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Safe trucking is essential to protect yourself, your cargo, and others on the road. One aspect of this is staying alert at all times. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), drowsy driving contributed to causing over 90,000 crashes in 2017.

Data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) indicates that truck driver fatigue is a factor in 13% of commercial vehicle accidents. Beyond the large safety risk, a lack of sleep can negatively affect your health. Luckily, there are several steps you can take as a trucker to avoid fatigue while on the road.
Some tips include:

Get Enough Sleep

• Make sure you get enough sleep every night (or day, if you drive at night). It’s essential for your health and safety. Hours of service regulations are designed to give you enough time off-duty to rest up, but sometimes it’s difficult to get the sleep you need if you’re not used to sleeping in a semi-truck.
• Create a bedtime routine and repeat it every time you go to bed.
• Invest in a high-quality mattress for your truck, and add any items that make you feel more comfortable.

Don’t Rely on Caffeine or Other Tricks to Stay Alert

There’s nothing wrong with a cup of coffee here and there, but you shouldn’t be relying on caffeine as a replacement for sleep. If you are feeling drowsy, caffeine is not a long-term solution and if you drink coffee every day, the effect it has will be minimal. Too much caffeine can make it harder for you to sleep, especially if you have it later in the day.

Tricks to Stay Alert That Don’t Work:

• Rolling down the windows 
• Turning up your music
• Stimulant drugs

These can give you a false sense of security and increase your risk of getting in an accident. The only way to truly resolve fatigue is by sleeping.

It should go without saying that using stimulant drugs to try to get around your body’s need to sleep is not only dangerous, but also illegal. You could lose your job and your commercial license, and it’s not worth the risk. 

Take a Nap if You Need One

If you are feeling drowsy, the best thing you can do is to find a place to safely park your truck and take a nap. It is recommended that you nap for at least 10 minutes, but no more than 45 minutes. After you sleep, take 10 minutes to fully wake up before hitting the road again. 

Even a short nap can be more effective than caffeine. However, remember that napping by itself won’t replace your need to sleep for a longer length of time.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Your overall health can affect the quality of your sleep and how tired you feel throughout the day. Skipping meals, eating overly heavy foods, or not getting enough nutrients can all result in increased drowsiness. Making a commitment to your health can have many positive effects, including increased safety.

A Supportive Trucking Company

At DSW, we work hard to support our drivers. Our management is made up of former truckers, so we know what life on the open road is like.

To learn more about our openings for over-the-road and regional drivers, contact us today.

Safe trucking is essential during every season, and to be fully prepared it’s important to know what to expect at different times of the year. Summer driving is easier than winter driving in most parts of the country.

However, there are unique considerations to keep in mind. The following tips can help you drive safely and beat the heat during the summer months.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking enough water is beneficial year-round and can have a significant positive impact on your health. During the summer, it is especially important to stay hydrated since your body loses water more quickly when it’s hot. Always keep water in your truck and take sips regularly throughout the day.

Wear Sunscreen

When you’re outdoors, you may remember sunscreen more easily since you can feel the heat of the sun. However, ultraviolet (UV) rays come through your truck’s windshield all day while you are driving. Even if you don’t get hot thanks to your air conditioning, you can still end up with a sunburn.

Apply sunscreen to any skin that will be exposed while you’re driving. Wear long sleeves to minimize your UV exposure, and sunglasses to protect your eyes and help you see clearly.

Check Your Truck Carefully

You should be completing a pre-trip inspection before you start driving each day, no matter what season it is. 

During summer, you should be extra aware of the following:

• Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts are more common when temperatures are high, so make sure your tires are properly filled.

• Coolant Levels

Make sure to check your coolant levels. Hot engines and summer heat can make for a nasty combination.

• Brakes

Check your brakes. High temperatures can cause of a loss of friction between parts of your braking system. 

Expect More Traffic

During the summer, families with children on break may hit the road for a vacation. When possible, try to plan your route to avoid major tourist spots. However, you should expect more traffic overall, whether you are in these locations or not. Additionally, some families may rent recreational vehicles (RVs) or trailers, and if they are not used to driving these, it can create a safety risk. Give these types of vehicles a bit more space, and always drive defensively.

