A Queensland truckie with three decades of experience on the road has set up a Facebook group to help new drivers learn the ropes.
John Bellam from Pittsworth is sharing everything from videos on how to unhook trailers to advice on getting a start in the industry.
His Facebook group, “Learn the old school way”, is only a week old but has already received a great response.
John, who is currently a driver with MFT Haulage, told Big Rigs: “I decided to set up the group because I would see a fair few young people asking questions about how to get into trucking.
“My dad was from the old school and he taught me from a young age about the industry.
“I thought I could help the next generation and pass on some of that knowledge.”
John said modern truck driver training programs can leave a lot to be desired, and he recommends starting from the bottom and working your way up.
“I got my first job washing trucks when I was 18, and then I got a job in a timber yard driving a little body truck around town.
“I had plenty of experience before I moved up to driving semis interstate.
“These days because of the driver shortage, if you have a licence and any experience, you’ll probably be put on – but I don’t think that’s the best way to do it.”
He said it’s a shame that modern company policies often prevent drivers taking their kids on the road with them.
“I used to jump in the truck with my dad when he was driving interstate, and he taught me how to load and unload, how to change the tyres and wash the truck,” he added.
John thinks some of the camaraderie of trucking is being lost, with truckies sometimes reluctant to give guidance to newbies.
“There are a lot of truckies out there who don’t want to pass on their knowledge,” he said.
“Or they take pictures of mistakes people have made and make fun of their misfortune on Facebook instead of helping them.
“My dad always said, never be a know-it-all in this game. No-one’s perfect, and I’m still learning to this day.”
1. John used to head out in this “big banger” with his dad when he was growing up. Image: John BellamOne of the main lessons John wants to share with younger drivers is to take your time.
“I see drivers going at top speed through roadhouses to the fuel bowsers, but I always got taught to slow down and put it in first gear,” he said.
“You might be panicking that you’re going to run out of hours in your log book, but it’s not worth risking safety trying to rush.
“If you run out of hours, just pull up at a parking bay and wait until your log book comes good again.”
Another lesson is to treat the gear like it’s your own.
“Keep things clean and polished up,” he said.
“I know it’s hard when it rains and everything gets dirty, but it’s best if you can avoid turning up covered in grease and mud.”
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