Let’s talk about what exactly the truck driver is responsible for when it comes to hauling freight. To be on the safe side let’s assume that the truck driver is responsible for absolutely everything unless I specifically say otherwise.

And I probably won’t say otherwise.

A typical story you’ll hear a truck driver tell after his truck has tipped over is, “I was going around the curve on the offramp and the load shifted causing the truck to tip.” And I believe every word of this story almost every time because that’s exactly what usually happened, except they left out a couple of details….what they should have said was, “I was going too fast around the curve on the offramp and the load, that I said was loaded properly and was safe for travel, shifted causing the truck to tip.”

Couple of really important things to note here.

The first one simply relates to how fast a truck can go around a curve. In trucking, there’s two ways to find out. One, you could hire an engineer and give them the numerical details involving weight, center of gravity height, turn radius, etc and a few simple calculations later you have the exact speed a specific truck can go around a particular curve.

The easier way is too just get in a truck and find out the “real world” way.

DON’T do this. NOT EVEN ONCE!

Often times when a truck tips over on an interstate highway ramp the driver knew when he took the exit that he was going way too fast but figured he’d find a way to get it slowed down really quickly. Misjudgments in a big rig can be really, really bad sometimes. Really bad.

Taking chances and making assumptions as a truck driver can be equally terrible. I realize that it’s out of order to cover this topic right now but I don’t care….nothing in the world is more important to any trucker than safety. There is no bad time to mention it.

Write Amazing Cover Letters

By: Brett R. Aquila
About the Author:

Are you new to the job hunting scene? Do your hands get all sweaty when you go to pick up a pen to fill in job application forms? Do you start shaking like a leaf just at the thought of such a stressful event? If you fit this description, then this article is definitely for you!

First of all, if you have a resume or CV, all the information you need should be already there. If you lack a resume or CV, it may be time to create one.

When are job application forms used by an employer? They are commonly used for entry-level, part-time and blue collar positions in order to screen potential employees.

For other kinds of jobs, the application is simply the paperwork that the Human Resources department makes all its applicants fill out. Many times an employer will ask you to submit an application after they have interviewed you.

Here are a few tips on completing job application forms:

Be prepared with all necessary information. Be sure to have your drivers’ license, resume, social security and names, addresses and telephone numbers of previous employers.

Read and follow all instructions carefully. Review the entire application form before filling it out. You should think of this application as your first real test in following directions.

Neatness counts! Be as legible and as neat as you can since the application form reflects you. If you have a typewriter available, consider typing it. If you are filling in the application by hand be sure to use only blue or black ink and use some “white-out” for little mistakes.

If you are seeking a certain kind of job, tailor your answers to suit it. Focus your education and experience to the job you are applying for. You want to show your employer why you are more qualified for this position than any of the other applicants. Be sure to include background experience when appropriate.

Don’t leave anything blank on your application. Employers give out job application forms because they want similar information from all applicants. If a question does not apply to you simply respond with an “n/a” or “not applicable”.

Answer truthfully. You certainly do not want to put lies on your job application. Lies can be discovered and you can get fired for these.

Stay away from any specific salary requirements. Employers will often use this question as a screening device. It would be better to say that you are “open” to the kind of salary you get or that it is “negotiable”.

Provide references. Choose your references carefully. Make sure you ask a person if they are willing to be a reference for you. Most young job-seekers today have a nice mix of professional and character references.

Proofread your job application before you submit it. After you finish your application, sit back, try to relax and proofread the application checking for all errors.

One final word. Your goal in completing an application is to get an interview. Take your time and do the very best that you can.

There’s more on completing job application forms here including job application guidelines on completing the free-format section on why do you want the job.

Write Amazing Cover Letters

By: Catherine Z Jones
About the Author: