Trucker Hacks
20 Best Life Hacks for Truck Drivers
When you or your employee is driving for over eight hours each day, it’s a good idea to take any advantage possible to make trucking more enjoyable. Fortunately, we have trucker hacks to help you. From organizing your dashboard to carrying spare supplies and beating the heat, here are some trucker hacks you might not have thought of that are sure to make the journey efficient!
Avoid Black Interiors
Black leather seats might seem stylish and classy, but during the summer there are no clothes in the world that can save you from the heat.
Water on the Steering Wheel
Especially if your steering wheel is black, it is susceptible to absorbing heat. You can pour water on the steering wheel directly or wet your hands to cool it down quickly.
Sunrise and Sunset are the Best Time for Breaks
Accidents are most frequent when the sun is in divers’ eyes. If you can, avoid sunrise and sunset. Aside from accidents, sunset is when most people drive home from work, so taking a break can minimize the impact of rush hour traffic.
Organize Your Dashboard Based on Necessity
Bobbleheads can go to the far side of your dashboard, having your phone holder near you for easy direction updates is a better use of the space.
Connect Your Phone to the Radio
Listening via your phone’s speaker works, but hearing music and podcasts in stereo can make all the difference. Find out what audio jack your specific truck uses and purchase one.
Emergency Snacks
Hunger can strike at any time, including in traffic. Having a bag of non-perishable foods such as nuts can buy you some time in between meals.
Phone Games
Loading and unloading can take a long time, contingent on various factors. Beat the boredom with a game on your phone. Don’t have a smartphone? You can also have a magazine or other form of entertainment.
Drive 55 MPH
55 miles per hour is the sweet spot for fuel efficiency and speed. It’s no surprise that California has this as the speed limit for semi-trucks.
Increase Comfort as You Drive
The human body numbs itself to constants. Add cushioning halfway through your daily route for a second wind you otherwise wouldn’t have.
Master Stationary Exercises
What do jumping jacks, pushups, yoga, and squats all have in common? They all are doable in a confined, predefined space. Sometimes you simply will not have the room to do more elaborate exercises, so mastering a few of these is helpful.
Avoid Alcohol
Not only is driving drunk illegal, but it’s dangerous. People could die. Don’t do it. Beyond drunk driving, excessive alcohol consumption can cause a hangover, making the next leg of your trip an absolute nightmare.
Sit Up Straight With Your Shoulders Back
Slouching has long term harmful effects on the body. Straightening your back and setting your shoulder back can boost testosterone, making you more ready to take on whatever the road throws in front of you. At the very least, your future self will thank you when he does not suffer from chronic back pain.
Hide a Spare Key
Eventually, you will find yourself locked out of your truck. You either need to embarrassingly call for insurance to get you out, or you can take the secured key hidden on the body of the truck from its place that only you know about. Just make sure to put it back once you’re back in with your original set. Make the location as discreet and secure as possible; nothing ruins your day like a truck jacking or the key not being there when you need it.
Emergency Toilet Paper
Public bathrooms are in abundance; toilet paper, maybe not. Keep a roll in your truck that you can take with you.
Toothpaste
More than just a healthy smile, toothpaste can be used to defog your headlights! Cover the headlights liberally and rinse with warm water.
Keep Your Favorite Hot Sauce on Standby
No matter what diner you find yourself at, a bottle of quality hot sauce can make even the worst of meals slightly palatable.
Winter Emergency Kit
Detailed in the chapter about winterization, a winter emergency kit is full of things you might need in case your truck is snowed in or otherwise unable to move in freezing temperatures.
Drink LOTS of Coffee
I lied with the title of this trucker hack. Coffee can help you “feel” better, but it is absolutely, in no uncertain terms, a valid substitute for sleep. In terms of long term cognitive performance, there is no comparison.
Soda
Using coke as a cleaner can remove rust. Beyond tools, you can use a sponge and a decent amount of it to polish the metal of your truck.
Swap Seats
If your truck has a passenger seat, chances are it doesn’t get used often. If your current seat is worn out, you can swap the cushions with a little handiwork and elbow grease.
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