Drive Your Success with Effective Time Management Skills for Truckers

There are many essential steps to becoming a successful truck driver. 

First, of course, you must obtain your commercial drivers’ license, followed by extensive training to operate a semi truck safely and efficiently. You must also meet customer needs by delivering cargo to the right place at the right time.

So it should come as no surprise that drivers who excel at their jobs are experts at managing their time effectively. Time management in the trucking business means balancing productivity, compliance and safety. As a driver, you must consider your route, loading and unloading times as well as necessary break time for getting your cargo to the right place at the right time. 

The more driving experience you gain, the better you’ll get at managing your time. Seasoned drivers pick up tips and tricks along the way that can’t always be replicated when you’re a beginner. Time management in trucking includes details like knowing how to schedule loads to avoid heavy traffic and bad weather. It means making sure there’ll be a place to park when it’s time for a break. Finally, it includes getting enough sleep, getting regular exercise and staying in touch with folks back home.

Let’s take a closer look at how to make the most of your time on the road.

#1: Follow the Law

A typical over-the-road truck driver can expect to be on the road for three to four weeks at a time. Sometimes the work includes making deliveries over weekends and holidays. 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration permits truck drivers to drive for up to 11 hours a day within a 14-hour window. That 14-hour window is essentially your “workday.” After eight consecutive hours of driving, you are required to take a 30-minute rest. You must also take a 10-hour break before driving again once your 14-hour “workday” ends. 

Your 10-hour break may be logged as sleeper berth time or as off-duty time. There is no obligation to spend any certain number of hours in the sleeper berth, unless you decide to split your break time into two periods. In that case, one break period must be at least seven consecutive hours in the sleeper berth. Your other three hours may be either “off duty” or in the sleeper.

The FMCSA also has a 60/70 hours in 7/8 day rule. That means that your working and driving hours combined may not total more than 70 hours over an eight-day period. This rule applies whether you are a company driver or independent contractor. 

FMCSA offers four provisions within its hours of service regulations that provide greater flexibility for drivers without adversely affecting safety. 

• Short-haul exception: This rule expands the short-haul exception to 150 air-miles and allows a 14-hour work shift to take place as part of the exception.
• Adverse Driving Conditions Exception: If you are driving in adverse conditions, such as inclement weather, your 14-hour driving window expands up to an additional two hours. 
• 30-Minute Break Requirement: You must take a break of at least 30 consecutive minutes after eight cumulative hours of driving time (instead of on-duty time). This allows your on-duty/not driving period to qualify as the required break.
• Sleeper berth provision: This is the provision that lets you meet the 10-hour minimum off-duty requirement by spending at least seven hours of that period in the berth.

#2: Schedule Runs Strategically 

As you gain more experience, you’ll become more adept at scheduling runs to avoid rush hour traffic in the morning and afternoon. You’ll also want to plan and adjust your routes to avoid other conditions that may impede your progress, such as road construction, weather conditions and traffic accidents.

Another time-saving strategy is to load and unload cargo early whenever possible. Not only will you be earning customer satisfaction, you’ll be bringing in more revenue in less time and using your allotted driving hours more effectively. 

#3: Include Time for Exercise   

Whether you drive a truck for a living or sit behind a desk every day, exercise improves your quality of life. Making time for movement boosts your mental health, keeps you alert on the job and keeps you physically fit. 

Truck driving requires long hours behind the wheel. That makes it challenging to find the time and space for regular exercise. You may not always have access to a gym when you’re hauling freight through different locations around the country. This can result in a number of physical challenges, such as weight gain and increased risk of heart disease and diabetes.

This is where effective use of your mandated break times comes in handy. When it’s time to park your truck, get out of the cab and take a walk. Include some stretching and bodyweight exercises in your routine. Bring along some resistance bands or dumbbells in your cab for building strength. 

At Prime, we help our drivers stay in shape with weight rooms and training facilities at our terminals in Springfield, Salt Lake City and Pittston. You can also access personal training and on-demand fitness videos through Driver Health & Fitness.

#4: Get Plenty of Sleep   

Drivers often have odd schedules, which can make it a challenge to establish healthy sleeping patterns. Just like with exercise, using your break times wisely will help.

• If you’re a team driver, arrange your schedule so that you and your partner can take turns getting some rest. 
• Invest in a comfortable mattress and bedding in your sleeper cab. Mattress toppers and weighted blankets are excellent for falling asleep fast. 
• Some drivers install shades that you can pull down to block out the sun or parking lights.
• Consider earplugs or other noise-cancelling methods for an even more peaceful sleeping environment. 
• It’s estimated that about one-third of truck drivers have mild to severe sleep apnea. If you’re having trouble getting restorative sleep, we encourage you to get tested for sleep apnea at Cardinal Sleep in Prime’s Springfield terminal. 

Another important habit is to rest before you feel exhausted. Schedule break times when you’re feeling tired instead of trying to push through. The pay-off is that you’ll need fewer hours of sleep to feel refreshed, and you’ll feel more alert and energized when it’s time to hit the road again. 

As we noted above, strategic scheduling is key for making deliveries on time and for getting the rest you need to stay healthy. Parking spaces tend to fill up quickly, so arriving early whenever possible saves you time, energy and frustration. 

#5: Stay in Touch & Have Some Fun   

Finally, staying in touch with loved ones and enjoying some recreation are essential when you’re out on the road. Loneliness can have a negative effect on your physical and mental health. That’s why Prime encourages our drivers to ask about passenger permits. With a permit, you can travel with a family member or friend. You may also bring a pet to keep you company on the road if you pay a refundable deposit.

When your family is back at home, schedule regular calls and video chats with them. Tell them about your interesting experiences while traveling, and let them fill you in on their own work, school and other activities. 

Beyond checking in with loved ones, make time for personal enjoyment while you’re on the road. Listen to your favorite music or podcasts while you’re driving. Bring along some books, video games or other hobbies to unwind when it’s time for a break. 

Start Your Trucking Career & Get Paid to Train

At Prime Inc., we support our drivers through generous pay and benefits, passenger and pet policies and fitness facilities at our terminals in Springfield, Salt Lake City and Pittston. If you’d like to drive with us, Prime makes it easy to get paid while you train before and after obtaining your CDL. We invite you to apply online today and start driving for Prime!