Truck drivers might have to make the occasional long hauls every now and then. These trips could take hours, days, or even weeks. As a result, it’s important to make sure you plan accordingly. Doing so will help ensure that things go as smoothly as possible…
Long Hauls: How To Properly Plan
Map the overall distance
In order to properly plan your long hauls, you have to see just how far it’ll be. For starters, this will help give you an approximate idea of how long the trip will take you. Plus, if it’s an exceptionally long trip, it can encourage you to get your truck tuned up to ensure that it can handle the trip ahead.
An easy way to plan out your route, and find the fastest one available, is by using a GPS or an app like Google Maps. However, keep in mind the estimated time it tells you is for uninterrupted driving. Don’t forget to consider the time you might spend off the road, either at gas stations, when eating, or when sleeping.
Pinpoint your stops
Like the name implies, long hauls cover a lot of ground. That means you’ll be going through a lot of gas. Therefore, when you’re planning your route, make note of where the gas stations are along it. Not doing so could end up with you running low on gas in an area that you’re unfamiliar with.
Take a similar approach with pinpointing stops for food and rest as well. For rest stops, especially ones you want to sleep at, make sure to do some research on the stop and the area it’s in. If it’s in a less-than-safe spot, try to find an alternative, even if it means stopping a bit earlier than usual.
Prepare for emergencies
The tricky thing about long hauls is how much can change as you go from one area to the next. The weather and road quality can all change as you go through your route. As a result, it’s very important to make sure you’re prepared for whatever situation you could find yourself in.
Try to ensure you have an emergency kit to help keep you safe in the case of a breakdown. These kits come with helpful first aid and other items, and can be customized for the climate you’re driving in. Plus, it helps to bring extra clothes (especially ones for hot and cold weather), food, and water just in case you need to wait a while for help.