Truck drivers are an essential part of the transportation system in America. While out on the road, they face many challenges that can affect their safety and well-being. Drivers may be affected by heavy traffic, inclement weather conditions, or even mechanical problems with their vehicles, but with proper training and preparation, accidents can be prevented before they happen. In this post, we’ll discuss what you need to know about truck driver safety and how to stay safe while on the road. 

Pre and Post Trip Inspections

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), one of the most important things a driver can do to protect themselves on the road is perform pre and post-trip inspections. 

The purpose of a pre-trip inspection is to ensure that your CMV (commercial motor vehicle) is in safe operating condition before getting into the driver’s seat. Upholding industry safety standards means completing a “walk around” inspection every time you stop during your shift. You should inspect all lights, brakes, tires, mirrors, windshield wipers, and fluids such as oil and coolant. A post-trip inspection takes place after you return from your route, at which point you should inspect all lights again and check for any damage on your CMV, such as scratches or dents in the fender or bumper. 

If you find any issues during your inspection, contact your operational manager immediately so that you can minimize the risk of getting pulled over by law enforcement and injuring yourself on the road. 

Practice Defensive Driving

Truck drivers are often the target of angry and sometimes aggressive motorists. This is because many people don’t understand the unique skills required to operate a CMV. However, there are some things you can do to protect yourself on the road: 

1. Drive defensively: always assume other drivers aren’t paying attention or driving safely. Avoid tailgating other vehicles and leave plenty of space between your truck and others when following behind them. 

2. Be aware of your surroundings: keep an eye out for blind spots in your mirrors and on the side of your trailer. It can be easy to get distracted while driving a big rig for long hours, so always be aware of your surroundings. 

3. Signal: always use your turn signals when changing lanes or slowing down so other drivers will know your plans before making any sudden moves themselves. 

Keep a regular preventative maintenance schedule

It’s important to keep a regular preventative maintenance schedule to ensure your CMV is safe, reliable, and ready when you are. This includes oil changes, tire rotations, and other routine tasks that can help you avoid accidents. 

The fleet at Warrior Logistics is second to none, and massive continuous investments ensure that our entire Cascadia fleet is less than two years old. In addition, our rigorous 3-tiered maintenance program provides fleet readiness at all times, including weekly onsite truck inspections and prep work, local technicians, and dealer warranty. These efforts ensure our Truck Warriors have everything they need to set themselves up for success while on the open road. 

Always look up the weather forecast for your entire route

Road conditions change constantly and can be dangerous to all drivers, especially truck drivers. Examples of hazardous truck driving conditions are: 

• Wet Roads 
• Ice, sleet, and snow 
• Foggy weather 
• Flash flooding 

Never drive into areas with unknown weather conditions. Doing so puts you at serious risk. Always contact your operations manager if you are concerned about unsafe driving conditions. 

Take Breaks

Don’t forget about driver fatigue — even if you don’t think you’re tired, taking breaks when necessary is important so that you don’t drive while tired. When you start your truck driving career, a great tip for new truck drivers is to take frequent and routine breaks during your shift to lower fatigue like driver’s knee pain.

Drive with Warrior Logistics

Safety is Warrior Logistics‘ highest priority. We are committed to ensuring a safe and sustainable work environment for all our drivers and strive to create an environment that empowers each driver to thrive. That means ensuring all our Truck Warriors are equipped with everything they need to achieve their fullest potential. Our rigorous safety training investments in the newest technologies and trucks enable us to be one of the industry’s largest transportation companies.

Ready to grow your professional truck driving career? Land your dream job by applying today!

The life of a trucker can be a lonely one, for sure. Traveling alone for long periods can make you feel disconnected from the rest of the world and your family. However, there are ways to keep yourself in the loop that keeps you entertained and can allow you to bond with family members from miles away. So how do you not feel lonely as a truck driver? 

Trucking can be hard on people who are new to the game. The distance from home and stress can make them feel alone. Feelings like this are common, and you can combat them with some work. So read on and learn how to not feel lonely as a trucker with Warrior Logistics. 

