If you're thinking about embarking on a new career as a commercial truck driver, understand one thing – driving is only a small part of the role. Successful truck drivers should also have solid time planning skills. Upon receipt of a load, it's up to you to deliver the load by the required time. Consequently, knowing how to plan your time is important. Here are a few tips to help you plan your time more effectively.
1. Communicate Effectively
One component of good time planning skills is good communication. It's important that your driver manager always have accurate information concerning your whereabouts. For example, say you have a load that is due to be delivered in three hours and you're just two and a half hours from the delivery site.
However, there is an accident that has traffic blocked for several miles. The first thing you need to do is contact your driver manager to communicate this information. Passing along this information ensures the waiting customer is notified of the situation and assists with planning your future routes.
2. Don't Neglect Maintenance
How well your truck is functioning has a lot to do with your schedule. Even if you aren't operating as a truck owner, it is still important that you not neglect maintenance. In terms of time management, it would be more efficient to complete a repair during a scheduled down time than it would be when you were in route to a delivery drop off.
When it comes to maintenance and time planning, make certain you aren't ignoring any obvious signs of malfunction or preventive maintenance suggestions. Ensuring the maintenance needs of your truck are met can help keep you on schedule and ensure your time is used most efficiently.
3. Always Check-in Right Away
Whenever you're dropping off a load, always check-in right away, even if you're early. For example, say your schedule changed and you arrived at your drop off site 24 hours prior to your delivery appointment. Don't simply find a place to park and wait until your delivery time to drop the load.
Check-in and let the customer know you're available should they have any cancellations. In the event someone cancels a delivery appointment, instead of sitting around, you could drop off the load and pick up a new one ahead of your previous schedule.
As a new truck driver, you will have a lot of new information introduced to you at what seems to be a non-stop rate. Remember to slow down, take your time and process everything you learn for the greatest chance of success.
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Share28 July 2015
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