Truck driving school will teach you how to be a safe and professional truck driver, but if you want to do your part to help the environment you’ll have to take it on yourself to be a more eco-friendly driver. There are lots of benefits of being a “green” trucker, especially if you go the route of owner/operator after graduating from truck driving school. For example, eco-friendly truck driving habits and practices can reduce fuel costs which could save independent truck drivers thousands of dollars or more each year. Here are some tips on how you can be a more eco-friendly driver after you obtain your CDL.
Maintain Your Truck
Regular truck maintenance such as oil changes and tire rotations can help keep your rig running as efficiently as possible. Truck maintenance may only improve fuel efficiency by a small amount, but when you drive thousands of miles each month even a small increase in fuel efficiency can save lots of money.
Follow Your GPS
A GPS is a truck driver’s best friend. When used properly, a GPS unit will make sure you get to your destination in the most direct route. Avoiding wrong turns and “shortcuts” that end up taking you miles in the wrong direction can potentially save independent owner/operators hundreds of gallons of fuel or more each month, which can add up to quite a large sum of money at the end of the year.
Avoid Long Idling
One of the most common sounds at truck stops is the constant hum and rumble of idling trucks. Truck drivers will often keep their vehicles running to power electronics or to run the air conditioner or heater. Reducing or eliminating idling will save fuel and reduce the amount of diesel pollution emitted by trucks.
If you’re ready to start a new career in truck driving, contact HDS Truck Driving Institute. We are the premier truck driving school in Tucson, and we offer day, evening, and weekend classes to meet your schedule and commitments. Classes start every Monday, so call (877) 205-2141 to enroll today and take the first step towards a rewarding career as a truck driver.
