Below are a few suggestions to getting every load delivered safely:

1) Get plenty of sleep

Perhaps the best way to avoid accidents or injuries of any kind are to rest well on a consistent basis. There have been studies that show driving while you’re drowsy – either because you’ve been awake too long or because you didn’t get enough sleep the night before – is nearly as dangerous as drunk driving. For that reason, you need to be able to recognize when it’s time to pull over.

2) Drive defensively

In a tractor trailer, you’re the biggest thing on the road, and have a big impact on traffic around you. However, you will also require more time and space to brake, turn, change lanes and so on. As a result, you would be wise to give everyone plenty of space, take it slow, avoid hard braking and generally be more reactive than active behind the wheel.

3) Carry equipment to help you through any weather

As seasons change, you need to be prepared for whatever can arise. With winter winding down and spring approaching, you may need cold-weather gear like boots, heavy gloves, tire chains, extra wiper fluid and blades – as well as a rain coat, galoshes and so on to deal with rain, melting snow and ice, and so on.

4) Make yourself visible on the side of the road

While it’s not advisable, it’s sometimes unavoidable: Truckers have to occasionally pull to the shoulder of the road for a litany of reasons, which can pose a danger if other drivers aren’t paying attention. Whenever you find that you have to do so, it’s important to make sure you put down reflective signs or road flares that make you easier to see (especially at night). And, if you have to leave the truck itself for any reason, you should also remember to wear reflective clothing.

5) Be careful about carrying boxes

One of the easiest ways to injure yourself as a trucker is by lifting or carrying items that are too heavy, or are being handled improperly, according to Monster. You’ve probably seen the warnings about lifting with your legs, rather than your back, and that’s good advice to follow – but you should also make sure you’re fully prepared for the size and weight of the item you have to move. Even with proper lifting techniques, you might find it too difficult to carry, so when in doubt, use a dolly or cart to transport it.

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1. Telematics and GPS fleet tracking systems

Telematics generally refers to the integration of telecommunications with information and communication technology to a single unit that receives, sends and stores information relating to trucks from any location. A telematics system can also provide an auto-generated report on the status of all the vehicles within a fleet, giving the fleet manager details on when the vehicle starts, shuts down, as well as when it idles, its location and speed.

This real-time information and updates on fleet activities come to a secure centralized, web-based software portal. This allows the fleet managers to login from any internet-enabled computer at any time or from anywhere, which means you have full-time control of the fleet. This will help in:

• Improving customer service.
• Cost reduction – labor, fuel and other operational expenses.
• Increasing productivity.
• Reduction of unauthorized vehicle use.
• Increasing fleet security and safety.

2. ELDs and trucking software applications (Fleet Management System)

As of Dec. 18, 2017, it will be mandatory for almost all trucks to have an ELD (electronic logging device) which is aimed at creating a safe and compliant working environment for drivers. It records and tracks the driver’s record of duty status (RODs) and also monitors hours of service for each driver. Technology leaders have come up with modern software that will be integrated with these devices to enhance more efficiency in fleet management.

The fleet management system features electronic logbook and a compliance reporting solution among other functions. The comprehensive fleet management system maintains compliance with the ELD mandate and all relevant regulations and also helps to manage and control your fleet vehicles, drivers and loads via an online reporting and management tools.

The system records all ELD data including logs, IFTA, IRP, inspection (pre and post) and the data is audited automatically. This reduces time and costs associated with fleet management and compliance reporting. It also gives real-time notifications in case of violations, theft or accident for you to take immediate actions. The management system will benefit the carriers in tracking vehicles, encourage good driver conduct, manage violations and reduce operational and fuel costs. The system will also enhance compliance thus improving fleet CSA scores.

3. Self-driving trucks and platooning technology

Trucks without human drivers sound just like a dream, but the next big thing in the trucking industry will surely be self-driving trucks. Daimler has already made and tested a semi self-driving truck which was officially authorized to operate on the public highways of Nevada. Semi-autonomous truck technology will be combined with platooning technology to further reduce fuel costs and to enable hauling of more freight more efficiently. The technology will address the driver shortage problem which is predicted to rise to about 240,000 in the next 5 years.

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