What Advice Would You Give to New Truckers?

TERRY CHAMBERS
Broxton, Ga.
Tri-State Expedited Freight
“Think safety.”

BYRON THOMPSON
Lukin, Texas
Midnight Express
“Keep an eye on your equipment.”

TOBY NOE
Louisville, Ky.
Marten Transport
“Take care of your family. Always put your family first.”

BRUCE STREMMEL
Detroit
Swift Transportation
“Have patience about the company and the industry. Take it easy.”

DONNIE CRAWFORD
Loyal, Wis.
Landstar
“You might spend less later if you spend more now. Cheaper’s not always better.”

DONALD RUFFIN
New Roads, La.
Dupre’
“Watch your trailer at all times while you’re driving, and watch your surroundings. Go to as many safety meetings as you can.”

RODNEY
GILDERSLEEVE
Birmingham, Ala.
J.L. Transportation
“Get some sleep.”

KENNETH FLOYD
Dothan, Ala.
Alabama Motor Express
“Take main routes. Can’t take the back roads. It wastes gas and takes longer.”

JASON MCCRACKEN
Truckston, N.Y.
TransAm Trucking
“Be safe. Take your time.”

FRANK GOODE
Florence, Ala.
Midwest Carriers
“Stress safety. Get more experience.”

DONALD PERDUE
Taylor, Mich.
U.S. Xpress
“Always be cautious. You cannot undo an accident.”

JAMES ELLIS
Edom, Texas
Moo-la Transport
“Find an old driver who’s been around for 25 or 30 years and do everything he says.”

JAMES MCGARRITY
Crenshaw, Miss.
Knoll Fleet
“Find a good company to drive for.”

GILBERT HULL
Waynoka, Okla.
FedEx Custom Critical
“Be a company driver before being an owner-operator. Make sure they like the profession before they invest a lot in it.”

JAMES ATKINS
Lampasas, Texas
Lisa Motor Lines
“Stay focused and be aware of everything. Ask questions. There are no bad questions.”


Next month’s question:

What are you most thankful for?

E-mail your responses to [email protected].

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