Truck Drivers Archives - Fleet Management Backend Site

31 Tips To Hire Best Drivers For Your Fleet

Posted on October 8, 2019 by fmsupadminnxtjs

For many large fleet management organizations, hiring competent drivers is as much a challenging job as any other. A successful driver, they believe, represents the face of the company to the public and the customers.

In these modern times, fleet managers face significant issues when hiring drivers including a shortage of talented drivers.

The reasons for this include aging of the drivers, regulated number of driving hours for the drivers, increased freighting demands because of an improved economy, drivers taking up alternate jobs instead of driving, lack of driving experience of younger drivers, long working hours at a stretch, etc., among others.

Given below are the skills, backgrounds, certifications and some other qualities that are required to be kept in mind when hiring drivers for your fleet and overcome the abovementioned shortage.

Points to keep in mind when hiring drivers for your fleet

#1: Firstly conduct and interview to hire your fleet driver. This is the best way in which you can find out how efficient they are. You can also estimate their trustworthiness.

#2: After the interview, lead the shortlisted drivers on to a second practical driving test. This is the next screening that will help you to filter the better drivers for your fleet. You can practically test their driving skills. This will give you an idea to evaluate their skill, ease and comfort while driving the vehicle.

#3: Perform a background check and as certain that they do not any criminal background. They should also include a gauge of the safety accountability of the driver.

#4: Check the drivers’ licenses and driving certifications thoroughly. This is a very important stage.

#5: Take stock of the driver’s health by conducting a checkup. They should be fit enough to drive for long hours in a day.

#6: The mechanical skills of the candidate should be in place. They should be able to overcome sudden and unpredictable technical difficulties quickly that the vehicle may experience during a trip.

#7: The driver of today should be a tech savvy person and be able to understand technology. Cars and trucks are equipped with the latest gadgetry including GPS trackers and fleet fuel cards. The candidate should be able to use these fully to manage the journey.

#8: Driving is a challenging job. Every day is a different one for the driver and this job requires the driver to act with grace and tolerance to end the day with satisfaction.

#9: A good driver must be calm and composed. They have to be able to contain their anger under the most stressful conditions.

#10: The drivers’ sense of responsibility in handling the vehicle, money, time and the jobs they are entrusted with is of supreme importance.

#11: Drivers of your fleet vehicles must be most well-behaved with clients, co-workers and the public at large. They should behave responsibly and carefully.

#12: How the driver excels in customer service is a very important aspect of building the image of the company. Hence you should select those drivers who behave in the best manner with your customers.

#13: Any driver would at many instances be required to execute more than one task at a time. This makes it imperative that a driver should be good at multitasking.

#14: The driver is trusted with the vehicle and all the members/goods that it carries. In this context, the driver is obliged to be trustworthy and be morally responsible for the transporting of goods or the people in the fleet.

#15: The driver must be alert at all times. His hearing ability should be top-notch. His hand-eye coordination should be perfect. These qualities ensure that he will be alert enough to be able to handle any unpredictable driving conditions that may arise.

#16: Drivers that you hire should be honest at all times. They have more than just the vehicle on their hands at any point in time. They cannot compromise on their honest even for an instant.

#17: Drivers should be physically strong and have fit bodies. They are likely to meet the strangest individuals during their long-haul trips. They should be capable of overcoming any kind of adverse situation.

#18: The background checks and screening should include checking for moving violations for at least the last 10 years.

#19: It is important not to hire drivers that have DUI convictions. As an employer, you must have zero tolerance towards driving under the influence of alcohol.

#20: In case your company’s routes are across national borders, the driver’s license and background records should comply with the other country’s regulations as well.

#21: For recruiting truck drivers, it is a good idea to look at former service members. They are adept at handling large vehicles and have a way of learning the mechanical systems quickly.

#22: Recruiting middle-aged candidates as drivers brings in maturity and more experience in life skills.

