Master the Trucking Lifestyle: Essential Tips for New Drivers

Angela Griffin and her husband, Scott, have been team drivers for almost a decade. They both came into team driving with years of solo experience and impressive records, including accident-free miles and accolades from competitions. Yet, when they switched to driving together for FedEx Ground, they felt completely out of their depth.

"The first six months, we were so clueless; we were so lost," Angela recalled in an interview. Despite her eight years of solo driving, and Scott’s even longer experience, the couple struggled to adjust to life on the road as a team.

To tackle their challenges, Angela spent a year figuring out how to create a comfortable living space within their truck. She improved their kitchen setup, organized their belongings, and honed her time management skills. Realizing others might be facing similar hurdles, she launched a YouTube channel to share her insights. Today, it has over 17,000 subscribers and offers valuable tips for fellow truckers.

Angela’s channel, Simple Livin’, covers everything from cooking and organization to transforming a truck cab into a cozy home. She even shares exercise routines adaptable to any parking situation, emphasizing that healthy living is possible on the road.

“Our channel is unique because it’s lifestyle-focused,” Angela pointed out. While traditional trucking schools teach driving skills, they often overlook the everyday realities of life on the road. Angela addresses essential topics, including managing bathroom breaks and conflict resolution, drawing from her own experiences.

"Trucking is one of the most dangerous jobs, and dealing with that stress is crucial," she said. Angela believes that what many see as a driver shortage is actually high turnover due to burnout. Small comforts, like a mini fridge and a water heater, can make a significant difference.

Additionally, she and Scott make it a point to celebrate special occasions in their truck. Angela has shared videos of celebrations for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Valentine’s Day, showcasing that it’s possible to enjoy life, even while on the road.

After 17 years in the industry, Angela realized she had missed many significant moments with family and friends. She’s determined not to let work overshadow her life anymore. This commitment drives her and Scott to pay off their dream log cabin on a mountain in Maryland within a year. Angela aims to retire debt-free by age 40.

Looking ahead, Angela and Scott plan to dedicate more time to their church, which they started last year. In the meantime, they continue to help other truckers through their YouTube efforts, providing advice that makes life on the road both manageable and fulfilling.

Angela frequently receives messages from followers who felt ready to abandon trucking until they found her channel. Many have refocused their financial goals, choosing to save rather than overspend at truck stops. One follower even paid off their house, a proud accomplishment celebrated last Christmas.

“It’s the little things that make a big impact,” Angela said, reflecting on the motivation behind her content creation. “We started with a pure intent to help others succeed.”

Their journey in trucking is a testament to resilience, adaptability, and the power of community support.

For more on health and wellness in high-stress jobs, check out resources from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

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