Revised December 19, 2025
The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius wrote in his Meditations that "the universe is change." Change is a constant, and while exciting and full of promise, change comes with its own set of challenges, too.
So why am I starting with this? Well, if you've landed on this page, chances are good you've recently made a change, yourself — to driving for a new carrier. And I'm here to help you hit the ground running and crush your first 90 days.
After ten years of experience helping drivers through orientation and as a driver manager at Anderson Trucking Service (ATS), I've learned that the first 90 days with a new carrier are among the hardest on truck drivers. Everything is new and turnover can be high during this time. But if you know what to expect and how to handle it, there's no reason you can't set yourself up for stability and long-term success.
With this article, and my decade of experience in this industry, I’ll help you navigate your transition so you can focus on what matters most: driving, earning, and getting home safely.
This is at number one for a reason. Your driver manager is your lifeline at ATS, so it's a good idea to think of them as your partner. From your first week of orientation, your DM will be your go-to contact for understanding company expectations, managing loads, and getting you the support you need to make your first few months as smooth as possible.
My recommendation? Use that first week to set up a meeting with your DM to get to know each other early, and to go over anything you have concerns or questions about. You'll each get a sense of the others' communication style and mindset, which will lay the groundwork for effective communication going forward. In this business, as in any kind of relationship, communication is everything. This meeting is also your opportunity to talk openly and honestly about:
Pro Tip: Be prepared going into this meeting. Have a few well-thought-out questions at the ready to get the most out of it. Try asking, "What does a great first month look like to you?"
Every carrier company has different lanes, freight types, customers, and dispatch rules. Getting to know all of these early on will make a big difference for your peace of mind, not to mention your efficiency and, most importantly, your safety and your earnings. Early diligence sets you up for big rewards down the line.
Here's more on that whole "change can be a challenge" thing. But it doesn't have to be. With a thoughtful, open approach, you'll quickly be able to build confidence behind the wheel and stay safe out on the road.
So, just how do you get comfortable with a new truck and the latest technology?
Not to get all "Zen" on you here, but think of your truck as an extension of yourself. The more familiar you are with it, the safer and more productive you'll be.
You may have just scrolled right down to this part, and honestly, I wouldn't blame you (though, if you did, you should still go back and read the previous sections). Pay is top of mind for many truck drivers, and it's one of the biggest reasons drivers switch carriers, so it's extremely important you understand the expectations on pay and how it works from the get-go. Misunderstandings on this can get messy later on.
Simply put, understanding how you get paid is one of the most important steps in choosing (and keeping) the right driving job. It's no different from any other job in this respect. By asking the right questions (again, refer to this article), you'll gather most of this information from your recruiter, but in that initial meeting with your driver manager (refer back to #1 here), just make sure you've got all the details ironed out and you're on the same page. Things like:
For over 70 years, ATS has thrived and grown in the trucking industry, and it's no secret as to how. Our long-term success, through all manner of ups and downs, comes largely from one simple (but extremely important) value that we've always held dear: support for our drivers on and off the road.
Over the past seven decades, we've worked with just about every kind of driver you can imagine: from those just getting their footing to seasoned pros who have been driving trucks for decades — and everything in between. One thing we've noticed? Every driver needs help from time to time, even the most experienced.
Our orientation covers a lot of this information, but it's helpful to go over it all with your driver manager and take notes, too.
What's Important for Me to Know?
Pro Tip: Make sure your emergency contacts, support team members, and company policy details are easily at hand: in your phone, in your truck, and in your notes.
A well-crafted 30-60-90-day plan is one of the best ways to set yourself up for success during your first three months on the job. It breaks your goals into manageable phases, helps you stay focused and accountable, and aligns with the benchmarks many carriers use to track progress. Here's how I suggest approaching it:
First 30 Days: Learn
Master Electronic Logging Device (ELD) use, paperwork, and company safety policies
Days 31-60: Apply
Run a mix of lanes to learn customers and regions. Stay hungry!
Days 61-90: Excel
Focus on consistency and preferred lanes
Pro Tip: Use a notebook or digital tracker to record loads, lessons learned, and driver manager feedback. Small weekly adjustments lead to big progress by day 90.
Hopefully this article has made things a little less...overwhelming for you. Because starting with a new carrier can be a lot to take in. But with the right focus and a positive outlook, your first 90 days will set the tone for a long and successful career on the road.
At ATS, we believe in building strong relationships and an ongoing network of support, and we encourage every driver to:
And to avoid these common mistakes new drivers make:
So if you're looking for a carrier that truly invests in your success (and let's face it: what driver isn't), discover what sets ATS apart and see if joining our team is the right next step in your driving journey or contact us today.