Greenhorns, Listen Up! Essential Tips for New Truck Drivers
| January 13, 2016 | greenhorns, health, newbies, on time, safety, technology, Truckers, TruckLogics | No Comments
It’s the start of the new year, and no, we’re not going to give you the “new year, new me” babble. But for many of you, now’s probably the time in your life (or year) when you’re planning to start something new. How many of you decided to become a truck driver? If you have, congratulations! You are now part of the great industry that keeps America running!
But despite all the excitement that comes with a new career and lifestyle, you might find that your first year on the road will be filled with challenges, which is why we have a few tips to help make the transition a little easier.
1. Safety First
Remember, safety first (we put it first on our list for a reason). As a trucker, you’re operating a large vehicle, so take your time backing up, changing lanes, accelerating, braking, etc. And remember to buckle up! Being safe and cautious on the road creates a better record for you as a trucker than delivering a load early. And with the new legislation that’s about to pass in the coming year, safety will be heavily monitored. So why not get into some safety habits now?
2. Be Prompt
Although safety is of big, big importance, it’s also important that you drop off loads on time. Your employers and their customers are expecting you, so don’t make them wait too long for a delivery. When you drop off loads late, you appear untrustworthy to the customer and unreliable to your employer. Don’t take so long at rest stops, make sure you’ve plotted out the most optimal route, and be more proactive when it comes to avoiding possible traffic delays.
3. Invest in Technology
As any trucker will tell you, one of the hardest things about this industry is being out on the road and away from the people you love. Your first year will be especially difficult as you learn to adjust to your new lifestyle. To make being away a little more manageable, we suggest investing some money into new technology, like a smartphone or tablet. These items will help you stay in touch with the special people in your life, allowing you to be able to talk with them, FaceTime, share pictures etc.
4. Eat Healthy, Be Healthy
No shame, we’ve all done it! We’ve stopped at a gas station, looked at the snack aisle and decided we have to have the big bag of chips. I mean isn’t that what road trips are all about, eating junky food? And as a trucker, who visits several gas stations throughout his/her day, the unhealthy eating can really start to add up. To overcome being unhealthy on the road, we suggest packing a small healthy snack to eat, getting out of the truck and walk as often as possible, and preparing your own meals. Trust us, there are so many possibilities to keep healthy while on the road and to help you avoid the chip and cookie aisle. Need some ideas? Check out this HealingRadius blog written to help truckers keep healthy while on the road!
5. TruckLogics
You knew it was coming because we couldn’t possibly forget to mention TruckLogics, the trucking management solution designed by truckers, for truckers. It’s one of the best web-based products to have with you on the road.
From keeping track of all of your dispatches, to your invoices and billing, to Promiles, to check-ins, to fuel-ups, you name it—TruckLogics does it all, right from the palm of your hand. And of course, TruckLogics is mobile too, making it perfect for transportation professionals. TruckLogics also has a Rock Hill, SC support team ready to answer any questions you might have, 24/7. We know the industry and can help you get back to driving in no time.
P.S. TruckLogics is free to try out for 15 days. FREE, meaning you have nothing to lose! SO what are you waiting for? Give TruckLogics a try, today.
For more tips and tricks, stay tuned to TruckLogics. We’re bringing all the excitement of the trucking industry to you in just one place.
Until next time, over and out!
