Truck driving skills aren’t hard to learn, and every OTR trucking company would love to hire you in a driver shortage. Hiring drivers is ongoing all over the country and HMD Trucking is no exception.
Our economy relies heavily on big trucks and truckers. This became more than obvious after the pandemic. Truck drivers had to work overtime to deliver their loads to stores and our homes. This, in turn, led to a severe nationwide shortage of truckers.
But even before that, truck drivers were constantly faced with a tremendous amount of stress on the job. Some of them work 14 hours a day. How can a trucker find time for self-care and sleep?
A trucker’s job is rewarding, but not at all easy.
Truck driving can be an aspiration for those who adore driving and have a preference for solitude. But the reality for up to 30 percent of truckers is that such extended periods of isolation can be a burden. These drivers often find that their job does not leave them enough time to spend with their families and that they can go for months without any substantial communication with loved ones.
On top of this, truckers are more susceptible to developing reckless habits. It is estimated that 70% are obese, with many sustaining their diet from fast food purchased at truck stops. Shockingly, 15% of truck drivers suffer from diabetes with more than half smoking harmful tobacco products.
Furthermore, the situation is made worse by the fact that more than a third of truck drivers fail to receive any sort of adequate healthcare from their employers. So, not only do they encounter overweight issues, but their bodies are also exposed to long sessions of prolonged inactivity, leading to an elevated risk of further, related medical issues such as high cholesterol and chronic heart disease.
Also Read: Advantages of Hiring a Hot Shot Trucking Company for Freight delivery
How does a trucker sleep?
Even with these risks, there is still a way for truck drivers to stay healthy. The key is to try and get as much sleep as possible.
Truck drivers who are behind the wheel for over eight hours are obligated to take a thirty minute break. If they work past the 11-hour limit, they must then take a mandatory ten hour break.
In the truck, there is a smaller space behind the driver’s seat called a sleeping cab. This is furnished with a bed, shelves or storage drawers, an inverter to charge any electronic devices, as well as a heater for the winter and an auxiliary power unit for air conditioning. Some of these sleeper cabs can even include a refrigerator and television for entertainment. When there are two drivers, there are bunk beds in the sleeping cabin.
Truckers that need to sleep usually park their vehicle in truck stops or regular rest areas along the highway. However, they are allowed to park on the side of the road, although this may not be the most secure option. It is very unlikely that you will find a long-haul driver sleeping in a hotel, as it is not normally covered by their employer’s costs.
What about showers?
Unfortunately, even the most luxury sleeper cab is still not equipped with an actual shower. That’s why truck stops nowadays are investing more in making sure they have updated, clean showers for drivers who need to take a break during their journey.
It usually costs around $5 to use these showers, however you can oftentimes take advantage of certain incentive programs which can help you receive them for free. Additionally, sleeper cabins don’t possess toilets either, however most establishments don’t have any problem with truck drivers using their restrooms.
When you are behind the wheel, it is essential to be in the best condition possible. Without the proper rest and hygiene, tiredness may arise which can ultimately lead to major mistakes during the drive. Though it may not be considered luxurious, it is particularly nice to have a private space inside your truck that allows you to rejuvenate and be allowed to take a breather from a long journey.