Commercial truck driving is not an easy feat. It requires a lot of patience and dedication, especially considering the long work hours and routes. However, when organizations hire truckers, they look for established professionals. This includes people who have been in the industry for quite some time or those who know the ins and outs of commercial driving. That is why it is necessary for drivers to possess a certain skill set that can help them acquire such jobs.
One way to do this is by signing up with a commercial trucking driving leasing agency. These institutions help train new commercial drivers, preparing them for road life. To find out what hard and soft skills are necessary for a truck driver, make sure to read this blog till the very end.
Important Skills Every Commercial Truck Driver Should Have
When you’re on the road for several hours of the day, the last thing you want is to get stranded out alone, without any help coming your way. In such cases, it is crucial to have skills that can back you up. For instance, if a truck driver gets stuck in the middle of nowhere with a faulty engine, they would need hard skills to get it back up and running again. Similarly, in the case of soft skills, they should be able to know how to plan their route and communicate with the right people to seek help. Mentioned below are a handful of skills every commercial trucker should know about.
Hard Skills:
Hard skills are the physical, more tangible tasks that a tucker should be able to take care of, including:
- Excellent Navigational Skills
A truck driver needs to rely on their navigational skills to be able to maneuver through the roads and explore different areas when en route. - Experience in Commercial Driving
In order to get a commercial truck driving license, the driver has to have previous experience. This is crucial since, without prior experience, they could get lost, or the responsibilities might overwhelm them. - Detailed Route Planning
For inter-state drivers, being able to plan a route that is feasible according to the mileage and time is essential. - Must Possess Basic Mechanical Knowledge
You never know when an automobile might stop working due to a mechanical error. An experienced truck driver must be able to fix the issue without any hiccups, no matter where they are. - Expert in Backing and Docking
While the main job of a truck driver is to keep driving ahead, it is just as important for them to know how to drive in reverse for docking purposes.
Soft Skills:
Soft skills, on the other hand, are related to interpersonal qualities related to one’s behavior and the like. This can include the following:
- Good Communication Skills
It is necessary for a truck driver to be good at communication. Be it to address their manager or update fellow drivers on their location, communication is a key skill one cannot go without. - Time Management
Due to the mileage and timely deliveries, a truck driver should have excellent control over time and be able to manage it efficiently. - Must be Adaptable
Truck drivers have to keep up with a lot of changes. They should be able to adapt to the different driving routes and working temperatures.
The Final Takeaway
In short, both hard and soft skills are essential for a commercial truck driver. To get in touch with a community of trained commercial truck drivers in Houston, reach out to Casual Driver Leasing at either of the following locations:
- Houston
Location: 440 Benmar Dr., Suite 1290, Houston, TX 77060
Phone No.: (281) 447-0885 - Dallas
Location: 2401 Avenue J, Suite 213, Arlington, TX 76006
Phone No.: (817) 649-0300