Ways to Not Feel Lonely as a Truck Driver 

Combating loneliness can be a struggle for people who have never spent long periods alone. By doing some research and testing, you can see which strategies work best for you. Remember that as a truck driver, your number one focus should be on safety, not an elaborate strategy to watch your favorite shows and sporting events. 

Staying on Schedule is a Fantastic Way to Occupy Time 

A surefire way to keep yourself entertained when you get lonely is to concentrate on your time. By keeping close tabs on distances and times, you occupy the parts of your mind that seek connection and attention. Paying attention to time also teaches you about safety on the road and how your driving impacts the safety of those around you. 

A few things to pay attention to while tracking your time are: 

• Navigation – The navigation in your truck should give you updates about the traffic and weather at your location and destination. By paying attention to the nav, you will get critical data about faster routes to your destination and a clock of how long you have been on the road. This could also prevent road rage: no one likes an angry truck driver! 
• Traffic – As a driver, the most important thing to keep track of time is watching traffic. The cars around you and your driving area can significantly impact your time. By monitoring traffic, you know how long your day will be and provide yourself with a goal to work toward. 

Keeping up with time is an excellent way to keep your mind focused. However, treating it like a game allows you to make rules and create a world inside your mind that could allow you to spend hours counting and using math that will melt away the time like butter in a hot skillet. 

Having a Partner Gives Comfort and Stability 

One of the most amazing things about working with Warrior Logistics is having a driving partner. A driving partner allows you to work and rest in equal amounts. Resting is essential because having a clear head is crucial for you and the safety of the other drivers. When you are tired, you don’t think straight, and missing an exit or failing to check your mirrors could be disastrous. 

A few ways that working with a partner can cure your loneliness are: 

• Conversation – One of the most extraordinary things in the history of humankind is good conversation. Knowing you have someone you can talk to when the job gets lonely is critical for success. A conversation will keep your mind occupied while your partner helps to navigate or vice versa. 

• Navigation – If you are in the co-pilot seat, a good thing to keep your mind on the task is to be a navigator. Today with GPS, the directions are up to the navigation system, and maintaining a map could be old school. However, finding things to do along the route to keep you engaged and healthy is also valuable. 

A partner on the road is one of the unique ways that Warrior Logistics cares about its employees. By having a partner, you have someone to hold you accountable, which makes you a better driver and co-worker. Remember, Warrior Logistics thrives off its employees, and having a partner only improves your value as a driver. 

Warrior Logistics Concentrates on the Mindset of its Employees 

The folks at Warrior know that they are nothing without the help of their drivers. So they go out of their way to ensure that drivers are healthy physically and mentally. By creating a workplace that works to fit their schedule and a few other innovative ideas, Warrior Logistics is leading the pack in caring for workers’ mindsets and promoting healthy home/life balances. 

• Road Trip Mentality – Something that Warrior stresses that other companies might not is the adventure aspect of trucking. It is a quest on the road to glory and not a stressful delivery across large parts of the country. The shift in mindset from work to adventure can be life-changing for some drivers. 

• Scheduling – Another way Warrior innovates with its drivers is by working with them to build a schedule that fits their needs and allows them to have time at home with their families. Nothing is more important than keeping a healthy life at home, and Warrior Logistics works hard to give its drivers the life they deserve. 
• Social Butterfly – You wouldn’t think it but being a driver for Warrior Logistics allows you to meet new folks. Driving for a company you are proud of will make you interact with other drivers and possibly brag about how good your job is. 

Mindset is the thing that will ensure you stay engaged and don’t get lonely on the road. Warrior Logistics knows that having a proper mindset about your situation will improve your chances for success and ensure you have a long and thriving career. 

Conclusion 

Being in an excellent mental and physical state is imperative for truck driving. Ensure you take care of yourself and feel supported and valued at your workplace. Trucking is the country’s lifeblood, and companies everywhere seek solutions for driver loneliness.  

Driving with Warrior Logistics means becoming part of the Warrior family with a culture that believes people are their greatest assets and ensures they have a stable work-life balance to be able to reach their full potential. Truck driving can be a rewarding and fulfilling career when you drive with Warrior. Experience the Warrior Difference and apply today!