#23: Hiring legal immigrants leaves you with candidates that are fluent in more than one language. This is likely to improve customer service and liaison with the public.

#24: Choosing a candidate with collaborative communication skills with the company and the public improves the service and the company image.

#25: Hiring a candidate with good mathematical skills goes a long way to understand customer documentation and fewer billing/invoice mistakes.

#26: Being well-groomed and having a friendly demeanour is important for driver recruits as these two factors help to improve customer relationships.

#27: It is advantageous for the recruiter to find out if the candidate has a preferred route or a work-shift. This can help the recruiter to leverage this preference in terms of increased output from the candidate.

#28: It is a good idea to award plum routes and work-schedules to drivers with a lot of experience. This will make way for their improved performance and ensure that they stay on in the job for longer periods.

#29: It is a good idea for the recruiter to invest in advanced training and skills development for deserving drivers. This tells them that you are investing in their expertise and causes them to be more loyal to you.

#30: It is important to recruit candidates with sound knowledge of both verbal and written communication in Arabic (native) and English languages. This will ensure optimum communications and all required documentation to be in place.

#31: More than anything else, the candidate should love driving. Any person that loves his/her job does it well. Driving a truck or a car is good employment for those who do not want to work within the confines of an office.

These are some of the best ways in which you can hire drivers for your fleet of vehicles.

16 Frustrating Problems Faced By Drivers on a Trip [Inc: solutions]

Posted on September 5, 2019 by fmsupadminnxtjs

The frustrating problems faced by drivers on a trip are numerous. Regardless of the purpose of the trips every hurdles troubles us. It further destroys all our schedules of the day.

The beauty of being on the road is the privilege of being your own master throughout the journey. Thus any of the hassles that hinder it is a head ache to both drivers and travellers.

The best that a driver can do is to avoid such mishaps is to take precautions to avoid it. But, for that – one needs to be aware of such problems. So, let’s go through this post to know these issues and avoid them as much as possible.

1. Dead Car Battery

Dead-Car-Battery-Problems-Faced-By-Drivers-on-a-Trip

Batteries can die at the least expected timings, and it can be a huge problem. Several components in a vehicle require batteries. For example, cars that have a button-based ignition system require a battery to start the engine.

To avoid car battery mishaps, make sure to check the battery and see that it is charged enough. Also, check the power status of battery on frequent intervals. Their average lifespan is from 2 to 5 years. This lifespan depends upon external factors, such as weather conditions, usage, electric wiring system, etc.

2. Flat Tire

This problem is quite common and can be treated on your own. All vehicles are equipped with a Stepney or spare tire, a jack tool, wrench, etc. These are present there for emergencies. The issue is to change a flat tire.

CBS report states that over 60% of people do not know how to change a tire. That can be a problem if you do not have any available help while on the road. So, you need to learn how to do it by avoiding troubles. Check the tires before leaving for your trip and reduce your chances of facing such troubles in the first place.

3. Brakes Not Working

This issue is undoubtedly troublesome and dangerous. Check your vehicle brakes every time before heading for a trip whether it is short or long. Also, make sure the fluids are enough for performing the function.

If it is out of your handling ability the best way to deal with it is by getting your vehicle checked from an expert mechanic. Let him know to check the brake pads, drums, rotors, and fluid before you start your road trip.

4. Engine Fails

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Engine is the heart that keeps the whole machine running. Without a healthy engine, your car is bound to collapse at one point. It is unavoidable to get your engine tuned before heading on the road.

The unusual time, Knocking sound, smoke has to be checked frequently. Avoiding a tune-up process can cause engine failure. Inspection of the engine of your vehicle may give you an idea of the parts that need to be replaced or fixed.

5. Trouble With Transmission

The transmission of a vehicle can also face trouble if there are issues such as grinding of gears, leaking of fluid, clutch noises when in neutral mode, etc. It has to be repaired or replaced with proper maintenance works.

Though these problems might not sound much, but when travelling for long term journeys, it can be fatal for the driver and passengers. Hence, get it checked before starting your journey.

