Everything You Need to Know About Truck Driving
Aug 09, 2022
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Whether you’re already a professional trucker or just considering building a career as a professional truck driver, making your first steps towards your dream, there are several essential things you should know about truck driving and the truck industry itself. At Truck&Gear, we have done some research on different topics related to truck driving as well as talked to many professional truckers to share their experience with you. We have also gone the extra mile to provide you with the list of essentials you should keep at hand on the go, so follow reading this article to expand your knowledge and turn your every trip into a fun and enjoyable experience. Bon voyage!
What to know about the truck driving industry in the USA?
According to statistics, about 65% of all consumable goods in the United States are delivered by truck. Moreover, this number shows a tendency to rise, which means the truck driver position is one of the most demanded and, therefore, best-paid professions in the country. In addition, taking into account that the average age of a truck driver is 55 years, many truck drivers are approaching retirement, so you have a high chance of becoming a commercial trucker if this is your goal. At the same time, the shortage of drivers stresses the industry and causes fleet operators to increase transported weights and the frequency of trips. For this reason, trucking companies intensively bring new technologies into the industry, running the gamut from blind spot monitoring and cruise control assistance to fully self-driving vehicles. They also strive to reduce the cost of freight delivery, implementing energy-efficient technologies and focusing on electric trucks as the future of commercial trucking.
A few more things to know about truck driving
If you think that driving a truck is an easy job to do, you are wrong. Along with the obvious pros of trucking, such as being your own boss, exploring new roads, and a good salary, there are some cons you should know about before starting a career as a commercial truck driver. First, you’ll have to spend hours, days, and, sometimes, weeks far from your home and your loved ones. Second, you may have to drive at night and live a big part of your life on the move, often sleeping in your truck’s cab. Third, you will need to repair and maintain your truck by yourself. If all these do not scare you, trucking is for you. To ensure yourself of your choice, talk to a professional trucker and request him to tell you all you need to know about truck driving and share his experience with you.
Must-have truck parts and accessories
No matter how long your trip is or how experienced you are, there is some stuff you should keep within your reach on the move to always get from point A to point B safe and sound.
1. First-aid kit
Your life is the most valuable thing you have, so a first-aid kit is the number-one essential you must have at hand no matter where you go.
2. Fire extinguisher
When driving a truck, you should be ready to face any hazards, and fire is no exception. A good fire extinguisher should always be within easy reach.
3. High-visibility safety vest
If you have to park your vehicle on the backside for some reason and then get off your truck, a high-visibility vest will make you easily visible to other drivers, which is especially vital at nighttime and in poor weather conditions.
4. Emergency flares
In case of emergency, your vehicle must be noticeable from long distances, especially at nighttime and in bad weather conditions, to avoid unwanted road collisions. Emergency flares or a reflective triangle will notify other road users of an emergency before they reach your vehicle.
5. Jack, spare wheel, or a tire repair kit
If you get a tire puncture far from the nearest tire repair shop, a quality jack, right-size spare tire, or tire repair kit will allow you to fix the problem and get back on the road.
6. Basic set of tools
Many professional truckers are also good mechanics. Even if you’re not, a basic set of hand tools will allow you to fix simple breakdowns on the move, saving you time and money.
7. Flashlight and gloves
A high-quality flashlight and good work gloves will save you a lot of headaches if you need to inspect your vehicle on the go. Charge your flashlight before every trip, and don’t forget to put a pair of work gloves into your glove box.
8. Car organizer
Most semi-trucks and heavy-duty trucks feature plenty of space for different essentials. But even despite that, it is always a good idea to install a quality car organizer to optimize your storage space.
Are you looking for a reliable online store to buy all these parts and accessories at affordable prices? Look no further than Truck&Gear. There, you’ll find all the necessary truck parts and accessories from well-known and reputed brands to suit any taste and budget.
Tags: English