driver and Road Ninja’s Growth Manager, to find out everything you need to know about starting your career as a truck driver.
Whether you’re looking to know how to engage professionally, learn tips for upskilling or find out the best way to get in the game, keep reading. Dan’s best practice tips will help you last the distance in this ever-changing and rewarding industry.
First up, it pays to start your career as a truck driver as you mean to continue - by cultivating a sense of integrity and professionalism. Putting professionalism into practice at the beginning of your career will help you become a good truck driver by building skills in:
Dan knows that the truck driving industry is small and close-knit, so practising professionalism from the very start goes a long way toward building a strong reputation. It’s important to remember that not only will you spend a lot of time in the driver’s seat, but you’ll find yourself spending time at terminals and rest stops with other truck drivers, operations managers and HR recruitment members too.
Using rest stops and terminal time wisely is key. Dan recommends talking with everyone you come into contact with - ask questions, show interest and be willing to learn. You never know who you might connect with, and best of all, if you approach people with a positive attitude and a willingness to try different things, you will open yourself up to new opportunities while building a stellar reputation at the same time.
At this stage, you might be asking yourself how you can start practising professionalism and building a strong reputation if you have yet to begin your truck driver career? If that’s the case, don’t worry. Dan’s advice for aspiring truck drivers is to go on a ride-along. “For anyone thinking of getting into the industry, they are invaluable,” he says.
Most companies are happy to provide ride-along opportunities to give people insight into the ins and outs of professional truck driving. That way, you can gain first-hand experience in the industry before you apply for work.
If you’re going on a ride-along, present yourself well by wearing clean clothes and appropriate PPE (if needed). Arriving for a ride-along well-groomed shows pride in yourself and the company you are representing. Remember, maintaining professionalism from the start will help you build a strong reputation.
While the timeframe for becoming a truck driver is different for everyone, there are generally two paths to starting your driving career: becoming an employee or a contractor. It’s common for drivers to get into the industry through friends or family. Still, others might join a company and progress through employment. From there, more experienced drivers like Dan may choose to grow their work through contracting.
One benefit of being an employee truck driver can be the opportunity to incrementally gain higher licences while being nurtured through a company at the same time. That being said, gaining additional licences through self-funding is worth the investment.
For example, being able to transport dangerous goods starts at $250 for a one-day course, depending on how many people attend. While this may seem like a lot of money upfront, the upside is that after completing the course, you are certified to carry out a wider range of jobs and will see a greater return on your investment. Which leads us straight into our next tip.
Dan’s final piece of advice is that the truck driving industry has a high demand for drivers who can sustain flexible working schedules. In fact, Road Ninja’s survey conducted with National Road Carriers, an association that represents transport companies in New Zealand, showed that over 248 drivers will be needed across 30 companies in the Auckland, Bay of Plenty and Waikato areas over the next few months. Not to mention that Dangerous Goods endorsements are needed by 55% of companies.
And while an abundance of work lies ahead, Dan says that the willingness to adapt to unusual working patterns - from early morning starts to working through the night - will see you last the distance.
On that note, remember to take care of yourself and be a responsible truck driver by avoiding drugs at all times and steering clear of alcohol the night before and during a long haul. Random drug and alcohol tests are common and necessary in the truck driving industry to ensure standards are adhered to and drivers and other travellers stay safe on the road.
According to Dan, starting your career as a truck driver is the beginning of a never-ending journey. “You will never become a master,” he says. Yet maintaining professionalism, curiosity, and a love for learning will help ensure your employability for a wide variety of driving jobs.
So if you’re ready to kick-start your truck driving career, download the Road Ninja today. We will help you choose the commercial driving jobs you want and get your career moving in the right direction.