6. Gas Troubles

Fuel level is a vital factor to check before a trip. This issue may be a simple one, but it can be a nuisance if faced during your journey. If your vehicle is unable to drive any further due to an empty tank, then you might even get stranded on your way to your destination.

So, plan ahead and fill it up at the right intervals. Do not force your vehicle and risk driving another mile while your car is on reserve. Make sure to fill up the tank whenever you get the chance.

7. No Cellular Connection

While on the road, you might even move through dead zones where there is no cellular connectivity. It can be troublesome if you got into any roadside mishaps. Else, in need of any immediate assistance we have to sweat out hard.

So, if you are in frequent need of communicating with someone, then make sure to have a satellite phone available with you at all times during your journey to avoid unnecessary troubles. You may never know how beneficial this investment could be for you.

8. Starting Your Journey At Rush Hour

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Your journey time matters too. If you unknowingly choose a rush hour to start your journey or face one during your journey, then it might irritate you.

Avoid it by planning your trip strategically so you can avoid all such hustle and bustle on the roads. Learn about the traffic density timings in your area to drive with a positive mood.

9. Travel Sick Passengers

It can be troublesome in situations when you accompany a passenger who can quickly get sick of travelling. It can ruin the mood of the whole journey as driving is not seamless in such a situation. To avoid it, make sure that the person takes a pill for keeping his sickness under control.

10. Unpredictable Weather

Poor weather condition during the journey is a pain in the neck. You need to see how the weather is going to be if the roads are not safe enough for harsh climatic conditions.

Make sure to check with the forecast before beginning your journey. If the weather becomes unexpectedly bad during the trip, then do not be afraid to make stops on your way at safe places to avoid mishaps.

11. Travelling Unprepared

Long journeys always accompany by things that disturbs our smooth trip. The reasons can range from shortage of food and water to extreme weather to break-downs.

So, carry adequate stuffs you might’ve required in your vehicles. For example, tinned food, enough water, cloths, emergency kit and medicine.

It can be pretty helpful in cases when family members and kids are travelling with you.

12. Being Pulled Over By Cops

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Cops can be trouble in situations where your car is not maintained properly. Ensure that all the necessary parts of your vehicle are working correctly so that the law enforcers do not end up giving you a ticket. Also, ensure that your vehicle’s number plate is visible to all.

13. Not Enough Documents To Cross Border

Sometimes your journey may involve crossing borders of states or even countries. Without the necessary documents, you might not get permission to cross the premises. Avoid such a situation by learning about the required papers for crossing the territorial line.

Try to carry all relevant documents with the vehicles. Make sure every document that needs to be renewed is up-to-date. For example, identity documents, vehicle registration papers, permits and certificates.

14. Drowsiness While Driving

Possibly, you did not have had enough rest or sleep a night before your road trip. It can be dangerous if you are the one who has to drive. In such situations, accompany someone who can legally drive so that you can switch places with him or her from time to time.

If you are alone, then you might have to rely on stimulants like coffee or energy drinks. But, avoid that by catching your z’s before starting your journey.

15. Unfamiliar Vehicle Modes

Driving a new model vehicle many cause little troubles along the way. The operational setting in different vehicles would vary based on the companies design.

Likewise, driving someone else’s vehicle, which you rented or borrowed, could be a risky move if you are completely unaware about the condition of the ride. Make sure to learn all possible operations of the vehicle and get them learned before starting your journey.

16. Theft of Valuables

Theft-of-Valuables-Problems-Faced-By-Drivers-on-a-Trip

Your journeys will involve stopping at certain places that might not be that safe. You might even have to leave your car to visit the loo from time to time.

In such situations, your valuables could be carelessly left by you in the vehicle which is prone to be robbed by thieves and crooks in the area.

Avoid this problem by locking or carrying everything safely. Also, keep the valuables with you if it can be carried with you.

