By Sandy Long

A good trucker knows that no matter how long they drive, there is always room for improvement. There are many ways a driver continues to hone his/her skills. Recently, I asked the question on the Women In Trucking Facebook group “How do you try to keep improving your trucking skills?” Following are some of the member’s answers.

Elizabeth Gray: “Try more difficult backs.”

Michele White: “Always be observant, especially when people are backing. Watch how they approach and then the set-up. Try and second guess (to yourself) how you think they should do it, taking note of their equipment, length, width, fifth wheel and tandem placement, trailer swing, windows, mirrors, their in gear speed, room to follow, GOAL. To the day I retired, my favorite pastime was watching other drivers, the good, the bad, and the ugly. Much can be learned just from watching.”

Lynn Morrison Vaughan: “Observing other drivers doing whatever maneuver they happen to be doing in my sight.”

Mechele Heston: “I watch and listen to other drivers. I am always learning.”

Trish Scott: “Still love getting tips from old hands, older than me, and have even gotten some helpful tips from rookies. Mostly related to making flatbed life easier. But I always keep an open mind and am always receptive to new ideas and or constructive criticism. Because some days I totally suck at this!”

Marcia Coyner: “As a new driver, I am always watching my 26-year seasoned husband, whether it's backing, downshifting, logbooks, however, he didn't realize that there are actually 90 items to be checked when doing a pre-trip inspection until I did one with our Safety Director! I don't think we ever stop learning tricks of the trade!”

Margaret Levesque: “I am still always asking questions. I have even taken refresher classes.”

Eddy Loverso: “I try to improve something each time I get behind the wheel, so eventually the lazy habits I started to acquire over time become learning tools of what not to teach someone that’s new out there. I believe a lot of the crazy things happening around us by big trucks, might be partly due to complacent drivers that do not see a reason to change any of their old, careless habits.”

Idella Marie Williams Hansen: “Controlled backing, we have an old football field by the house. I take tractor and trailer and back around the field oval. When I can make two complete rounds without pulling up, then I have regained my speed and control in backing.”

Of course, when listening to other drivers, sometimes one must apply common sense to what they hear. However, whether one watches, listens, or just tries something new, the quest for excellence never ends for a driver if they want to succeed. Improving one’s skills not only makes the driver safer and more successful, it also benefits the company in less damage to the equipment, fewer claims, and less fuel used. A driver may never achieve perfection 100% of the time, but being on the quest can bring one much closer to it.