How To Become An Owner Operator

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how to become an owner operator

Becoming an owner operator is considered a bit of a holy grail in the trucking industry. Everyone has considered it, and some eventually become successful owner operators. Essentially it’s like running your own business, and comes with more independence and flexibility. Be careful though, as being an owner operator involves a great deal more responsibility and management tasks. Generally you’ll want to consider being an owner operator only after years of experience on the road as a company driver. Once you’re there though, here’s what you need to do to become an owner operator.

Evaluate and Decide

So you’ve spent nearly a decade as a company driver on all sorts of hauls and trucks across the country, and you feel you’re ready to become your own boss. Now is the time, right? Not so fast!

There are many things you need to take into consideration before being sure that you’re ready to be an owner operator. The first set of factors is professional and financial. Are you financially ready to run your own business? Do you have enough in savings if things don’t pan out for 6-8 months? Where and how will you find a place for closing deals with transportation companies?

If you’re successful, you could be making over $100,000, but many more owner operators will be struggling before they start making a profit.

Perhaps more important than the financial considerations are the personal factors. Are you and your family ready to make such a large commitment? How will this decision impact your family and home life? How will your health be impacted by being on the road for so long? Will your family be able to help you with the business-side? Take all these questions into account before making a decision.

Authorization

The first step is to acquire the proper authorization. You’ll need to acquire the US DOT (Department of Transportation) and MC (motor carrier) numbers. There is a one-time $300 filing fee to request an MC number with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). You can learn more and acquire the MC number here.

As an independent truck operator, you’ll also need to be covered by the mandatory health and truck insurances.

Aside from being enforced by the federal law, truck insurance will protect you as an owner operator in the event of unpredictable situations.

There are different types of coverage depending on the goods you plan to haul. Learn more about insurance coverage and requirements here.

In general, the trucking industry is heavily regulated. As a company driver you probably didn’t have to worry about this too much besides making sure you follow the regulations the company made you aware of. As an owner operator, you’ll need to be aware of all the regulations ahead of time, and make sure you are in compliance. For example, you’ll need to find out everything you can about the electronic logging device (ELD) mandate and find the right ELD solution for you.

Get a Truck

The next step is to find your own truck. This can be the most exciting and the most frustrating parts of becoming an owner operator. You’ll need to decide what type of operation you want to run to determine what type of equipment to obtain. Having experience with certain kinds of trucks and hauls will give you the edge in making this decision.

You could choose to aim for very general and generic hauls or pick a niche that suits you best. Or you could aim to strike a balance between the two.

For getting the truck itself, you generally have two options. Either buy your truck and trailer entirely or acquire them through financing with the bank. As you can see, this depends heavily on the state of your finances. Most people choose to go through the bank to acquire a truck.

Since this is one of the most cost-intensive steps, remember these two tips: find the best truck deal for yourself and find the bank with the lowest interest rates.

Keep in mind that the bigger your down payment on the truck, the lower your monthly payments will be. Banks will consider a number of factors for the loan including your credit score and history, whether you’ve had a permanent address, and if you’ve had a stable job. This is where your years of experience and preparation will count.

Become Business-Savvy

Being your own boss in the trucking industry isn’t easy. All of a sudden you’ll have to master all sorts of concepts you didn’t think of too much while a company driver. Regulations, compliance, cost per mile, gross revenue, maintenance costs, tax filing, and accounting are only a few of the various aspects of a job. Hopefully you’ve been exposed to all of these for years as a company driver and feel ready to master them.

Most importantly, you need to start being more cost conscious. Your profit is going to depend on two factors: how much revenue you bring in and how much you can cut costs. In fact, you should familiarize yourself with the “golden equation”, which simplifies your finances.

The golden equation is:

  • Revenue per mile – Cost per mile = Gross revenue
  • Gross revenue – Taxes = Net Profit

Once you’ve processed this, you’ll find new ways to cut costs like finding the quickest and shortest routes, avoiding maintenance issues, and reducing vehicle idling. You’ll also need to develop a system for finding loads. Using load boards is a popular method to find freight. These are online sites where owner operators can find loads posted by shippers and brokers. Many of these will have mobile apps for your convenience. Take to your owner operator buddies as contacts to get recommendations of who to work with and who to avoid.

