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Life on the open road can take a little more effort than some new drivers think. Some things to keep in mind for driving are: - Route Planning/Map Reading/Trip Planning- Drivers need to be able to find efficient routes, new places in new cities, and avoid dangerous situations; low underpasses can be a nightmare. They also need to completely understand road signs to avoid getting lost and wasting fuel and time.
- Money Management- Like any job, drivers need good money management skills. Planning for tolls fees, unloading/loading fees, truck and trailer washes, and tracking expenses for tax purposes will enable a driver to make a good living. Keeping good records for loads and hours of service will also enable a driver to make a good wage.
- Being diplomatic- Drivers deal with a large number of people including, dispatchers, motorists, truck stop employees, shippers, receivers, law enforcements, and other motorists. Knowing how to be sensitive to others while still achieving your goals will make your job much more enjoyable.
- Knowledge- Many rules govern a driver. At a minimum, a driver must know rules that pertain to Hours of Service, Federal Regulation, and equipment related requirements. A driver must also know how to load freight to comply with weight limitations and how to adjust weight between axles to bring an overweight load into compliance.
- Patience and Adaptability- Drivers need to be able to adjust quickly to the environment and various demands of the job. Work hours change daily and because of that, eating and sleeping habits also change. In addition, drivers adapt to the environment on a daily basis; one day they’re in a desert and the next, they’re in the mountains. Other motorists also add strain to a driver’s life. Getting stuck in traffic jams or cut off by a car can try anyone’s patience, but truck driver’s deal with it daily so patience is vital.
- Driving Skills- Driver’s need to be able to safely operate their vehicles in all situations. Dealing with city traffic, mountains, bad weather, and backing up are just some things a driver needs to be prepared for.
Another important thing to remember is that scheduling time for eating can be a tedious task; many drivers take it for granted at first. Eating the same types of fast foods and restaurants can get old after awhile so trucks are sometimes equipped with a mini-refrigerator. If yours isn’t, using a 12 volt electric cooler or even installing an electric or gas mini-refrigerator yourself, regardless of the cost, is definitely worth the effort. You’ll be able to have food from home and save leftovers instead of timing food stops and eating at so many fast food joints and restaurants that can leave you feeling nauseous after awhile. A few other, more luxurious, items that some drivers take advantage of are: a microwave, a TV tray for eating, a small TV, and a small water gallon heater. These cover your food, entertainment, and hygiene needs. You don’t necessarily need every item we’ve listed, but pick what you feel would help the most. Once you’ve learned the tricks and ropes of life on the road, you’ll enjoy your job more, make a better living, and be able to appreciate the scenery around you.
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