A Day in the Life of a Truck Driver
If you’ve considered truck driving as a career, you’re probably curious what a typical day on the road is like. The lifestyle can be appealing to those who like working independently and don’t mind working for long stretches of time, but there are plenty of challenges you’ll stumble across on your journeys. Here’s a quick summary of a typical day as a flatbed driver at Melton, along with some tips to keep in mind when planning your day. Let’s start from the top!
Waking Up
You’ll be waking up at the tail end of your 10-hour break that began before you went to sleep. Get ready for your day and eat breakfast before break is up to avoid self-caused delays starting your day. Make sure to take care of yourself; self-care is important! Early bird gets the worm – and same goes for self-care. It will give you a fresh start to your day since your schedule could be delayed at the shipper or consignee.
Pre-Trip
Loads
Time to get to work! Show up and check in on time to avoid any delays. Make sure to communicate anything you need to your manager right away, so they can work on getting it taken care of. Save time by having your straps, tarps, and other equipment prepared for load securement. This will help save your hours and get you a head start on the road. It’s important to manage your time wisely to minimize any risk of delayed delivery. Make sure to have your paperwork and any other necessary items readily available before your departure.
Load Securement/Tarping
Proper load securement is crucial. Remember to always be cautious and use best practice when securing loads. If you are unsure about something or need help, contact the Safety Department for assistance.
Sometimes your equipment will get damaged. Make sure to actively repair any holes, tears, or damages that occur on your materials as soon as you can, to reduce the chance of it becoming worse or impractical. It’s best practice to inspect your equipment daily to ensure you are prepared and properly equipped for your next loads. If damaged, repair with a temporary solution, so you’re not stuck with damaged materials while we try to get you to a terminal to replace them.