The Importance Of Semi-Truck Maintenance

Semi-trucks are an essential part of the transportation industry. They transport goods from place to place, often over long distances. As such, keeping these vehicles properly maintained is vital to ensure their safe and efficient operation. Semi-truck maintenance is a critical component of the trucking industry, and drivers must understand the importance of regular maintenance and servicing.

 

Three key reasons why semi-truck maintenance is beneficial are:

  1. Ensure Safety

Regular maintenance and servicing of semi-trucks ensure the safety of the vehicle and the cargo it is carrying. Properly maintained semi-trucks are less likely to experience breakdowns, which can be costly and time-consuming. Regular maintenance can also help maximize the life of the vehicle, as well as its fuel efficiency. Fuel efficiency can result in significant cost savings in the long run.

  1. Reduce Emissions

In addition to safety and saving money, properly maintained semi-trucks can also help reduce emissions. Reduced emissions are especially crucial in today’s world as more and more countries and cities are implementing stricter regulations to reduce emissions. By ensuring that semi-trucks are maintained and serviced properly, truck drivers and motor carriers can help to reduce their environmental impact.

  1. Customer Satisfaction

Finally, regular maintenance and servicing of semi-trucks can help improve customer satisfaction. When semi-trucks are maintained and serviced, they are more likely to deliver goods on time and in the promised condition. Keeping this promise can help to build customer loyalty and trust, resulting in a positive effect on a trucking company’s reputation.

Additional Benefits of Semi-Truck Maintenance

In addition to the three key benefits above, keeping your vehicle in top condition has several other advantages:

  • Reliability: Regular maintenance helps to keep the semi-truck running reliably to ensure that commercial truck drivers deliver their goods on time. 
  • Optimize performance: Regular maintenance helps to keep a semi-truck running at its best, ensuring it performs optimally.
  • Reduce repair costs: Regular maintenance helps reduce wear and tear on the semi-truck, ensuring it stays in good condition for longer. Preservation helps prevent mechanical issues from occurring, reducing the need for costly repairs.

The Bottom Line

Overall, semi-truck maintenance is a critical component of the trucking industry. Properly maintained and serviced semi-trucks can help ensure the safety of the vehicle and the cargo it is carrying, maximize the life of the truck, reduce emissions, and improve customer satisfaction. As such, it is essential for truck owners and operators to understand the importance of regular semi-truck maintenance and servicing and to make sure they carry it out regularly.

Drive With The Best

Knowing the importance of semi-truck maintenance is a valuable skill to have as a truck driver and one that trucking companies look out for in potential employees. If you are ready to drive with a company that prioritizes safe driving and well-maintained vehicles, look no further than DSW. Our modern equipment can help drive forward your future in the industry.

Apply today to start your truck driving career with DSW.

Big Vs Small Motor Carriers

Every truck driver must decide whether to work for a big or small motor carrier in the trucking industry. Driving for both can be a great way to make a living, but truckers must first consider the differences between the two. Here’s what you need to know about the pros and cons of big vs small motor carriers to decide which one is right for you.

Big Motor Carriers

Driving for big motor carriers can be a great way to make a living, but it also has some drawbacks. Let’s explore the pros and cons of driving for big motor carriers.

Pro – Better Benefits

The most obvious pro of driving for a big motor carrier is they often provide better benefits than smaller carriers. The larger companies are more likely to offer health insurance, retirement plans, and other benefits. These benefits are advantageous for drivers who want to ensure their long-term financial security. 

Pro – Better Equipment and Resources

Additionally, big motor carriers typically have access to better routes and have more resources available to their drivers. These carriers tend to provide their drivers with newer, more reliable, and better-maintained commercial vehicles than smaller carriers, resulting in more efficient and reliable deliveries. This is especially true for the larger motor carriers specializing in long-haul trucking.

Con – Less Flexibility 

On the other hand, there are some potential downsides to driving for big motor carriers. One of the most common complaints is the lack of flexibility. Large carriers are less likely to be willing to accommodate personal requests. 

Con – Less Personal

At a big motor carrier, it’s unlikely you’ll know as many individuals in your fleet or higher up in management. This can make the atmosphere feel more impersonal. 

Small Motor Carriers

Driving for small motor carriers offers advantages and disadvantages as well. While many of the same benefits of working for larger companies still apply, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind. 

Pro – Personal Relationships

Smaller motor carriers typically have closer relationships with their drivers, who often become part of the company’s community. These personal relationships can lead to more opportunities for advancement and better working conditions.

