Do you have what it takes to be a great truck driver? 

This top 10 list isn’t in any particular order, with the exception of the first two qualities. We believe that the top two most important qualities of being a great truck driver are having a great work ethic, and being safety-oriented. We’ll talk a bit about being safe next, but for now we’ll focus on hard work. 

1. Hard-working

Trucking is by no means an easy job. It’s long hours on the road away from home, with lots of stops, lots of challenges, and plenty of attention required. But that being said, if you can commit to putting the work in, it can pay major dividends. If you feel like a career in trucking might be for you, and you’re a hardworking man or woman to boot, you should seriously consider taking the dive into becoming a truck driver. 

2. Safety-oriented

Again, we think being safety-oriented is the most essential quality for a truck driver, along with being a hard worker. These are both the top two qualities in our opinion. What does being safety oriented mean? Well, first of all, it means always putting the safety of yourself, your load, your truck, and the other drivers on the road above all else. That should go without saying, but it’s crucial that you have this mindset if you’re going to be a great truck driver. Safety checks, regular breaks and checkups, and caution while driving are pivotal. Safe drivers, wanted. 

3. Experience

Knowing the road is a huge advantage if you want to be a great truck driver, and this really can only come from putting in the hours. Years of experience turn drivers into the best truckers on the road, and can help you prepare for any given situation. 

4. Expertise

With experience comes expertise. The more situations you find yourself in on the road, the more comfortable you’ll be on the road, and that builds your expertise. Our drivers are Dolphin take care to make sure deliveries are made safely and on time whenever possible. Being able to do so is what makes us experts, and being experts is what allows us to get the job done. They work off each other. 

5. Attention to detail

If you’re going to be a great truck driver it’s important that you pay attention to the road, your rig, and your surroundings in general. Knowing what sounds right, looks right, and feels right is going to benefit you if you’re in this for the long haul. 

6. Organization

When you need to make stops in multiple cities over a short period of time, organization becomes a huge factor. It will keep you on time, and ensure that you’re never out of place both figuratively and literally. Our team of logistics experts take this extremely seriously. There’s no such thing as being too organized at Dolphin Delivery. 

7. Patience

Sometimes the kilometres go by fast, and sometimes they go by slow. It’s all a part of the job. Being patient is extremely important when it comes to doing things the safe way, and the right way. So having patience is definitely one of the top qualities of all great drivers. 

8. Cool under pressure

When you face a challenge, do you crack, or step up to the plate and meet it head on? That’s something you should be asking yourself if you’re considering a career in transportation. When things go wrong, a great truck driver keeps his or her cool and doesn’t let the pressure get to them. They go through their protocol and get back to work in a safe manner. 

9. Focused

Staying alert and focused is important in most jobs, but in truck driving, it’s imperative. You need to stay focused on the task at hand, everytime, always. The road simply won’t allow for slip ups. If you can stay focused and take the job as seriously as it demands you be, you’ll have a great career in trucking. 

10. Motivated

Self-starters do well in trucking. It’s an industry where you can work hard and see yourself rewarded for your efforts, which is why so many people find it to be a fulfilling career. It’s not easy, and it’s not without it’s challenges, but a motivated driver will reap the rewards of his or her hard labour for years to come. And to us, that’s the beauty of the job. Hard work pays off.