As much as you love the freedom, flexibility and respect that are benefits of being a truck driver, the fact is that it can be challenging to be out on the road. Whether you're a short-haul driver or you're gone overnight, the following road tips can help boost your chances of success in your chosen career.
Making Your Truck Your Home Away from Home
You spend a lot of time in your truck so it's important to make it as comfortable as possible. Cabs that include sleeping quarters are helpful when it comes to getting the rest you need for your runs. Mattress pads can elevate the basic bed that is a staple in many cabs, increasing your comfort and making it easier for you to drift off to sleep more quickly.
Pack Food Sensibly
A well-packed electric cooler provides the sustenance you need to keep you satisfied in between meals. Aim for snacks that are not messy and that pack a nutritional punch. Trail mix, yogurt pouches, cheese sticks, hard-boiled eggs and fresh fruit like apples and bananas are good options.
Making sure that your snack cooler is filled with easy-to-eat, delicious and nutritious foods not only keeps your energy level high and your mind sharp, but it can also help tide you over if there isn't a convenient rest stop nearby.
Don't Forget Your Gadgets!
Your gadgets keep you connected to your dispatcher as well as your family and other loved ones. In today's digital world, gadgets like a GPS navigation system are also indispensable when it comes to avoiding traffic and getting to new drops with fewer missed turns.
A dash cam is another vital gadget that keeps a real-time record of any incidents that occur on the road. Many have wide-angle cameras that can capture more of the action. Models that can be operated hands-free don’t compromise safety.
Having a few extra power cords on hand can make the difference between you being stressed when one breaks unexpectedly and being prepared for the inevitable.
Stay Hydrated
Pack a Yeti tumbler and keep it filled with your favorite chilled drink so it's easy to stay hydrated while you're on the road. While water is the preferred beverage for quenching your thirst on long trips, juice and tea would also work.
Try to stay away from downing too many carbonated drinks though. Not only do they lack nutritional value, but they also have a higher sugar content than some other choices.
Being successful on the road is all about being prepared and planning. Follow these road tips and you'll have a solid foundation to build on.
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