Tips And Tricks For New Truck Drivers

As a new truck driver, it’s important for you to learn as much as you can before you start driving. New drivers don’t have any experience to help out on the road, unlike truck drivers who have been doing their jobs for years. Here are some tips and tricks every new truck driver should know.  

Skills Every Truck Driver Should Have

Being a truck driver is not an easy job that just anyone can do. To do this job successfully, you need driving skills that can get you through any weather, and basic vehicle maintenance skills just in case something goes wrong on the road. To be a truck driver, you need to be prepared for anything, and these skills will help you along the way.  
  1. Driving Skills
One of the most important and obvious skills you need to have to be a good truck driver is the ability to drive. Being able to maneuver such a large vehicle successfully, can take time to master. While driving, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings. Even if you’re doing everything right, other drivers might not be, which is dangerous because you are driving such a large vehicle. If another car pulls out in front of you, or slams on their brakes, you need to be alert, and prepared for anything. Defensive driving can be a life saver for you and others on the road.  
  1. Vehicle Maintenance Skills
Another important skill for truck drivers to know is the basic maintenance of their vehicle. If you are traveling and break down in the middle of nowhere, it is helpful to know what went wrong, and how to fix it. Purchasing a good set of tools to keep in your truck will come in handy if you ever need to make simple repairs, and can save you the trouble of calling someone for help.  

Staying Happy And Healthy

Maintaining a good work-life balance is an important part of being a truck driver. Being on the road all day every day, it’s easy to forget about your physical health and mental wellbeing. Here are some tips to help you stay happy and healthy.  
  1. Avoid Eating Out
Eating out for every meal can get very expensive and is extremely unhealthy. Buying a crockpot, air fryer, or even a single frying pan will allow you to cook healthier, cheaper meals. If you don’t have a stove, or an inverter in your truck to plug things in, you can buy a camping stove instead.  
  1. Exercise
As a truck driver, most of your day is spent sitting in one place. Your office is your truck, so you don’t have the option to get up and move around. Scheduling time to exercise is important for your health and will help you stay in shape. Depending on where you are, you could visit national, state, or local parks to get some exercise.  
  1. Keep Yourself Entertained
Being on the road can get boring and it’s important to stay entertained so you don’t fall asleep at the wheel. You can make your drive more enjoyable by listening to music, audio books, or podcasts. If you are on the road for weeks at a time, it could be helpful to find a hobby for when you’re not driving, like reading, exercising, or watching TV.  

How To Stay Safe

Being a safe driver with a clean driving record will protect you and other drivers on the road. If you’re a safe driver that can be trusted, you could get assigned more loads and make more money too! Here’s some tips that will help keep you safe while driving.  
  1. Buy A GPS
Every truck driver should have a GPS unit because it makes traveling easier and safer. Trucking GPS units show truck stops, roads to avoid, gas prices, and other things you would otherwise not know. Drivers should always carry a paper map as well, just in case something happens to their GPS.  
  1. Always Maintain A Safe Speed
Driving the speed limit will protect you and others, and will still get you to your destination. Even if you drive a little under the speed limit, it’s safer than speeding and risking getting into an accident In poor weather conditions, it is important for you to be alert, cautious, and safe. If you need to pull over to sleep, check your cargo, or to wait out extreme weather, do it. Don’t let a deadline push you to do something that risks the safety of you and others.  
  1. Check Equipment
When you’re hauling a big load, it’s important to make sure everything is secure. Take the time to do pre-trip inspections so nothing falls off and causes an accident. Flatbed truck drivers should purchase a safety ladder to help with inspections, loading, and unloading the trailer. This makes it easier and safer to get on and off the trailer.  

Gateway Supply In Pampa, Texas

There are many tips and tricks new truck drivers should know, but the most important is safety. The Deckmate Ladder was designed by a professional driver to make your work safer. Gateway Supply in Pampa, Texas, is the U.S. distributor of the Deckmate Ladder and is ready to fill an order for you today! Contact us today at (806) 665-7990 with any questions you have or Send Us An Email.
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