The Johnson Method: Guidebook For New Tractor-Trailer Drivers

By Terrence Johnson

Driving tractor-trailers - a seemingly simple activity, but in reality, a complex system of moving goods from one location to another. Driving tractor-trailers - not just a job or profession, but an experience. It will change your life. But it is not short of challenges (and a sharp learning curve).

Many who step foot through those doors come to the conclusion that they made the right choice by going to a trucking school and getting a CDL, until they begin driving and realize the industry (and driving tractor-trailers) is a lot different than they were expecting. In this guidebook I will share with you The Johnson Method, a tried, true, and actually safe driving performance I learned, personally use myself, and train others.

Learn everything from greasing the 5th wheel, sliding tandems, how to properly perform an alley dock, drop trailers, hook trailers, sliding the 5th wheel, how to use a weigh scale, keeping your paychecks high (and your work easy), and much more! Learn all the things they don’t teach in trucking school, and gain insight on how your job will be like in the real world, on and off the highway.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Terrence Johnson
• Release date: Feb 19, 2023
• ISBN: 9798987719404

Book preview

The Faces of the Trucking Industry

Life is all about people. But it is also true that people have needs, whether they be food, shelter, safer roads to travel, hygiene care products, or tools to allow them to perform daily activities faster and easier. It does take more than one person, actually hundreds of millions of people to extract, transport, manufacture, package, ship, and deliver these essential resources.

Because so many people are required for the complex logistical process of moving essential goods, there is a necessity for timely, efficient, and accurate usage of soft-skills. Whether you are verbally communicating, using the ELD, a hands-free device, hand signals, vehicle lights, scanning tools, or computers, it is part of everyone’s job. Let’s take a look at the soft-skills that will be useful for you, and all the people involved (in some way) in the trucking industry you will engage.

SOFT-SKILLS

Teamwork is absolutely necessary in your day-to-day job duties as a tractor-trailer driver. You will work with various kinds of people, and they all will have their own job duties. It is vital you are able to get along with everyone you encounter. They are all a significant part of the resource logistical system. Therefore, when you engage with others while on the job, remember that you are there to help make their job a little easier and smooth, as much as they are there to make yours as well.

Communication (or a lack of) is a very common issue amongst people that can mature into greater problems. It is not only the numbers and load information that need to be communicated, but also potential dangers and even smaller issues that may not seem important.

Always communicate clearly what you need, why you are where you are, and whether there is any additional information that others may need. What may seem insignificant to you might be very important for others to know. Never be afraid to ask questions, or relay information that you think or feel might impact your safety or job duties (or the safety or job duties of others).

It does not matter what profession, job, or industry you work, there are going to be some number of problems, and those problems can have varying levels of severity. The trucking industry is no stranger to problems and conflict. Problem solving is part of any and all jobs, no matter what you do. Even when everything seem to be going smoothly, still you never want to let your guard down. Always be alert, and always be ready to work alongside others through communication, should problems arise.

Critical thinking might not be something you would think is necessary being a tractor-trailer driver. All you are doing is driving, driving is easy! Oh, how wrong could that be! Even driving small passenger vehicles require critical thinking. At a moment’s notice, anything could happen or change, and all of a sudden you could find yourself in the midst of danger or a possible