Training and Safety Guidelines for a Truck Driver
If you already decided to jump into truck driving career you should know that you
are needed for this because the demand for truck drivers never slows down. But before you begin your search for CDL training and trucking jobs, you must first know the requirements for being a certified truck driver and be aware of the safety precautions on the road.
Let us discuss here some of the general requirements to drive a rig, it is important that you know this before you go into CDL training.
General requirements to drive a truck
Must be 18 years old to receive a CDL and at least 21 years old if you seek for interstate employment
Must have a valid driver's license
Must be drug free and will agree to be drug free throughout employment
Must be able to speak, read and write English language fluently
Must pass the physical examination and drug testing done by Department of transportation before attending training. Must be physically fit and with good vision.
Your driving history will also be checked and some even do a background check for the aspiring driver to prevent those who have DUI and other related histories from becoming a truck driver.
If you pass all the requirements mentioned above, you are now ready to take your CDL training. There are some differences between CDL classes and your instructor will explain it to you. Usually its differences have got something to do with towing weights. During the trainings, you will be able to learn how to inspect your truck prior to driving, learn how to drive in various road & weather conditions as well as doing the turns, back-ups and parks. You will also be given driving practice but don't forget that handling a big rig may take some time to learn.
Trainees also need to spend some time in the classroom during the training period. From there you will be able to learn about truck driving safety requirements according to national and individual state policies. After learning those things, one needs to pass the written portion of the exam given to be certified and get the diploma.
Because of its huge size, driving a truck has potential safety risks that a truck driver must know and be aware of and avoid in order to ensure safety on the road. Here are some safety guidelines and precautions for all truck drivers to follow and consider.
Safety Guidelines for Truck Drivers
It is important to take some breaks between shifts. Example, if you are allowed to drive for 11 hours a day, you must take eight hour breaks in between shifts.
Take time to move around, or walk around on stops or even lie if possible to take good rest and relax the body.
Wear comfortable clothing to ensure comfort and avoid some health problems and poor blood circulation.
Adjust the steering wheel and seat of the truck to the most comfortable position for you. It will be helpful to get maximum comfort and prevent leg cramps and other components that may restrict your movements and functionality.
Avoid being injured by avoiding to jump from the truck to the ground. Make sure to keep close with the vehicle in exiting and entering to avoid missing steps that might cause an injury.
Handle loads carefully. To ensure safety, it's advisable to use a machine or loading and unloading equipment.
Always maintain your vehicle. Don't forget to check its condition every now and then. Make sure that its brake is working good as well as the other components. It will save your life and life of others.
Slow down. Accidents can be prevented by driving in just enough speed. Don't rush just enjoy driving and don't drive as if you are on race.
Be alert all the time and be careful and aware with road constructions and other vehicles.
Always keep a distance. It's important to keep distance from other vehicles. Trucks require longer stopping time as compared to other vehicles so it's important to anticipate the braking situations. It will save you from troubles.
Know yourself. Know when you are already tired and needs some break and rest. Don't push yourself to drive if you feel like you can't. Don't risk your health and life as well as the life of other people on the road.
Those were just few of the safety guidelines that a driver must consider, there's still a lot more and it just need some common sense.
The time and cost for training depends on the place you live in and the training school that you choose. Some training s last only for few days and some for weeks. Some schools just require a student to pay for the cost of the test and the rest will be paid by the potential employers. Some companies also offer tuition financing for training. Those were some of the options and it will pay to ask questions and inquire about the different programs before enrolling.
Once you are done training and pass the exams you are now certified and ready to drive a truck. At first you can choose to ride with other drivers or just go on drive on your own. You can drive for long distance which pays higher or local which gives you a chance to be with family more often. The choice is yours.
And with the continuous growth in trucking industry, it will not be difficult to find a trucking job even for a beginner. Many websites even offer their services for those who are seeking for a truck driving job. As a truck driver, you can also do your part in keeping the economy running and keep growing. Indeed, truck driving job is a very promising career and something to be proud of.
[removed]// [removed]
[removed][removed]
Training and Safety Guidelines for a Truck Driver
By: Armil Velos
Floor Mat Runners: Added Traction Means Added Safety Electroconvulsive therapy recommended for major depression International Food Safety and Quality Network includes Manufacturing Journalist TR Cutler The safety of lasik surgery High Bay Lighting: reducing health and safety risks involved in replacing lights Safety Measures to minimize Exposures to Hazardous Drugs Which Radio Scanner for You? Basic Breakdown of Multifarious Electronic Thermometers Safety Flooring – The Requirement Of Every Building Safety Floor Is Essential To Avoid Injuries Top 5 Swimming Pool Safety Tips Evaluation Board Avoids Electro-Magnetic Interference Radiology Transcription Service Providers in the US