Plan for Adverse Weather

Many truckers associate winter with bad weather and assume summer isn’t as bad by comparison. While you won’t need to worry about snowstorms, there are still many adverse weather events that are common to summertime.

There is an increased chance of hazardous weather:

• Thunderstorms
• Tornados
• Hurricanes.
• Dust storms
• Monsoon rainstorms and microbursts

Check the weather in any locations you’re driving through. If you have doubts about your ability to drive safely, wait it out. It’s better to be slightly delayed than to create safety hazards for yourself and other drivers.

Drive a Modern Semi-Truck

At DSW, 90% of our semi-trucks are under 4 years old and our fleet has modern equipment to help you stay comfortable every month of the year. We work hard to ensure our drivers get miles, get paid, and get home regularly.

To apply for a regional or long-haul trucking job, contact us today.

As a truck driver, planning what to eat can be a little more complicated than it is for those working in an office every day. In many cases, grabbing a quick bite at a truck stop can seem like the most convenient option. While an occasional meal out isn’t a big deal, the cost can quickly add up and it can be difficult to find healthy choices. Meal prep for truck drivers does take a bit of planning, but there are many ways to make it work for you and even if you keep just a few meals on hand, you can save money and improve your health.

Some tips for meal prepping as a trucker:

Start Small

Preparing meals for weeks in advance can be an overwhelming task if you’ve never done it before. Rather than trying to be fully stocked with three meals and snacks for every day you’ll be on the road, it can be helpful to start with a more manageable goal. You could try focusing on one meal at first or start with one week’s worth of meals rather than prepping for your entire haul.

Consider the Space in Your Cab

Meal preppers who are eating at home can often freeze or refrigerate large amounts of food. As a truck driver, you are more limited due to the amount of space in your trucker’s fridge or cooler. To work around this, it is helpful to have containers that stack easily. You should also consider if there are any non-refrigerated meals or snacks you can prepare and keep elsewhere in your truck.

In addition to working around the limitations of storage space, you also will have to prepare your food on the road. It’s usually feasible to have a small microwave and if you have pre-made meals in a container, heating them up is fairly simple. If there are other types of dishes that you know you love, you may want to add one or two other small appliances. For example, you could get a single-serving blender to make pre-measured smoothies each morning. An air fryer is also compact and can help you get your food crispier than you would in a microwave.

Make a Variety of Foods

Eating the same thing every day can get boring. Meal prep will usually include several portions of the same meal, but you can add variety by making different types of meals with unique and interesting flavors. In many cases, you can use the same protein in a few different ways, or create options to mix and match the sauce, protein, and grain for your meals.

Meal Prep Ideas for Truckers

To get you started, here are some ideas for meals and snacks you can take on your next haul:

• Muffins
• Homemade granola bars
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Breakfast burritos
• Soup
• Salads in a jar
• Tacos
• Pre-sliced veggies
• Lettuce wraps

Keep in mind that almost any meal can be separated into pre-portioned containers and reheated on the road, so your options are nearly limitless.

Drive For a Trucker-Friendly Company

If you are looking for a company that supports you, consider a career with DSW. We are currently hiring regional and over-the-road truckers. Our vehicles are equipped with auxiliary power units (APUs) and inverters so you can take the appliances you need for meal prep on the road.

To learn more about our openings for truck drivers, contact us today.

After a day (or night) on the road as a trucker, it’s time to find a place to park and rest. This can sometimes be challenging, especially if you are trying to park at the same time as many other drivers. A lack of available semi-truck parking spots is more than just a nuisance. It can be a safety concern and may also cause issues with hours of service (HOS) compliance. Although the availability of spots can vary, there are some tips you can use to make it easier to find a spot and to park safely.

Tips for Finding Semi-Truck Parking

Plan Your Trip

Trip planning can help you be more efficient and you should consider parking when you plan your route. Having a few different truck stops listed can make it easy to change course if the first parking lot is full. It’s also important to leave enough driving time to move to the next location if this becomes necessary. When planning for your haul, you may also be able to see when the stop is busiest using a smartphone application for truckers and can also see how safe the area is.

