3 Tips for Truckers to Have Smoother Travels
The job of a trucker is essential. We’ve seen this in action over the past few years as the pandemic, supply chain issues, and worker shortages affect the rest of the world. Truckers keep on trucking, no matter what’s going on elsewhere.
But when this is your job, you’re not immune to the impacts of pandemics and critical shortages. In fact, you’re smack dab in the middle of them.
So how can you do your job, follow the rules and regulations of the trucking industry, and stay healthy, too?
As the world evolves, your job does, too. With these tips, you’ll have smoother travels, no matter what the journey and the road you’re on bring your way.
1. Follow the Rules of the Road
It sounds like common sense, but this is the most important tip you can follow as a trucker. Not everyone on the road is paying attention, especially with distracted driving replacing DUIs as the top cause of fatalities due to car crashes.
You’re driving a massive truck, which already increases your job’s danger level. As you know, stopping quickly is impossible, and any swerve could throw your load off balance.
Drive as though you’re the only one who knows what you’re doing, and you’ll avoid a lot of accidents.
Here are some other crucial truck driving tips that will reduce potential accidents:
- Make sure your load is secured, and never trust someone else to do this for you.
- Wear sunglasses to prevent road glare and eye strain.
- Don’t use cruise control in bad weather or when roads are wet. Your wheels will keep spinning if you skid.
- Always watch your surroundings and know what’s in front of, behind, and next to you.
You might want to speed to keep up with the traffic and shave a few minutes off your route, but this is an absolute no with big rigs. Even a few miles over the limit could be deadly if you can’t slow down for a turn or someone pulls out in front of you and you can’t stop.
2. Plan Your Route Ahead
GPS is an amazing tool that takes the hassle out of a long, unknown route. But knowing how to get where you’re going is only part of the job.
Professional truckers not only focus on their stops, they also know where the best rest areas are and have a contingency plan ready for problems.
What will you do if you get sleepy before your rest stop is scheduled? Who do you notify if there’s an accident or your truck breaks down? Is there construction along the route, and if so, are any detours safe for a rig your size? Which hotels will you stay at on overnight trips, and are they trucker-friendly?
These plans will change for every trip, even if your route is the same every time. You’ll need stretch breaks every 3-4 hours, healthy snacks to keep your energy up, and time to fuel up.
Don’t forget to include something to keep you awake and focused, like a podcast or an audiobook. Many truckers have a “phone-a-friend” system in place where they connect with other drivers or friends when they start feeling drowsy. The other person knows that the phone call means the caller needs help staying awake until they can get to a rest stop.
Truck driving can be a solitary job, but you should never hit the road without someone else knowing where you are. Share your itinerary and planned route with a trusted individual who can track you if you don’t check in on schedule. Some navigation systems let you share your GPS coordinates in real time, which is beneficial if you have problems and need help fast.
3. Maintain Your Vehicle
You know it’s important to keep your body and mind in good health by eating well and getting plenty of rest. Maintaining your vehicle so it stays in prime shape is the next most important task.
Before every trip, check your fluids and make sure they’re topped off. Get regular maintenance care, including brake checks, tire rotations, and oil changes. The upkeep is costly on a large truck, but it’s cheaper than paying for the damages from serious but avoidable engine problems or, worse, an accident due to truck issues.
Conclusion
The roads to your destination are rarely smooth, but your trip doesn’t have to be bumpy. With these three tips, you can keep up your health, stay alert and safe, and ensure your truck performs on point.