When the average driver talks about long haul trips, it can be difficult to not scoff. In comparison to the mammoth journeys that truck drivers do, all within a strict time-frame, a trip from London to Newcastle in a comfy sedan suddenly doesn’t seem too bad.
Making sure you’re comfortable when on the road in your HGV is hugely important, as it’s likely you’ll be spending days and nights working and resting in your bid to get your load from A to B. However, with significantly less space than you might like, making sure your trips are comfortable takes a little bit of outside of the box thinking. With this in mind, let’s look at how we can turn trucks into a home away from home.
The seat of power
Sitting in the driver’s seat of an 18 wheeler can feel pretty great as you cruise along the motorway. However, if you haven’t taken the time to ensure you’re comfortable in your seat, those first couple of hours worth of fun quickly give way to days of uncomfortable, irritating torture.
Worse still, bad posture while driving can actually lead to lasting muscle and nerve damage, which is why it’s essential to nip seat comfort in the bud asap. Thankfully, there is an extensive range of seat cushions specially designed for lorry drivers, with many offering orthopedic support to ensure you’re sitting pretty.
Getting your shut-eye
Of course, getting enough sleep is hugely important for everyone on the road, however, it’s vital for lorry drivers who spend long periods of time driving. Many lorries come with sleeping compartments in the cabs to allow you to sleep when needed but they’re not the Ritz so it’s a good idea to add some touches to make sleeping easier.
A bare minimum is to invest in curtains to block out the light along with a sleeping mask. It can also be prudent to get yourself some ear plugs to ensure you get some peace and quiet. Finally, for that added bit of comfort, consider buying a mattress topper.
Food on the go
When you’re sitting for hours on end, only stopping at service stations filled with fast-food chains, it’s deceptively easy to pile on the pounds. Of course, everyone knows that keeping fit is essential for a healthy lifestyle, yet, being on the road throws up its own unique difficulties.
Luckily, there are handy little cooking devices that can help you take at least a little bit more control over your diet when on the road. Things such as 12v kettles or 24v microwave are must-haves for cups of tea and hot meals, you can also consider getting a mini-fridge to store food that would normally perish.
Transcare – keeping your fleet on the move
While it’s massively important to ensure your drivers are comfortable and prepared for their long journeys, it’s equally important for your trucks to be running at optimum efficiency; this is where Transcare comes in.
Helping countless fleet managers and logistics companies with their vehicle servicing and repair needs, you can rest assured that you’re working with Nottingham’s best. For more information on how Transcare can help keep your fleet on the right track, get in touch with our team on 01773 832697.