Conclusion:

The level of enjoyment throughout your road trip is in your hands to some extent. But, sometimes mishaps are unavoidable. It is prudent to stay calm in such situations and focus on the solution so that you can move on with the trip with happy memories.

10 Common Truck Driver Health Issues and Solutions

Posted on August 26, 2019 by fmsupadminnxtjs

Transportation of goods via roads is an essential service that needs skilled truck drivers. Staying awake on the road and driving day and night is not an easy job. That is why truck drivers are paid handsomely for their services.

No doubt high pay is a perk in this job, but health concerns can be severe. Understandably, being on the road is a tough job. The food and lifestyle of a truck driver is mostly around store-bought goods and ready-to-consume food and drinks. But, this kind of eating habits puts their health at risk.

But, is it wise to ignore your health even if the job is challenging?

Instead of making excuses, let’s learn the various health issues that truck drivers face and solutions for each concern.

1. Obesity

Obesity-Common-Truck-Driver-Health-Issues-and-Solutions

Being on the same posture for most of the time, truck drivers face various health problems. Obesity is one of them. This health condition is usually defined on the basis of body mass index.

The fast-food culture and sedentary life style affects the overall bodily metabolisms and raise severe health risks.

Most drivers have a microwave installed in a truck cabin that lets them heat fast food on the go.

Consuming ready-made fast food out of boxes on-the-go is not a healthy option. Without physical workout, it causes the body to gain weight and leads to obesity.

According to CDC research, seven out of ten truckers are obese in the U.S. alone. One truck driver even informed the researchers how common it was to become obese while driving trucks and long hauling vehicles.

Most of them had eating habits limited to highway restaurants, where the food is not as healthy as home-cooked meals. Further issues that come with obesity include coronary diseases, insomnia, and type 2 diabetes etc.

Solution: As a driver, it is undoubtedly essential to take care of your health. But, for that to happen, drivers have to take care of their eating habits.

Eat fresh cut fruits and vegetable servings regularly
Include mixed dry fruits and whole grains in your diet
Avoid sugar drinks and fried food items from the list
Balance the diet plan with enough food varieties with appropriate calories
Avoid high energy supplying servings and opt low-fat platters
Spent at least 15 minutes on active exercise such as walking, jogging etc.

2. Lung Cancer

Lung-Cancer-Common-Truck-Driver-Health-Issues-and-Solutions

CDC studies further predicted that over 70 percent of truck drivers smoke. Apart from that, being continuously exposed to diesel exhaust gas, truck driver lives are prone to deadly diseases.

Though smoking helps drivers stay stress-free, it also increases their chances of acquiring lung cancer.

Even if a trucker does not smoke, he may still get lung cancer when exposed to gasoline fumes and similar chemicals.

Solution:

Try to reduce the amount of smoking on a daily basis and quit it
Practice other stress- relief methods while driving instead of smoking
Maintain vehicle smoke emission standards within the recommended scale
Never permit others to smoke inside the vehicle cabin
Ensure enough air circulation across the driver cabin

3. Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Obstructive-Sleep-Apnea-Common-Truck-Driver-Health-Issues-and-Solutions

This health issue is common among drivers especially smokers and obese people. The affected person may not be able to breathe when they sleep. Their tongue folds back and blocks the air-flow.

As a result, it can lead to improper rest, causing the body to tire easily. Sleep apnea has also been known to cause the body to slow down its reaction time.

Our body express the symptoms in several ways such as loud snoring, day sleeping, morning headache, nervy sleep, irritation, mood swing, anxiety, depression, memory loss etc.

The issue is so critical that some countries do not allow drivers to drive if they have this condition.

Solution: Research says that sleep apnea is linked to smoking, obesity, and even genes.

Take appropriate food, water and rest while on the trip
Do not smoke, binge-eat and drink alcohol which can result in sleep apnea
Don’t indulge in alcohol and other drug substances
Take immediate treatment and rest until you are free from the condition

4. Unbalanced Sleep Routine

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Driving routine driveways and weather conditions are not always fixed. Drivers may need to push for indefinite hours without a fixed pattern. This can cause the body to develop fatigue due to improper sleeping routine.

