The 5 Unexpected Expectations in The Trucker's World Posted by DC Cargo Mall on August 27, 2013

There are some things we can avoid in life. Other things are simply automatic and expected obstacles that if unexpected, can be met with unbearable disappointment. And that is key: accept your mistakes, it only means that you have tried. After that happens though, remember, you've just gone through a learning experience, and are beginning to touch on what NOT to do.

So when it comes to the Rookie trucker, or even the veteran, some mistakes fade with time, and some are inadvertent. Let’s discuss some of the most common trucking obstacles encountered and keep in mind one thing throughout…chill. It’s gonna’ be okay.

1. Getting Lost

Sorry if you are Mister Human GPS or whatever, but it is inevitable. One day you will be following the route that was given, or so you thought, and hey, you’re on a dead end road. The trick is to stay calm and prepare backup plans and determine the cause.

Using Google maps or such from your cell phone may seem simple, but it will not detect the fact that some bridges that are at a lower height then the roof of your truck line the way, and scouting for them is your job if you put these programs to use.

Be sure the address written was the address given. Technical mistakes can waste you hours and if you find out early, you save yourself a ginormous and unnecessary headache.

Note to yourself: Just BREATHE. You WILL get to your destination, and every trucker gets lost from time to time. Keeping your cool and dealing with the situation practically will be a lot more productive for you than whining like a grumpy chicken to your dispatcher. They will not take much of a liking to your reaction, unless it resembles an honest issue in calm tones.

2. Break Downs

No, not you silly, your truck. When your truck stops and it isn't because you slammed on the brakes, you've got an issue to face. 

And whoever’s fault it is, THINK: What can I actually DO about it now.

The faster you fix it, the quicker you’re back in action, and raking up the bucks you need.

3. Dozing Off versus Sleeping

Too many truckers make the mistake of pulling their limits when it comes to waking hours, thinking that this will fill up the dough case and hasten the trip.

This could not be further from the truth.

Imagine you are whizzing down the road at 65 mph and due to your fatigue, you allow your tried eyelids to shut for literally TWO SECONDS. In those two seconds, another vehicle has cut in front of you in line, and you didn't slow down, because you didn't see. Your life, as you knew it, is gone. At best, you survive, but switch jobs, and at worst, there are injuries, fatalities, and you’re either in the hospital, or behind some iron jail bars serving endless time.

Now take a different scenario. You realize a bit late that you've made the wrong calculations, and your upcoming drive is set to take a longer than you've expected. You haven’t slept a wink because your truck was out for repairs, and the cot that was provided in the last trucker stop was muggy and the room was rowdy and shut-eye just didn't come. You almost trudge, half asleep, to your truck that has arrived, to begin your route. Then you stop yourself, 'no', you think.You spread out for 30 minutes flat. The small refreshment caused you to arrive a bit overtime but you got there alive and no one died. 

Choose a scenario. Yup. SLEEP before your drive so that you don’t doze off DURING your drive…

4. You're Late

With the combined probable scenarios of getting lost,  empty diesel supplies at the station, unexpected extra loading time, flat tires, shut downs, traffic, and much, much more, tardiness can become an all too often occurrence.

Give yourself extra time at your start-off point, and then, worst case scenario, is that you’ll be early.

Having the right strap or chain, tool size and working loadlimits for your cargo will make all the difference. 

Quality load securement will get you on and off the road all the more quicker and compromising on safety only enforces the term ‘Haste makes waste’ tenfold.

5. Give yourself a break

Do you think only trucks run on constantly replenished energy? So do you!

Trucks need diesel, the microwave needs a plug, and your phone’s battery needs a good charge every night. Do yourself a favor. You are running all those things. How can you possibly run them when you have no battery juice left yourself?

Give your buddy a call and laugh things out. Go fishing. Buy yourself something that will make you smile and last you for a while. Buy your loved ones gifts to bring back with you, reaching out always makes the giver the happiest. And don’t forget, sleep, sleep, sleep, not at the wheel please though, crashes are not recommended.