Driving a truck is tough work – the hours are long, the routes can be treacherous, and you often have to spend weeks away from your friends and family. While some drivers don’t agree with the newer rules about breaks, there is no doubt that every driver needs to get off the road and take a break regularly. While much of the longer breaks are spent sleeping (a well-needed asset), there is a lot more that can be done during breaks that can help drivers remain healthy and happy.
With 30 minutes required for every 8 consecutive hours of driving, it is best not to take the break sitting in the truck. Driver’s should get up and, at the very least, walk around to get some exercise. If motivated enough, a half hour is plenty of time to get some intense cardio in or even lift weights. You don’t need to have an entire gym to get this done – a few pairs of dumbbells in the truck is enough to provide an effective workout.
Physical exercise is important, but mental exercise is just as vital. Drivers should bring plenty of reading material on the road – whether they prefer long novels, short stories, magazines, or nonfiction books. Keeping your mind sharp can go a long way in staying happy on the road and improving concentration. Even games such as crossword puzzles, Sudoku, and trivia can all be entertaining and beneficial.
Driver breaks are an essential part of the day, as they allow drivers to take some time away from the road and refocus. It is also important to socialize during these breaks so as to prevent too much isolation, which can really take its toll on mental health. Phone calls and Facetime are great socialization tools, and planning routes with other friends in the industry so that you can speak in person is also a great way to stay in touch.
At Zip Xpress, we understand the importance of remaining happy and healthy, especially with our drivers. We do our part to ensure they get the rest they need because we understand the dedication and determination they make to ensure every shipment arrives on time and undamaged. Our drivers are the key to customer satisfaction since they’re the face of the company. As a result we believe it’s important to show them the respect they deserve and help however we can. To see how one of our drivers can help with your next shipment, start today with Zip Xpress!
