Trucker Life & Pay (6)
Fueling Like a Pro: Reefers, DEF, and Nozzle Etiquette
Fueling your truck involves more than topping off the tanks. You must safely manage diesel, reefer units and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) while navigating busy pumps and practicing proper nozzle etiquette. Knowing the procedures, including unwritten rules, helps keep traffic moving and protects equipment and helps you maintain a professional reputation on the road.
Per Diem for Company Drivers: Keep More of Your Check
No doubt about it, there’s a lot to love about Over the Road driving. Drivers get to see different surroundings and make good money in the process. Every run can be unique even to the same destination.There are certainly some challenges, like in any job, including all the paperwork. But for the most part, driving can be an excellent experience for the right person. And ultimately, the paperwork is a good thing since it can provide legal protections for drivers as well as the opportunity to hang onto a big chunk of your money.
Truck-Stop Showers & Laundry: Rookie Etiquette and Time Savers
For new OTR drivers, truck-stop showers and laundry rooms can feel like a maze of unwritten rules and long wait times. But with a little know-how and the right tools, you can turn your pit stops into an efficient part of your routine. In this post, we'll break down rookie etiquette for showers and laundry, and introduce you to some app-based time-savers to help you stay fresh and get you back on the road as quickly as possible.
Seat & Back Pain: Driver Ergonomics You Can Adjust Today
Truck operators spend hours sitting in the same position. While considerable attention is given to general driving practices (e.g., stopping distances and techniques), the importance of ergonomics is often overlooked. Since the practice of proper ergonomics can lead to a happier, healthier, and more alert fleet, truck operators need to know how they can improve their time on the road.
Sleep, Caffeine, and Fatigue: Building a Rest Routine OTR
Life on the road doesn’t come with a snooze button. Long hours. Unpredictable schedules. Noisy truck stops. These are a few things that can make it hard for OTR drivers to get some refreshing sleep before heading back out on the road.Without quality sleep, fatigue can creep in fast — and no amount of coffee can make up for it. Poor sleep slows your reaction time and makes those endless miles feel even longer. The right kinds of rest habits can help your mind stay alert while you’re behind the wheel.
Managing Mail, Banking, and Life From the Road
OTR trucking isn't for everyone. Some drivers prefer to stick closer to home and avoid traveling cross-country, much less across borders. However, trucking companies often pay high salaries to those who are willing to take long trips. What's more, you'll get to enjoy the open road and see the country. You just need to do some advance planning to ensure you can manage both your personal life and professional responsibilities. Things that are easy to take for granted when living at home can be challenging to deal with when you're on the road in a different city, state, or even nation.