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8 rookie mistakes truck drivers should avoid

8 rookie mistakes truck drivers should avoid

Truck drivers are tasked with transporting goods across the country. Becoming a truck driver can be an exciting and rewarding career path, but candidates need to be aware of the risks that the job entails. Different types of trucks, like flatbed, tanker, pickup, refrigerated, and dump trucks, require different skills and knowledge to operate them safely. Here are ten common mistakes that rookie truck drivers can avoid.

Not inspecting the truck properly
One of truck drivers’ most common mistakes is not correctly inspecting their vehicle before hitting the road. Therefore, a thorough pre-trip inspection is critical for ensuring the truck is in good working order and safe to drive. This inspection should include checking the brakes, tires, lights, and other essential components, which helps to prevent accidents and breakdowns that can result in costly delays—drivers who neglect to do this risk putting themselves and other drivers on the road in danger.

Not getting enough rest
Driving a truck for long hours can be exhausting, and drivers must get enough rest to avoid fatigue. Fatigue can impair judgment, reaction time, and attention to detail, all critical for safe driving. Unfortunately, some truck drivers push themselves too hard to meet deadlines or maximize their earning potential. This can lead to dangerous situations, such as falling asleep at the wheel or being unable to react quickly enough to avoid an accident.

Speeding
Speeding may seem like an excellent way to reach a destination faster, but it significantly increases the risk of accidents. Truck drivers need to be aware of the speed limits in their driving areas and adjust their speed accordingly. Failure to do so can result in costly fines, points on their license, and even job loss. Similarly, distracted driving is another serious hazard. Distractions like cell phones, food, or even daydreaming can take a driver’s focus away from the road, increasing the risk of accidents.

Overloading the truck
Trucks have varying cargo or load capacities, from one ton to half or three-quarters. Overloading the truck and exceeding the stated cargo capacity puts strain on its metal frame and mechanical parts like the suspension and brakes. Also, it decreases the driver’s ability to control the truck and might result in tire blowouts.

Not securing cargo properly
Unsecured cargo can cause the truck to become unbalanced and even tip over. Similarly, truck drivers need to use appropriate securing methods such as bungee cords, ratchet straps, cargo nets, or tarps. Old worn-out, or brittle ropes may snap and release the cargo. Frequent travelers are also advised to invest in cargo-securing equipment like truck racks, rear bars, toolboxes, non-skid bed liners, and side rails.

Not distributing cargo weight properly
Distributing the weight of the cargo evenly throughout the trailer helps to ensure that the truck remains stable and balanced while driving and during steep turns. Placing heavy loads at the back may affect the driver’s control. Therefore, putting the heavier load closer to the cabin is advisable. However, uneven weight distribution may lead to tire, wheel, axle, or structural failure.

Overlooking the trailer length
Another common mistake rookie truck drivers make is overlooking the length of their trailers. Driving a more extended trailer requires different driving techniques than a shorter trailer, such as allowing for a greater turning radius and paying close attention to low-clearance areas. Drivers must also know the extra length when changing lanes or merging on the highway. Overlooking the trailer length can cause the truck to collide with other vehicles or structures, resulting in serious accidents.

Fuelling up at the last minute
Fueling up at the wrong time is another mistake rookie truck drivers make. Waiting until the fuel tank is almost empty or not planning fuel stops can cause unnecessary delays and even run the risk of running out of fuel on the road. Drivers need to plan their fuel stops ahead of time and fill up when the fuel gauge shows a quarter tank to avoid running out of fuel in the middle of a trip. Additionally, fueling up at peak times, such as during rush hour, can lead to long wait times at gas stations and delays in delivery schedules.

Conclusion
Marten Trucking or Marten Transport Ltd. is an established transportation company that offers a range of jobs and perks for truck drivers, including retirement plans, insurance, and health benefits. Having positions for both solo and team drivers, Marten Trucking may be worth considering owing to their competitive pay, benefits packages, and opportunities for career advancement.

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5 great benefits of buying an extended vehicle warranty

