When you’re new to the truck driving lifestyle, there are so many things to handle that it can get overwhelming at times. While it’s true that you’ll want to be careful about driving a semi-truck, there are some tips we here at Allegiance Trucks can give you to help you adjust to other things as well. Take a look at some of the basic ways you’ll want to approach your first year as a new truck driver. If you have any questions, stop by one of our dealerships located throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York.
Get Driving Experience
Learning a new skill requires plenty of time to get hands-on experience, which is why you’ll want to practice driving a truck. These vehicles are not really anything like driving your car, so it’s important to familiarize yourself with your truck and how it operates. If you know someone who’s more experienced in riding semi-trucks, you might want to have them give you some expert tips.
You’ll want to take some time to practice driving your truck in an empty field or other safe, open area. Go at a slow pace as you learn how your vehicle handles and then increase the speed gradually as you become used to your truck and how it works.
Keep Up with Maintenance
One of the best steps first-time truck owners can take is being proactive with maintenance. Consult the owner’s manual for any specific maintenance tasks or products for your given model. It’s also helpful to conduct an inspection before you hit the road. See if there are any red flag issues that could cause trouble during your trip. It’s better to find them now than when you’re cruising down the highway.
Adjust to Being Away from Home
Being a commercial truck driver is quite demanding. Most long-haul truckers end up spending a lot of time on the road. Plus, things like unpredictable breakdowns, shipping delays, and bad weather can keep drivers out on the road longer than expected. These delays can also cut into a driver’s home time and create a lot of stress for them and their families.
When you’re new to the trucking lifestyle, you should be prepared to deal with being away from your loved ones and let them know what to expect. Make sure to spend quality time with your family and close friends whenever you come home after a busy schedule.
Keep Yourself Healthy
Maintaining your health is important as you start your trucking career. Developing an exercise routine and eating right are the best ways to stay fit. Also, make sure to stick to a healthy sleep routine. When it comes to eating healthy meals on the road, it might seem tough at first. However, you’ll learn that there are several ways to find healthy food options. You should even try cooking your own meals on the road.
We hope you find these tips helpful! When you’re ready to check out some quality semi-trucks for sale, visit Allegiance Trucks at our locations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New York. We also serve Boston, Massachusetts, and the Southern New England area.
