3 Ways to Overcome Truck Driver Depression

, /by

truck driver depression

Truck drivers spend a significant time away from home. They might not have much quality time with family and friends for long stretches of time. Truckers might spend most of their day without actually talking to anyone face-to-face. Compound this with an extremely high-stress job, and it’s probably not too difficult for a trucker to develop some feelings of loneliness and anxiety. If those feelings don’t get addressed properly, true depression can soon follow. Here are 3 ways to overcome truck driver depression.

What is Depression?

Almost everyone has days when they’re just not feeling 100% happy. Or maybe a mild stretch of feeling sad over something. But actual depression is different. It’s when these feeling last more than a few weeks. And the symptoms cause physical changes to a person’s everyday life. Symptoms can range from mild things like loss of sleep, mood swings, or lack of energy. Sometimes symptoms can be more severe, and result in someone not able to get out of bed or leave their house for days. Truck driver depression rates are almost 2 times that of the general population..

More than 17 million U.S. adults—over 7% of the population—had at least one major depressive episode in the past year.  – National Alliance on Mental Illness

Tip 1: Recognize and React

Be receptive to your own thoughts and feelings. Also be accepting of others asking you if you’re doing ok. Once you’re aware that there’s an issue, you can work to make changes to help address it. Truck drivers usually have time in the evenings to do their research. Take that alone time and flip it from a negative to a positive. Listen to a good mental health podcast. Start to put together plans to begin to feel better, and stay ahead of things should symptoms arise again the future.

Tip 2: Don’t Make Things Worse

Rather than dealing with any type of problem, some people think that things will just get better or try to fix it themselves. Or some people prefer to not seek help when they don’t feel great, and just hope things go away. With depression, it’s not always just that easy. Thinking this way often leads people to try and mask systems by abusing alcohol or drugs. Or taking out anger and frustrations on friends or loved ones. Truck drivers already have a high rate of drug/alcohol abuse. Seek help as soon as you recognize symptoms. This is something that’s not just going to go away on it’s own if left untreated.

Tip 3: Plan to Stay Healthy

Once truck driver depression is being treated, it’s time to start planning ahead to make sure they stay healthy. There’s plenty of resources out there that help find ways to reduce stress. There’s plenty of ways to stay in touch with your family and friends while away from home. And lastly, there’s plenty of ways to keep your mind and body in shape with a good diet and plenty of exercise out on the road.

Changing Times

The stigma associated with mental disorders and illness continue to decrease. People with depression issues no longer need to hide in the shadows alone. There are more support organizations and resources available than there ever have been. Some trucking companies even offer mental health benefits and resources specifically to their drivers. Truck driver depression is something that can be identified, treated and overcome when the driver connects with the right resources.

If you or someone you know are struggling with depression, and need someone to talk to, please seek help. If you can’t get in touch with your doctor. a great place to seek help is through the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 am–6 pm, ET. 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or info@nami.org.

ultimate-guide-truck-drivers-maintain-3-healthy-habits-over-the-road

The Ultimate Guide for Truck Drivers to Maintain 3 Healthy Habits Over the Road

Download the complete guide for tips to easily maintain healthy habits over the road.

Download the Guide Now

How to Master a Plant-Based Diet Over the Road

, /2 Comments/by

How to Master a Plant-Based Diet Over the Road

Following a plant-based diet has become a well-accepted, and effective way to get healthier. These types of eating plans are especially good for those looking to improve their heart health due to drastically reducing saturated fats and cholesterol. For truckers, life on the road can make it difficult to follow this strict way of eating. Especially when not at home every day to prepare meals. But with a little planning and some kitchen basics, it is possible. Here are some ideas for truck drivers looking to master a plant-based diet over the road.

The Plant-Based Basics

Eating plant-based means that most, or even all, calories come from plants. This includes fruits, vegetables, grains and nuts. Plant-based does not necessarily equal becoming a vegan. For most, eating plant-based means cutting back on meat & dairy overall, but not eliminating them 100%. Some people choose to ease into this way of life by cutting back little by little, each day. Or perhaps eating only vegetarian one or 2 days per week. The Meatless Monday trend came about just for that reason! And that’s a great place for those looking to find a way to change their diets slowly.

Not Every Plant-Based Diet Is Created Equal

If you’ve made the decision to start following a plant-based diet, there’s a few different ways to do it.

