Truck driving is a unique trade, and it’s actually something that can be incredibly difficult if you don’t take the right approach.
Truck driving is a unique trade, and it’s actually something that can be incredibly difficult if you don’t take the right approach. When you’re new to the industry, a lot of the techniques you pick up will be developed on the go. The negative with that developmental cycle is that you can easily pick up bad habits from other drivers, even those that are experienced. If you’re new to the industry and want to gain better insight into what works and what doesn’t, follow these guidelines.
Be Patient
You are not going to travel the distances an experience driver would normally drive. The miles won’t be attainable at first, and it’s mostly because you’re still new to the schedule and how to maximize your efficiency. Like any job, your body must adapt to the way the work presents itself. You can set goals for yourself to reach a certain amount of miles, but it’s important to be realistic about reaching them right away.
Be Aware Of Traffic
Yeah, nobody likes getting caught in traffic. It’s probably the worst part about driving. This is where time and trip management come into play. You need to take into account the areas you’ll be passing on your journey, and if there’s expected traffic around those travel points. For example, if you’re passing a major city, the chances are high that you’re going to run into congestion on the road, so make sure to avoid it.
Rest
Driving a truck throughout the day is tiring. Not only will it alter your physical state, but your mental strength will take a hit as well. You need to figure out how your body is reacting, when the best time for rest is, and how far you can go before becoming visibly tired. It’s actually quite dangerous to drive on the road when you’re tired, and it’s just not effective to drive when you’re not 100%. One of the biggest things to remember is that the longer you extend your work hours, the longer it will take for you to recover.
Baltimore-Freightliner Western Star Can Help You With 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, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+.