Consider Stopping Earlier

Semi-truck parking areas usually start to fill up around 4 pm or 5 pm as drivers stop for the night. If possible, consider starting your day a little earlier so you can park before this. Some truckers even prefer driving at night and sleeping during the day. You don’t have to completely alter your schedule to find parking, though. Even a difference of an hour or two may help you beat the rush and get a spot.

Look for Smaller Truck Stops

The big-name truck stops often fill up most quickly, whereas mom-and-pop locations may have more spots open even during busier times. When planning your trip, you may want to look for some of these smaller options, especially if you are going to be near a large city.

Tips for Parking Safely

Back Into The Spot or Pull Through

Whenever possible, back your semi-truck into a spot or pull through. Backing out of a spot to get back on the road takes more time and accidents are more likely when backing out.

Avoid Parking Near the Entrance

Although it is tempting to grab the first available spot you see, it’s best to avoid parking near the truck stop’s entrance or at the end of a row when possible. These areas have the most traffic and you increase your risk of an accident by parking there.

Be Patient

Rushing through anything with a semi-truck can be a recipe for disaster. Even if you’re stressed, it’s important to slow down and take your time when parking your vehicle. Remember to get out and look (GOAL) to check for any hazards that you might not see from inside the truck.

Drive With DSW

If you are looking for a regional or long-haul trucking job, DSW is currently hiring. Our truckers have access to over 30 terminals across the country and we also have a driver-friendly fuel purchasing program. It is our goal to work as hard for you as you do for us.

To learn more about our available truck driving jobs, contact us today.

As a long-haul trucker, most of your time on the job will be spent driving. However, this is not the only responsibility you will have. When you reach your final destination, you will likely be dropping the freight off at a loading dock. Even if you are not the person who actually loads/unloads the truck, it is important to know how to stay safe and be efficient at each stop.

Some tips truckers should keep in mind for loading dock safety and efficiency:

Be Prepared Before You Stop

In most cases you have either a set appointment time or a drop-off window at the loading dock. Be sure to arrive during this time and if you are going to be late, let your dispatcher and the receiver know. You should also call ahead if you think you will arrive more than 15 minutes early to determine whether they can fit you in ahead of time. Another aspect of preparation is having all necessary paperwork easily accessible ready to go. No one likes to wait around at a loading dock and taking these steps before you arrive can help make the process more efficient.

Practice Good Communication

Although trucking is often a more independent job, communication is essential to set yourself up for success. Throughout your career, you will need to know how to effectively communicate with a variety of individuals and this includes workers at loading docks. Each drop-off will be different and it’s important not to make assumptions based on what other receivers have done in the past. If you have any questions, it’s better to take the time to ask rather than potentially putting your safety and that of others at risk.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings

Staying alert and aware of what is around you is a good tip to follow in general, but it can be especially important at a loading dock. There should be signs giving you instructions or marking off areas you can and cannot enter with your semi-truck. Loading docks often have multiple individuals and vehicles moving around, so you keep an eye out and drive carefully.

Know What Your Responsibilities Are

It is important to be aware of what responsibilities you will have at the loading dock. Every individual involved in the drop-off has a unique role in maintaining a safe environment and getting the job done.  You should always make sure you are doing everything that is expected of you, rather than assuming someone else is taking care of it. On the other hand, taking on responsibilities that you are not trained for can be dangerous. For example, you should never use equipment that you need special certification to handle and which you were not taught how to use ahead of time. When in doubt, check with someone and do not do anything you are not comfortable with.

A Supportive Truck Driving Company

If you want to work for a motor carrier that supports you, DSW is hiring for over-the-road and regional routes. We are a family-focused company, and it is our goal to help you get miles, get paid, and get home regularly.

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

Team truck driving can be a great way to make more money while also having company on the road. Some drivers prefer to be paired with someone they don’t know yet. However, if your spouse also has their commercial driver’s license (CDL), they could be a great driving partner. Husband and wife trucking teams are fairly common in the industry and there are many benefits to this arrangement.