Pro – More Control

In addition, drivers for small motor carriers may have more control over the routes they take and the freight they haul. This flexibility often means the ability to take on jobs that larger carriers may not be able to accommodate.

Con – Limited Resources

Driving for a small motor carrier has some disadvantages as well. One con is that drivers may not have access to the same financial resources or support systems as larger companies. These limited resources can lead to delays in payment or difficulty obtaining necessary repairs or maintenance.

Con – Uncertainty

Another disadvantage is smaller motor carriers are often less stable than larger companies, which may lead to financial uncertainty. Drivers may find themselves without a job if the company goes out of business or fails to secure enough freight to stay afloat.

Drive With the Best at DSW

When you drive with DSW, you won’t have to weigh the pros and cons of big vs small motor carriers. We offer a small company atmosphere with big carrier freight, giving our drivers the best of both worlds. You can drive your future forward with our trusted trucking company.

Start a truck driving career today by applying to DSW.

Can Truckers Use CBD?

With cannabidiol (CBD) becoming increasingly popular in recent years, many people have begun using this product. However, there are still many questions and misconceptions surrounding CBD, including whether or not professional drivers can use it. This blog discusses how CBD can affect drug test results and what to consider before using these products as a trucker.

Drug Testing as a Truck Driver

Drivers must understand the legal implications before deciding to use (or not use) CBD. 

Truck drivers are considered safety-sensitive workers and must undergo a drug test before operating a commercial vehicle. Truck drivers are also subject to random drug tests and tests following certain circumstances, such as testing after an accident, returning to duty, or if the driver appears to be under the influence. Typically, these drug tests will screen for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and other substances. 

Will CBD Show Up on a Drug Test?

CBD is not one of the substances drivers are tested for. However, while CBD products derived from hemp are legal in most states, they can still cause a positive drug test result. Some hemp-derived CBD products may contain trace amounts of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana. This can cause a driver to test positive for marijuana, which federal regulations prohibit.

In most cases, CBD use is not a legitimate medical explanation for a confirmed positive marijuana result. A Medical Review Officer must verify the drug test, then report the positive test to the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. This data will be available to all employers in the trucking industry and could affect future employment opportunities.

What Truckers Should Consider Before Using CBD

While truck drivers are not prohibited from using CBD products, there are a few aspects they must consider before using this substance.

Know The DOT’s Position

The Department of Transportation (DOT) released a statement about CBD use in 2020. They clarified that while they do not test for CBD use among safety-sensitive employees, CBD use is not an acceptable excuse for a positive THC result. The organization advises that drivers should exercise caution when deciding whether or not to use CBD products due to a lack of regulation in the CBD industry. 

Follow the Local Laws

One aspect to consider when deciding whether to use CBD products as a truck driver is that laws differ from state to state. While marijuana and its derived products are legal in many states, it is still illegal on the federal level. Before using CBD products, it is vital to research and follow the laws regarding CBD in your area.

Know How CBD Affects Your Condition

In addition, CBD affects different people and conditions in different ways. Some CBD users report experiencing side effects, including drowsiness, and truck drivers who have similar experiences should not operate their vehicles while using these products. If a trucker uses CBD and becomes inattentive while on the road, it may play a part in a motor vehicle accident, similar to driving under the influence, and could be evidence of negligence. 

Only Buy CBD From a Reputable Source

Finally, drivers who do choose to use CBD should only purchase products from reputable sources. The FDA does not regulate the CBD industry, and many products have disclaimers that state the company cannot make any claims on whether or not the product will show up on a drug test. For this reason, professional truck drivers should research and make sure the products they use are safe and effective.

The Bottom Line

The bottom line for anyone in the trucking industry using CBD is that while it is legal, there is no guarantee that these products will not appear on a drug test and affect the rest of your career. For many truck drivers, this is not a risk worth taking, but it is ultimately up to each driver to make the best choice for themselves.

If you are a safe truck driver ready to hit the road, DSW is hiring for regional and over-the-road (OTR) positions. We are a safety-conscious trucking company with a management team of former drivers who understand how to support your needs as a professional driver. 

Contact us today to learn more about our open positions.

Best Breeds For Trucking Dogs

Life on the road can be lonely for professional drivers, but having a canine companion can make the miles melt away. Whether you’re out on the open road for days or weeks at a time or just running a few local routes, having a four-legged friend can provide companionship and security. But what are the best breeds for trucking dogs? Read on to discover the benefits of driving with a pet and the best breeds for truck drivers.