Becoming an owner operator is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as a truck driver. Ideally you’ve prepared for it for years, and you feel comfortable and ready for the impact it will have on your life. While you stand to profit more, and enjoy more independence, it comes with many challenges. While this covers the basics of how to become an owner operator, you should also research and talk to many other drivers before making the decision to become an owner operator.

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Job of the Day: Fuchs Lubricants Co

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The Drive My Way job of the day comes from Fuchs Lubricants Co. Fuchs provides high quality lubricants and services to a wide range of industries such as automotive, appliance, aerospace manufacturers, pharmaceuticals, transportation, mining, and energy. In addition, the organization constantly develops new technology to meet the ever-changing demands of the modern industry. Also, they provide world-class technical support to our strong customer base.

fuchs lubricants

Fuchs has openings right now for CDL A Grease Truck Drivers based out of their Huntington, WV location. The local truck drivers report to the Plant Manager and is responsible for delivering finished goods (grease and metalworking fluids) to our customers in a timely manner.

Also, this local union position offers great pay at +$21.45/hr and full benefits. In addition, drivers are home daily schedule!

Fuchs asks that applicants already have their CDL A license and are at least 21 years old with 2 years of experience. In addition, applicants need to have a Hazmat and Tanker endorsement.

Interested in applying?

Learn more about the job requirements, benefits, pay and more.

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Day in the Life of an OTR Truck Driver

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OTR Truck Driver

Working as an OTR truck driver is radically different from other trucking jobs. These hauls are the longest, taking you coast-to-coast and likely away from home for lengthy periods of time. You would basically be living out of your truck, but if your company has invested in fleet amenities, it’s not a bad deal. You’ll spend many hours driving and few hours resting. But what about everything else?

Here’s a look at the typical day in the life as an over the road truck driver to get a better sense of how they go about their daily routine.

OTR truck driverSleep

Most OTR truck drivers wake up early. Depending on your delivery schedule, you may have to adjust your sleep habits so that you sleep earlier at night at wake up before dawn. If you’re not an early bird, you’re either going to struggle a bit with the schedule, or you can try your luck asking for jobs where you don’t have to start early. Sometimes OTR drivers time their departures based on expected traffic patterns at certain hours. Most OTR semi-trucks have a twin-size bed that will pull down from the wall. In extreme weather, many truckers will choose to stay at truck stops, rest areas, or motels, to avoid losing sleep.

You’ll likely spend over 10 hours of the day driving, so you don’t want to skimp on rest. If you’re sleeping in the semi-truck and in a parking area, try to find a parking space away from other trucks and loud noises.

Using foam earplugs is also a smart choice so you can block out sounds which will be disturbing.

Make sure you set three different wake-up alarms- you don’t want to be late and miss your delivery window! Remember you’ll need some pre-drive time to run a safety inspection on your truck before leaving. Another tip veteran OTR drivers give newbies is that they should avoid caffeine during the second half of the shift, to ensure a restful night of sleep.

otr truck driverShowers

Maintaining good hygiene while driving over the road can be tricky. Most OTR truck drivers end up taking showers at truck stops. You can purchase a shower use while at a truck stop- they’ll give you a receipt with your number and security code. Bring your shower caddy with soap and shampoo and whatever else you need.

It’s just important is to bring and wear shower shoes- you don’t want to be stuck with toe fungus.

Sometimes OTR truckers will get a free shower with a fuel purchase, so these can add up. If you’re short on shower credits, its not uncommon to politely ask other drivers if they can spare a shower credit. Then you can pay it forward in the future.

If you’re showering at the truck stop, your best times to take a shower are early morning or late night. If you wait till the showers are the least busy, you not only save time with a shorter wait, but are likely to encounter a much cleaner and sanitized shower. If you’re not a fan of truck stop showers, you can consider purchasing a portable shower kit. This is a common practice with campers, since it allows you to take a shower wherever you are. This is a good solution for those driving in rural locations or if you’re facing a tight deadline.

otr truck driverMeals

We’ve written before about meals and cooking on our blog. That’s because meals are an essential part of lifestyle which OTR truck drivers cannot afford to neglect! Unfortunately, too many truck drivers find few options for meals while driving, and then stop by at diners or fast food joints to grab a quick bite. Veteran drivers will tell you that this is fine every now and again, but you shouldn’t rely on restaurants as the only option.

If you’re always eating out, eventually it will add up in terms of dollars, not to mention calories.

