Oh, the joy of driving a truck.
Like any other career, it has its own benefits as well as its challenges
It’s not always glamorous; in fact, there are instances when it’s quite the reverse.
But hey, that’s your job and it helps with the bills.
Luckily, you’re not alone.
There are over 3.6 million professional truck drivers in the USA, and
3.6 million people experience the same difficulties that you do daily.
These are 10 things that truck drivers can relate to.
Fast Food
While working “on the road,” it can be more difficult to keep up with things that the usual 9–5 employee takes for granted.
One of the biggest is eating a balanced diet.
There’s not much time — the hours are long, and parking restrictions or freeway exits prevent truck drivers from having easy access to restaurants.
You take what you can get most of the time, and more often than not, that means the usual cheeseburger, fries, and Coke.
Problem With Staying Fit
There is no denying that sitting is bad for your health.
Researchers first detected a problem in a study comparing transit drivers, who spend most of their days sitting down, versus conductors or guards, who don’t.
The study found that although their diets and lifestyles were virtually the same, those who sat had a nearly doubled risk of developing heart disease and other illnesses.
Finding time to exercise might be challenging given how much time drivers spend on the road.
But by managing your schedule, in-cab workout programs, and access to truck-stop gyms, you can make it happen.
We know how challenging it is to stay fit but Advanced Trucking has gathered a few tips to stay healthy while driving.
Personal Matters
It’s not always possible for truck drivers to make it home in time for dinner every night or to spend weekends with their families.
Finding quality time is undoubtedly a challenge you and your family must overcome, but there are countless inspiring tales of how families can make the most of the time they DO have together.
You frequently reschedule holidays and call into storytime.
At Advanced Trucking, you have full control of your business, which means you have more time and flexibility for yourself and your family.
Blind Spots
Until you drive a truck, you have no idea what “poor blind spots” are.
Particularly car drivers are unaware of how dangerous a truck driver’s blind areas are.
The right side of the truck is frequently referred to as the driver’s “blind side” for obvious reasons, even though there are quite a few problematic locations.
On the left, drivers have substantially better visibility.
So you know an impatient driver choosing to pass on the right is putting themselves in a very dangerous scenario when you pull your truck over into the left lane for any reason (likely a hazard).
You make an effort to return to the correct lane, and you wish other drivers would be mindful of it.
Lack Of Entertainment
The good salary, job security, and travel opportunities that come with being a truck driver also come with certain drawbacks, such as the loneliness and boredom of working alone behind the wheel.
The absence of stimulation frequently results in drowsiness, which, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, is the cause of 20,000 accidents annually.
The key is to find risk-free techniques that will help improve your focus and reduce boredom. For instance, while you’re sitting in a chair, you can keep your mind engaged by listening to music or podcasts, having a phone call with a loved one, and self-reflection. There are also mobile apps and easy workouts that you can use when you’re not driving.
Intersections
It’s similar to guiding a huge animal, like an elephant, through a china store to maneuver a truck through an intersection. It’s a task that’s impossible to complete.
The white lines you are meant to stop before at intersections are measured and placed there so that trucks may make turns, which is something that many vehicle drivers are unaware of.
It follows that stopping in front of the line makes it more challenging for trucks to take their turns, as you could guess.
Rarely Seeing Your Employers
It’s difficult to consider, but working as a truck driver means rarely seeing your “boss” or not at all.
Even though you probably report to superiors, you don’t interact with them as frequently as people in traditional professions do.
Transporting Valuable Objects
You can be moving a variety of items across the country as a truck driver.
And frequently, especially given the volume, what you’re hauling is valuable.
Truckers frequently maintain what they are carrying on the down low because of this. Otherwise, it would be your job on the line if something happened to your load.
Being Updated With The Weather Forecast
Numerous places aren’t good for trucks, and a lot of those places get worse with the weather.
Truck drivers keep up with the weather forecast to schedule all journeys appropriately (past, current, and future).
Those with desk jobs probably don’t have to take this into account when working each day.
Parking The Truck
A new truck driver may find it challenging to park a large truck, especially if they are used to operating a much smaller vehicle.
It’s crucial to take into account the truck’s considerable weight and refrain from cutting corners on curves.
These are just some of the things a lot of truck drivers can surely relate to. If we missed anything, let us know in the comments section.