Swapping out meat and dairy for healthy vegetables and nut milks, can bring about weight loss and better heart health. But swapping out meat and dairy for a diet laden heavy with potatoes, rice and increased grains might actually lead to weight gain, even though it’s actually plant-based.

Researching all of the variations of this way of eating and working with your doctor to help you choose a plan is recommended before starting any new diets.

Heart Health

A plant-based diet is the only diet that has been shown to not only prevent—but to reverse—advanced-stage cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes says Julieanna Hever, California-based nutritionist, founder of Plant-Based Dietitian and author of The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Plant-Based Nutrition.

On the Go

Meal-prepping before your trips is key to keeping on track with a plant-based diet. Having a plentiful supply of clean and ready fruits and vegetables handy for snacks is a great start. That can also make things easier when cooking meals for the workweek. There are great recipes for vegetarian soups, stews, and casseroles. And for those days when it might be tough to find a healthy dinner and you don’t have anything prepped it’s good to have a backup plan. Plant-based protein powders or protein bars are great options when in a pinch.

There are ways to eat a plant-based diet at fast food restaurants as well. Besides focusing only on salad bars, many restaurants are catering to those looking for more meat and dairy-less options. There are some great resources available that can help make good fast-food choices when on the road.

Try a plant-based diet to get heart-healthy while over the road. Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or on our Facebook page. We’d love to share your great ideas with our our trucker family online.

ultimate-guide-truck-drivers-maintain-3-healthy-habits-over-the-road

The Ultimate Guide for Truck Drivers to Maintain 3 Healthy Habits Over the Road

Download the complete guide for tips to easily maintain healthy habits over the road.

Download the Guide Now

5 Signs You’re Ready to Become an Owner Operator

, /by

owner operator

Becoming an owner operator is even more challenging than it sounds. While many company drivers aspire to become owner operators, it’s not meant for everyone. Becoming your own boss in trucking will give you more independence and flexibility but comes with new responsibilities. Generally, you’ll want to consider being an owner operator only after years of experience on the road as a company driver. Even those who would make good owner operators aren’t ready until they’ve invested a great deal in the trucking industry. Here are 5 signs that you’re ready to become an owner operator.

1. Enough experience

Experience is the biggest factor you’ll need to take into consideration before becoming an owner operator. How many years have you spent as a company driver? For how many carriers? There are many things you need to take into consideration before being sure that you’re ready to be an owner operator. Experience gives you familiarity with not just driving, but with the industry and the lifestyle. If you know the ins and outs of the industry, it’s a good sign you’re ready to become an owner operator. Don’t forget the lifestyle. If you’re not a big fan of the long hours on the road and the time away from home, being an owner operator may not be for you. If you’ve adapted to the advantages of the lifestyle, along with the challenges it brings, then it’s a good sign you’re ready to become an owner operator. 

2. Financially prepared

Being financially prepared is another important factor before making your decision. Make no mistake about it, starting your own operation requires you to have access to cash, and lots of it. You’ll need strong credit to take out the loans needed or dig into your savings to finance your operation. The biggest expense, of course, is the equipment. Making a large down payment on your truck will keep your equipment payments lower. You’ll also need cash for insurance, meals, maintenance and repair, or other expenses. You’ll have to ask yourself if you’re willing to risk losing everything.

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.

You should have a backup financial plan in case things turn south. It helps to have a solid understanding of your finances, so you know how much you need to make in order to break even or turn a profit. Its important to set a budget for your own personal expenses and for expected business costs. Your health, family’s expenses, kids’ tuition costs, and retirement plans should all factor into this. Talk to a reliable and trustworthy financial adviser before starting as an owner operator. Being in a strong financial position is a good sign that you’re ready to become an owner operator.

3. Personal life

Having experience and money isn’t enough for being an owner operator. You need to make sure the decision is the right one for your personal and home life. The lifestyle can be all-consuming so most owner operators have either a very stable relationship that can survive the distance, or no current relationship. Many owner operators are out on the road for longer stretches of time than company drivers. The trade-off is that you may have more days at home with family before the next job takes you out again. You’ll have to decide if that benefit is worth it. Some drivers forget that even if they’re home for longer periods of time, they’ll be working more hours at home simply to take care of the business side.

The added responsibility of running your own business may take a toll on family life.

