Time management is very important, especially when trying to get the job done correctly and efficiently. While truck driving you must time manage everything to ensure safe and on time delivery. We have to keep in mind that anything can happen on the road, whether it be an accident, or construction work, or even finding yourself riding on empty, you have to be sure to always be prepared.
There are many different ways you can manage your time while on the road for many hours. Be sure to research all the small things that will help make and keep it going smooth throughout your work day. Every extra second you save counts. Here’s 7 tricks for time management, you’ll find that each one plays an important role in ensuring the job gets done properly and on time.
Always Have Extra Gasoline
Making sure you have enough gas to complete your route is crucial. No one wants to break down on the side of the road because they forgot to get gas, or they weren’t prepared and didn’t store extra in the trunk. Imagine how much time that wastes out of your work day. Always be sure to store extra gas in your truck.
Traffic can get really heavy, and stop and go can really bring your MPG down causing you to lose gas quicker than driving normally on a light traffic day. So, when you go to fill up your tank be sure to get extra, you know, for a rainy day. It will definitely come in handy, and being prepared is number one to time management.
Purchase the Top Quality Global Positioning System (GPS)
Having a really good, top quality GPS that offers a wide variety of services is a huge help in time management. Spending a little more will be worth it in the end. There are tons of good prices out there for a GPS, prices vary from $99 to $299 and up. Keep in mind you need a navigation system that not only can give you accurate directions, but can also find alternate routes, gas stations, construction sites, detours away from traffic and accidents, etc. Having all of these services is very helpful during your work hours while driving to each destination. Having all of these services can really set you up for a smooth work day.
Focus on the Road and Keep off of Your Electronics
Majority of the accidents on the road are caused by drivers not paying attention to the road. It may be because they were on their phone, or they were distracted by a
passenger. But, either way, keep your eyes on the road and keep your electronics away from you. We are human, sure we will receive a message, or a text at some point throughout the day, if it is important then they’ll call and you can pull over and handle it. It is a known fact that electronics take up your time and suck the life out of you. One minute turns into five and then the next thing you’ll notice is that you have been on for hours. Stay off the games and social media during work hours, and you’ll find that it will improve your timing for each job.
Keep Up With Maintenance to Avoid Breakdowns
Maintenance should be at the top of the list. Trucks are enormous vehicles, so imagine how much force is needed to keep them running smoothly. You must keep up with the maintenance of your truck in order to prevent breakdowns. This means oil changes, tune-ups, frequent tire rotations, changes, or necessary upgrades due to any type of weather inclination, etc. Your truck is like your body, you must fuel it, and take it for regular checkups to ensure it is safe to function out in the world, and strong enough to take action and get the job done. Avoiding breakdowns saves a bunch of time and helps maintain a good time management plan.
Squeeze in a Midday Nap – You Will Thank Yourself Later
Long work days are tiring, especially if you’re behind the wheel for the majority of that time. How are you supposed to function properly if you can’t think straight, or even keep your eyes open. This is why you should always try to sneak in a nap on your busy day, even if it is a 20 minute or 30 minute nap you will start to notice how beneficial it is to your overall health and focus. If your brain is focused, and well rested, it will certainly help with time management by helping you stay alert and on point on the job at all times, rather than continuously stopping for mini breaks and wasting time.
Minimize Your Drink Intake
This is very important if you are trying to manage your time while on the road. The more you drink, the more restroom stops you will have to take. Also, who’s to say that when you get to the rest stop that it isn’t swarming with people waiting to use the restroom also. That’ll just slow you down even more. Be sure to stay hydrated, but also be mindful of how the human body works. Try and chew gum, or eat candy, it can keep you salivated which will then minimize your thirst.
Try and stay away from energy drinks, or any caffeinated beverages. You will eventually crash which will cause you to lose focus.
Invest in a Refrigerator and Microwave
Let’s talk about the benefits of having a refrigerator and microwave in your truck:
- You can save a ton of money
- You can store your meals for the day
- You can store your snacks
- You can store your drinks
- You can heat up your meals
- You can save so much time
- Did I mention you can save a ton of money!
Having a refrigerator and microwave in your truck is completely beneficial to your whole work day. Think about the amount of time you will save without having to pick up food at a drive through, or a truck stop. Or how distracting and time consuming both would be with not only the wait but with the possibility of getting carried away with conversations. It happens, it is very normal, we find ourselves engaging in conversation and forgetting about time. These two assets will certainly help with time management, they’re a must. Check online for plenty of options on a refrigerator and microwave that works perfect for the trucker lifestyle.
In Conclusion
Time management is very important when it comes to any job. It is rewarding to know that you are doing what you are supposed to do in order to get the job done safely and smoothly. There are many obstacles we may encounter while on the road for many hours at a time, but with having a set time management plan you can prevent most of these issues.
Keep up with the maintenance of the truck and always have extra gas, manage your liquid intake, be sure to find time to restore focus and strength, and most importantly focus on the road at all times. Accidents happen, and you don’t want to be in the middle of one. These tricks can help minimize time off the road and can help ensure safe and on time delivery.
But remember, they are only guaranteed if you maintain them consistently. You will notice how clear those deep breaths are at the end of the day knowing each job was done successfully. Now that’s a good day, and that’s how you get the job done.