As a long haul trucker, you’re out on the road for long periods of time and are responsible for not only taking care of yourself, but your vehicle and navigating other issues such as staying in touch with your family and friends. Let’s take a closer look at some of these challenges and how you can best navigate them.
Trucker Fatigue
The average American truck driver has to cover over 100,000 miles annually. With this amount of time spent on the road, it’s common for truckers to experience fatigue. When you have fatigue, it creates risks.. If this happens, your risk of being involved in an accident is greater. One study found that fatigue among truck drivers is an active factor in about 13% of all vehicle accidents.
Understanding your limits and taking the time to ensure you get proper rest is important. This can help to reduce fatigue. You should also ensure you eat regular and healthy meals.
Family Issues And Concerns
If you have a family, it can be difficult when you’re involved in long haul trucking. With this said, families are not all the same. If you have a family that is understanding of your job as a trucker, it can make things easier.
Talking to your family about your job and how they feel about it is important. This can help to ensure there is no miscommunication or misunderstandings, which can result in arguments and family issues. Consistent communication plays an important role in overcoming concerns related to a family. Of course, this is generally easier for a single person, but it is still important to consider relatives and address any concerns.
Boredom And Loneliness
When you’re alone on the road, it’s easy to start feeling lonely. You may also find yourself bored many times, especially when you stop for the night. There are different ways to navigate these specific challenges.
Bringing something along that can help to keep you busy is a good idea. This may include some cards or even a portable gaming console. The idea is to ensure you have something to keep you busy when you are pulling over for the night at a truck stop.
In terms of loneliness, it’s a good idea to focus on regularly communicating with loved ones. This may include friends and family. Video calls can also be useful for a more “in-person” interaction.
Problems With Comfort
Another challenge with long haul trucking is the fact that you can quickly start to feel uncomfortable. You constantly have to change gears, and large trucks are not easy to manage, especially if you don’t have years of experience.
One good tip is to bring a cushion that can help you sit more comfortably in the driver’s seat. Make sure you can easily extend your feet in front of the seat. You can also use a backrest and a number of other elements to make you feel more comfortable while you are driving.
Beacon Transport Is Now Hiring Qualified Truckers
The employer you drive for can make a big difference in how well you cope with long haul trucking. At Beacon Transport, we focus on giving our truckers a great experience, with flexible schedules and competitive rates.
Looking to join a Nashville based trucking company? Contact us today.