A traffic jam or a poor weather condition can disrupt the whole-day plan of drivers and force them to extend their shifts to late hours. Also, managers compel drivers to deliver the consignments regardless of any external reasons. This impacts the resting hours of drivers and leads to further days.

Solution:

Try to stick with daily schedules while on a trip
Demand for a fixed time and shift roster for exchange duty
Get familiar with the route and roadside shelters
Ask for compensational resting hours for the extra hours
Take adequate food and rest at proper intervals

5. Musculoskeletal Injuries

Due to limited mobility in the cabin, drivers may not be able to move their muscles much even if they want to. Sitting on the same seat for hours can lead to neck and back injuries.

Plus, their bodies can develop spasms due to overexertion on the body. Ignoring these pains and aches can lead to chronic musculoskeletal injuries.

Solution:

Practice body stretching exercises during a trip
Take proper interval over a trip to refresh your body
Avoid excessive tension on the body and be in relaxing posture
Move all body parts at least a couple of times while on a trip
Consult a doctor and take necessary diagnosis and treatment

6. Hypertension

Obesity may increase high blood pressure in a driver. As a result, he may develop hypertension. That can further trigger health concerns related to stress.

A research conducted in 2017, also published in the Transportation Journal, noted the fatal dangers of hypertension and stress on truck drivers. It is a serious issue that needs to be curbed.

Solution:

Exercise regularly even on a long hauling trip
Stop/reduce smoking and drinking alcohol
Consume more potassium & mineral-rich foods
Practice easy stress management exercises
Cut off sugary drinks and carb-rich foods
Eat fresh fruits, veggies and natural supplements

7. Isolation and Depression

Driving jobs are mostly carried out in lonely surroundings with limited social contacts. For long-haul drivers, this isolation can be depressing. When alone, drivers tend to overthink, which can cause the mind to develop pessimistic feelings. These can be bad for health.

Solution:

Take a companion for long-hauling trips
Play your favorite music while on the trip
Talk to friends or family members every day
Go shopping and bargain hunting at the stops

8. Dehydration

Driving continuously with limited breaks may cause drivers to ignore hydrating their bodies. Not consuming enough water during their journey may cause drivers to face dehydration.

Solution:

keep a big bottle of fresh water that is easily accessible during the journey.
Eat juicy fruits and vegetables with much water content
Set alarms to remind yourself to consume water at proper intervals

9. Restlessness

Many truck drivers need to consume coffee to stay awake. But, this unhealthy habit can lead to anxiety and insomnia, causing the body to deteriorate.

Solution:

Cut down the intake of such stimulants and consume water as a healthy alternative.
Relax your mind with reviving healthy supplements.

10. Nutrition Deficit

Consuming junk and fast food most of the time limits intake of necessary nutrition. It also lowers the immunity in drivers, leading to other harmful diseases.

Solution:

Keep fruits and vegetables in the cabin that can be consumed raw.
Take healthy natural nutrition mixture during the trip

Even though truck drivers are paid well for their responsibilities, they can develop such health issues. Instead of ignoring them, it is important for them to administer healthy alternatives in their lifestyles.

6 Reasons Truck Driving Is A Dangerous Job [Incl. Safety Tips]

Posted on August 8, 2019 by fmsupadminnxtjs

The high rate of on-job fatality in trucking industry is what makes truck driving a dangerous job. While job risks are universal, certain sectors have a higher degree of vulnerability compared to other jobs.

Truck driving is one of such kind which can pose fatal threats. In contrast, a large number of population still enjoy being a truck driver.

Let’s see why truck driving is touted as a dangerous job.

1. Weather Conditions

Weather-Conditions-Truck-Driving-Dangerous-job

Poor or extreme weather conditions are challenging for truck drivers. These not only lead to accidents but also impact the performance of vehicles.

