
The trucking industry has been an integral part of the American economy since the 1920s. Some truckers have 20, 30, even 40 years of experience behind the wheel of a big rig, hauling freight to keep our shelves full.
With a rich history and a full list of regulations, the trucking industry involves more than some might expect. Not to mention the driving skills and special techniques required to maneuver over 30,000 pounds. So, think you can pass the trucking test?





Truck Driver Tips [p]Whether you're a new driver or have logged over one million miles, we've compiled a list of truck driver tips from fellow truckers to ensure your time on the road is not only efficient but safe.[/p]
[h2] Truck Driver Tips [/h2]
[p] Whether you're starting your first week as a new truck driver or you've logged over one million miles on the road, driving an 18-wheeler presents many challenges. We've compiled a list of five truck driver tips from fellow truckers to ensure your time on the road is not only efficient but safe. [/p]
[h2]1. Rest up[/h2]
[p]As a [a href="http://m.onelink.me/cceb1f59"]truck driver[/a], being alert is one of the most critical parts of the job. Most of the time it isn't the things you do but rather what is going on around you that can cause a serious accident. Your life and safety comes first and getting the proper rest will ensure you are ready to take the day on in peak performance. While every person's sleep schedule is different, try for 7-8 hours of shut-eye each night.[/p]
[h2]2. Stay hydrated[/h2]
[p]Being alert isn't just about proper rest. Hydration is a key factor in maintaining proper brain function. [a href="http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fnhum.2013.00363/full"]Studies[/a] have shown that being dehydrated is directly correlated to a lack of focus and slowed reaction times. Both of these can be extremely detrimental to a truck driver. Doctors recommend a daily intake of 2 liters or eight 8-ounce glasses of water to remain hydrated. Just when you think you've had enough, fill up another cup! It could make all the difference.[/p]
[h2]3. Lay a flashlight on dock lines when backing a trailer at night[/h2]
[p]Some receiving docks are poorly lit, making it difficult for drivers to back a load in. Try laying a flashlight on the ground shining towards your truck to illuminate the lines and provide you with the necessary light to back in your trailer into the dock. (Credit: Jon Jones-Facebook).[/p]
[img src="https://truckerpath.com/uploads/2016/11/Backing-tip-FLashlight.jpg" alt=""]
[h2]4. If you don't know, ask![/h2]
[p]One truck driver trip you should never overlook is to not be afraid to not know. It's nearly impossible for anyone to know everything without some sort of assistance. Don't risk it to chance. If you are unsure of something, ask. There is a community of drivers who not only share the road but can share valuable lessons from experience too.[/p]
[h2]5. Keep a bag of salt in your truck for snowy conditions[/h2]
[p]Sure, [i]Ice Road Truckers[/i] on the History Channel makes traveling on icy roads look easy but it's not. Having a large bag of salt can help you get out of a bind during those winter month full of slick roads. Salt not only lowers the freezing point and melts snow, it also provides traction for your tires after the ice melts.[/p]
[h2]6. Don't rush. Use common sense[/h2]
[p]This truck driver tip should go without saying but we will anyway. Please do not rush yourself or drive recklessly. Keep your eyes on the road and give yourself plenty of distance to break or maneuver.[/p]
[h2]7. Plan ahead with Trucker Path[/h2]
[p][a href="https://truckerpath.com/truckerpath/"]Truck Path[/a] is an indispensable tool for drivers that is used and updated by over 450,000 truckers. Whether you want to find available truck parking to rest up, check to see if a weigh station is open or compare diesel fuel prices, we can help make your life easier on the road and get you back home quicker to the ones you care about most. [/p]
[video id="NSSOwFRJaQw"]
[button-green href="https://truckerpath.com/trucker-path-app/"]Learn More About Trucker Path[/button-green]
Worst Bridges in America
[p]According to the American Road and Transportation Builders Association, nearly 60,000 bridges in America are considered to be deficient. These deficient bridges are in desperate need of repairs and make our roads unsafe for truck drivers. Here is where the worst bridges in America are located.[/p]
[h2]Worst Bridges in America[/h2]
[p]The safety of truck drivers is of the utmost importance and this alarming amount of bridges that are not adequate to support the weight of a commercial truck or big rig is unacceptable.[/p]
[h2]States with the Worst Bridges in America[/h2]
[p]The worst bridges in America can be a safety hazard for truck drivers with loads easily weighing over 50,000 pounds. Here are the states with the worst bridges in America, based on the total inventory of bridges deemed to be deficient.[/p]
[p]Seven of the Top 10 states deemed to have the worst bridges in America are located in the Midwest. Be sure to use Trucker Path and plan your trip ahead of time to save yourself from a potential disaster.[/p]
[ol-2]
[li]Iowa[/li]
[li]Pennsylvania[/li]
[li]Oklahoma[/li]
[li]Missouri[/li]
[li]Nebraska[/li]
[li]Illinois[/li]
[li]Kansas[/li]
[li]Mississippi[/li]
[li]Ohio[/li]
[li]New York[/li]
[/ol-2]
[button-white href="http://www.artba.org/wp-content/deficient_bridge/ARTBA_State_Ranking_2016.pdf"]Full List Here[/button-white]