Benefits of Trucking With a Dog

Truck driving with a dog offers numerous benefits for both the driver and their canine partner. Not only does it provide companionship, but it also helps reduce stress, boosts morale, and adds an extra layer of safety.

Reduce Stress Levels

Having a canine companion on the road can be a great way to reduce stress. Studies have shown that petting a dog can lower blood pressure, decrease stress hormones, and increase “happy hormone” serotonin levels. These benefits can be especially helpful on long drives when fatigue sets in, helping keep the driver alert and focused.

Boost Morale

Driving with a dog can also boost morale and add a bit of fun to long trips. Dogs are naturally social creatures, so having one in your truck can be a great way to break up the monotony of driving for long periods of time. Plus, they can be great conversation starters at rest stops along your route.

Increase Safety

In addition to providing companionship and stress relief, having a dog in the truck adds an extra layer of safety. Having a dog with you in your truck cab can help deter thefts and burglaries, as well as alert you to potential dangers.

The Best Trucking Dog Breeds

Many breeds of dogs make great trucking partners. A loyal, protective, intelligent dog can provide companionship and security on the open road. With some training, most breeds can make a great trucking dog. However, some are better suited to life on the road.

Some great breeds for trucking dogs:

1. German Shepherd

The first breed that comes to mind for many drivers is the German Shepherd. This breed is intelligent, loyal, and known for being an excellent guard dog. German Shepherds are also easy to train, so they can quickly learn the rules of the road. They are trusted companions who can help keep their owners safe while they drive their routes. However, these are a larger breed, so be sure to consider whether you have enough space in your cab and if you are ready to provide them with the daily exercise they need.  

2. Labrador Retriever

Another popular breed for truckers is the Labrador Retriever. This breed is known for being friendly and easy-going, so they make great driving companions. They are also highly intelligent. Labs are also very loyal and will always be there for their owners. Like German Shepherds, they are also larger, so you should keep this in mind. 

3. Chihuahua

If you prefer a smaller breed, a chihuahua is often a great choice for a trucking dog. They don’t require as much space as larger dogs, and they are known for being great road companions. 

4. Miniature Pinscher

This is another great choice for a smaller dog breed. Miniature pinschers are also very aware of their surroundings, making them a great guard dog without some of the drawbacks that come with a larger breed. 

Drive With a Pet-Friendly Trucking Company

If you want to bring your furry friend to work, trucking is one of the few careers where you can do so. DSW is a pet-friendly trucking company and understands the benefits of driving with your dog or cat. We are happy to discuss our pet policy in detail with our potential new drivers

To discuss our pet policy and the other benefits of driving with DSW, contact us today.

Planning For Weather When Trucking

Challenging weather can cause all kinds of issues when transporting freight. In fact, weather is responsible for nearly one-fourth of all truck delays. Weather conditions can also make roads more hazardous and it’s important for drivers to be aware of how to stay safe. Learn how to plan for the weather when trucking in our blog below.

Planning For All Types of Weather

Inclement weather conditions can lead to dangerous road conditions, power outages, and capacity limitations, so it is essential to prepare for all types of conditions, including rain, snow, wind, fog, and extreme temperatures.

Rain

Nearly half of the 25% of trucking accidents caused by weather occur when it’s raining. Rain decreases visibility and increases the potential of hydroplaning, creating one of the most dangerous bad-weather trucking combinations. Practicing safe driving techniques, such as slowing down, can help truck drivers stay safe during a storm. If the rain impacts your visibility, you may have to pull off to the side of the road until it passes.

Snow

Snow and ice also have an impact on trucking mobility. If you expect to drive through the snow along your route, come prepared with the right gear, such as tire chains, to ensure safe travel. Every driver should also equip themselves with an emergency safety kit with items like a reflective vest, extra warm clothing, and nonperishable food and water. Additionally, give yourself extra stopping distance when driving in snowy or icy weather, and avoid quick, sharp turns. As with rainy conditions, don’t hesitate to stop and wait for it to pass. 

Wind/Fog

High winds cause dangerous driving conditions for truckers by blowing obstructions into the road and impacting a rig’s stability. If you are driving in high crosswinds, find a safe place to stop, ideally facing the wind head-on to minimize the risk of flipping. Fog also has unique challenges for truckers, causing decreased visibility. If your visibility declines, pull onto the shoulder of an off-ramp to wait it out. Avoid stopping on the side of the road if possible, as your tail lights may confuse traffic behind you.

