Certain professions come with their own advantages in addition to providing a reliable salary and benefits, and that goes for truck driving, as well. Truck driving, for example, offers an opportunity to travel across the country and get paid to have a little adventure, as well as enjoy the peace and quiet that can’t be found at other occupations.
However, it is important for people entering this field to be aware of its logistics so that they know ahead of time what the job entails. Here are three tips and tricks that newbie truck drivers should consider so that they can enjoy a successful career.
Explore the Facility
Being aware of how things work at the office helps in avoiding additional questions to your superior or making mistakes. The same should apply to the trucking business. For rookie truck drivers, it’s best to explore the facility either on the first day or at any availability prior to that, to be aware of where trucks need to go and how they enter certain parts of the building. You can check out where you need to put certain equipment so that you don’t have to worry about forgetting tools in the middle of a long drive. This includes understanding where to put your phone, laptop and other electronics that can be damaged while operating certain equipment.
If your facility offers training programs, then use this as an opportunity to ask the instructors questions about where to go for certain tools, what to do when the truck is experiencing different problems, and who to go to for particular questions. You can check out the mezzanines and figure out what you’re supposed to do in these areas, as well as how to communicate to people down below. Certain equipment will weigh more than others, so you map out how long it will take to carry something from the mezzanine to the bottom level, as well as the easiest and safest ways to transfer it.
Be Prepared for Long Hauls
You may be looking forward to the long drives on your truck. Not only does this give you the opportunity to get paid more for carrying heavier loads for longer distances, but it could give you the chance to travel to a place you’ve never been to before. This could be an even bigger treat if you haven’t traveled to many places and want to venture to somewhere new. However, this means that you’ll have to be prepared for long drives with little breaks, which can lead to plenty of exhaustion if you don’t learn to adapt to this working schedule.
You can avoid getting hungry on these trips by bringing a crock-pot to make some nice meals while you’re driving. This will save you money on meals and time so that you don’t have to make an extra stop for dinner. Knowing how many stops you’re going to make ahead of time and where your final destination is will keep you from worrying about additional expenses at the last minute and will make your trip feel much quicker than it actually is.
Your family will need to be prepared for you to be away for long stretches at a time, so talk to them about these trips so that they feel comfortable with the lifestyle. Equip your truck will technology that allows you to easy talk to them so that the relationship remains healthy.
Focus on Safety
The longer your drives are, the higher chance that you’ll face safety concerns along the way. Shorter drives in tougher environments may generate the same amount of worries. The more precautions you take before you begin your drive, the better off you’ll be. Double-check the undercarriage parts so that you know how everything’s working and if anything needs to be replaced either before the trip or along the way. The breaks, signals, lights, and other parts should be running smoothly. Triple-checking won’t hurt, as it’s better to be safe than sorry. It may sound cheap and easy to cut corners, but the extra time and money could reward you with avoiding costs for broken parts.
Before you start your haul, be sure that you have spare tires, flares, chains, and other equipment that comes in handy for when you end up having to change something. If there isn’t a store nearby where you can get these items, buy them online and snag a great deal. You can even have them delivered to certain stops along your journey if you want to avoid postponing your drive and losing money.
Driving fatigued is never a good idea, especially when it comes to truck accidents, so pull over for a nap the first chance you get. Also be sure to keep everything near your seat in positions that prevent distractions.
Keep these tips and tricks in mind so that you can enjoy a long, awesome carry as a truck driver.