Written by: Emily Joswiak • September 25, 2020• Safety

3 Smart Tips for Planning the Best Trucking Route

When you depart at the beginning of your trip, it’s important to know where you’re going, how you’ll get there, and what you’re going to experience along the way. It’s also important to get your truck checked over with a companies like Ferguson Truck Center as well to know it is safe to drive the long journey. Not to mention filling it up with fuel is a good way to start! As a professional truck driver, planning your route is a key part of a successful trip. Route planning helps you learn the details of each job while preparing for any hiccups you might experience throughout the journey. The more you know about your trip, the more comfortable each mile will be. Learn how to make your next trucking gig as stress-free as possible with these smart tips for planning the best trucking route.

Prepare To Be Flexible

There are a lot of factors that affect your route and travel times. Weather, traffic, construction zones, and other variables make it hard to know for sure how long it will take you to reach your destination. It’s important to look ahead at these factors and compare a few different trip calculators to get a more accurate prediction about miles and time. However, it’s even more important to add a little wiggle room to your schedule. Plan for delays so that you don’t feel rushed if something does go wrong.

Pay Attention To State Laws

Long-haul jobs will take you through multiple states, which means you should do your research ahead of time to make sure you obey the rules of the road. While driving laws are similar throughout the nation, there are a few variations from state to state. Pay attention to details like size and weight restrictions or what you need to cross state lines. Shift restrictions are also a big part of this. For example, Florida law allows truckers who are carrying property to drive for up to 12 hours a day. This number and other shift regulations may change depending on the state you’re traveling through. Make sure you know and adhere to each state’s rules and restrictions throughout your trip.

Choose Your Stops Carefully

One of the most important tips for planning the best trucking route is to plan your stops as well. Pay attention to where gas prices are cheapest, where the best lodging is, and how close you are to mechanics or tire shops in case of an emergency. Try to pick where you’re going to stop for breaks, meals, and overnight stays before you depart. This will help you divide your trip into manageable segments as well as give you a destination to aim for each day.

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