Scorching sunny days, foggy mornings, freezing temperatures and rainy weather are not favorable for drivers and trucks. Such bad weather makes drive-ways vulnerable and driving dangerous.

Unexpected weather patterns always trouble drivers.

Rain: With heavy rain, road visibility reduces significantly. In addition to that, rain water forms a layer of water between tires of the vehicle and the road, resulting in hydroplaning.

Moreover, slippery roads and hidden potholes make driving risky during rain.

Snow: During winter seasons, roads become more troublesome for truck drivers and trucks. Truck tires do not grip ice-covered roads well enough. It takes a lot of skill from drivers to combat such situations.

Wind: Trucks can wade off normal challenges posed by wind, but heavy wind would be hazardous. The massive structure of trailers cannot withstand whirlwinds and causes such vehicles to roll over.

Fog: Drivers cannot see through the road on foggy days. It hinders long-range visibility, increasing chances of bumping into other vehicles and at times even causing vehicles to drive off the road resulting in tragic accidents. In foggy days, it is better to avoid driving altogether.

Safety measures:

Park the truck somewhere safe and wait for a favorable climate
Practice defensive driving on poor weather condition
Limit the speed and use headlights for better visibility
Never use jack brake and keep ample distance between vehicles
Ensure proper tire pressure and fully functional wiring systems

2. Crowded Seasons

Local events such as carnivals, galas, protests, and rallies always happen by the roadways. People occupy roads to celebrate their regional or national events. Long hauling drivers may not aware about these local events.

Therefore, drivers have to pay attention to the social and political events over the route. During such occasions, people don’t care about vehicles on the road and can act vandalous.

They abruptly cross the road, are careless of the rules and won’t give enough attention to running vehicles. All these factors stand as possible challenges for truck drivers.

Safety measures:

Try to stay updated about news related to the route, including events
Figure out the crowd-free and fastest route to the destination
Slow down or pull off and wait while passing through a lively road
Use sound-horn frequently and proper indications while passing

3. Driver Fatigue

The urge to finish the trips as fast as possible forces truck drivers to skip healthy life practices. They may bypass timely food, daily schedules and sleep. Continuous sleepless drives can exhaust even the fittest drivers and cause adverse results.

Most fatal accidents are caused due to driver fatigue. Improper duty schedules and practices are the major cause for making this job risky.

Safety measures:

Take appropriate food, breaks and rest on time
Prepare and follow a healthy daily schedule
Share the duty with a colleague in a timely manner
Never drive under the influence of alcohol

4. Break Down

The life-period of machine parts in vehicles is unpredictable. Heavy machine parts undergo wear and tear over time, and cease functioning.

Especially, parts such as bearing, tubes, nozzles, pipes and moving components cease to perform or burst out. This results in drivers losing control of their vehicles, causing loss of time, life and property.

Safety measures:

Carry out thorough, periodical inspection and demand-based vehicle service
Carry a toolset for immediate repair requirements
Ensure engine oil, coolant and lubrication are enough
Check tire pressure and additional tire backup

5. Poor Training

Heavy vehicle driving requires good amount of training. Despite the theoretical classes provided for heavy-duty drivers, they require different set of practices. Drivers have to be trained to handle vehicles on different terrains and diverse climatic conditions.

Mostly, poor vehicle controlling capacity and lack of expert knowledge in taking quick decisions make them victims. Drivers with less experience in long hauling trips have to assist such trips before being assigned for the long trip.

The lack of drivers in trucking industry is also a reason for skipping measuring the experience level of drivers.

Safety measures:

Get proper heavy vehicle driving training
Train until you can handle trucks in all terrains.
Practice truck driving over all-weather condition.
Gain adequate vehicle engineering knowledge

6. Distracted Driving

Almost every road accident is caused by the lack of attention while driving. Multi-tasking during driving is the root source of this menace. Drivers indulging in smartphones usage, drinking & eating, reading, watching video, talking, and cleaning while driving are all factors which contribute to distracted driving.

