Living on the road is part and parcel of a trucker’s job. Most love it and others tolerate it. When you think of long-haul trucking, you automatically think of hours upon hours on the road. Long hauls can be exhausting, lonely and frustrating at times. With a bit of planning, mindfulness and dedication, trucking can be a rewarding experience, as long as you take care of the basics.
Before Hitting the Road
Plan ahead of time. Besides packing the essentials like toiletries and clothing, you need to be prepared for any eventuality on the road. This includes medications, tools, spares and checking policies are up to date.
Ensure that you have a complete first aid kit with all the necessary items, check for expiration dates and replace items that have been used. In addition to a first aid kit, you will need a medicine box with anti-nausea and diarrhea medication, electrolytes, pain killers, antihistamines and anti-inflammatory ointments. This will set you up for any eventuality, and you won’t need to find a drug-store in the middle of nowhere when you need it most.
Ensure that your health insurance is up to date and that you have an attorney on call if you need one. You never know if you may need truck accident lawyer to be on your side. It is always better to be safe than sorry, so keep one on speed dial.
Check your truck for leaks, punctures or damages that need attending to before you head out. Double-check that you have spare tires and all the tools necessary for the trip. Your truck should be serviced regularly to avoid breakdowns and delays.
On the Road
Taking care of your health is paramount to surviving the long-haul life. The basics like regular meals, exercise and rest are often left to the wayside by avid truckers, as they prefer to just get on with it. This can be detrimental to not only your physical health but your mental health too. The old saying of ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ is true.
If you eat regular, healthy meals, take breaks to stretch your legs and sleep properly, you will reap the rewards. Avoid drinking soda, and drink more water. Spend at least 30 minutes a day on exercise to get your heart-rate up and your blood flowing, even if that means jogging laps around your truck.
Being on the road for long periods of time is not only tough on your body but on your family too. Make regular calls home to catch up with your loved ones, as this is essential to good mental health. This keeps your relationship balanced and maintains open lines of communication. Send photos of interesting places or items you encounter on your journey to include your loved ones in your work life.
Even if your long-haul life feels mostly like a balancing act, it can also be a rewarding one. Ensure you look after your health and prepare for any circumstance to make the most out of a trucking life!