Your waistline will thank you if you invest in healthier (and cheaper) eating habits. Unfamiliar restaurants are unreliable too, and you may end up spending $20 on a really mediocre burger.

Many OTR drivers have embraced cooking! If your truck has a few amenities, then you can make some simple but hearty meals while on the road. If nothing else, invest in a crockpot. This handy device can help make hundreds of different means in a very quick and convenient fashion. You can share recipes with your family and other drivers as well. Smart snacking has also helped truck drivers who are looking to stay in shape. If you’re interested in finding good eateries, use apps like Yelp to search for quality restaurants which won’t break the bank.

Parking

Parking can be notoriously difficult for OTR truck drivers. Ideally, you’d be stopping at a truck stop and parking there. However, there are limited spaces and the later you arrive the fewer chances of finding a parking spot. Truck drivers also try parking at the location of the shipper or receiver. If there is a dock door, you can sometimes park right next to that. It will help to call ahead of time and get their permission to park there. While it is not ideal, sometimes truckers park near hardware stores or grocery stores. If doing so, make sure to check with the business owners. Often they won’t mind and will let you park there, or can direct you to the nearest truck parking

If you’re trying to park at a truck stop, plan ahead of time. Consult a truck stop directory and try to arrive early. Wherever you park, make sure it is a less congested area with no traffic.

When in doubt, ask business owners, local authorities, or the shipper/receiver about nearest truck parking

Don’t forget that safety is a big issue when it comes to parking, so check everything with dispatch. Check out some cool apps that help you find truck parking spots across the country.

Relationships

Have no doubt about it, OTR truck drivers maintain a tough schedule. You’ll be on the road for more than a week before going home and getting a break. This takes a toll on home time, especially on family and relationships. The trade-off is that you may have more days at home with family before the next job takes you out again.

Keeping in touch with family while over the road can be tough, but not impossible.

There are many things you can do to stay connected with loved ones while away. Come up with some innovative ways to connect beyond just phone calls.

Many couples share recipes and plan to have the same meal together at the same time. Chatting on Skype or FaceTime allows you to have a virtual date despite the miles between you. Share a Spotify playlist or other music platform and you’ll know your partner will be listening to some of the same tunes during the day. Many truckers take photos of interesting sights they see across the country to share with their partners. You don’t need the latest technology to connect. Play a game of 20 questions or other ways to pass time with your partner. You’ll be surprised about how many new things you can learn about each other regardless of how long you’ve been together!

Over the road trucking isn’t for everyone since it takes you away from home for a long time. Still, many truckers enjoy the experience because they get the chance to travel, see the country, and meet interesting people. Keep these daily habits and helpful tips in mind whether you’re a veteran OTR truck driver or a novice deciding whether OTR is for you.

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Job of the Day: Nussbaum Transportation

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nussbaum transportation

Today’s job of the day comes from Nussbaum Transportation

Nussbaum Transportation Services was founded in 1945, with a single truck by Alden Nussbaum. Over the last 70 years, we’ve been building solid relationships with people and we owe our success to the quality of our drivers.

Our hiring philosophy, and the reason so many drivers stay with us, is that we give you the most accurate picture of what driving for Nussbaum looks like from day one, ensuring there are no surprises and that we never fall short of your expectations.

Currently, Nussbaum Transportation is hiring CDL A OTR Dry Van Drivers in the following locations:

Take advantage of the recent improvements we’ve made for our drivers:

  • $.02/mile increase
  • Pay detention after 1 hour
  • Reimburse for all paid parking
  • Pay practical miles door-to-door
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)

OTR Company Drivers get miles and respect, without the lip service.  We’re different and we like that. Our drivers do too.

Interested in applying?

Learn more about the job requirements, benefits, pay and more.

Learn More & Apply

Pros and Cons of Team Truck Driving

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team truck driving pros and cons

Is there a clear benefit to team truck driving? With regulations on the number of hours an individual driver can run, it sounds like it should be a simple answer. Two drivers in one truck can turn more miles in less time than one driver, and therefore can get more work done. But is it really that easy when it comes to driving as part of a team?

Here’s a breakdown of some team truck driving pros and cons.

Pro: Two is Better Than One

The old adage that 2 is better than 1, applies here. Team truck drivers can sleep in shifts and keep the truck moving down the road longer, covering more miles daily.