You’ll also need to consider health as a factor. If you have serious health issues right now, it could be an impediment toward becoming an owner operator. It’ll be difficult to run the business and drive for long runs if you’re expecting to be receiving constant treatment or paying medical bills. There are always chances that unexpected health issues may arise in the future. However, you should plan around any known health conditions. Being in good health without any expected illnesses is a good sign you’re ready to become an owner operator.

4. Business preparedness

If you’ve taken the time to become business savvy, it’s a good sign you’re ready to become an owner operator.

The independence of being your own boss comes with the responsibility of running your own business, but not every driver is ready for it.

Regulations, compliance, cost per mile, gross revenue, maintenance costs, tax filing and accounting are only a few of the various aspects of a job. You’ll also need to create a basic budget and a medium-term business plan. How many jobs will you take per month? How long will you run your own operation and what will you do afterwards? Some preparation on these matters makes you ready to become an owner operator.

Take some time to research about the basic of finance and accounting. The trucking industry is also heavily regulated. As an owner operator, you’ll need to be aware of all the regulations ahead of time, and make sure you are in compliance. Some drivers speak to legal and business advisers before making important decisions and to learn more about the risks involved. A trucker who has been a company driver for a few years and hasn’t learned much about the business or legal side will likely not thrive as an owner operator.

5. Networking, research, and more networking

Being an owner operator means finding your own jobs and companies to partner with. You’ll need to investigate which companies are honest and trustworthy many months and even years before you get started. Familiarity with the companies is helpful but nothing beats partnering with a good carrier you’ve already driven for as a company driver. When you can’t work with the same company, its essential to speak with other owner operators to find out what they’re saying. What’s their take on the best companies? Which companies should be avoided? Keeping your pulse on the current situation will make you the most prepared before deciding who to partner with.

Look for carriers with owner operators who have been with them for a long time.

Becoming an owner operator is the holy grail of trucking. Sometimes it may seem like an inevitable place to reach since many drivers consider it and some actually pull it off successfully. Still, the added benefits come with new responsibilities which not every driver is prepared for. If you’re thinking about becoming an owner operator eventually, you’ll have to start preparing years in advance. When you’ve put in the work, you’ll start to feel more and more confident. Once that happens, look for these 5 signs that you’re ready to become an owner operator.

find-cdl-truck-driver-jobs

Find Owner Operator Jobs

We help owner operators match to companies that meet their professional qualifications and personal lifestyle preferences.

Find a Job Today

Keto Meals for Truckers

/3 Comments/by

keto meals for truckers

Truck drivers, like most people, are always looking for ways to improve their health. Changing what you eat is usually a great place to start. Following a Keto way of eating has become a very popular, and effective way to lose weight and get healthier. But for truckers, life on the road can complicate things if it’s tough to access the right foods away from home. We’ve searched around popular websites looking for trucker friendly Keto recipe ideas. Here are some of the best Keto meals for truckers.

But first, have you already heard of Keto? The Ketogenic way of eating, or Keto, has been around for a very very long time. It’s had a surge in popularity recently, along with other low-carb diets like Adkins, and the Paleo diet.

In a nutshell, Keto is a very low carbohydrate, moderate protein, and high fat way of eating. It eliminates eating all types of sugar and all carbs from grains (bread, pasta, crackers, etc.).

It allows only eating “good” carbs from certain vegetables and a limited amount of fruit. The aim is to eliminate creating an insulin response from your body, and instead move your metabolism to burning fat to fuel your body.

Image courtesy of thatlowcarblife.com

Quick and Simple Keto Meals for Truckers

Eggs are a great source of both protein and fat. Make a dozen or so before you leave for the week and pack them in a cooler. Then when you’re ready to eat them, just peel and add a little salt and pepper. To take it up a notch, try these easy keto deviled eggs. If made ahead and kept refrigerated, they should last you a few days. Add some avocado slices on the side and bed of fresh spinach, and you’re all set with a great Keto meal that takes just a few minutes to prepare. Or find ways to mix-up this recipe and add your own flair once you’ve got the fundamentals of a Keto deviled egg covered.

Eating Keto meals from fast food restaurants IS very possible. Think bun-less burgers or sandwiches, minus any sweet condiments, sauces, breading and fries. Burrito bowls or taco salads with meats, guacamole cheese & veggies, but without the chips, tortillas and corn-based salsas. Healthy salads with chicken, steak or shrimp added, less croutons and a no-sugar added dressing. Any of these Keto meals for truckers will keep you eating Keto and feeling satisfied.

