Like any other job, driving comes with its own challenges, especially for long haul drivers. In fact, long haul driving is one of the most dangerous job roles within the U.S. This is simply due to the amount of time spent on the road and the probability of an accident. However, accidents aren’t one of the top challenges drivers face. Below are the three most common challenges for drivers and tips on how to overcome them.
1. Keeping The Vehicle Maintained
One of the biggest challenges of being a long haul driver is staying up to date with maintenance. When driving long distances on a regular basis, paying attention to the miles you are putting on the truck is crucial as this determines the maintenance schedule. This may mean you need an oil change every few months instead of twice annually. Other maintenance tasks that are more frequently needed include wheel alignments, tire replacements, brake replacements and transmission fluid replacements.
The best way to ensure you are following the proper maintenance schedule for your vehicle is by logging the miles you drive each day. With several long drives, the miles quickly add up, and you will be able to see when your truck needs care. You should also ensure that you are performing a pre-trip inspection to identify any potential issues. It is best practice to carry a toolkit for minor repairs, just in case.
2. Finding Parking
As you likely know, finding parking in a regular vehicle can quite often be a challenge, especially during peak times or in busy areas. Therefore, you can imagine how challenging it can be to find parking when you have a trailer attached. While there are numerous truck stops across the U.S., there are times where you need to stop somewhere else. This could be to grab lunch in a smaller town, or to pick up something from a store in town. Finding a place to sleep for the night can also be a challenge depending on the area.
The best way to deal with parking issues is to plan out your trip before leaving. Consider how far you have to drive, and the deadline for delivery. Then, make sure to research truck stops along the route. This will allow you to plan out the best place to stop for the night. If you need to stop along the way, try to park at the back of the parking lot to avoid blocking traffic and causing issues. Most stores do not mind you taking up several parking spaces with your truck and trailer if it is out of the way.
3. Staying Healthy
When you are sedentary for many hours on end, your health is likely to decline. This is why staying healthy and fit is often a challenge for long haul drivers. After all, you don’t realize how much walking you do in a day, until you are stuck behind the wheel in traffic. As they do not move their bodies frequently, drivers are at a higher risk of obesity, heart disease, joint pain and diabetes.
Planning out meals and focusing on healthier choices is a great place to start improving your health as a driver. Consider also carrying high protein snacks in your vehicle for when you get hungry, and try to avoid high sugar content drinks, especially energy drinks. Drinking water is best for your body and will keep hydrated and awake longer.
Remember to stop driving every few hours to take breaks. During this break you should use the bathroom, and do a quick stretching routine. This will not only help to minimize joint pain but can help you stay alert for the rest of the drive.
Finally, when you stop for the night, aim to get some exercise in, whether it is walking or doing a quick weight workout. Carrying a few dumbbells in your truck can be well worth it to maintain your health.
While long haul driving is a unique job with many benefits, there are also challenges that you will face. The top three challenges above are crucial to be aware of, and overcoming them doesn’t need to be a struggle. It can help to think of driving as a lifestyle with different strategies to apply. Take the time to prioritize your mental and physical health while on the road and plan your trips properly to avoid stress. Then you can fully enjoy the benefits of traveling the country while getting paid.
Drive with Classic Transport
Long haul drivers at Classic Transport get to choose their destinations and routes. This allows drivers to enjoy a healthy work-life balance while seeing more of the U.S. and North America. Learn more about the programs available on the Classic Transport website and discover your new career today.
Leave a Reply