Additionally, there’s now 2 sets of eyes and ears on the road, and an extra set of hands for anything that needs to be done. Breaks can be more efficient. One driver can run inside the truck stop for food and the other driver can fuel up the rig outside. Multitasking makes for more productivity, and less idle time not logging miles.

Pro: You’re Never Lonely

Truck drivers consistently report that one of the biggest hardships of being a truck driver is all the time that spent alone. Team truck driving provides built-in company across the miles. There’s always someone to talk to, map out logistics, discuss current events, and otherwise pass the time over the road.

Con: You’re No Longer the Boss

One of the things many truck drivers love about their jobs, is the autonomy that comes along with it. Outside of the orders from the dispatchers, truck drivers are in charge of how they spend their time driving. Solo drivers can decide their schedules, when to take breaks, what to have for dinner and where to stop for the night.

Team truck drivers must be great at compromising, on everything! If not aligned on preferences from cab temperature to music channels, and food and rest break frequency, things aren’t going to go smoothly. Being compatible in general is the only way to make team truck driving work well.

Con: You’re Never Alone

For some people, it’s a huge change from driving solo. Team truck driving for cross-country runs will be a LOT of time in a confined space with someone else 24/7.  Additionally, team drivers tend to run longer stints over the road. You could be in the equivalent of a 10×10 box with the same person for days or weeks at a time.

This could be too much to take for someone used to spending time alone. Even with the other person sleeping, personal phone calls might get overheard.  Or if there’s a disagreement on anything, there’s no place to go and cool off for a little bit.

With two drivers instead of one, more miles can equal a bigger paycheck as well. More miles in less time will likely equal more pay, and the ability to take on additional jobs. However, deciding on how bonus checks get split, and who drives the tougher parts of the runs, ultimately depends on how well both work together and pull their own weight. Work ethics in this case, need to be equally compatible to ensure fairness in take home pay.

Overall, there are certainly benefits to team truck driving.

However you’ve got to be 100% sure you’re very compatible with the other driver. If not, the pros can quickly be outnumbered by the cons.

One of the most popular team truck driving duos are couples. Spending more time with your partner/spouse can help strengthen your relationship, as you get to experience all facets of your life together.

When speaking with husband and wife team truck drivers, David and Valerie Lopez, they note that “sharing experiences is part of what makes trucking together special” for them. And overall, team truck driving together has worked out well financially for them and improved their communication at the same time.

Have you considered driving as part of team? Do you currently drive as part of a team? We’d love to hear your opinions on this topic, sound off on our Facebook page here.

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10 Highest Paying Driving Jobs

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Not every type of CDL trucking job offers the same pay. Depending on the type of haul you take and the experience you have with different loads, you can earn a much different salary. Gain experience in one of these lucrative types of trucking jobs, and you’ll see the zeros in your paycheck increase.

Here are the 10 highest paying driving jobs in the industry.

ice road truck1. Ice Road Trucking

Since this is the most dangerous and risky of the driving jobs in the industry, it is also one of the most well payed. Be warned- ice road trucking isn’t for the faint of heart. There’s a reason why the show “Ice Road Truckers” on the History Channel has been very popular. People are fascinated with the courage and skill it takes to be an ice road trucker. These drivers work only a few months of the year but can make a full year’s salary in that short time. They need to be very skilled drivers and fix their trucks in cases of breakdown.

oversized truck2. Oversized Truck Loads

Driving oversized loads could simply mean that the load is an inch over-width or could mean you’re driving double wide trucks. Since the driving is a bit trickier, these jobs will automatically pay more. You’ll likely need special permits from transportation departments for oversized truck loads. If you don’t like night driving, this job might be for you since you won’t be allowed to drive when it’s dark. It does mean you’ll spend more days on each job, but the pay raise may be worth it.

3. Auto Hauls

You can’t miss these behemoths on the road because they look so intimidating. One truck hauls a dozen or more cars which are likely brand new. These auto haul jobs pay extremely well because of the value of the freight and because they require very skilled driving. If you’re transporting luxury cars, you’ll be payed even higher. Added training may be needed on-the-job since you won’t get exposure to this in truck driving school.

owner operator4. Owner-Operators

Being an owner-operator comes with a mountain of responsibility. You’ll have to deal with operational expenses, maintenance, and finding contracts with different companies. Being your own boss can also be potentially rewarding. Since you won’t have to deal with company management, you can see more of your bottom line in your own paycheck. Becoming an owner-operator is a really big decision which most drivers aren’t ready for until they’ve had years of experience under their belt.