Extreme Temperatures

Extreme cold or warm temperatures can affect cargo quality, driver capabilities, and vehicle performance, so drivers must prepare for these conditions as well.

Driving in cold weather can damage a truck’s internal workings, forcing the engine and its parts to push harder than they’re designed to. To prevent this, start and run your rig for 15 minutes before driving. Running the engine allows it time to warm up the oil, fuel, and other fluids so they can move freely through the system. Extreme cold also leads to low tire pressure, so keep a gauge on hand and check your tire pressure regularly. 

Warm Weather

Warm weather can have just as much of a negative impact on a semi-truck as cold weather. Hot road surfaces can compromise tire performance or cause engine failure. Drivers and cargo can also face some consequences in high temperatures, even in an air-conditioned cab or refrigerated truck, so it is vital to slow down and take regular breaks to mitigate the effects of the heat. Try to park during the hottest part of the day, continuing your trip in the evening when the temperature cools.

Drive With the Best at DSW

Employer support is crucial when facing unexpected weather as a trucker. At DSW, our management is composed of former drivers that understand what life on the road is like. When you choose to drive with the best, we will work as hard for you as you work for us.

To inquire about our available trucking positions, contact DSW today.

When To Use Tire Chains

Winter is upon us, and with the new season comes new weather challenges for everyone on the road. While most motorists can simply change to a set of all-season or winter tires to help manage the snow, preparation for inclement weather is more difficult for truck drivers. One of the best safety precautions a trucker can take is installing tire chains on their rig. Here is everything you need to know about when, how, and why to use tire chains on your semi-truck.

Semi-Truck Tire Chain Use

Tire chains allow semi-trucks to gain additional traction during snowy and icy road conditions and are a crucial tool during the winter. Most states have tire chain laws, and the Department of Transportation (DOT) issues a notice when it’s time to put them in place. However, if you are experiencing slippery conditions, you do not have to wait for the authorities’ announcement to install chains. You can also use chains to get your truck back on the road if it is stuck.

While tire chains are vital during inclement weather, they can damage dry roads. Make sure to remove them as soon as the snow and ice melt.

How to Put Tire Chains on a Semi-Truck

Now that you understand when and why to use tire chains, let’s discuss how to put them on your rig. Although semi-trucks have 18 wheels, you only need to install chains on the drive wheels.

Follow these six steps to install tire chains on your truck:

  • Inspect chains. Lay each chain flat in front of each drive wheel with the adjustment cams outward. Inspect them for any damage, twists, or knots.
  • Drape chains over wheels. Start with the inside of the tire and loosely attach each chain link at the bottom of the tire. You can also drive your truck forward a few feet to roll the wheels onto the chains.
  • Connect chains. Once the chains are on your tires, hook the inside clips of each chain.
  • Tighten cams. Ensure a secure fit by using an adjusting wrench to tighten the cams.
  • Test chains. Drive a short distance after installation and inspect each wheel for any malfunctions. 
  • Add extra security. For additional security and tension, attach a bungee cord or tire strap across the outside of the wheel to hold the chains in place.

Tips For Driving a Semi-Truck With Tire Chains

Driving with tire chains differs from driving with bare tires.

The following tips will help you drive safely with tire chains installed:

  • Reduce your speed. You risk chain failure and can damage your truck at speeds over 30 mph.
  • Check your weight. Tire chains can add up to 1,000 pounds to your vehicle weight, so adjust your freight load to ensure you pass weight station inspections.
  • Follow tire chain laws. Local requirements regarding tire chains vary. To avoid a fine, familiarize yourself with your state’s regulations and follow them throughout the winter.

Drive Safely During Every Season

No matter what season it is, truckers should practice safety. At DSW, we prioritize the well-being of our drivers, providing them with state-of-the-art equipment to help ensure safety and efficiency on the road. We also provide live, 24/7 support to all our employees while they are on their routes.

Apply today to start your trucking driving career with DSW.

OTR Vs Regional Trucking

Trucking is a unique career and is more of a lifestyle than a job. Within the field of trucking, there are variations in the types of routes that affect what exactly this lifestyle looks like. One example is the difference between over-the-road (OTR) and regional trucking. OTR routes can travel through any combination of states and may involve long distances, whereas regional routes stay within a smaller area, e.g. the Southwest United States.

