Trucking Pro Advice - How to Excel For the Long Haul

Entering the trucking industry as a new driver is an exciting and challenging journey. Whether you’re fresh out of trucking school or transitioning from another career, the road ahead can be daunting. Here at Maverick, we WILL do all that we can to properly educate and prepare you as you navigate your new career with confidence and professionalism.

Here’s some real and relevant advice from a current Maverick driver and Maverick road trainers to help you get started on the right foot.

Sam S. - Maverick Marine Driver for 3+ years:

‍"You need to have a support network. Being gone for any length of time, it’s important to have friends or family to talk to or someone to prop you up when you’re feeling low. The other I would say is being invested with your knowledge; learning details of what you work with, what we haul and the logistics of it will greatly improve your understanding of why things happen the way they do.”

The Maverick Training Department holds over 100+ years of professional driving experience. We asked them to provide their advice, and they responded with a few important questions to consider, as well as a few other professional pointers:

• Have you researched Maverick’s history and culture?
• Do you know the commitment required to be a Maverick? Doing the right thing, for the right reasons because it’s the right thing to do.
• As a professional driver, do you understand the sacrifice that’s required by you and your family?
• Do you believe in hard work and dedication to your job?
• Have you thought about the commitment to education and safety as a professional driver? There is a large academic commitment required when deciding to become a professional driver at Maverick.
• Do you personally know anyone in the transportation industry? If so, we encourage you to interview them to gain some extra insight.
• Understand that you are choosing a very challenging industry, both mentally and physically.
• Understand the responsibilities we hold as a carrier and what our professional drivers hold to the motoring public.
• Are you willing to work long hours, in all types of weather?
• Do you have the discipline to ensure that the job is done correctly every time (no shortcuts)?
• Understand that being in a hurry is one of the worst mistakes a professional driver can make.
• Be willing to put aside your pride and ask for help.
• Are you willing to put down the cell phone and refrain from distractions when it is time to work?
• Do you believe that opportunities exist for those that are willing to learn?
• Plan on being early for everything.
• Make sure you pay attention to detail to all information received.
• Make sure you bring your work clothes/ boots.
• Plan on studying every day, this will make training easier for you!
• Come in with a good attitude and work ethic and show us you want to be here, because WE WANT YOU TO BE HERE.
• Overall, this can be a very rewarding career but it’s not for everyone. It’s going to be what you make of it.
• Your success will only go as far as how hard you are willing to work by the effort and commitment you put forth.

Embarking on a career as a truck driver is a rewarding journey filled with opportunities for growth and success. Maverick is designed for mentorship and community. By utilizing the tools you’re given here, prioritizing safety, managing your time effectively, and continually seeking to improve your skills, you’ll set yourself up for success on the road.