5. Over the Road Trucking

In general, over the road (OTR) jobs are going to pay more since they involve long hauls. You’ll be traveling across the country, maybe even coast-to-coast, and will be on the road for long stretches of time. This means it may be weeks till the next time you see your family. The idea is that you’re getting a bigger paycheck for sacrificing the home time. Be careful though and verify the compensation package with your recruiters before signing on for OTR jobs. Many drivers actually enjoy OTR driving since they get to explore the country and visit many incredible places.

tanker6. Tanker Hauls

Tanker trucking jobs pay more than flatbed loads or dry van hauls. This is because they are also considered to be more dangerous since they involve liquids which often move around uncontrollably. In order to land a tanker job, your CDL needs to be endorsed to be a tanker haul driver. This will allow you to gain experience with liquid hauling.

7. Hazmat Hauls

If you’re getting into tanker trucking, consider hazmat jobs as well. These jobs are dangerous since they transport hazardous materials like gas or chemicals. A hazmat endorsement on your CDL is required for these types of jobs. Most tanker hauls are hazmat. Because of the dangerous nature of the haul, these jobs pay significantly well

cdl-a-truck-driver-jobs8. Team Truck Drivers

Team drivers handle one run together so that it can be completed quicker. Companies often use teams when a load needs to reach a destination as soon as possible. A pair of team drivers can cover 2,000 miles in one day while it would have taken twice or three times as long for a solo driver. The two drivers take turns resting so that the truck is still moving even though one of them is sleeping. This is a popular approach for truck driver couples who like spending the time together on the road. Team driving isn’t for everyone though because you’ll be spending a lot of time with the other driver, regardless of whether or not it’s your spouse.

9. Trucking School Instructor

Working in a trucking school to teach new trainees can also be a lucrative job. You also get to stay in one location and avoid the long hours and distances with most trucking jobs. Sometimes drivers decide to take this route after they’ve spent a few years driving and decided they are sick of it, or want to spend more time with their families. Check out local truck driving schools to see if they have any positions open

dump truck10. Mining or Dump Truck Driving

It’s a dirty job, but someone has to do it. These are non-glamorous driving jobs since the freight is literally garbage or coal. Mining truckers haul coal, rock and oil. Dump trucks carry sand, gravel, or demolition waste. The trucks themselves are unique since they’re specifically designed for this type of job. If you’re working in or around mines, you have to take special care to make sure the mine itself is not disturbed. These jobs can pay well, but make sure you interested and don’t mind getting dirty.

The trucking industry has dozens of types of jobs that are very different in terms of schedule, haul, type of run, and risk involved. It makes sense that not all are going to pay equally well. We’ve identified ten highest paying driving jobs in the industry to help you decide what type to look for. Although you may not always be able to control what types of runs you get assigned to, you can start building experience different jobs and find the ones that best suit you.

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Job of the Day: W&A Distribution

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The Drive My Way job of the day comes from W&A Distribution

Family owned and operated since 1990, W&A Distribution built a reputation for safety and prioritizing the satisfaction of employees and customers alike. Their communicative and honest approach ensures positive, lasting relationships along with dedication to quality service. Also, W&A’s team of over 100 professionals helps meet customer needs in 48 states, across diverse industries.

Overall, W&A Distribution offers driver opportunities to have the career they deserve. With competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, and quality home time, W&A makes truck drivers a priority. Join a company driven by integrity and shared success.

Currently, W&A Distribution is hiring OTR Dry Van CDL A Drivers and Teams out of Fort Atkinson, WI

Drivers are home weekly, average $65,000-$75,000 per year, and access great benefits. Also, additional details about the positions are below.

  • CPM pay structure plus per diem, detention, layover, stop pay, drop&hook, and more
  • Average miles per week – 2,200 mi
  • Benefits package, including:
    • Health insurance with HRA
    • 100% company paid dental insurance premiums
    • 401k with employer match
    • Auxiliary benefit options including vision, short term disability, and more
    • Also, drivers receive paid holidays and paid vacation after only 6 months
  • Late model, well maintained fleet
  • Personal phone use reimbursement
  • Offer incentives for fuel economy and low idle time

Overall, the driver duties include safely operating a commercial vehicle as well as pre- and post-trip inspections and reporting. In addition, drivers deliver product or material to destination; assists with unloading as needed.

