Transportation experts estimate that American shippers drive approximately 140 billion miles every year. Too much time behind the wheel can be detrimental. Any full-time trucker understands the difficulty of staying healthy, both mentally and physically. Fortunately, there are tips and tricks every professional shipper may use to improve life on the road. Here are a few from Road Scholar that every transporter ought to implement.
Staying Healthy
It is forever a challenge for drivers to maintain their physiques. Common sense decisions improve the situation. Instead of eating restaurant food, they can cook for themselves in their onboard living quarters, giving them maximum nutritional control. Every cab should have a modest nook featuring a fridge, prep table, and microwave. Fresh fruits and vegetables are often available at truck stops.
Sunburns are debilitating. Standard side windows do not protect against ultraviolet rays. Each full-time hauler should apply sunscreen before beginning the day’s shift.
Good posture lowers the odds of developing back pain and sciatica. Slouching exacerbates these problems. Lifting seats higher discourages operators from leaning over. Seating with built-in lumbar support reigns supreme.
Formal exercise between stretches of highway is often impossible. During fuel stops, truckers should compensate for the absence of longer workouts by enjoying a brisk walk or stretching. Little efforts such as these make a quantifiable difference.
Staying Safe
Trucking is a dangerous occupation. Getting a good night’s rest reduces the odds of falling asleep while in motion. Choose comfy bedding and darken windows for best results.
Shippers should always practice defensive driving. They must watch for blind spots, slow down around curves, and maintain proper stopping distance.
Dehydration is another concern. Symptoms include dizziness, sleepiness, and low blood pressure, all of which could contribute to an accident. A filled water bottle should be present at all times.
Staying Tranquil
Even truckers who keep themselves fit and avoid roadside incidents endure stress. The choices their bosses make often have a way of amplifying the negative aspects of the job. For example, a shipping executive may lack the cash flow to outfit vehicles with desirable features, such as temperature controls and recommended seats. A trucker shortage could cause increasing expectations for drivers. A boss might choose the wrong business model, thus leading to behind-the-scenes chaos. Understanding why executives make disappointing decisions helps truckers feel at peace with the consequences of unwise edicts.
A mix of scenarios sometimes leads to commercial failure. Drivers should relax, knowing they are blameless if they become unemployed because of factors outside their control. Feeling peaceful should be the priority during downtime. One way of increasing serenity is through decorating. Homey comforts, such as rugs that delight bare feet, pictures from home, and upgraded lighting aesthetics, induce smiles. Satellite radio offers round-the-clock entertainment. The right touches help drivers maximize time spent renewing bodies and souls.
Staying Connected
Being spiritually centered is tougher when family and friends are hundreds, possibly thousands, of miles away. Thankfully, it’s never been easier to get in touch with loved ones from any spot on the globe. All that’s necessary is a video chatting app and a reliable connection. It’s well worth paying for a signal extender that compensates for less dependable service in remote areas.
Self-care is necessary for everyone. It’s a particular concern for professional transporters. Those who ship goods for a living should take steps to better their fitness, safety, and happiness.
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Author: Dean Burgess | http://Excitepreneur.net
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