Image courtesy of wholesomeyum.com

Beginner Basics

Once you learn the basics of what is and is not allowed for Ketogenic cooking, it’s easy to start getting creative with what you’re preparing. Using a basic meaty chili recipe can be the start for limitless chili varieties, sloppy joes, dips, and soups.

The biggest adjustments here are being sure to cut-out the usual breads, crackers and non-Keto vegetables that go into these types of meals.

Here’s a great Keto chili recipe to start your chili experiments. This easy to prepare Keto meal is great to make a big batch of before you head out and freeze individual portions for your meals during the week. Adding a fresh salad or some cheese on the side can make that microwaved meal feel just like at home.

Gourmet on the Go

Here’s a great Keto meal for truckers sent to us by Yogi Parker, a Keto trucker and terrific cook! He’s got a whole page full of Keto meals for truckers. You can follow his Facebook page for more great recipes.

Yogi Parker shared, “I make this on the truck, and it can be done in an electric skillet, on a camp stove or in a skillet over an outdoor grill.  The recipe does call for some extra dry vermouth or wine, so best if the recipe is cooked when you’re not going anywhere.  Scampi fits well in Keto due to its copious use of butter, and it is absolutely delicious over a steak for some surf and turf.”

Ingredients:

  • 1 lb jumbo Shrimp and 1 /4 lb of scallops
  • 2 sticks Kerrygold Butter
  • 1/2 cup extra dry vermouth
  • 1 large Lemon
  • 4 Garlic Cloves
  • 2 tablespoons of Avocado Oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
  • Salt and Pepper
  • Parmesan cheese and flat parsley

Instructions:

  • Take two cloves of garlic and grate it on a fine greater. Add grated garlic and avocado oil to seafood, mix well. Cover and place into refrigerator to marinate for at least one hour, but preferably overnight. Crush and slice thin remaining garlic. If using stove, heat pan on medium high, if using electric skillet, set initial temp to about 350.
  • Lightly sear seafood in skillet, careful not to cook all the way, just until starting to become opaque.  Use tongs to turn the seafood, about a minute on each side. Remove seafood from heat and place in separate bowl.
  • Reduce heat to medium low, or about 200 degrees on electric skillet. Add in vermouth and deglaze pan. Add butter and garlic sauté for about a minute then add lemon juice. Add seafood back in, season with cayenne, salt, pepper to taste. Sauté for about five minutes. Serve over squash noodles, steamed cauliflower rice or a nice steak for a great surf and turf. Garnish with grated Parmesan and chopped parsley leaves.

Here Yogi’s best advice for those who struggle staying on a healthy lifestyle or tend to beat themselves up if they succumb to bit of temptation:

“Count every victory you have as a step closer to your goal.  Try to stay focused and disciplined, but if you do fall off the wagon, don’t stress too much.  Wagons are slow so you can always hustle and jump back on.”

Once you’ve checked with your doctor and have decided that eating Keto is right for you, it’s fairly easy to get started. There is a tremendous amount of resources online, via social media, and more than likely you’ve got a friend of family member who’s been doing it. Do your research and if you decide to try it, hopefully these Keto meals for truckers will help get your started.

Are you a trucker following a Keto diet? Drop your favorite recipes on our Facebook page. If you like this content be sure to sign-up for our newsletter so that you don’t miss upcoming articles like this!

Never Miss a Beat

Connect with us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on industry updates and CDL jobs near you.

Join the Conversation

What Would Stop in a World Without Trucking?

, , /by

What Would Stop in a World Without Trucking?

Imagine a world without trucking. Most truck drivers have a keen sense that if trucking were to stop, then the nation would come to a standstill. A study by the American Trucking Associations suggests that “when trucks stop, America stops”. While truck drivers are strongly aware of this, perhaps most people in the general public don’t know that our economy depends on trucks to deliver ten billion tons of almost every commodity consumed. If trucks stopped, there would be catastrophic effects on the food industry, healthcare, transportation, manufacturing, finance, and more. Here’s a look at what happens in a world without trucking.

Within 24 hours

  • Hospitals begin to run low on medical supplies.
  • Mail delivery and package services would stop.
  • Gas stations would begin to run low on fuel.
  • Manufacturing slows down, due to lack of supplies delivered on time.

