Long haul trucking within the logging industry is among the most complex and dangerous types of heavy truck driving. Unlike traditional freight, log truck drivers will likely have to drive through rough terrain, narrow lanes, and long stretches of open roads without support or services. Staying safe is integral to your health, and the safest drivers will find the most repeat contracts over time. To help promote safe driving and provide guidance for new drivers, we have compiled a list of the top tips and best practices for keeping log truck drivers safe while behind the wheel.
Know Your Truck And Your Load
Log truck drivers will experience a wide variance in their load’s weight, size, and length. Because of this difference in possible loading configuration, keeping your turning radius and tail swing in mind is essential.
First and foremost, it is vital to keep yourself visible. Always mark the longest log with a flag and ensure you do not exceed the length maximums of each state. When in doubt, try and go shorter. Knowing the length of your load will help you with turns, avoiding damage, and crossing railroad tracks.
Research Your Routes
Part of mastering your drive is becoming familiar with your route to your final destination. Consider things such as fuel breaks, locations of gas stations, facilities for repairs, and rest points. Drivers should not exceed 14 hours of driving each day, and to stay in compliance, you should plan where you are sleeping ahead of time if your route requires a multi-day trip. Finally, you should know the entrance to whatever mill or storage center you are dropping your load at and prepare yourself before returning to a tight warehouse.
Tail Swing
It will be a different experience each time you turn with various lengths, weights, and thicknesses of logs loaded, so you should do your best to mitigate tail swing and ready other drivers around. Below are some additional tips for dealing with wide turns.
- Indicate early to warn other drivers.
- Keep a visual on both sides of your truck and keep traffic in your mirrors.
- Keep it slow and come to a complete stop on hard turns.
- Avoid turning around in congested areas.
Don’t Forget The Small Stuff
These may seem obvious, but it may become easy to be complacent about the simple stuff after a while. So, make sure you do the following:
- Buckle up. Removing your seat belt after numerous hours of safe driving may be tempting, but seatbelts perfectly fit the adage of ‘it’s better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.’
- Stay Focused. Hands-free devices can be a great addition, and music is always appreciated on a long drive, but don’t overdo it and keep yourself focused on the road, especially when driving at night or in crowded areas.
- Rest. Make sure to take care of yourself. Sleep and rest when necessary. Eat healthy meals every day and shower to keep yourself clean and focused. Trucking is a long-term job, and keeping consistent with your body will help you significantly.
- Keep The Rig Clean. For night driving, you should wipe off lights and keep the exterior clear, cleaning your windshield and ensuring you have an unobstructed view of your side mirrors.
Use The Right Strapping Products
Finally, you want to ensure your load is secure from the moment you pick it up—that’s where you can trust USA Strapping for all your strapping needs. Call us today or go online to find the highest quality in every material, from polyester to steel products.