Monday, July 16, 2012

Valuable Haulage Work Tips for Beginners

Jumpstart your career with these tips to help you ensure safe, efficient and cost-effective delivery of cargo.
When it comes to haulage work, truck drivers are essential components of the entire hauling and transporting process of goods, raw materials and other cargo to distribution centres, retail locations, warehouses as well as domestic addresses. Carrying out haulage work as your means of living gives you a steady source of income as well as the freedom of being on the road on a regular basis.
An important aspect of performing haulage work is taking into account the serious responsibility to the company, the pedestrians, and the other drivers on the road. Here are some important tips to keep in mind.
Fuel Saving Tips
• Driving at a faster speed does not only increase the risks of road accidents, it also raises the aerodynamic drag and the fuel consumption. It is important to consistently maintain speed and make sure the cruise control is appropriate.
• You also need to pay careful attention to how the cargo is loaded. The heavier the weight of the load and increased height results in more drag placed on your truck. This will mean higher fuel consumption.
• Idling is one of the biggest fuel wasters. Before your scheduled transport, take time to plan your route in order to avoid traffic congestion.
Safety Tips
• It is important for truck drivers to maintain a higher vantage point in order to constantly keep an eye on the aggressive drivers on the road - and avoid them.
• It is critical that large trucks keep a respectable distance from other vehicles in front. This is because trucks will need more time to make a full stop. Be extra attentive enough to notice drivers who tend to suddenly break or slow down.
• Conduct regular safety inspections before a trip. Checklist should include the windshield, breaks, mirrors, horn, fuel and oil levels, tyres, reflectors and the safety and security of the cargo.
Preparedness Tips
• When it comes to haulage work, one of the major concerns while on the road is the highway construction zone. Slow down upon entering a work zone, provide your truck ample room to manoeuvre adjust the mirrors and be attentive on the blind spots.
• Drivers should always wear their seatbelts to help maintain control of the truck and being ejected when accidents do occur.
Miscellaneous Tips
• All truck drivers and everyone involved in haulage work should make it a point to maintain good health. This includes the need for regular exercise and getting adequate hours of sleep.
• Avoid alcohol as well as the use of any controlled substances. This one, of course, is a no-brainer.
• Maintain good road ethics. Being constantly on the road will expose you to a number of challenges and situations that will test your patience, foresight and presence of mind. Learn to respect other drivers on the road at all times.
Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry across the UK and Europe. It provides services for matching haulage work and to buy and sell road transport and haulage work in the domestic and international markets.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7174090

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