 Within 72 hours

  • Gas supplies start to dwindle low within a few days, and prices would soar.
  • Food supplies in grocery stores are depleted, causing the prices to skyrocket. Consumers start to panic and hoard food.
  • Garbage starts to pile up to building-size, creating severe environmental and health consequences.
  • Banks and ATMs would run out of resources, creating a panic due to lack of access to cash.

Within 1 week

  • Sources of clean water will start to run low. Perishable food supplies almost depleted at food stores.
  • Without new fuel supply, automobiles are no longer able to travel.
  • Public safety threatened as police and fire departments unable to function properly.
  • Hospitals lack basic supplies including oxygen.

Within 3-4 weeks

  • Clean water supply dwindles completely. The only water safe for consumption is boiled water. Lack of clean water will lead to increased illnesses and public health risks.
  • Manufacturing comes to a standstill with lack of components, leaving thousands of people unemployed.
  • Air, rail, and maritime transportation will come to a halt due to lack of supplies for operation.
  • Country moves closer toward economic collapse due to shock in the system.
  • Health and public safety threatened as hospitals and law enforcement cannot function.
  • Environmental catastrophe will be imminent as trash and hazardous materials pile up.

These are just a few of the effects that halting trucking would bring. A world without trucking would soon bring the national economy to a standstill. It would also severely damage public health, safety, and the environment. This year for National Truck Driver Appreciation Week, we should all be thankful for the truckers in the industry who keep their trucks, and the country, running smoothly!

truck driver at loading dock

Want to find a job you love?

Drive My Way matches drivers with jobs based on their qualifications and lifestyle preferences.

Find a Job Today

4 Ways to Increase Your Home Time

, /by

home timeTruck drivers have a tough job. Driving thousands of miles each week can mean many nights away from home. It can add up to hundreds of nights away from their own bed each year. Though the paychecks might be great, all those nights away can take a toll on mental health and overall stress levels.

Of the mental health concerns that truck drivers experience, loneliness tops the list. Nearly a third of drivers say being alone all day and away from their family is a “significant issue affecting their mental health. – Business Insider

For truckers looking to spend more time with their family and friends, here’s 4 ways to increase your home time.

1. Run the Same Short Routes

If you look for routes that are about 200 miles each way, you can run those daily and be home every night. The more you focus on finding those jobs, and being consistent in your work, it can lead to a highly predictable and efficient schedule. You’ll most likely find cost and time savings as well. If predictability and repeating routines are your cup of tea as a trucker, this is the best type of work to maximize your home time.

2. Be Flexible

If you keep an open mind on working weekends, it could lead to more time at home over the course of a year. Consider working holidays as well. If you can convince yourself that weekends and holiday are just like any other workday, you could find yourself being rewarded for working when others won’t. There could even be some bonus money in it for you depending on your carrier.

3. Put in Your Time

Driver schedules usually get better with time. The longer you stay with a carrier, the higher priority you get when choosing routes. Newbie drivers tend to have to grind out the least desirable routes while gaining seniority. This can translate to the most miles away from home. But if you can grind it out and put in the time, you could eventually find yourself first in line for the prime routes. And the most time at home as well. Stick with it!

4. Be Okay with Less Pay

Some carriers offer great options for drivers to increase their home time. You can find opportunities where you might work 7 days on, and then have the following 7 days at home. Find jobs that are setup with these unique types of schedules. Find ways to be okay with the trade-off in pay. You’ll find that you can certainly have plenty of time at home.

Truckers are always seeking ways to improve their work-life balance. Finding ways to spend more quality home time is usually at the top of the list. We’ve given you 4 tips to help you strike that balance, and increase your time spent with family and friends. Do you have a great tip for your fellow drivers? Drop them in the comment box at the bottom of this page.

find-cdl-truck-driver-jobs

Find a Local Job to Get Home More

Want to work for a company that gets you home daily? We match you with a job based on your personal preferences and qualifications.

Find a Local Job Today

5 Gluten-Free Recipes for Truck Drivers

, /by

Trucker meals are often thought of as fast food at truck stops or local diners. That hardly captures the variety of food which real truck drivers prefer. Some drivers have turned to cooking in their cabins to provide meals. Drivers may have food restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free food.

We’ve put together a list of five gluten-free recipes which truck drivers can quickly prepare while on the road or at home.

1. Gluten-free pancakes

Image courtesy of AllRecipes.com

Let’s start off with breakfast, although these delicious and fluffy pancakes are sure to be a hit anytime of day. The right type of gluten-free flour makes this dish simple and quick to make within about 20-30 minutes.

