Here are some of the steps you should take before your first long haul.
If you are new to trucking, then you might be wondering what it’s like to take a serious haul across the country. There are many ways that you can prepare yourself mentally and physically for a long time on the road. Here are some of the steps you should take before your first long haul.
Make a Plan
When you talk with your company about your delivery, make sure that you are clear on all of the details. The last thing you want to do is get several miles out and realize that you forgot something important. Next, look at the route that you are planning to take. Make a note of all the truck stops as well as high-traffic cities and the stretches between gas stations for the long roads in the midwest. Having a solid plan is a great start, but you can also have the resources for a plan B or C if you have to go a little off course.
Get Rest
Many new truckers aren’t fully prepared for how much a long haul will take out of them. Of course, it’s best to get a good night’s sleep the night before, but that’s not all. If you can, you should give yourself time to unwind so that you will be ready for the long trip. Maybe hang out with family or friends, but nothing too crazy, or get in a light workout, a couple of days before. IF you start off your trip feeling refreshed, it will go a lot better.
What to Pack
The main thing that you should have for your long haul is the right components for your truck and your trip. A full tank of gas and tools for your truck, and a GPS or road atlas and a fully charged phone and radio. But you should also pack things to make your trip more comfortable. You can get a case of water bottles, a blanket, and a cooler to store healthy snacks. A flashlight and road flares are good for safety if you get stuck on the road at night.
Baltimore Freightliner-Western for all Your Trucking Needs!
Whether you are looking to upgrade your fleet to tow trucks or simply interested in the latest trucking technology, you can rely on Baltimore Freightliner-Western Star. We have provided top-notch service for the trucking industry for 30 years and would love to assist you in buying a new top-of-the-line truck, finding the specialty parts you need, or repairing your truck. Give us a call toll-free at 800-832-7278 or locally at 410-685-4474, or contact us online. To find out more about what we are up to, follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
Tags: long haul, trucking basics