Tips for the Road:

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At night, turn off your headlights when approaching the scale.
Have clean equipment.

Keep the posted speed limit.

Keep the posted distance between trucks.

Newer equipment does help, but if you have an older truck be sure to
keep it in good condition. If you look like a rolling safety violation, they will tell you
to pull around back.

If you run in Colorado, put your VIN number on the truck along with your
other numbers. You will be asked to bring your paperwork inside if it's not.

Answer only what you're ask, don't volunteer anything.

When you know you're within 3-4 miles of a scale, listen on the CB. If you
slow down just a bit, they may close by the time you get there.

Always reduce your speed, increase your following distance, stay alert, be cautious and
 patient when driving through construction zones.

Be very cautious when there is a temporary median crossover being used,
uneven or sloped road surfaces can dramatically affect
the handling and stability of the truck.

Expect the unexpected.
 Be alert for 4-wheelers  stopping quickly or cutting suddenly in front of you.
Be cautious of construction equipment moving or turning
 into your lane. When you leave the construction zone,
watch for speeding 4-wheelers impatient to escape the slow pace of
 the construction area.

 By reducing your speed through construction zones, you slow down the
 rest of traffic and making the zone safer.

Maintaining speed of 55 mph.

Limit truck accessory usage that requires power from the engine.

Use cruise control when possible.

Conduct thorough truck inspections.

Limit tractor trailer gap.

Consistently make smooth starts and use progressive shifting.

Maintain proper tire air pressure.

Limit the number of stops if possible.

Limit unnecessary engine idling.

Make sure that the brakes on your truck are in good working condition,
and that they are properly adjusted.

The safest way to brake is to apply a lot of pressure and not a gradual pressure. Gradual
pressure causes sustained friction, which causes heat and heat cracks brake drums
and wears out the shoes.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations section 393.100 requires cargo securement tie downs
every 8 ft. when hauling rods, plate, bars, pipe, sheets, tubing, etc. Each article or bundle must
be secured to prevent forward by using blocking or trip chains. Each article or
bundle must also be secured by at least 2 tie downs or more depending on the weight of each
article or bundle.

Remember: To pass a DOT minimum load securement inspection, the combined working load
limit of all chain assemblies used to secure an article against movement in any direction must be
at least one/half times the weight of the article.

Working Load Limit of Grade 7 Chains:
5/16" 4700 lbs.
3/8" 6600 lbs.
½" 11300 lbs.

En-Route Securement Inspections:

You must check load securement within the first 25 miles after being loaded, then every 3
hours or 150 miles, and every change of duty status.

There are a number of ways you can save money on the road:

Pack Leftovers, snacks, fruit, cereals and sandwich
fixings are great for in truck refrigerators or coolers.

Avoid playing video games while you're at a truckstop,
those quarters add up fast.

Avoid truck stops for supplies like cleaners, paper towels, pens and batteries.

Travel clean. Pack enough clean clothes to last at least 1-2 weeks.
Avoid laundromats, they are expensive.

A good TV and VCR can save on entertainment expenses. Have someone at home
record movies for you to take along with you.
If you read, try used books or get a subscription to
magazines, you can even get books on tape.

Send postcards home to those you love and miss, you
 need them to know you are thinking of them.

Take pictures while you're on the road to share with your family when you get home.

Call your spouse every day and tell him or her that you love & miss him or her. Yes, it can
get expensive, but it will be well worth it.
Since cell phones are becoming more affordable, choose a company with a nation-wide
family calling plan. Example: Verizon Wireless

Bring pictures of loved ones from home. This puts a touch of home in the truck. Don't forget to
bring pictures of the pets, they are family too.

Pick up free trucking magazines for your spouse to read at home. Let them educate
themselves of the trucking industry.

Exercise:  One of the best ways to release stress is
to exercise like walking. Twenty to thirty minutes of vigorous
exercise three times a week will help you cope with stress, reduce your
risk of heart disease, and control your weight.

Caffeine:  Caffeine can make you feel hyper and
keep you from getting enough sleep. This can cause you to feel
tired all of the time, so you drink more coffee,
 which makes you feel more on edge, ect.

Music:  Music has a powerful effect on the mind and body. When
you're out on the road, play some music and don't be afraid to sing or
whistle along.  Listen to a radio station of the music of your liking, or
get some tapes to listen to while driving. You'll be amazed
 at how effective music can be in helping you relax.

 Bills:  Paying your household bills online while you're out on the road are
great stress relievers that improve your time at home.

Drink at least 2 quarts of filtered water a day in order to maintain
healthy discs in the back.

Maintain good posture.

Perform back stretching exercises as well as abdominal strengthening
exercises, which are both important for a healthy back.

To avoid straining the back, always lift heavy objects by bending your
knees and not your waist.

Avoid excessively jarring exercises such as running and jogging.  Instead,
choose brisk walking, low impact aerobics, cycling, and swimming.

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