Top with your choice of strawberries, raspberries, or other condiments. Get the Recipe →

 

 

2. Cauliflower potato salad

Image courtesy of Simply Gluten Free

This fantastic gluten-free alternative to traditional potato salad makes for a easy and delicious lunch. The cauliflower provides similar flavor and texture to potato salad. Best part is that this can be ready in under 30 minutes.

You can chill the salad and keep it refrigerated at home before heading out on the road. Get the Recipe →

 

 

3. Sicilian spaghetti

Image courtesy of Simply Gluten Free

Gluten-free pasta is becoming a popular alternative to traditional pasta because many of the flavors in our favorite pasta dishes come from all the other ingredients.

You can try variations to this recipe by changing the vegetables and herbs used. Canned meats or fish makes it easy to prepare in under 30 minutes. Get the Recipe →

 

 

4. Salmon fillets

Image courtesy of Simply Gluten Free

Image courtesy of Simply Gluten FreeBreaded fish makes for a simple, healthy, and delicious dinner.

This gluten-free panko-crust is perfect for adding some crispiness to the flaky salmon.

Add plenty of lime for acid, or change up the herbs and condiments for a different burst of flavor. Get the Recipe →

 

 

5. Gluten-free black and blue berries

Image courtesy of The Food Network

Just because you’re trying to eat healthy doesn’t mean you shouldn’t indulge in the occasional dessert. These berries will leave your sweet tooth satisfied, while you still get a healthy dose of fruit for the day.

While most desserts can be a pain to make over hours in the kitchen, this easy dish is ready in under 20 minutes. Get the Recipe →

 

 

find-cdl-truck-driver-jobs

Want to find a job you love?

Drive My Way matches drivers with jobs based on their qualifications and lifestyle preferences.

Find a Job Today

Truck Driver Safety Tips for Truck Stops

, /50 Comments/by

truck stop safety tips

Truck stops can be a haven for truck drivers who spend long hours on the road. In addition to refueling yourself and the truck, you can get some rest and park your truck in a safe location. However, not all truck stops are equally safe for yourself or your rig. Even in the safest truck stops, there are risks of damage to your vehicle. Many truck accidents occur in truck stop parking lots, given the tight parking situations. There are also horror stories out there about drivers whose trucks have been broken into and who were put into dangerous situations. As an owner operator or company driver, you can guard your truck, and your safety, by following a few simple truck driver safety tips.

Safety at truck stops

There are many reasons why parking and safety are issues at truck stops. First of all, most trucks are now longer than the allotted parking space. This is because most current truck stops were built a few decades ago when the average truck was much shorter in length. The parking lots haven’t grown in size along with the length of current trucks. There may also be unnecessary traffic at truck stops due to student drivers. Some CDL trainers bring student drivers to truck stops to practice their skills. Unfortunately for you, this means there’s a higher chance that your rig could be damaged by a rookie who is just learning the ropes.

You may be tempted to overlook the chances of damage at truck stops but take a minute to think about the costs.

Even if you have an insurance deductible on your truck as an owner operator, it wouldn’t cover all the damage. It doesn’t take much by a careless rookie to rack up about $5,000 in damage. Add the costs of parts and labor, and the economic loss of downtime, and you’re looking at several thousand in damage. Personal safety at truck stops is also of major concern. While you may think truck stops look safe enough, they can be targets for robberies in the middle of the night. Here are a few truck driver safety tips you can follow to protect yourself and the rig.

Truck safety

There are a few simple tips you can follow to reduce the chances of damage to your rig while parked at a truck stop. First, try parking at the very end of the parking area, away from the fuel island. You may have to try stopping earlier at night to find a good spot farther away. The reason is that there is less parking traffic that occurs here. The farther you are from moving trucks, the better. You might want to avoid the entire truck stop if they have a smaller parking lot. Second, pick a good parking spot.

Parking next to immovable objects like poles makes it less likely that another truck hits you on at least one side of your vehicle.

Avoid stopping next to trucks which had a shoddy parking job, or which seem like they’re going to be leaving soon. In fact, don’t park next to other trucks, or on the ends of rows, if you can avoid it. You may want to consider parking nose-in, so you can back out easily. Your truck won’t be hit by anyone pulling in or out.

