Based off our ‘Trucking Bonus Minute with Betsy’ YouTube Series
From studying chemistry at Purdue University to working in construction, trucking, and finally as a driver recruiter at Paper Transport, it seems like Betsy has done it all!
Elizabeth “Betsy” Berrens, originally from Northern Indiana, joined Paper Transport in September of 2022 as a driver recruiter. Since then, she has gifted us with a great deal of insight into her extensive driving experience.
Below, we have compiled some of Betsy’s extensive truck driver tips knowledge, advice for adapting the trucking lifestyle.
3-Points of Communication
One common subject new CDL graduates face when transitioning to the truck driver lifestyle is maintaining a consistent line of communication with their spouses and family members.
In the past, Betsy and her husband drove as a team, but due to health concerns, she had to leave her trucking career behind. Betsy had to adapt to her spouse being on the road for weeks or even months at a time! Here’s how Betsy perfected a communication routine that best works for her and her husband while he is on the road:
- Before their days began, they will call each other first thing.
- The second point of communication comes during lunchtime. Betsy’s husband will text her when he is parked or unloading to see if she’s available to chat.
- Finally, the “first guy” who goes to sleep at night will reach out to chat about their day and a rough schedule of what their tomorrow will look like. This will help determine what time will be the safest to reach out to your truck driver.
Keep your phone out of reach while driving. The penalties for using your phone while driving may range from a ticket to life-threatening consequences such as loss of life.
The “Oh Sh*t” List
What is an Oh, Sh*t List?
An Oh Sh*t list is a sheet with contact Information for the spouse or significant other (S.O.) who may not normally handle a particular aspect of the household maintenance, or emergencies. These resources should be readily available for said spouse or S.O.!
We have created a downloadable template for your use:
Truck Driver Tips For New CDL Holders
New CDL holders need to mentally prepare themselves: Trucking is different and difficult. The toll driving and making thousands of decisions every day on the road is exhausting. Betsy said, for herself, it took 6 months to get her routine and full confidence being on the road.
Ensure you are combating the mental tolls of truck driving by:
- Get the proper amount of sleep
- Don’t sit on your phone when you are trying to sleep
- Eat foods that are refreshing and will keep your body awake, like:
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Nuts
- Boiled Eggs
- Try a hot meal at night
- Stay hydrated
- Make your truck your home
- Nice bedding and comforter
- Fridge
- Lunchbox Stove Recipe – check out this Trucker Chili TikTok Video
- Bring medication whether it is prescribed or over the counter.
Making The Most of Home Time
When Betsy’s husband gets home from trucking, Betsy shared that sometimes there are items that need to be taken care of around the house that she needs help with. Instead of bombarding him at the door, Betsy delays her “honey do” list by a day. That way, her husband has time to decompress and unwind.
More so, this is the driver’s time to be refreshed and spend quality time with loved ones. Instead of a driver feeling like they worked on their days off, they can relax at home.
Again, these are all items that work for Betsy and her husband’s trucking lifestyle. To those embarking on their trucking journey: Thank you for all you do and keep up the great work! Thank you, Betsy, for sharing all your truck driver tips.
CHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE SERIES :
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