Getting Enough Rest as an Over-the-Road Truck Driver
Did you know that sleep deprivation can cause the same level of impairment behind the wheel as intoxication? As a professional truck driver, your number one concern is safety, and sleep is an essential part of promoting safety on the roads. As you gain more experience, you’ll settle into a sleeping routine that works best […]
Mountain Driving 101
When you start a new career as a professional truck driver, you can look forward to incredible scenic views across the country. Many people never get to experience the thrill of driving a powerful big rig alongside oceans, through valleys, and over mountains. Just remember that safety takes priority over enjoying the views. This is […]
A Guide to Your First Year on the Road
Your exciting new career on the road awaits you, and truck driving school will teach you everything you need to know about handling a big rig and passing the CDL exam. But there’s still a bit of a learning curve with regard to on-the-job training. Many veteran truckers remember their first year as being the […]
What Truckers Need to Know About Dealing with Severe Weather
Any commercial truck driver can encounter hazardous weather. If you’re driving a local route in Arizona, for instance, you may encounter a serious dust storm. But if you’re an over the road (OTR) trucker, you need to be prepared for a wide range of severe weather hazards—from freezing rain and intense cold to dust storms […]
Truck Stop Showers: A Guide for New Drivers
Personal hygiene is something that the average American takes for granted. But when you’re out on the road for days at a time, it can get a little trickier. It’s important to become familiar with truck stop shower facilities and to use them frequently. Truck drivers should always strive to present a professional image, especially […]
Long-Haul Trucking: Should You Drive with Your Spouse?
Not every job allows you the opportunity to bring your spouse to the office with you every day. But trucking does, and if both spouses earn commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs), then they can form an ideally compatible driving team. There are quite a few benefits to driving with your spouse, but be sure to talk […]
Busting Myths About the ELD Mandate
The electronic logging device (ELD) mandate intends to bring the trucking industry into the digital era by replacing paper logbooks. ELDs help drivers more easily track and record information about driving time. Although ELDs are supposed to simplify recordkeeping for truckers, there are still a few persistent myths about them. Myth: ELD data is automatically […]
Launching a Second Career as a Truck Driver
These days, few people work for just one company for 40 years before retiring. If you’re starting to think about transforming your life and launching your second career, consider whether hitting the open road as a professional truck driver might be right for you. There’s considerable appeal in taking up the trucking trade later in […]
How Truckers Can Fight Fatigue
It’s often thought that drunk driving is the most hazardous thing you can do behind the wheel. But actually, driving while fatigued can be just as dangerous, which is why CDL holders are subjected to rigorous hour regulations. Always remember that you can and should pull over if you find yourself getting drowsy, even if […]
Healthiest Fast Food Choices for Life on the Road
Since they spend much of their time on the road, truckers become well-acquainted with the menus of fast food chain restaurants. Of course, a couple of small appliances are all that’s necessary to transform your cab into a mini-kitchen, and there are plenty of healthy meals you can make yourself. But if you’re in a […]
Essential Rules for Backing Up Your Big Rig
Professional truck drivers learn very early in their careers just how important it is to remain aware at all times on the road. But it’s equally important to remain aware of safety issues while off the road. Many accidents occur while backing up a tractor trailer, particularly big rigs with sleeper berths. Since you’ll need […]
Troubleshooting a Semi That Won’t Start
When you’re about to head out with a load and your semi truck won’t start, the last thing you want to deal with is a major delay. Fortunately, there is a good chance you’ll find what is wrong and get on the road fast with a little bit of troubleshooting. Get your truck back to […]