Modern cars come with all the luxuries and advancements one can expect. They also offer longevity, which is a blessing, as you surely want to drive your car for as many years as possible. However, the one thing that you must keep in mind is that the tenure of your car warranty is generally three years. You will need to buy an extended vehicle warranty after that, which can offer many benefits as listed below. They can be personalizedIn general, the car warranty covers the repairing of your car for a certain amount of time and mileage. However, when you are purchasing an extended warranty, it can be tailor-made as per your needs. This way, you can include coverages that your car previously did not have, such as roadside assistance or an extended bumper-to-bumper coverage. Buying a comprehensive warranty will ensure that you do not have to worry about your car in any scenario. Another great thing about the extended warranty is that you can actually decide its tenure. Hence, you can drive your car stress-free for a long time. Costly repairs are coveredThe extended vehicle warranty will help you save money in the long run, as it covers expensive repairs too. Modern cars are technologically advanced. While they make your life easier on the road, these cars are more prone to malfunctioning. What can be more worrying is the fact that some of the car technologies can be rather expensive to repair. That is where the extended warranty will be your savior. It will cover the expenses whenever your car needs fixing. Greater value for your carWhen you drive your car on the road for many years, it will surely suffer some damages. Apart from natural aging of its machinery, it will also have scratches, bumps, and breakdowns. After the factory warranty for your car is over, it becomes very expensive to maintain the condition of your car. However, if you buy an extended warranty for the car, then it will remain protected for a longer time. As the maintenance of your car will become more affordable with the warranty, you will be able to maintain the condition of your car for a long period of time. This will effectively improve the resale value of your car. Hence, if you ever decide to sell it, you will get a good price. You will save moreWith an extended vehicle warranty, regular maintenance of your car will not cost you anything. This will effectively lower the chances of any major breakdown of the vehicle. Even if the car is seriously damaged due to any accident, you can repair it for no cost. This will allow you to save more in the long run. The cost depends on youThe cost of the extended warranty depends on the coverages you choose. The base price is decided as per the car you have and its overall condition, but you can add only the covers you require to control the cost. Before buying extended vehicle warranty, take some time to research and compare different providers to find the best one you can afford.

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7 Common RV Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid

There is no one way to maintain a recreational vehicle (RV). While different owners are bound to give you different tips and advice on how to take care of an RV, there is one fundamental point they will all agree on - maintenance is necessary. Owning and maintaining an RV can be an expensive affair, which is why it is important to avoid certain common mistakes and make the most of your vehicle! Forgetting to winterize The country witnesses extreme weather transformations, with some cities reaching sub-zero temperatures during winters. During this time, RV parts can freeze, inviting expensive repairs and replacement costs. To avoid these costs, winterizing your RV is a must. Here are some common methods people use: Pump RV-safe antifreeze into the plumbing system to save your water lines from freezing over. Use compressed air to clean all lines of water gently. Install an integrated drain-down system that passes compressed air through the water lines on demand. Also, remember to de-winterize your RV when summer approaches to prepare it for travel, especially if your vehicle has remained dormant all winter. Skipping out on tire protection The RV wheels are crucial not just for your travels but also for your safety while driving. Keeping them still for too long can cause rot to set in. It is ideal for keeping the RV moving and avoiding direct UV exposure for too long. Look for tires that offer UV protection properties. Alternatively, if you use tire-shine products, opt for ones with UV-blocking features. At the end of every travel season, have your tires assessed by a professional to check whether they are in the proper condition or need replacement. Letting pests in Pests can easily get into RVs, especially ones left uninhabited for a season or two. Setting up traps and checking in on your RV regularly is important to keep these rodents at bay. Not only can they leave the place unsanitary for your next trip, but they can also cause thousands of dollars worth of damage to your wires, textiles, appliances, and furniture. Setting up mouse traps with soft candy can help lure some of these rodents and stop them from multiplying in your vehicle. Not checking for water damage routinely Check your RV for water damage regularly. Any undetected water damage could lead to mold and mildew, making you and your fellow travelers sick. Do a rigorous inspection of your RV before setting off on your journey. The most common places people find mold in their RVs are in unventilated bathrooms and areas where condensation collects. Properly ventilating the RV can help avoid such issues. Relying on DIY maintenance Although many people know how to care well for their RVs, if you are new and just beginning on your journey, it may be wise to seek professional help. Take your RV to a maintenance company at intervals to diagnose issues you may have missed or to help you get your vehicle in shape for the following travel season. Missing going over your safety checklist Before setting off on a new trip, be sure to go through your checklist and check your oil, fuel, and propane levels, transmission fluids, batteries, seals, generators, and air filters. Also, ensure that your stairs are folded up, windows and vents are closed, the antenna is folded down, and the scissor jacks are retracted each time before you begin to move. Finally, create a checklist based on your RV’s features, and make it a habit to run through it before you begin to drive. Forgetting to secure the RV You don’t want your drawers to start falling out in the middle of your journey. Not only can this be inconvenient, but it may also pose a health hazard to your co-travelers. Secure the RV by packing the items close together and lining the drawers with thick shelf grip waffle matting. Add additional latches to doors and drawers if required. If the cost of maintaining the RV is too high, you can also consider selling your motorhome for instant cash. Many websites are making this process easier and quicker by reducing the paperwork and letting you get the best value for your recreational vehicle or trailer.

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