When you first start hauling cargo on long trips, it can be daunting to think of being on the road for dozens of hours. However, everything comes with practice, and there are a few ways that new truck drivers can prepare for long journeys ahead of them. Staying smart and vigilant on the road is key, especially when your trip is going to be a long one.
Here are three ways that you can stay on top of everything before your long trip begins:
- Plan Ahead
No matter the trip length, it’s always a good idea to plan ahead. Calculate the distance you’re traveling, the dropoff time, and the amount of time you expect to eat, drink, and sleep. Having all of these times calculated and adjusted for unexpected delays will ensure you stick to the timetable that you need to! Additionally, try mapping out directions on more than one GPS service to ensure that you are taking the best route to your destination. Remember to check the route’s weather and that the trip fits in your schedule, too!
- Check Your Equipment
We can’t stress the importance of this tip enough. Always check your truck, its load, and all of your equipment before setting out on a long trip. Do you have enough oil? How is your gas tank looking? Is your engine in good condition? Double-checking your equipment for anything out of the ordinary and preparing for any emergency stops or issues is key to making your trip go smoothly.
- Make Sure You’re Entertained
When you’re driving 18-20 hours a day, the hours on the road can get long very quickly. We recommend downloading audiobooks or having playlists that you can listen to and keep yourself entertained during the long driving hours. It’s significantly more difficult to drift off if you have something distracting and entertaining you. But, it’s important to always pull over at a truck stop and catch some shut-eye if you ever find yourself getting close to the point of dozing off. Safety always comes first!
While these three tips are a great place for new truck drivers to start, there are lots of resources out there like this article to give you more advice.
If you’re looking for truck equipment to rent or purchase, look no further than Tow Pro. In addition to rentals, we also offer towing services for emergency roadside assistance and light and heavy-duty loads. Give us a call at 615.256.TOWS(8697) for more information!