Common Mistakes Rookie Truck Drivers Make

For truck drivers, being on the road is serious business. Truck driving can come with many opportunities and create a prosperous career; however, it’s important for people in this business to avoid rookie trucker mistakes.

Everyone starts somewhere and each professional was once a novice. With that in mind, access to the right information can be a huge assist in steering clear of rookie truck driver mistakes.

In order to avoid these errors, knowing what to be mindful of is absolutely critical. This is where knowing the common mistakes of rookie truck drivers comes into play.

Lack of Preparation for Obstacles

The failure to prepare for obstacles while on the road is one of the leading rookie trucker mistakes. Even with the best of planning and greatest intentions, issues can arise. Sometimes, these problems may deal with mechanical malfunctions, communication issues with dispatchers, backing, or something else altogether. 

Regardless of what form the obstacles take, the failure to prepare ahead of time is one of various rookie truck driver mistakes that are often made. 

Unrealistic Expectations

When going out on the road, a lack of realistic expectations is yet another one of the common rookie trucker mistakes. It’s important to know that not every trip will be smooth-sailing. There will be certain times where things go well and other periods when a shipper drops a load or when the designated receiver for product changes. 

 Believing that everything will go off without a hitch is one of the rookie truck driver mistakes that can lead to frustration; it can also cause the job to be much harder than necessary. This is why going into things with a clear head and a realistic mindset makes all the difference in the world. Sadly, many rookie truck drivers struggle with this.

Missing Out on Learning Opportunities

Like other industries, trucking is full of learning opportunities. Unfortunately, missing out on or not seeing these opportunities makes the list of common rookie trucker mistakes.

 Some great learning opportunities to pay attention to include, but are certainly not limited to the following: observing the work of the dispatcher, learning from the mistakes of other truckers, and chatting with the mechanic when your truck needs fixing.

 Being mindful of learning opportunities can work wonders for truck drivers, especially ones who are new to the business. These opportunities can also help rookie truckers avoid some of the errors and missteps of others who have been in the trucking industry for a longer period of time.

Help and Support from Radiator Center

Knowing the common rookie trucker mistakes to steer clear of will certainly make a difference. With that in mind, it’s also important to know that additional resources for help and support are still available.

 If you have any further questions about trucking, please don’t hesitate to reach out to Radiator Center. We are so very proud to provide the best cooling components, radiators, and staffers who can be of service to you.

 Whether you’ve been a trucker for one day or ten years, you deserve to have as much information as possible and enjoy a prosperous trucking career.

5 Tips to Prevent Driver Fatigue

When you’re on the road and driving consecutively long hours, knowing how to prevent driver fatigue is deeply important. The last thing you want to do is be driving tired and have an accident or worse.

Thankfully, the following five tips can help you prevent driver fatigue and have safe travels while on the road.

1. Stock Up on Healthy Foods

Nourishment will play a significant role in you not driving tired or becoming fatigued. By stocking up on healthy foods, you can create wholesome and filling meals in your vehicle. With the right nutrients and food, you’ll be well on your way to preventing driver fatigue.

Some healthy foods to consider include the following: 

●      Canned beans

●      Lentils

●      Organic goods

●      Salmon

●      Organic beef and chicken

●      Quinoa

2. Steer Clear of Stress

Like stocking up on healthy foods, steering clear of stress is another critical way of preventing driver fatigue. Stress takes a significant toll on not only your physical faculties but also your mental and emotional ones. 

To prevent stress, you should engage in the following coping mechanisms:

 ●      Take deep breaths

●      Meditate

●      Squeeze a stress ball

●      Keep a journal

3. Drive in a Cozy Truck

The quality of your truck can significantly play a role in how to prevent driver fatigue.

To make your truck as cozy as possible, consider the following helpful features:

●      Heated seats

●      Plush mattress

●      Sound-dampening insulation

●      Enhanced lighting

●      Telescoping/titling steering wheels

●      Sun visors

●      Automotive-style dash

4. Get Your Body Moving

The countless health benefits of exercise are very well-documented. Getting your body moving is critical to not only avoid driving tired, but to also save yourself from physical ailments such as back pain or neck pain. Mild stretching or light jogging can work wonders.

5. Get a Decent Amount of Rest

Rest is one of the most critical ways to prevent driver fatigue. Getting the proper sleep of seven to eight hours allows your body and brain to recharge. When you wake up, you can return to the road with renewed energy.

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Driving long hours on the road is not always easy, even when following the five tips listed above. However, Radiator Center wants you to know that we have your back.

 If you ever need help, assistance, or answers to questions, feel free to contact us at any time by clicking here.

What to Do If Your Truck Breaks Down on the Road

When operating a truck on the road, being equipped for the unexpected is always wise. More often than not, you should be OK. However, it’s always better to have certain information and not need it, than to need certain information and not have it.

Knowing what to do in the event that your truck breaks down on the road is critical for any driver. The last thing you want is to be stranded in the middle of nowhere with no idea how to handle a truck breakdown.

Your Truck Broke Down. What Now?

If and when your truck breaks down on the highway, knowing what to do and when to do it will be critical.

First and foremost, you’ll want to be aware of nearby repair shops. This is something you should be able to research ahead of time if you’re not already familiar with your destination.

 Getting a big rig breakdown to a truck stop, resting area, etc. is going to be the next important step to follow once you realize your truck broke down on the road. Even after you’ve managed to contact a repair shop, you don’t want to be trapped on the road with a truck breakdown while waiting for assistance.

Similar to researching nearby repair shops, being mindful of available truck stops and resting areas is always advisable.

Tips and Safety Precautions

Once you realize your truck broke down, adhering to the steps listed above is going to be critical. However, there are also certain tips and safety precautions you can follow to prevent a situation where your truck breaks down on the road.

One of the greatest precautions involves having the right set of tools on your person. The appropriate tools can help you get a big rig breakdown fixed in no time or even prevent a truck breakdown altogether. 

Some of the best tools to carry on the road are as follows:

●      Boots and gloves

●      Complete wrench set

●      Screwdriver set

●      Warm clothing

●      Supply of dry food

●      Oil

●      Coolant

●      Adjustable and air-to-air hose clamps

●      Vice grips

●      Duct tape

●      Extra headlights

●      Silicone tube

●      Fuel conditioner

●      Flashlight

Having the right tools on hand is one of the most reliable preventative measures against a truck breakdown.

Just like having the right set of tools on your person, direct access to all of your dispatcher’s phone numbers is important for your safety. A truck breakdown is often incredibly stressful even when you have the right tools and know what to do. Therefore, access to emergency services at all times can significantly de-escalate a situation where your truck breaks down on the highway.

What to Remember During a Truck Breakdown

Following the protocols and precautions listed above will immensely benefit you during your time on the road. 

On a final note, getting off the road, turning on your hazard lights, and waiting for assistance are the best measures to ensure your safety and that of other drivers if your truck breaks down.

If you believe that your truck may be malfunctioning, overheating, or suffering from radiator issues, don’t hesitate to get in contact with Radiator Center. We supply aftermarket cooling part for heavy duty trucks: radiators, condensers, and charge air coolers.

You can reach us by calling (832) 202-8769.