How To Survive Long Distance Trucking
Long-distance trucking is a dangerous job. The conditions are often unpleasant, and the work can be repetitive, but there’s nothing like the freedom of being able to drive your own rig wherever you want.
The best way to survive long-distance trucking is to prepare for it. It’s vital to ensure that truckers prepare for long-distance hauls by providing they’re in good physical shape and have the right training. So, if you’re going on a cross-country haul, here are a few tips on how to survive long-distance trucking:
Before you start, really know your route
You should plan out stops, know the laws and regulations of the state you are driving through, as well as have an idea of what it’s like to drive through other states.
The best way to get into a new routine is by planning ahead as much as possible. The more time you spend researching your route and making adjustments, the easier it’ll be for you and your family members who will be waiting for you at home.
You’ll spend hours on end driving down highways with only the radio and your own thoughts for company. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re in good mental health before starting your new job: if you’re feeling depressed or anxious, it will be much harder for you to deal with the loneliness that comes with long-distance trucking.
You should also take some time to make sure that your rig is ready for any situation that may arise on the road. For example, get some extra oil filters so that if one breaks down, you have a backup plan; and get a spare tire so that if one goes flat, you have another option. Finally, get enough fuel so that if an accident cuts off access to gas stations along the way, you won’t run out of fuel before reaching a refueling station.
Don’t rely on sleep to get you through the day.
When you’re working as a long-distance trucker, you’ll be on the road for days and will often have to pull over for some shut-eye. But it’s not always easy to doze off when you’re worried about getting caught napping by an angry traffic cop or a frustrated driver who needs your lane. So it’s recommended that you take advantage of the sleep you get when you can get it.
You may think pulling over somewhere quiet and falling asleep for an hour or two is better than nothing at all. However, if something happens while you’re asleep on duty, it could cost you more time away from home and money lost on repairs. Take the time to sleep and get yourself into a normal sleep routine so you don’t find yourself tired quickly. Having a good sleeping routine is also great for keeping you healthy and lowering stress.
Establish a good relationship with your fleet manager
If you want to survive as a long-distance trucker, you need to establish a good relationship with your fleet manager. This doesn’t mean that they have to be your best friend—or even like you! It just means that they need to know what kind of driver you are, how much experience you have, and what kind of equipment they can expect from you.
A good relationship with your fleet manager means that they’ll be able to trust you when they give you a route change or schedule change. They’ll know enough about your driving style that they’ll be able to send you on routes that challenge but don’t overwhelm you.
And if there are any problems along the way, whether it’s an issue with one of their clients or some kind of mechanical malfunction, they’ll be able to help sort things out before they become a crisis.
Most trucking companies are small businesses and will often use fleet management for small businesses software to help support their drivers. It is another reason why keeping a good relationship with your fleet manager is important.
Keep yourself busy while on the road
You’ll take a lot of time on the road, so keep yourself busy. Bring a laptop or tablet to watch movies or TV shows, especially if you know your truck is equipped with wifi for truckers so you will be able to get online wherever you are. If you’re into reading, bring some books along with you. You could also bring crossword puzzle books, card decks for solitaire games, and audiobooks streamed through your phone or tablet
Exercise while you are on the road
When you’re a long-distance truck driver, you spend a lot of time on the road. But that doesn’t mean you can’t be healthy and fit!
Long-distance drivers have to be in top physical condition to work safely and efficiently. This means that exercise is an essential part of your job and lifestyle.
While you’re on the road, exercising will help keep your mind clear, increase energy levels, improve mood, boost self-esteem, and reduce stress. And these are just a few of the many benefits of staying active while driving!
Long-distance trucking can be hard, so plan ahead
If you don’t plan ahead, something will inevitably go wrong. You need to know where you’re going and how much time it will take you to get there. You also need to know what weather conditions await.
Additionally, knowing all of this information allows you to plan out any stops or detours that might come up along the way and stay overnight in a place where parking isn’t an issue or if there are certain places where parking is allowed. The more planning goes into long-distance trucking routes, the better chances of getting from Point A to Point B successfully and safely!
Conclusion
Long-distance trucking is not easy, but it can be rewarding if you’re well prepared and take the steps to keep yourself and your cargo safe. Remember, It’s essential to keep yourself busy while on the road by listening to music or talk radio, exercising regularly, and establishing a good relationship with your fleet manager since they will have many practical tips to help you. Most importantly, have fun with the experience.
