Tag: truck driving tips

Trucking Safety Tips For Hurricane Season

Posted on September 19, 2022 by - Truck Driver Tips

As many may know, hurricane season is upon us and impacts many areas across the United States. The trucking industry often takes truckers across the country, so many might have to drive through these hurricane-prone areas. If this is the case for you, it is essential to know some safety tips before you go. 

With today’s weather-detection technology, it is unlikely that a hurricane will sneak up on us so often that we know in advance that a hurricane is approaching and its projected path. This gives us time to prepare for the harsh weather conditions that are caused by hurricanes. Below you will find some helpful tips for staying safe during a hurricane if you do end up having to drive through affected areas.

1. Packing the essentials. It is important to pack your truck with essentials such as non-perishable food and water, a flashlight or headlamp, a portable phone charger, different types of batteries, rain gear, and any blankets and warm clothing in case the temperature drops. These are important items if you get stranded or stuck in your truck for a few days due to bad weather. 

2. Inspect your vehicle before departure. Before leaving make sure your truck is in proper working condition. It is recommended that drivers inspect the passenger and driver sides of the engine, the front brakes, front wheels, the steer axle and rear suspension, the side and rear of the cab, the drive shaft, the fifth wheel area, the front/side/rear of the trailer, and the trailer suspension before you depart. These are especially important during bad weather conditions so that you do not break down in the middle of a bad storm. 

3. Prepare for delays or changes in routes. When weather conditions are bad enough, roads will be congested for evacuation procedures and sometimes lanes will even be reversed to aid in this process. Bad weather conditions can cause traffic to move more slowly which will lead to delays and possible accidents. Try to find the best route possible or plan for longer travel times if no better route is available.

4. Be aware of weather and road conditions. Plan for last-minute route changes if a hurricane changes course suddenly. Also, pay close attention while driving for any hazards on the road like fallen branches, trees, and other debris. There is also a possibility of roads flooding and it is important to avoid these conditions. When driving on a ramp or turning, make sure to slow down. If weather conditions get too windy, it is important to know when it is safe to stop and pull over to avoid tipping over and hydroplaning. 

Here at ExpressTruckTax, we want to make sure your travels go smoothly and safely, especially during hurricane season. Make sure to check your vehicle before you depart and drive cautiously when weather conditions aren’t ideal and visibility is low. Be aware of weather announcements since weather can change so quickly. Make sure you follow these important tips and stay safe.

Your One-Stop Solution For A Cleaner Truck This Spring

Posted on April 4, 2022 by - semi truck maintenance, truck maintenance

Your One-Stop Solution For A Cleaner Truck This Spring

Spring is approaching soon and that means it’s that time of year when people like to clean and refresh their homes and cars. This can also apply to truck drivers since for many their truck is like their second home. It is important to keep your home clean. Below you will find some helpful tips for keeping your truck clean as well as some products that might help it become more organized. 

Organizing Files and Paperwork

A folder or small file cabinet for important documents can be essential especially to keep in the front of your cab in case you need to quickly access your documents. If you label folders and keep everything in a set place, it will make it easier to find all of your documents.

Storage Containers

Things that you don’t need access to while driving like shower supplies and other essentials can be stored either in a storage bin or under your bed. Plastic bins and drawers can be helpful for storing essentials that aren’t needed while driving. They help reduce clutter and they can be easily organized or even labeled if desired. They can come in a variety of shapes, colors, and sizes for the ultimate customization. Storage containers can also be used in a truck’s mini-fridge to keep food organized. 

Wall Space

You can use wall space in a lot of creative ways to help keep your truck free of clutter. Hanging organizers can be a great way to do this, especially using adhesive strips and velcro. Collapsible hangers can help hang your clothes in limited closet space or even in the wall. Adhesive hooks are also a good way to hang up hats, coats, and bags. Always make sure to secure everything before you start driving.

Trash Can

Have a small trash can handy so that trash can be easily disposed of instead of it leading to clutter. 

Other Tips

Getting Pollen Off And Keeping It Off Your Truck

Now that it is spring the interior of your truck might not be the only thing that has to be cleaned. Pollen starts to fall and cover vehicles making them yellow and unsightly in appearance. Some ways to get rid of pollen from your truck can be to rinse and wash it whenever you get the chance. Adding a coat of wax to the truck can make it harder for pollen to stick to your truck. Cleaning your wiper blades can also be helpful to keep pollen from spreading across your windshield. 

Benefits of Cleaning Your Truck

Cleaning your truck can have more benefits than you might think. A clean working and living environment can help you both mentally and physically. Some of these benefits include:

  • Lowering stress and fatigue
  • Reducing allergy and asthma symptoms
  • Improving safety
  • Lessening the spread of germs
  • Keeping pests away
  • Better sleep
  • Increase happiness
  • Increased focus and productivity
  • More enjoyable downtime
  • Increased immunity

Organization and cleaning may seem tedious at times but a clean living and working environment can make it a more positive experience and can help improve your quality of life on the road.

The Healthy Trucker: Wellness On The Road

Posted on January 6, 2021 by - Healthy Trucker

Let’s face it – staying healthy on the road isn’t easy.

Working in the trucking industry is tough and thankless, and it requires long hours with little movement.

As an American trucker, you keep our country moving forward, but you sacrifice many things to do so. Often, this includes your health.

So what does it take to be a healthy trucker? 🤔 Check out these truck driver fitness tips to learn more!

 

The Healthy Trucker: Wellness On The Road

 

Healthy Habits and Truck Driving Tips

Before getting into healthy trucker food and our truck driver workout, let’s talk about general truck driving tips regarding wellness.

In the trucking industry, achieving optimal health isn’t quick. Becoming a healthy trucker takes dedication. Understanding this will help you set attainable goals.

Once goals are set, create and stick to a schedule. Plan stops at places with healthy trucker food options, or in areas that are more walkable.

Consistency is key to truck driver fitness. Exercise every day, even if you only have time for a few push-ups or laps around your truck.

Lastly, sleep. The average American trucker doesn’t get the best sleep, but make the most of it. Stay off your phone at least 30 minutes before bed to help you fall asleep more quickly.

 

Eating on the Road

Snacking isn’t illegal! Starving yourself between meals will only cause you to overeat later.

One healthy trucker snack is pre-cut fruit. Avoid salty snacks, like chips. For meals, consider ditching fried or breaded meats and opting for roasted or baked ones instead.

In the trucking industry, water is your best friend. It’ll keep you alert on the road and prevent you from feeling hungry when you’re not. Also, try green tea. It has natural caffeine! 

Truck Driver Workout

 
One way to stay active is by tracking your steps. Invest in a pedometer and increase your numbers by parking further away.

Don’t forget to stretch! Sitting for long periods of time can cause postural damage and injury.

Create and stick to a workout schedule. Check out the 20-minute truck driver workout to the left for inspiration!

Repeat the entire truck driver workout 3 times if able! Rest and drink water between sets.

Store dumbbells in your truck if you want your truck driver workout to focus on strength.

By following a solid truck driver workout, you’ll become a healthy trucker AND relieve stress. It takes time to settle into a truck driver fitness routine, but it’s worth it!

Maintaining truck driver fitness as an American trucker may not be quick and easy, but do you know what is?

Using ExpressTruckTax to file your taxes!

With easy-to-use ExpressTruckTax software, you’ll finish filing your Form 2290 in no time.

We love sharing truck driving tips to make your life easier. Thanks for being a valued member of the trucking industry!