If you’ve ever lived on the road, then you know something of what it is like to live as a truck driver. They don’t have the most glamorous jobs, and they can sometimes feel run down and spent. This comes with the territory of being on the road so much.
However, there are several ways to battle this to make the most of your time and money while staying comfortable traveling from place to place. Here is how to be thrifty as a truck driver in today’s economy so you can not just survive but thrive out there.
Make a Budget
A typical route might mean that you’ll be gone for five days out of the week. This means that you will at least have the weekend at home with your family. This is a decent schedule as a trucker because some don’t have privileges like this.
Assuming that this is your schedule, you’ll need to think of every amenity that you could need while on the road. You’ll have to crunch some numbers to determine the cost of gas before your next big trip so you don’t spend more on the road.
Cook for Yourself
Making your own food turns out much better because you know what you like most, and it costs less. You can prep your breakfasts, lunches, and dinners for the week so you can make fewer stops while on the road.
This is a huge convenience because you’ll have your food on standby whenever you feel hungry. If you bring a decent cooler with you, you can bring drinks so you can stay hydrated while driving long hauls.
Preventative Maintenance
Ensure you’re doing inspections on your truck every time you stop. This means checking the tire pressure, hinges, and everything internally with the engine. You might even want to cut it off for a little while to allow it to cool down so that it can run smoother.
While you’re at each truck stop, make sure you’re also taking advantage of all the amenities that they have there. If you need to put air in your tires, don’t hesitate. If you need toiletries or first aid, make sure you’re stocking up on these things because you might find yourself on long stretches with no stops.
This has been a short piece on how to be thrifty as a truck driver in today’s economy. Truck drivers have to be smart about their money when they’re on the road so much.
