Tips for Life on the Road

TRP Parts wants to say thank you and show our appreciation to the 3.5 million professional men and women who drive trucks in the United States.

National Truck Driver Appreciation Week is an important time for Americans to acknowledge our truck drivers, who have always kept our economy moving and provided us with our essential needs. This week is about paying respect and appreciating these essential long-haul truckers who keep our economic infrastructure running by driving more than 400 billion miles each year. It’s more important than ever to thank you for your hard work and commitment to the demanding job of delivering our country’s 10 billion tons of freight annually.

Keep your life moving on the road—use your time and opportunities on the road to live your life to the fullest.

Health

Just as you and your job are essential, so is your health!

Although most of your time is spent on the road, create a routine to move your body when you’re taking a break. Store some small equipment in your cab: dumbbells, kettlebell, or resistance exercise bands. Look around you: is there a place to run? Trails or parks nearby? There are even truck-stop gyms.

Cooking on the road is fun and a healthy option with a little bit of creativity. There are plenty of compact appliances to make quality food on the road. Throw together a hearty stew in a slow-cooker and store your perishables in a mini-fridge. Some additional options to consider are microwaves, electric pans or grills, and coffee makers, which can all run off your battery.

Stay connected with loved ones through FaceTime and Skype. Rest. Exercise your mind with podcasts, audio books, or learning a new language.

Comfort

Another part of staying healthy is making sure your cabin is comfortable.

Start with the driver’s seat, where you spend most of your time. Sitting for long periods can be harsh on the body; even more so if a worn seat leads to earlier fatigue. Make sure your seat provides proper support for maximum comfort.

A good night’s rest can make the difference between a good day and a stellar day. Whether innerspring, pocket coil, foam, or memory foam, choose the mattress that allows you to wake up refreshed.

Ensure comfort in all weather conditions – an electric blanket can give you that extra layer of warmth on those nights in the mountains or during the winter.

Accessories

Although the space in your truck is small, you can make it your own in style and comfort.

Create a mobile office with a file folder desk to organize your Bills of Lading, daily logs, and receipts. Ensure your safety and easy navigation with proper electronic mounts for your laptop and cellular device.

Independent drivers like to differentiate themselves by accessorizing the exterior of their truck to signal to their fellow drivers on the road they own their truck. Unique add-ons can be a fun way to dress up your truck and show your fellow truckers you’re an owner operator.

Additionally, make your cab feel like home by adding carpet, a rug, or prints.

Entertainment

The loneliness of mandatory rest periods is easily banished with hobbies and technology.

With the convenience of services like Uber and Lyft and a little extra planning you have the ability to be a tourist on your trips. It can be difficult to fit in fun, but rewarding if you can stop and do a little exploring.

Create playlists on Spotify or stream your favorite shows on Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube. Pick up portable hobbies like photography, knitting, or gaming. With the help of a hotspot your streaming and gaming options are endless from Mario Bros to Call of Duty.

Write down and share your experiences from the road. Create a blog, write a book, post or simply post to social media to show us where you’ve been!

Conclusion

These are just some of the ways you can look after yourself on the road. Thank you again for all you do!