Some benefits of driving with your spouse include:

Potential to Earn More Money

This is an advantage for any trucking team, not just couples. When there are two people driving, the truck can keep moving and you can get more miles. This translates into a bigger paycheck, and team drivers are in high demand.

It’s Easier to Manage Potential Conflicts

Spending weeks at a time in close quarters with another person has the potential to lead to conflicts. Even the best teams occasionally have minor disagreements. This is also true of marriages, and couples usually are more experienced than the average trucking team at working through these situations. It takes time to build trust and understanding, and married trucking teams have the advantage of a strong foundation.

Spend Time Together

Life on the road can get lonely but working as a husband and wife team can help. You get to spend more time with your spouse while you both earn money. During your downtime, you may be able to sightsee or try other new activities together, depending on your schedule. Not only do you get to see more of the country, but you also get to share this experience with someone you love.

Better Health

In many cases, husband and wife trucking teams can hold each other accountable when it comes to staying healthy. You can work together to make sure you are getting enough exercise and eating well. Additionally, having a companion may reduce your stress, which is beneficial for your physical and mental health.

Is Husband and Wife Trucking Always a Good Choice?

While there are many benefits to trucking with your spouse, no two couples are exactly alike and this may not be the best choice for everyone. To be successful, it’s important that you feel confident in separating work from your personal life. This is essential so professional concerns don’t start to affect your marriage. It is a good idea to have a conversation about team trucking before you start this career path. Be honest about your concerns and be sure that both of you are equally interested in trucking together.  Finally, you should consider whether you plan to start a family soon, as this can impact whether team trucking will make sense for you.

Now Hiring Team Drivers

DSW is currently hiring teams for over-the-road trucking. If you are not going to be driving with someone you already know, we can pair you with another trucker based on your personality and goals. We are a family-friendly company and support our drivers.

To learn more about becoming a husband and wife trucking team with DSW, contact us today

Due to the relatively small size of semi-truck sleeper cabs, truckers need to be efficient about what items they take on hauls. However, it’s also important to be prepared. If you are a new truck driver, you may feel overwhelmed trying to figure out what exactly is necessary for your first solo trip. This list of truck driver essentials is a good starting point and you can also add to it as you get more experienced with maximizing the space and organization of your truck.

Documentation

If you get stopped for a roadside Department of Transportation (DOT) inspection, you will need to provide several different documents. It’s a good idea to have all of these well-organized and available at all times.

You should have:

• Your commercial driver’s license (CDL)
• Vehicle registration
• DOT medical examiner’s certificate
• Shipping papers
• Vehicle inspection reports, if applicable

Cash/Cards

In addition to bringing your wallet and any debit/credit cards you use, it can be helpful to have some cash available in case of an emergency.

Personal Care Products

There are many different items you need to keep up with personal hygiene on the road. Although you may be able to find some of these at truck stops if you forget to pack them, this can quickly get expensive. It’s usually better to be prepared and have everything you need before you hit the road.

You should have:

• Flip-flops for showering at truck stops
• Towels (two or three should be plenty)
• A shower bag or caddy to carry your personal care products
• Basic hygiene items such as shampoo, soap, deodorant, etc.
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Baby wipes for quickly freshening up

Food

Some truckers prefer to meal prep before their hauls and have as many of their meals stored in their rig as possible. Others may be more inclined to pick up food at truck stops and restaurants along the way and just have a few snacks available. However, keep in mind that eating out is often more expensive and less healthy. It’s also important to have a good supply of non-perishable food available in case of an emergency, especially if you are trucking during the winter. In addition to food, make sure to have plenty of fresh water.

Clothing

You should pack enough clothing to last for the length of your trip and keep options available for layering when you pass through colder regions. Waterproof boots and gloves are also a good idea to have. Keep a bag available for dirty clothes and also bring detergent and any other supplies you need to do laundry at truck stops.

Tools and Truck Maintenance Items

Keeping a tool kit in your truck is essential. This should have wrenches, a hammer, a screwdriver, a flashlight with spare batteries, a tire pressure gauge, and other items to maintain your vehicle. You should be able to find a basic starter tool kit with everything you need, or build your own.

Cleaning Supplies

Having cleaning supplies available helps you keep your truck tidy and comfortable.