Also, W&A Distribution asks that applicants hold a CDL A license with 1 year verifiable OTR experience. In addition, they ask drivers have no serious moving violations in the past 2 years and working knowledge of city and state locations throughout the U.S.

Interested in applying?

Learn more about the job requirements, benefits, pay and more.

Learn More: Driver Learn More: Teams

Job of the Day: Foodliner

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The Drive My Way job of the day comes from Foodliner

Foodliner, Inc. is one of the largest bulk food carriers in the country and a Transport Topic Top 100 carrier. They are hiring professional CDL A Midwest Regional Liquid Bulk Drivers to join their team in addition to CDL A Midwest Regional Liquid Bulk Owner Operators. Currently, their company drivers average $75,000/year with the potential to make $85,000/year or more!

Check out the benefits of driving with us:

  • Home weekly or more
  • $3,000 Sign-on Bonus, $5,000 if you have bulk (Liquid or Dry) experience!
  • Annual Seniority Bonus up to $2,750 per year
  • Quarterly Performance Bonus, up to 5.5% of gross earnings
  • Weekend Delivery Premium: $100 per day
  • 1 Week of Vacation after 6 months and 1 week of Vacation after 12 months
  • Medical, Prescription, Dental, Vision, Short and Long Term Disability. Also, 401K with match
  • $50,000 Life Insurance Policy

Locations: 

  • MN (Including Long Lake (terminal), Long City (terminal), Minneapolis/St. Paul, Winona, Mankato, Renville, Hastings, Chaska)
  • WI (Including Kenosha (terminal), La Crosse, Eau Claire, Green Bay, Milwaukee)
  • IA (Including Eddyville (terminal), Cedar Rapids, Ottumwa, Burlington, Des Moines, Dubuque, Davenport)
  • IN (Including Layfayette (terminal), Hammond, Terra Haute, South Bend, Indianapolis, Ft. Wayne)
  • ND (Including Fargo, Whapeton)
  • IL (Including 2 terminals in Chicago area)

Interested in applying?

Learn more about the job requirements, benefits, pay and more.

Learn More: Driver Learn More: O/O

3 Ways to Get Along With Your Truck Driver Dispatcher

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truck driver dispatcher

As a driver, your primary contact with your company and your daily workload is with your truck driver dispatcher. You need them to set your schedule, find the best routes and keep you moving down the road.

They need you to meet deadlines, work well with customers, and most importantly be safe, efficient and prepared for navigating the roads. So we were wondering: How is your relationship with your truck driver dispatcher?

In a recent Facebook poll we found that 75% of you said you DO have a good relationship with your dispatcher. That’s great news!  In the past, we’ve had drivers mention specifically that their favorite part about their job was the relationship with their dispatcher. But what about the 25% of truck drivers that are struggling?

What can help improve your relationship with your dispatcher?

In life, any relationship worth having, takes effort to grow and prosper. That’s true in both personal and professional relationships. To help your working relationship thrive, here are 3 things to keep in mind when working to improve your relationship with your dispatcher.

1. Keep things professional

Every relationship deserves mutual respect. In a business relationship, respect is a must. Ensure each  conversation is suitable for a business relationship. Always use appropriate language with any co-worker, even when there’s a heated issue. You and your dispatcher are a team, and you both want to be successful.

2. Keep lines of communication open

When communicating with your dispatcher, be clear, honest and to the point. Respect their time and respond to messages and calls promptly. As soon as there’s an issue or a potential problem, let them know. They are working to get you the best information they can in a timely fashion. Be sure to do your part as well.

3. Understand their point of view

You certainly have tough job. Navigating every kind of traffic and weather conditions for long hours each day is stressful. But what about your dispatcher?

Though they’re not in the cab with you, they are dealing with a lot back at the office.  Dispatchers have to manage every driver’s current situations.  Add to that: conflicting timelines, ever-changing logistics, multiple customer expectations, management’s expectations, as well as what’s going on in their own life, and they just might be willing to trade for your road closures or horrific traffic jams. When you’re having a bad day, remember that they might be as well. In any relationship, a little bit of empathy can go a long way.

