5 Habits of Successful Truck Drivers

It Isn't for Everyone

At first glance, a career in trucking seems simple: Drive somewhere; pick-up or drop-off cargo and rinse and repeat until your next paycheck, butthis job is hard and isn't for everyone. It requires skill, dedication, calmness, and understanding. It requires exhausting days, long nights and time spent away from family and friends. Being successful at a job in trucking is more than just driving places. Here are five habits of successful truckers.

Truckers Get on a Sleep Schedule

Truck drivers may spend much of their time alone but that doesn't give them an excuse to party all night long. They are self-discipled enough to get on a sleeping regiment and stick to it. They also know when they are sleepy and when it's time to pull over and nap for the safety of themselves and nearby motor vehicle drivers.

Truckers Eat Better Than Expected

Sure, it's convenient to swing into a nearby fast-food chain or truck stop, but those that want to be successful at this job eat healthy snacks and entrees – sometimes made from their heavy-duty truck. Long-haul truck drivers know that choosing to eat healthy will serve them well during their DOT physicals. According to the Advanced Career Institute, truckers are required to get physicals every 1 to 2 years to meet DOT physical standards.

Truckers Remain Physical

Eating right is half the better. Truckers that have been in the business for a while try to stay fit on the road by getting creative with their surroundings. They may take a walk or light jog during their mandatory work break or find workout areas at local truck stops to burn off steam. Some drivers choose to keep weights and other workout equipment in their truck cabs, too.

Truckers Remain Calm

Truck driving is not a summertime gig that will not always take drivers to glamorous locations during peak seasons. More often than not, drivers will cruise through areas during Hurricane Season, snow blizzards and of course, rush hour traffic. High-performing truckers know they need to stay focused on safe-driving practices to brave and conquer each storm.

Truckers Stay Accountable

Finally, successful truck drivers know that missing deadlines and upsetting clients could cost them their job if they don't remain responsible. This means that truckers know not to drink alcohol, smoke substances, or do anything otherwise harmful to their well-being.

Bonus: Truckers Perform Pre-Trip Inspections

Always. Truckers both novice and veteran know not to jump in cabs until they feel comfortable with the safety of their big rig. If a heavy-duty vehicle is not performing up to their standards, or industry standards, they will quickly order aftermarket truck parts and make repairs. They will not put lives in danger.

This Sounds Like You

A career in trucking is not for everyone, butfor those that are in the field, they are part of a 3.36 million person network (ATA) and an industry that moves 72.5 percent of the nation's goods (ATA). The key is to know how to stay connected to loved ones, remain healthy and safe on the road.