Driving a transport truck

Driving a fleet transport truck is serious business. Drivers deal with unfamiliar roads, unpredictable weather, nighttime driving and sometimes, loneliness. The most important thing for everyone on the road, including the transport driver, is to keep safety as the number one priority. With that being said, there are things that drivers can do to ensure their truck is in top working order and thus decrease the chance of an accident.

Windshield washer fluid cap

Before drivers go anywhere, they should make a list of things to check on before they begin their journey. It’s imperative that the truck they are driving has met all its regular maintenance inspections and has been cleared by a mechanic. Beyond that, the driver should test the brakes themselves just to ensure they are in good working condition. The levels of the fuel and oil gauges should be verified, and although often overlooked, it’s crucial to ensure the windshield washer fluid receptacle is full. You never know when you will be driving though a dusty or slushy area, and running out of windshield washer fluid in the middle of it could lead to a very dangerous situation.

Obviously, fleet transport trucks are used to transport goods. Therefore, it is imperative that drivers check the cargo portion of their truck and make sure that their load is secure. It’s not enough to take the word of the people who loaded the truck, because they aren’t the ones that are out on the roads. Double-check that all cargo is fastened in tight as it would be really distracting and dangerous to hear items sliding around while you’re driving. Any equipment that is loaded improperly or missing should be reported to the dispatcher. You should also have a walk around your truck and check out all of your tires. If any of them look deflated or bald, you should either fill them up with air or change the tire completely.

Transport truck tires

Inside the cab, the driver should check that they have an adequate supply of road flares, that their first aid kit is well-stocked and that they have a fire extinguisher that is in good working order. Once the seat is arranged into position, drivers should move the mirrors so they can see out of them properly. One never knows if they have been moved since the fleet transport truck was last driven, and it is imperative this is done before setting out on the road! The driver should have someone stand outside the truck to help check the lights. A blown brakelight would be very unsafe on the road and could lead to an accident.

Although fleet transport truck drivers are not expected to be mechanics, they are responsible for doing an inspection of their truck before leaving to go on any trip. If they find anything wrong, it is their job to report it, so someone qualified can fix it. It’ll keep themselves and everyone else safe on the road.