You should have:

• Paper towels or a reusable alternative
• Your preferred cleaning solution/spray
• Disposable cleaning wipes
• A small broom and dustpan and/or a small handheld vacuum
• Trash bags

Other Truck Driver Essentials

• A road atlas
• A first aid kit
• Any over-the-counter or prescription medicine you will need
• Road flares and cones
• Bedding and extra blankets
• Pens and paper
• Chargers for all of your devices

Optional Supplies

In addition to the essentials, you may want to bring along other items depending on your personal preferences. As you spend more time on the road, you will be able to determine what is most important for you. Your packing list may include a gaming system, books, small decorations, and more. Even with a small space, you can get creative to make your semi-truck feel like home.

DSW Is a Supportive Trucking Company

At DSW, we support our truckers and want to help you succeed. We have a small company atmosphere with freight that rivals larger carriers. This allows you to get miles, get paid, and get home regularly.

To become a truck driver with our motor carrier, contact us today.

Delivering freight efficiently is an essential skill for any truck driver. This is important not only for your motor carrier and the customer you are delivering to, but also for you because it allows you to get more miles and earn more pay. One of your keys to success is trucking trip planning. Preparing before you hit the road can help you stay on track and avoid any issues.

Why Trip Planning Matters

There are several benefits to taking the time to plan your routes as a trucker.

These include:

• By planning your driving time, you can make sure you are always in line with hours of service (HOS) regulations. This can help you avoid fines, disciplinary action, and stress.
• Choosing truck stops along your route and having back-ups in place can make it easier to park and sleep for the night while staying compliant.
• Planning ahead helps you stay healthy because you will have an idea of where you can stop for food and when you can exercise.
• If an unexpected situation occurs on the road, a truck driver with a strong trip plan can more easily adapt and adjust to stay on track.
• When you consistently meet and exceed expectations, you build a reputation as someone who can be counted on.

Tips for Effective Trucking Trip Planning

As with any skill, the more you practice trip planning, the better you will get at it. If you are a new trucker, don’t get discouraged by comparing yourself to those who have been driving for a long time. Keep working and you will find your own way of efficiently organizing your route sooner than you may think.

Some tips for when you are getting started include:

Invest in a Road Atlas

Our trucks are equipped with Qualcomm satellite systems and these can give you the basic directions to and from your destination. That being said, a road atlas for truckers will give you valuable information about truck stops, road restrictions, and other information that is essential for trip planning. There are phone applications that serve similar purposes, but many old-school truckers swear by the classic, physical atlas. This is also important in case you need to find information in an area where you do not have internet access.

Have a Back-up Plan

In any career and in life in general, things rarely go exactly as planned. The best over-the-road truckers know this and expect the unexpected. When you plan your route, always have a back-up plan (or even more than one) for your stops, especially when it comes to where you are going to sleep. Depending on when you arrive, the truck stop you originally planned to stay at might not have any parking, and you will need to find an alternative. You don’t want this to happen when you’re already out of driving hours for the day, so plan ahead.

Ask for Help If You Need It

Your fellow truck drivers can be an excellent resource when you are getting started. If you are having trouble getting the hang of trucking trip planning, ask for advice. Trucker friends, co-workers, or members on online forums may be able to give you tips that you can use to be more successful.

We Support Our Truckers

As a driver for DSW, you will benefit from the support of our team. Our management is made up of former truckers and we understand what life on the road is like. We work as hard for you as you do for us.

To learn more about our available over-the-road driving jobs, contact us today.

Getting enough sleep is important for health and wellbeing regardless of your career. As a long-haul truck driver, there are some unique considerations to keep in mind. Sleeping in a semi-truck can take some getting used to. However, the tips included in this article can help make it a little easier for you.

Block Out Light And Noise in Your Sleeper Berth

Light coming in from outside of your truck can make it harder to fall and stay asleep. There are several ways you can keep your sleeper berth dark. When possible, try to park away from bright lights, although this can often be a challenge at busy truck stops. Another option is to get black-out curtains or otherwise cover the windows of your semi-truck sleeper. A sleep mask may also be helpful.

