Once you have completed training and hit the open road, you will need to learn how to make the most of your time. Being an efficient truck driver will help you succeed and help you earn more money. The following tips are ways you can become the most efficient driver.
Plan your route before leaving
You can save valuable time by planning your route before your set off. When you know the route you are taking, plan where you will make your stops. It will save you time and the hassle of finding a spot while driving. Having your route planned out can also help you find suitable places to get a good night’s sleep, helping you to be fresh and ready to go the next day.
Increase your fuel efficiency
If you can increase your fuel efficiency, not only can you improve your time on the road, you can reduce the total cost of your journey. Some of the ways you can increase your fuel efficiency are:
- Reduce additional friction causes such as low tire pressure, uneven wear on tires, and unnecessary extra weight.
- Limit the amount of time spent idling.
- Stay within the speed limit as the best miles per gallon speed is 55 to 60 miles per hour.
- Keep your truck engine in working order to burn fuel cleanly and efficiently.
Drive during downtimes
When possible, drive in the early morning or late night when fewer drivers are on the road. This will help reduce the amount of time spent in slower traffic. When planning your trips, it is best to try and drive through major cities early in the morning or after rush hours. The best time to drive on the interstates is during the middle of the day after the morning commute is over.
Keep your truck in working order
Knowing how to repair the basics on your truck can save you hours while driving. If you have an issue that requires you to pull over, knowing how to fix it yourself can save you time instead of waiting for a repair company. Also, by performing maintenance while on the road, you can ensure your engine is running correctly and prevent any unforeseen issues.
Stay Alert
Making sure you are well-rested and alert while driving prevents errors from happening. If you are not focused, accidents have a higher chance of happening and can cause more stoppages in your route. While driving, you must constantly adjust based on the traffic around you, and if you are alert and rested, you can adjust easier.
When you start your training at Napier, you learn all the skills needed while behind the wheel. The more practicing you do, the higher confidence you gain helps make you a better driver on the road. We teach our students all the above and more!
