Trucking forms the backbone of the American supply chain. Close to 13 million trucks have been registered in the United States so far, of which 2.9 million are semi-trucks. In terms of the long-distance freight trucking businesses in the U.S., there was an increase of 5.3% in 2023.
Long-haul trucking can be described as long-distance transportation by commercial trucks for about 250 miles or sometimes more. Just like any other profession, long-haul truck drivers also face a set of challenges, such as long driving hours, stress, and irregular work schedules. But it is essential to move past these difficulties and deliver what is expected of them.
In this article, we will share a few career suggestions that can help long-distance truckers put their best foot forward and excel at their job.
Get a Commercial Driving License (CDL)
A Commercial Driver’s License is what will give you access to the trucking world. Drivers must study the CDL manual, which has all the guidelines that truck drivers must follow.
After that, you have to pass a written test that checks if you know the rules of trucking and the road. Additionally, you need to pass the practical driving test to receive the CDL.
Select the Correct Company
In 2022, nearly 8.4 million people were employed in trucking-related jobs. Therefore, when you work with the correct company, you have a chance to make it big in this field.
Research companies, read about their brand reputation, and check the company ratings and employee reviews. Try to learn about the working parameters as well. It will help you decide which company you should apply for.
Try to select a company that provides scope growth with the correct mentorship, training, and a path for development.
Never Overlook Pre-Trip Inspection
Once you are on the job, try to take a few minutes to check the truck and make sure it is in the correct condition to drive. Doing this can save you from getting a ticket or worse. To make the most of the pre-trip sections, create a checklist, as that will prevent you from overlooking any safety issues. Also, never neglect the repair work that the truck needs and get on the road.
Practice Defensive Driving
Defensive driving is an essential skill that truck drivers should have. It is necessary to be completely aware of the surroundings to be aware of any probable hazards on the road. It is also necessary to maintain a safe distance and avoid driving aggressively. It will help you avoid accidents.
Unfortunately, you might encounter an accident despite adhering to traffic rules and safe driving practices. Maybe the road was slippery or the weather conditions were unfavorable, which led to the crash. Other than getting immediate medical help, you must get in touch with a lawyer who can help you with the legal procedures.
If you fail to adhere to the rules of defensive driving, you may end up being on the wrong side of the law. Victims in such accidents will consult a lawyer specializing in commercial truck accident law to seek compensation for their injuries. As a guilty driver, you may lose your job even if the trucking company has to pay the victim. An accident record can also affect your career prospects in the long run.
Russell & Hill notes that truck accidents may be the result of head-on collisions, rear-end crashes, rollovers, and underride accidents. Whatever the case, trucking injuries are far more severe than other mishaps due to the sheer size and weight of the vehicle.
Get Good Sleep
According to the National Safety Council, close to 5,936 people died in big truck crashes in 2022. Driving when you are tired can be as dangerous as a DUI crash. Hence, it’s necessary to have a good sleep before you get on with your day’s work.
If you find yourself falling asleep, it’s always best that you park the truck and wait until you are in the perfect condition to drive. Otherwise, you are at risk of hitting other vehicles and pedestrians.
Also, getting adequate sleep is a regulatory guideline all truckers have to follow. Read the rules in this context and follow them to stay on the right side of the guidelines.
Summing up, long-distance truck drivers don’t have it easy. Other than long working hours, they also have to stay away from accidents. If you are planning to step into this profession, there’s more to do than just getting your certification and selecting the correct company for a job. The guidelines mentioned will help you prepare for your career and execute your job well.
