Haulage can be a tough gig. While there are many perks to this type of work and there is a demand for truck drivers right now, you will also find that it can be tough driving a truck for long stretches, and often you will be away from home and working to tight deadlines. It can be a good way to earn, though, and there are a few tips that you can use that should help you to find success, drive safely and make the most out of the perks of haulage work.
Keep reading for a few tips for haulage drivers that should help whether you are new or have many miles under your belt.
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1. Take A Driving Course
Driving a truck is not easy and even experienced drivers can struggle. This is why haulage drivers will always benefit from taking a driving course, which will teach you how to drive a truck safely and master key maneuvers like parking. Not only will this help to improve your performance and confidence behind the wheel, but it should also make you a safer driver on the roads.
2. Plan Routes Ahead of Time
When you are on the job, you don’t want to get lost or waste time trying to find the best route. You can get help from route optimization software. This is why you should always plan your routes ahead of time and use a GPS system that can offer directions. This allows you to focus on the road ahead of you as opposed to having to worry about directions.
3. Take Regular Breaks
It is vital that you are taking regular breaks when driving for long periods, so you need to make sure that you schedule in time for pulling over and stretching your legs. Additionally, make sure that you stay hydrated and enjoy some good food on your long-distance journeys. You should also carefully monitor your energy levels and never drive if you are feeling drowsy.
4. Choose Vehicle Lighting For Your Truck
Safety is paramount when it comes to driving a truck and you need to consider visibility once the sun goes down. You should invest in high-quality vehicle lighting for your truck, such as an LED beacon that will ensure that you are easy to spot by other road users and pedestrians. Accidents involving trucks are usually severe or fatal, so you need to make sure that you are visible at all times to others.
5. Carry Out Daily Vehicle Checks
Haulage drivers also need to get into the habit of giving their vehicle a daily check over to ensure that it is in the best condition. You need to keep the vehicle in the best condition and know basic maintenance tasks so that you can avoid breaking down on the job, pick up small problems before they become major (and expensive) issues, and prolong the life of the vehicle.
These tips should come in useful for haulage drivers and hopefully help you to find success. This is work that can be challenging and stressful, but these tips should help and allow you to enjoy all the benefits of haulage driving.
Also read: Benefits of Purchasing Used Tipper Trucks
