Productive Commercial Truck Driving Tips & Tricks
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Being a productive commercial driver is not just about getting in a full day’s work. It’s also about driving safely, choosing the best route, and employing best driving practices as you travel.
Whether you’re an over-the-road hauler or a local delivery driver, commercial truck driving can be a rewarding experience. If you’re a company owner who relies on truck drivers as your core business model, these truck driving tips can help your fleet be more productive in the long run.
Discover more about our productive commercial driving tips and tricks from this handy guide from International Used Truck Center.
Plan the Best Route
Planning is everything. Plan the best route to your destination, taking into account the time you need to get there, traffic patterns, and road conditions. Anticipating problems can get you out of a jam.
Allow for Plenty of Transit Time
Don’t cut your timeframes too short, especially if you’re making several stops or traveling long distances. Leave plenty of time to get to your destination. Look for rush-hour traffic, pay attention to any accidents, and don’t forget to check the weather.
Slow Down a Little
The reason for slowing down is to give you enough time to stop. Maintain about four to five seconds between your truck and the vehicle in front of you because it might take more time for you to slow down.
Pay Attention & Stay Alert
Pay attention to the road in front of you, especially if you’re driving on a highway. Yes, the space immediately in front of your truck is important – but you also need to see what’s a quarter-mile ahead of you in case there are any accidents or obstacles. Seeing that far ahead gives you a chance to react to any problems before you get too close.
Fight Fatigue With Regular Breaks & Good Sleep
Sometimes, it’s hard to get good sleep when you’re on the road. It’s part of commercial driving for long-haul carriers. Make sure to get good sleep, take regular breaks, and eat healthy to combat fatigue during your shift. If you need to pull over to get some rest, then do so.
Stay Professional & Reward Yourself for a Job Well Done
You’re a professional driver, which means you should maintain a professional demeanor and appearance when you’re on the clock and on the road. This also means driving professionally by obeying the rules of the road and respecting other motorists.
At the end of the day, reward yourself for a job well done! Give yourself positive reinforcement, knowing that you did the best job possible. Need more truck driving tips? Contact the team at International Used Truck Center or call 888-381-7438. We’re happy to help in any way we can.
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