Unfortunately, most of the case ends up in fatal injuries and hefty loss. Other road users such as pedestrians, cyclists and motorists are the common victims.

Safety measures:

Never engage in any activities which can distract your attention
Take extra caution while driving through crowded roads.
Pull off the truck while doing any other activity.

Though a lot of perils are hiding in truck driving job, we can mitigate it significantly. Following the safety measures and exercising the appropriate driving practice can help making truck driving a safe job.

Do You Know The Real Efficiency Of Your Vehicle?

Posted on July 8, 2019 by fmsupadminnxtjs

Technically, the term ‘efficiency’ means- the ratio of the useful work performed by a machine. But, economically, it is the expected productivity.

Nevertheless, how the vehicles that are manufactured with the same efficiency, components and care become dissimilar when it comes to performance and productivity on the road?

The purposes of all vehicles are the same, transportation. But, to ensure a comfortable conveyance, it takes periodic maintenance and proper care. Also, if the vehicle fails to bring a productive outcome, it is not efficient for our business.

Once Mr. Zygmunt Bauman said, Relationships, like cars, should undergo regular services to make sure they are still roadworthy.

Likewise, it’s all depends on the way we take care of the vehicle. Plus, the terrains, driving practice, timely maintenance, and appropriate care involve in determining its efficiency.

What is the efficiency of a vehicle in our business?

The term efficiency comprises a number of meanings. In the automobile sector, the term efficiency is more related to fuel economy and the performance of the engine.

In a business setting, the efficiency of a vehicle can be defined as the influence of the vehicle in increasing productivity continuously.

In short, vehicle efficiency can be defined as the ability of a vehicle to deliver expected performance continually at the best within the compliance.

It largely depends upon the collective ability of engine, fuel, design, drive train, weight, aerodynamics, timely services, proper maintenance, driving behavior, and terrains.

Today, the definition touches the environmental requirements such as carbon emission and type of fuel, and safety standards as well.

How does the efficiency of a vehicle falling and impacts the business?

It was a matter of wonder on the past, not now, to find out, how vehicles are losing their efficiency over time. People confused a lot around the vehicles to figure out the exact problems.

Luckily, we are blessed with advanced technologies as if fleet management systems and software’s to find out those haunting problems.

More often, productivity falls down because of poor maintenance and bad driving behavior of vehicles.

The unhealthy driving practices such as abrupt acceleration and deceleration, reckless driving, sudden braking, unnecessary idling, rash gear shifting, improper service, irregular maintenance, rough terrains worsen the efficiency of the vehicle over time.

Since each part contributes a lot to the productivity of our vehicle. We cannot overlook a single scratch over the vehicle. If the light fails to get dim and bright on time, it may cause critical problems across the way.

Same is the case of every part of a vehicle. So, the ignorance of the driver also plays an important role.

Hence, the loss of each productive moment due to the vehicles inefficiency will amount to a huge loss for the business.

How can we maintain efficiency?

To achieve sustainable efficiency, we need a sustainable way to take care of our vehicles. Moreover, finding out the exact issue is another reason that helps to maintain efficiency.

The clear real-time status of the vehicle and the way it has been handled is the best method that helps us to find out how the efficiency of vehicles is declining. Hence, all we need is a broad eye to monitor and analyze the vehicles and their drivers.

Preventing irresponsible driving behavior, unbearable loads, and unhealthy routes help us to maintain the efficiency of vehicles immensely.

Also, observing the fuel consumption rate on different trips, foreseeing the hurdles on the road, equipping the vehicle for all weather enables us to optimize productivity.

Conclusion

Hence, to yield the real efficiency of our vehicle, it requires all-inclusive vehicle management practice. Starting from monitoring the small parts of the vehicle, we have to maintain and meet every requirement for the uninterrupted and efficient vehicle operation.

Further, if you have fleets of vehicle, you have to give the same attention for every vehicle at the same time.

