SNAPLoads

When business is slow, it means you have more time in your hands. Tempting as it may be, do not sit back and relax. Turn it to your advantage. Do not mope around. Use the phone and do some cold calls.

Veteran drivers usually become quite good at is getting to their appointments early and getting loaded or unloaded ahead of schedule.

Keep a "72 hour kit" in your truck. Everything you will need for THREE DAYS if you are stranded, in extremes of weather, and the truck is not able to run.

You must be able to read a map and have one in your trunk. GPS does not always give trucks the best route, show scale houses, low bridges and other obstacles. GPS units can break, have no signal and are sometimes just plain wrong.

Get Plenty Of Fluids. Human body depends on water, but when you are seating straight for half the day, your body needs some extra fluids. Be aware that a sedentary lifestyle and not consuming enough water are two of the main reasons for kidney stones.

Drivers need to keep a steady diet plan, go light on the carbs for 6 days and treat yourself on the 7th. Exercise twice a day for 15 minutes, once before your shift and once during the mid day break.

Driving on Snowy or Icy Roads: Slow down. Even if you have all-wheel drive, reduce your speed about 10 miles per hour below the speed limit. If it still feels iffy, cut back another five miles per hour until you're comfortable.

When positioning to back up, maneuver in such a way that the rear of the trailer will track as straight into the dock as possible.
Then, when reversing, simply follow the track of the rear of the trailer into the dock, straightening the cab and trailer as soon as possible.

Improperly-inflated tires decrease fuel economy. As such, routinely check all tires to ensure that they are properly inflated.
Add or remove air, when necessary. Also, replace or repair any tires that seem to lose air frequently.

Fill out the Bill of Landing Correctly. A bill of lading (BOL) works as a receipt for the goods shipped, indicates contracted details between carrier and shipper, defines a consignee, and functions as a document of title. The BOL informs the carrier how the shipment should be handled and billed.

Cutting in too close in front of another vehicle is always dangerous, but it’s especially dangerous to “cut off” a commercial bus or truck. If you move in quickly from either side, you’re likely to be in a blind spot so the driver may not see you in time.