Similar to light, excess noise from outside of your truck can be distracting and can disrupt your sleep. A white noise machine can be helpful and if you can’t fit one in your sleeping area, there are many smartphone applications that serve the same purpose. A pair of well-made earplugs is another possibility, although you should make sure you will still be able to wake up when you need to. Test out different alarm options before you have to rely on them. 

Make Your Semi-Truck Sleeper More Comfortable

Making your sleeping area more comfortable can do wonders for the quality of your sleep. Consider getting a mattress topper or upgrading your whole mattress if you are able. Many companies make mattresses designed specifically for semi-trucks. You can also invest in high-quality pillows, sheets, and/or comforters.

Temperature control is another big part of getting the best sleep in your semi-truck, so make sure you are ready for all types of weather. Keep in mind that when you are traveling across the country, the temperature where you sleep can differ quite a bit, so it’s best to be prepared. Blankets and warm clothing are good to have on hand for the winter and a small portable fan can help you stay cool during the warmer months.

Create a Sleep Routine

Over-the-road (OTR) drivers will usually have variable schedules, so the time you go to sleep may change. This being said, you may still be able to benefit from having a routine that you complete every time you go to bed, regardless of when this occurs. In many cases, this can help you fall asleep more easily even if your schedule changes. A bedtime routine can be as simple as brushing your teeth, meditating, reading for a few minutes, or anything else that helps you unwind and get ready for rest.

Sleeping for Truck Driving Teams

For trucking teams, sleeping may look a little different since one of you will typically be in the sleeper berth while the other is driving. As a result, you will need to get used to sleeping while the truck is moving. This is usually easier if you are able to fully trust your driving partner and can communicate with them in case of any issues.

Looking for a Truck Driving Job?

If you are interested in driving for a company that cares about you and works to give you the best experience possible, you should consider a job with DSW. We are currently hiring OTR truck drivers.

Contact us today to learn more about our long-haul trucking jobs.

If you haul freight as an over-the-road trucker, it is likely that you will drive your semi-truck during the night at some point during your career. Some drivers actually prefer this because there are fewer cars on the road. However, trucking at night can also be dangerous if you don’t take proper precautions. Knowing how to safely operate your semi-truck after dark is important to keep yourself and those you share the road with safe.

Some tips for safe night driving:

Stay Well-Rested

Fatigue is one of the most common causes of accidents. It’s important to stay well-rested and you should not drive when you are too tired to do so safely. Hours of service regulations are intended to help ensure that you have time to sleep. However, your quality of sleep is just as important as the length of time you sleep. Consider investing in high-quality pillows or a mattress topper. You can also add small items to your semi-truck sleeper that can improve your comfort and help you stay asleep.

In addition to sleeping for a longer period of time, shorter naps can be helpful. If you are beginning to feel tired, you can park for a thirty-minute nap. Even this small period of time can be enough to energize you for the rest of your shift.

Avoid Over-Caffeinating

Although it can be tempting to drink coffee or energy drinks if you are feeling tired, this may not be the best choice. A little bit of caffeine here and there could be fine, but the more you drink, the more likely it is that you will crash later. Too much caffeine can also make it harder to fall asleep when you are done driving for the night, which impacts your sleep schedule and prevents you from getting the rest you need.

Avoid Bright Lights

Bright lights can impair your vision when trucking at night. Make sure not to look directly at the headlights of oncoming traffic and keep the lights in your cab dim. Keeping your windshield clean can also be helpful to make sure any external lights don’t reflect in unexpected ways that can limit your visibility.

Follow General Rules for Safe Trucking

The same rules that you should follow while driving during the day apply for nighttime driving.

Some overall tips for safe driving include:

• Be aware of any weather conditions that might impact your route.
• Stay off your phone while you are driving.
• Maintain proper following distance with the vehicle in front of you.
• Follow posted speed limits, and keep in mind that you may need to go slower than this depending on driving conditions. When in doubt, slow down.
• Plan ahead so you know where you can safely stop if you need a break.

We Care About Our Drivers

At DSW, we care about our drivers and want you to stay safe on the road. We also work with you to help you get miles, get paid, and get home regularly.

To learn more about our available truck driving jobs, contact us today.