The Complete Guide To A Career In Trucking
The Trucking Lifestyle: Parking & Getting Sleep On The Road
At the end of a long day of driving, or even in the middle of one, every driver is going to have to find a place to shut down for at least 10 hours. It is important to do so legally and responsibly.
Getting enough quality sleep is an important part of any drivers lifestyle. Overly tired & fatigued drivers can be a liability on the road, to themselves and to others.
Where will I park the truck? Are truck stops the only legal place to park?
Your preferred place to park will be at a truck stop. That's why they're there. Truck stops are built and equipped to handle large commercial vehicles. More experienced drivers will many times try to arrange to sleep in the parking lot of their customer, to maximize their available driving hours.
There will be times when finding parking before running out of hours will be a giant hassle, and drivers sometimes resort to parking on a ramp or on the side of the road, though definitely not recommended.
Forum - Is Anyone Doing Anything About the Shortage of Truck Parking?
Parking is a huge challenge for me, especially when it comes to finding a safe spot overnight. I read on this website that many drivers struggle with this, too. However some parking tips several of ya'll have posted are quite good and helpful
Article - My First Day and Night at a Truck Stop
So, this will be my life moving forward. When I'm not driving, chances are I'll be at a truck stop somewhere. Here is my first experience, and one I probably won't ever forget. Not because something extremely dramatic happened, but just because I'm soaking everything in right now.
Forum - Very hard time finding a place to park my truck
James, I usually park at a Walmart and two days ago there was no parking because of the holiday. It's just something you have to deal with during these times. Try to come home a few days before the holiday.
What can I do to help me get enough sleep?
Sleep being a key ingredient of overall health, maximizing your sleep while still getting as many miles as you can will be a learned balancing act to help you succeed as a truck driver.
White noise generators, ear plugs, headphones, and even just the idling of your own truck are all methods drivers will use to help them sleep and block out noises from truck stops, roads, etc.
If you're into taking sleeping pills to help you sleep, always keep in mind that most prescription drugs, and even over-the-counter meds, will potentially violate company or DOT drug policy, and should be cleared by a physician and your company. When in doubt, ask.
Forum - Sleeping at a truck stop
My question is at the truck stop with all noise from the APUs , idling trucks, random honk, Lot lizards, how do you sleep with all the noise? Do you use ear plugs, ear buds with music, or do you get use to it?
You get used to it pretty quick. Most sleepers have good insulation. My truck has an APU and a reefer that's usually on. After a couple nights the vibration from the engine rocks you to sleep.
Tips - Sleeping in the truck without being bothered?
I'm concerned i won't get any normal sleep driving OTR. Always having in the back of my mind someone can knock on your door in the middle of the night whether it be another driver, a lot lizard, a cop whoever. Then you have to worry about someone trying to break in at night.
Forum - Prescription sleeping pills drug question
I would not want something heavier cause at a moments notice I may have to get up and need to help out with the truck and can't afford to be drowsy.
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