The first thing a truck driver must do is go to a given location to pick up the freight to transport.
A truck driving job is nothing like your ordinary 9-5. This makes it great for some people and maybe a little too unconventional for others. If you are considering becoming a truck driver, it is good to know everything that goes into it. Here is a day in the life of a truck driver to give you a better idea of what to expect.
Start Of The Day
Before truck drivers get on the road, a dispatcher typically will send them some type of alert or message telling them where the freight is that they will be transporting and what time it’ll be available. Once alerted, the driver will prepare to go to that location and pick up the freight. They must sign off on the freight count before leaving, record the data in a log, then alert the dispatcher when they are about to leave.
In Route
On average, truck drivers will drive about 125,000 miles a year, which is around 500 miles a day, so be prepared for some long road trips. Truckers will spend about 3 weeks on the road a time and are alone for up to 20 hours a day. It is important for them to keep themselves alert and entertained. The method of entertainment chosen is simply up to personal preference, but can be anything from ebooks to music to podcasts. Most times, trucks have small beds inside of them as well as a mini fridge to store food. There are also truck stops along the way that allow places for a truck driver to eat, rest, and socialize with other drivers.
Delivery
When the truck driver reaches their destination, there will be someone there to unload the merchandise off of the trailer. 70% of all freight that is transported in the US is done so through a truck, so truck drivers are essential to our economy. Once the truck is unloaded, the driver will document it in their logbook. They will then alert the dispatcher that they are finished and wait for the next destination to be given to them.
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 onFacebook,Twitter,Pinterest, and Google+.