You’ll want to take safety precautions for your cargo as well. Pad lock your loads, and consider using the seat belt to secure the door. You can run it through the door handle and fasten it. Lastly, consider investing in dash cams. These handy devices can record events in front of your truck. You’ll be able to view this footage if someone hits your truck and takes off. In such an event, you want to protect your reputation as a driver with your carrier, and have clear evidence of what happened, even if the camera can’t identify the culprit.

Personal safety

In addition to your rig, you need to take safety measures to protect yourself at truck stops. Not all truck stops are equally dangerous. You can save yourself some trouble by reading reviews ahead of time for which truck stops to avoid at all costs. Some truck stops have taken measures like security cameras to make their premises safer. Even at the best truck stops there is always a small chance of robberies or burglaries. The valuable cargo you’re carrying can make you a prime target for such crime. Avoid talking about your freight when you’re in public or within earshot of others. Don’t forget your cargo is precious!

Women drivers in particular may have to think about safety concerns more than men, even though truck stops are taking measures to become more female-friendly.

If you’re staying the night at truck stops, there are simple ways to make your area more secure. First, make sure to lock all doors to avoid break-ins. You may also want to pull the blinds over the front windshield so that your possessions aren’t visible. Most company drivers inform their carriers exactly where they are staying for the night for documentation and record-keeping purposes. Finally, consider investing in more cameras. Dash cams can be placed aside from the front blinds so they can capture footage of any would-be perpetrators.

Keeping these truck driver safety tips in mind will help you secure yourself and your rig in truck stops across the country.

truck stop safety

Find a CDL Driving Job

We match truck drivers and owner operators with jobs that fit your professional qualifications and personal preferences, including pay, home time, and more.

Register for Free

3 Tips for Avoiding Sickness Over the Road

, /1 Comment/by

3 Tips for Avoiding Sickness Over the Road

Fall is almost here, and that means cold and flu season is just around the corner. Everyone has to deal with germs every day. And most people try to stay mindful of how to avoid sickness and stay healthy. Though many people can keep their workplace as clean as they’d like, truckers just don’t have that luxury. Your surroundings are always changing. You interact with tons of people (directly and indirectly) at every truck stop or loading dock you encounter each day. Every one of those interactions might have the potential to make you sick if you’re not careful. So, for you truck drivers, here’s 3 tips for avoiding sickness over the road.

Take care of yourself

As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Knowing this, you should do what you can to keep yourself healthy. See your doctor at least once per year. Take all your necessary medications and supplements as needed. Drink plenty of water to keep your body hydrated. Eat a healthy diet and get regular exercise. Reduce your stress levels. Get enough sleep. These simple things can keep your body in tip-top shape to help you fight germs and avoid sickness year-round.

Wash your hands

The easiest, and most effective thing for avoiding sickness is to wash your hands frequently. Every time you leave your truck cab, wash your hands before you return. Wash them before you use your phone again.

Keeping hands clean through improved hand hygiene is one of the most important steps we can take to avoid getting sick and spreading germs to others. Many diseases and conditions are spread by not washing hands with soap and clean, running water. –Center for Disease Control

Use soap and water every time if possible. If you can’t get to a sink, keep a small bottle of hand sanitizer in your pocket. Keeping your hands clean can reduce your chances of getting sick. Bonus tip: wipe down your phone a few times each day as well. Your phone can be dirtier than a toilet seat!

Know what to do if the flu strikes

Sometimes when you do everything right for avoiding sickness, the flu can still strike. Safety still needs to be your number one concern. Knowing your own limits is very important. So, if you’re really under the weather, do what you can to rest and get better. This might mean pulling off the road for a while so that you can keep yourself, and other drivers, safe.

Take advantage of these 3 helpful tips and you can give yourself an edge on avoiding sickness this flu season. Feel free to drop your best tips in the comments below, and we’d love to share them with our drivers. If you liked these tips and want to get more like this, download our eBook.

ultimate-guide-truck-drivers-maintain-3-healthy-habits-over-the-road

The Ultimate Guide for Truck Drivers to Maintain 3 Healthy Habits Over the Road

Download the complete guide for tips to easily maintain healthy habits over the road.

Download the Guide Now

19 Items to Keep in Your Truck

/by

19 Items to Keep in Your Truck

For emergencies, it’s better to be overly prepared than to be caught unprepared. This rings especially true for truck drivers. Drivers find themselves in all kinds of weather and road conditions, at all times of the day, and quite often in remote areas. It’s not practical to have everything you might ever need with you. But to make a truck driver’s life a little bit easier, here’s a list of 19 items to keep in your truck. Better to be safe than sorry!