Similarities Between OTR And Regional Trucking

Both OTR and regional trucking involve hauling freight. Compared to local routes, both types of driving involve spending multiple days at a time on the road and you will often sleep in the semi-truck. This means that whether you pursue OTR or regional trucking, your day-to-day will likely line up with what is typically considered the “trucking lifestyle.”

Both pay well due to high demand. Semi-trucks move 72.2% of freight in the United States according to the American Trucking Associations (ATA). Some of this freight must move a long distance whereas other shipments stay regional. According to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS), 56.7% of goods by value moved less than 250 miles between origin and destination.

Difference – Time On The Road

The biggest difference between OTR and regional routes is the time on the road. The exact length of time will depend on the haul. OTR drivers typically are out for several weeks at a time. Regional routes vary from a few days to a few weeks, but are shorter than OTR routes and get drivers home more often.

Difference – Variety

Regional routes, as the name implies, stay within a more limited area than OTR. This keeps drivers closer to home, but it can also limit the variety. Many regional routes work with one customer or a smaller group of customers.

Depending on your preferences, this can be an advantage or a disadvantage for regional vs OTR. You’ll be able to get used to the routes more easily and can learn the quirks of traffic, weather conditions, truck stop options, et cetera. On the other hand, it can get repetitive, and if you want to wake up somewhere new every day, OTR would likely be a better fit.

Now Hiring For OTR And Regional Routes

If you’re looking for a well-paying truck driving career with excellent benefits, you can find one at DSW. Whether you prefer regional or OTR, we have positions available for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders. We offer the best home time around and are a family-owned trucking company. At DSW, we know our drivers by name, not by truck number, and we strive to work as hard for you as you work for us.

To learn more about our available trucking jobs based in Tucson, contact us today.

Handling The Unexpected In Trucking

In any career, things don’t always go as planned. Learning how to adapt to unexpected circumstances is a worthwhile skill in life as a whole, and in particular in the trucking industry. Handling challenges efficiently and safely will earn you a strong positive reputation and can help increase your earning potential. It also helps reduce your stress since you will know you can manage difficult situations.

Here are some tips for handling the unexpected in trucking:

1. Plan Ahead

Since unexpected events aren’t possible to plan for, it may seem counterintuitive that planning would help you manage them. However, your plan shouldn’t be a rigid set of actions you must take. Instead, it should help guide your decisions and actions, which will need to change depending on the circumstances.

As an example, imagine that you stop for the night at a specific truck stop, but when you arrive, there are no parking spots. If you made a strong trip plan, you will know other stops nearby, and you will have planned your driving so you still have time to drive to a new stop within hours of service regulations. If you didn’t trip plan, or only had one possible stop, the situation could be more difficult to manage.

2. Prioritize Your Safety

In many cases, the actual unexpected event is less of a problem than your potential reaction to the stress that event causes. Unexpected traffic that causes you to get fewer miles in a day isn’t exactly ideal, but getting in an accident because you got frustrated and made a careless mistake is much worse.

If (or rather, when) something you don’t expect happens on the road, take a few deep breaths and stay calm. Remember that your first priority should always be your safety. Even if things aren’t going according to plan, you can always make up for it later on. You may not get this opportunity if you are unsafe.

3.  Communicate Clearly

Although truckers spend much of their time in their vehicles by themselves, communicating effectively with others is actually a huge part of the job. When something unexpected happens, clear communication makes it much easier to get back on track.

Your dispatcher is often your first line of communication on the road. Keeping them informed makes both of your jobs easier. This is especially important if you may be late to a delivery or pick-up, as your dispatcher will need to inform the customer and make other arrangements.

Tips For Clear Communication In Unexpected Circumstances:

  • Tell your dispatcher (or another appropriate contact) right away if you know there’s a potential delay or issue. Ideally, keep your contact updated even before an issue becomes serious, e.g. if there’s a forecast for bad weather, let them know that you may need to stop driving if it becomes unsafe.
  • Be polite and try to stay positive. This doesn’t mean you have to be a robot, but taking your frustration out on others isn’t likely to help your situation.
  • Offer solutions if you can.

A Supportive Trucking Company

In unexpected situations, it helps to have the support of your employer. At DSW, our management is made up of former truckers. We understand what life on the road is like, and we work as hard for our drivers as they work for us.

To learn more about our open trucking jobs, contact us today.