Analyzing all aspects of the vehicles including maintenance, driver, weather, seasons and the purpose, we have to be an efficient fleet manager all the way.

Healthy Habits for Truck Drivers

Posted on June 18, 2019 by fmsupadminnxtjs

Unlike any other profession, truck drivers have a very different work-life balance. They spent most of their life time behind the wheels. Over the long trips, while sheering across the highways their truck is their home and all their schedules would be according to it.

The urge to complete the trips as soon as possible to go home always stir them up to evade from healthy driving habits. As a result, it leads them to serious physical and mental troubles and makesthem more vulnerable overtime.

However, keeping healthy habits not only benefit your present life but also your future days.

Let’s see how truck drives can lead a healthy habit.

1. Timely and Healthy Food

If we ask a truck driver whether they are having food properly or not? They may answer they are, but not at the right time intervals. Also, not the healthy food.

The very schedule that most of the truck drivers are skipping for saving the hours is their food time. Plus, fat snacks are usual trends among truck drivers are while driving.

Over the weeks long trips it’s not possible to take food from the home and even self-cooking as well. And more of the time drivers have to choose packet food and restaurant meals.

This may cause serious health issues such as Obesity, Heart diseases, Hypertension, Diabetes, Acidity etc. However, limiting a few tastes and replacing another few platters can help a lot to manage your health efficiently.

Try these tips to starta healthy habit.

Drink a lot of water, but avoid artificial sugar soda and alcohol.
Add fruit juice instead of packed bottle drinks.
Replace sugar bars, candies and chips with fresh fruits, dry fruits.
Add salads in your menus and try grills over fries.
Grab some edible cut veggies, spinach and lettuce.

2. Rest and Sleep

Rest is an essential factor for everyone and drivers need it most.

During the long-hauling and daily trips they may require to steers for a lot of hours at a stretch. Further, they might be driving across deserted topographies where no place can find to get some rest. Also, some drivers neglect their heavy eyes to finish up the trip quicker.

This is an unhealthy practice and cause horrible unexpected consequences later. In addition, lack of sleep cause driver fatigue that incur fatal accidents over the trip.

Hence,

Always find proper time to take rest during long trips.
Carry adequate sleeper mattress, blankets and pillows.
Regardless of schedules, take enough rest when it is needed.
Keep essential measures to fight weather change (Heater, sweaters, etc.).
White noise machines can help to get rid of outside sounds.

3. Daily Exercise

For truck drivers’ daily workout may sounds insanely impossible at all. It’s quite impossible to leave the truck and go for a long jog or finding a gym.

However, physical labor involved in driving is less. Moreover, having protein rich snacks and meals make drivers fatter and subsequently knock down the health of drivers.

Exploiting all the possible modes of workout is the best solution to fend off ill-health.

Here we found few effective exercise tips to give a go with in the limited time and area.

Try Shoulder stretch and hand stretch to get rid of muscle cramping and stiffness.
Jog around the truck parking yard, this will help to refresh the whole body.
A few seconds for a few back bends helps to decompress your spine.
Front bends with at least a 5 repetition helps to increase the blood circulation.
Knees up are brilliant exercise to strengthen and stretch the pelvis.
A number of neck- stretches releases the tension from your neck and shoulders.

4. Heal the mind

Trips that stretch to weeks make life monotonous more often and cloud the mind of drivers. This state of mind may lead them to absent minded and avert their attention form driving.

Hence, finding few moments to spend to refresh our mind is high recommended for a better and healthy life. The things that inspires and engage your mind with fresh thoughts helps a lot to fend off the bleakness of work.

It may be a book, a piece of music, a call to family or a couple of snaps of places you are steering around. Try to engage your mind and body to that, it helps really a lot.

Conclusion:

The life of a vehicle driver is much complicated and demanding. The prospects of risk are high on each ride. Preparing ourselves to confront any challenge is the best way to being healthy in personal life and career.

Have a happy ride.