Life on the road can be difficult. Being away from your friends and family makes things even more difficult. Semi trucks are more than a work tool or vehicle. They are a home to long haul truck drivers for days or weeks at a time. After spending 11 hours a day driving, it’s important to find ways to enjoy yourself while on the road. Being miserable on the road can lead to depression and other mental health issues. Luckily, truck drivers have discovered hacks to make their life on the road more comfortable and enjoyable. Check out these 6 lifestyle hacks all long haul truckers should know about.
Reduce Light in Your Truck
There are many lifestyle changes truck drivers have to make when becoming an over-the-road trucker, and good night’s sleep is one of them. Sleeping in the cab of your semi can be uncomfortable at times. Especially when the weather is extremely hot or cold. It also does not help that you may be in a different location every night.
For a better night’s sleep, reduce the light in your truck. Buy black out curtains and cover the windows/windshields up. Also, turn off all artificial lights: television, computer screen, electronic gadgets. Artificial light disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm ( also known as your sleep/wake cycle). Disrupting your circadian rhythm can lead to medical issues like depression, obesity and certain cancers.
Have Emergency Snacks
You never know when you might get stuck in a traffic jam or break down on the side of the road. Having an emergency stash full of your favorite snacks can be a real lifesaver.
Plan Your Trip
Professional truck drivers know the importance of planning out their trips. Consider investing in a GPS that is specifically designed for truck drivers. Truck driver GPS provide drivers with the best truck routes, real-time traffic updates, and estimates for toll costs.
Pro tip: When planning your trip, use a speed estimate of 60 mph. This will allow some extra time just in case you get stuck in heavy traffic, accidents, or other events.
Check out blog Best Truck GPS in 2020
Emergency Toilet Paper
It’s better to have too much toilet paper than not enough. Always keep extra toilet paper with you in your truck and when you go into truck stops.
Don’t Drink Too Much
Be mindful of your liquid intake while on the road. It is important to stay hydrated, but you do not want to drink too much. It’s hard to get to your destination on time when you are constantly pulling over to use the bathroom.
Always Lock Your Trailer
Never leave your trailer unlocked, even if it is empty. This is especially true in cities that are hotspots for freight theft. Dallas, Houston, Chicago, Atlanta, Memphis, Orlando and Philadelphia had the highest risk of cargo theft in 2019. In addition, it is not uncommon for hitchhikers to hitch a ride with you in your trailer.
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