Time Management Tips For Truckers

In many ways, trucking is a very independent job. You need to be able to communicate effectively with your dispatcher and are responsible for being on time for your appointments, but you are ultimately in charge of most day-to-day decisions. There’s no boss looking over your shoulder when you’re on the open road. This also means you are responsible for managing your time effectively. If you do this well, you can increase your earning potential and reduce your stress.

Here are some time management tips for truckers:

1. Plan Around Hours Of Service

While truckers do have the freedom to plan their days, they must follow federal regulations that help ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Hours of service limits are an example. The maximum driving time in a day is 11 hours, and you can spend a maximum of 14 hours on duty. There are other regulations you need to know and follow for breaks and weekly driving time.

No matter what other choices you make for time management, you’ll need to make sure you follow these rules. Trip planning allows you to get an idea of how you can spread out your driving hours to stay compliant.

2. Understand Parking Challenges

Parking is a key consideration for planning your days as a trucker, and this also relates to hours of service regulations. If you get to a truck stop and it doesn’t have enough parking, you’ll need to have enough driving time to find a new location.

In addition to affecting your overall trip plan, parking also relates to time management because truck stops are typically busier during the evenings as more drivers stop for the night. If you plan to stop around the busiest times, you’ll need to allow more time for finding a spot, which can reduce the number of miles you’re able to drive.

3. Avoid Traffic

Heavy traffic is annoying for anyone, for truckers, it can be especially frustrating. Sometimes, there’s not much you can do to avoid it, but managing your time on the road can help you minimize traffic to some extent. Know ahead of time when rush hour tends to be at its worst in the areas you’re driving through, and consider taking breaks around these times so you don’t spend valuable driving time stuck in traffic.

4. Consider Your Personal Preferences

People naturally feel more productive and focused at different times of the day. It’s beneficial for your safety and for time management if you are able to schedule more driving time during your preferred hours. For example, if you’re a morning person, you may get up earlier to hit the road. On the other hand, if you are able to focus at night, you can avoid high-traffic hours and drive later in the day – just be sure you can do so safely! You likely won’t always be able to drive at your favorite times depending on your delivery schedule, but you can often choose to do so more often than not.

Hit The Road With DSW

DSW is currently hiring over-the-road (OTR) and regional truckers. We know our drivers by name, not by truck number, and we offer competitive pay and miles.

Contact us today to apply for one of our trucking jobs.

Extra Items To Improve Your Trucking Experience

As a trucker, your vehicle is your home away from home. The interior of a semi-truck may not be particularly large, but there are many ways to make it feel like your own. New truckers will typically need to stick to the basics, but as you get used to the rhythm of life on the road and understand how to maximize space, there are many “extras” you can consider to improve your trucking experience.

Some items include:

Better Mattress And Bedding

Sleep is essential for health and well-being and for truckers, it can be difficult to get used to how to get enough high-quality sleep. Investing in a better mattress can make a big difference, and so can adding additional pillows and bedding. You can also use your bedding to personalize your truck’s interior.

Slow Cooker

Eating well on the road is sometimes challenging. Although you can find more healthy options than ever, preparing your own food is more cost-effective and usually more nutritious. A slow cooker makes it simple to enjoy home-cooked meals as a trucker. You can simply add the ingredients before you start driving and have a warm meal ready when you shut down for the day.

Exercise Equipment

You don’t need an extensive gym setup to work out. Depending on your preferred exercises, you likely can find small semi-truck-friendly equipment to take along without using up too much space. For example, if you like cardio, you can bring a pair of running shoes and/or a jump rope. For weights, small kettlebells or weight sets can often fit in your cab for quick work-outs on the go.

Supplies For Hobbies

Finding hobbies you can take on the road gives you something to do during your free time and can help reduce stress. There are many hobbies that are compact enough to take on the road.

Some examples include:

  • Photography – Bring a camera on your hauls and take pictures of the sights you see.
  • Video Games – A handheld console is very easy to take on a truck, and with an inverter, you can even hook up a small TV for gaming.
  • Reading – An e-reader makes it possible to take an entire library on your truck.
  • Drawing – A sketchbook and art set can easily fit in your cab and gives you a creative outlet.
  • Writing – A small laptop or even traditional pen and paper allows you to write stories or document your life on the road.

Trucking Jobs Based In Tucson

If you’re looking for a new truck driving job, DSW is currently hiring for over-the-road (OTR) and regional routes. We are a family-owned trucking company with excellent home time and competitive pay and benefits. We work as hard for our drivers as they work for us.

To learn more about our trucking positions, contact us today.