Personal Items

1. Water & Food: This should go without saying, but any driver should have water and non-perishable foods available in their trucks. Even if you don’t have any cooling or cooking tools, keep at least a few days’ worth of water and food in the truck with you.

2. Medications: Have enough of each required prescription for the length of your trip. Probably even a few extras of each medication just in case. Best idea is to have them sorted out by day in a daily pill organizer, so that it’s convenient for you to know what to take and when.

3. First Aid Kit: Have a well-stocked first aid kit to treat minor injuries over the course of any trip. Band-Aids, pain relief medication, antibiotic ointment, and some basic bug bite creams are must haves for anyone spending time on the road.

4. Earplugs: Earplugs are a great idea for anyone working in a loud environment. Or anyone that might need to catch a good night’s sleep away from home.

5. Hygiene Items: A well-stocked shower caddy is a must have for anyone needing to grab a shower at a truck stop. Keep everything you need to stay clean, plus a pair of good flip-flops are necessary items to keep in your truck. For days when a shower stop just can’t happen, keep a package of personal wipes handy to stay fresh.

6. Good Blanket: For sleeping, and also in case of a breakdown in a colder area, a good blanket is a required item for any trucker. Find a good blanket that’s warm, and easy to roll-up and store during the day.

7. Winter Boots & Jacket: Being prepared for snowy weather is important for anyone travelling through areas where snow is a possibility. You might be the first one into the truck stops before the plows get there, or in case you get stuck and must walk somewhere in the snow. Good boots and a warm winter jacket are great to keep in your truck.

Safety and Basic Maintenance Tools

8. Toolbox: A small toolbox with all of the basics should be a staple for any truck driver. Be sure to check on the contents from time-to-time to make sure everything is in there, and in good working order. Consider keeping a folding shovel in with your other tools too!

9. Flashlight: A good basic safety item to keep in your truck. Whether you need it to look around once you’re in your cab for the night, or if you have to walk around in an unfamiliar area after dark, a flashlight with fresh batteries should be available at all times.

10. Headlamp: One step better than a flashlight, is a headlamp. When you want to have your hands free when walking around outside at night, or performing a basic repair, a headlamp with fresh batteries should be in your truck.

11. Work Gloves: Protect your hands when working on a repair, or moving around cargo. Keep a pair of gloves handy for working on or off of the truck.

12. Flares: In case of a breakdown, or if you stop to help someone who needs it, setting flares is a good idea to help other drivers be aware of trouble ahead.

13. Fire Extinguisher: At the first sign of a fire, be sure you can easily get to full fire extinguisher. Be sure to have them well maintained to ensure that they will work when you need them.

14. Printed List of Phone Numbers: Just in case your mobile phone malfunctions, have a list of important phone numbers printed somewhere. You can keep them on a small card in your wallet or somewhere easy to get to in your truck.

Entertainment and Electronics

15. Tablet: A smart phone loaded with basic trucker apps goes without saying. A tablet is a real video upgrade for your non-driving time in the truck. A subscription to a streaming movie channel will help make the hours go by faster before you’re asleep for the night.

16. Mounts: Having mounts for your portable electronics can help you better navigate during the day, and have a more relaxing experience watching a movie at night. Have one mount for each device or an adjustable one that can work with everything.

17. Chargers & Batteries: All of your tools and electronics should be well-charged or have a fresh set of batteries. Keep your chargers handy, and spare batteries available for any long-haul trip.

18. Hobbies: Are you an amateur photographer? Or a budding musician? Bring along the things you need to keep up with your hobbies or passions while you’re out on the road.

19. Duct Tape: We’ll mention this one last, as it’s the all-purpose, universal item that comes in handy for just about anything! Keep this in your tool kit along with plenty of blinker fluid and you’ll be ready for any needed repairs that come your way.

Let us know the one unique thing that you always keep with you in your truck. Or something that’s saved you in a pickle at some point. Our readers are always looking for a new idea to make their lives just a little bit easier. Drop a note in the comments below, or on our Facebook page here. We’d be happy to share your great ideas!

Never Miss a Beat

Connect with us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on industry updates and CDL jobs near you.

Join the Conversation