Adapting to a life on the road can be exciting and, at the same time, have its own set of new challenges. When you are first starting out, it is best to take the time to become familiar with your rig, its features, and how it operates before pulling out of the truck yard. If you are unfamiliar with the controls in the truck, as they might be different from the truck you drove during training, review the owner’s manual and ask questions.
Once you are out on the road, keep in mind your objective should be to drive safely and arrive on time at your destinations by following these five tips:
- Drive at a comfortable speed. It is acceptable to drive five or ten miles per hour slower than the posted speed limit and remain in the right-hand lane if you are not entirely used to driving at the posted limit.
- Try to avoid heavy traffic. It is best to schedule your driving time so you do not have to drive through major cities during rush hour periods.
- Stop early to get the best parking. Finding truck parking later in the evening can be frustrating and involve wasting time you could be resting, while you go from truck stop to truck stop and get on and off exit after exit.
- Try to arrive early to deliver/pickup loads. Sometimes it is possible to get unloaded or loaded earlier than scheduled, giving you the opportunity to take on another load sooner, or potentially arrive sooner at the next delivery. This can translate to more money and better runs.
- It does not hurt to get to know other truck drivers. Veteran drivers are full of useful tips and suggestions to make life on the road easier.
If your carrier allows you to customize your rig, remember to check out the wide selections of replacement truck seats, accessories, and other products from Suburban Seating & Safety to make life on the road more comfortable. Contact us at (844) SAS.SEAT (844-727-7328) for assistance in selecting the right products for your truck.
