How To Be a Master Trucker
When you’re driving down the highway, you can’t help but notice how relaxed most truckers look.
In the warmer months, one arm hangs out the window, totally relaxed; the other steadily gripping the wheel. In the winter, they’re still driving one handed, but this time with a Timmies’ cup of hot coffee in the other. They make it look so easy, even though they’re responsible for maneuvering some of the heaviest, bulkiest vehicles on the road. One-handed driving on a truck like that? Impressive.
If you’re new to the trucking industry, it’s easy to be nervous on your first run, and even the next hauls after that! When you have to share the road with thousands of other drivers every day, you have to be on the lookout at all times and be confident in your driving skills.
To make your job easier, we’ve put together a few tips from industry professionals.
Here are the top 3 tricks to transform you from a beginner to a seasoned Canadian trucker.
Save Your Fuel
When you’re driving a commercial truck, the first rule is to never speed. More often than not, smaller cars are looking to you to make the first move, and will follow your lead. As the largest vehicle on the road, safety comes first. But, speeding also increases aerodynamic drag and eats up more of your diesel. Aerodynamic drag is also influenced by how your cargo is packed onto your truck, and depending on how high the payload is, your fuel will be affected. The third and final culprit to wasted fuel is idling. In the winter, it’s only natural to want to warm the truck up first, but there’s really no need--this hasn’t been proven to make any kind of difference, save for you not dealing with a cold cab. Try to plan your route and avoid areas that have been scheduled for construction, or experience traffic jams at certain times.
Keep Yourself, and Your Cargo Safe
Too often, new truckers are targeted for the cargo that they carry. Whether you’ve got $100,000 worth of Canadian dairy in the back, or $1,000 worth of somebody else’s moving day furniture, you have to be careful. Luckily, Somerville Hino carries a series of anti-theft devices and products for sale that are made by Hino Canada and designed to minimize the risk. Your safety also applies to the rules of the road. Always watch out for other drivers and never assume that everyone knows what they’re doing. Keep a safe distance from other vehicles and remember that you require more clearance than the average driver. Before you go, make sure your mirrors are rotated correctly and that your windshield is unobstructed.
Get To Know Your Codes
“There’s a baby bear by your back door, 10-4.” Does that sound like jibberish? If you’re a master trucker, you’ll know this means that there’s a rookie cop coming up behind you. Truckers have their own quirky lingo that you’ll get to know over the radio as you make your way across Canada. Some truck drivers in Canada still use the CB radio, formally known as the Citizens Band radio, to communicate with one another while making trips. CB radio has a whole list of code and it’s good practice to familiarize yourself with the lingo.
New to the trucking industry? Shop our new Hino trucks and don’t forget to check out our used Hino inventory where you’ll find a great deal for your business. Already have a truck? Make sure you’re ready for your first big trip as a commercial truck driver by booking a service appointment. Let Somerville Hino take a bit of the pressure off by making sure your Hino is ready to go with a quick inspection. Call us today at 1-(877) 650-6296 or contact us online.