Even for those truck drivers that enjoy a great working relationship with their dispatcher, it’s worth the extra effort to keep that relationship solid. Keeping your conversations professional, ensuring there’s good lines of communications in place, and having a good understanding of each other’s perspective are crucial for your team’s success.

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10 Winter Driving Tips for Truck Drivers

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10 Winter Driving Tips for Truck Drivers

The weather can quickly take a nasty turn when least expected. Snow, ice, and sleet are still a possibility this season. Winter weather can significantly raise the risk of driver accidents on the road.

Taking the precautions to prepare for winter weather will help you stay safe on the road and make reach destinations on time. Keep these ten winter driving tips in mind before hitting the road during difficult weather conditions.

1. Vehicle Inspection

Be extra careful during your inspection in the winter months. Check important internal factors like tire pressure, engine oil, and antifreeze levels. Complete a visual, hands-on inspection of all tires, wiper blades, and lights. Maintain at least a half a tank of gas during the winter in case you need to run the engine while stopped on the side of the road. Make sure heat and defroster are functioning normally to keep yourself and the truck warm

2. Slow Down

This may be a no-brainer, but worth repeating. While driving in snow or ice, take the effort to drive slower than you usually do. The speed limits posted are for ideal conditions and should be kept lower for winter weather. Basically, you want to compensate for the poor traction on snow-filled roads.

Hydroplaning occurs when water builds between the wheels and the road surface, leading to loss of traction. Hydroplaning prevents the vehicle from responding to controls as quickly. Slowing down gives you more time to react if anything suddenly changes.

3. Allow More Space

Ideally, stopping distance should be twice as much on a wet road as on a dry one. Leave plenty of room between your truck and the vehicle in front of you so that you have enough space to move out of the way in case of unpredictable situations. Avoid driving in packs. Usually, you may want to herd with other trucks on the road, but in winter weather this can be a disadvantage. Find a way to get away from the rest of traffic so that you’re driving alone.

4. Avoid Sudden Changes

Speaking of sudden changes, try to avoid them! If you need to change speed or direction, try to do so gently. You mainly want to remain smooth and avoid anything that reduces traction. Instead of sudden braking, try pumping your brakes if you need to slow down quickly. Similarly, avoid sudden acceleration or cornering. If your truck comes equipped with anti-lock braking system, now is the time to use it. This will avoid the change of locking the tires and spinning out of control.

5. Pay Attention to Tire Spray

Tire spray is a good measure of how wet the road is. Observe the water coming off the tires of vehicles around you. The more wet the road is, the more careful you have to be about slowing, maintaining distance, and keeping traction.

If there is less tire spray, the roads may have started to ice over. Watch for black ice- that’s a layer of transparent ice that makes the road look wet.

6. Route Preparation

Keeping up to date with the weather conditions will go a long way towards being prepared for what’s coming your way. Use GPS apps or information provided by dispatch to know which roads may be closed. Telematics can help you know where other drivers are, the routes they are taking, and opportunities to find safer routes. Maps will also help you locate rest stops for nearby shelter if needed.

7. Always Turn on Headlights

Another obvious one, but you may be surprised how often we all forget to implement this. Headlights are always a must during snow or rain, but also during low visibility conditions like fog or mist. Having the lights on will allow others to know where you are. Be sure to clear off snow and ice from the headlights whenever you have stopped.

8. Pull Over if Needed

If driving conditions are extremely severe, pull over to be on the safe side. Don’t worry about the schedule and coordinate the situation with dispatch.

Get off the road and find a safe place to wait for conditions to improve. While rest stops are ideal, don’t be opposed to stopping elsewhere if the nearest rest stop is too far away.

9. Winter Driving Kit

Having with the right equipment before any route during the winter will help you stay prepared for emergencies. Here’s the minimum of what should go in your winter driving kit: extra layers of clothing, gloves, flashlight, blanket, batteries, non-perishable food and water, bags of sand, salt and windshield washer fluid, windshield scraper and brush, jumper cables, first-aid kit, tire chains and traction mats.

10. Take Extra Care on Bridges

Bridges and highway overpasses usually freeze first since they are more elevated. To make matters worse, bridges may not be treated with ice/snow melt materials as quickly as main roads and highways. Take particular caution to drive on these and avoid them if possible. Look for alternate routes, even if they add some additional time.

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