Trucking offers a unique opportunity to see and explore the country while earning competitive pay. When you’re a truck driver, America’s splendors are your office view, your everyday backdrop, and your traveling companions. That being said, being a trucker isn’t quite like a road trip. Hauling freight is a serious responsibility, and your primary goal is to stay safe and stay on schedule for deliveries. However, it’s definitely possible to plan for some fun excursions along your route.
Here are some tips for sightseeing as a trucker:
1. Add Sightseeing To Your Trip Plan
For professional drivers, trip planning is as essential as fuel in your tank. Having a clear plan ensures efficient, on-time deliveries and contributes significantly to a safe journey. If sightseeing is on your radar, pre-route planning becomes even more crucial.
By preparing in advance, you can identify the towns, cities, and regions you’ll be passing through. Researching these areas allows you to pinpoint notable landmarks, scenic routes, or unique points of interest. Once you’ve earmarked potential spots to visit, incorporate them into your trip plan as planned stops. This method helps ensure your sightseeing excursions won’t derail your schedule and ensures that your explorations are a boon to your journey, not a burden.
2. Keep Parking In Mind
Parking is a key consideration for trucking in general, but especially if you’re planning on adding sightseeing to your trip. Big rigs aren’t your average vehicles. They demand space and lots of it. Many sightseeing spots, particularly in big cities, may not offer adequate parking for semi-trucks. The last thing you want is to arrive at a desired location only to find there’s nowhere to park your rig.
To avoid this, it’s imperative to check ahead of time whether your chosen sightseeing spot has suitable parking. Online maps, trucking apps, and even forums can provide this valuable information.
If parking proves to be a challenge, don’t be discouraged. Consider alternative options such as nearby truck stops, rest areas, or large parking lots where you can safely leave your truck. If this isn’t an option, you may need to consider skipping that particular attraction.
3. Manage Your Expectations
Trucking offers a unique opportunity to witness the expansive beauty of our country firsthand. However, it’s essential to remember that while you’re at the wheel, you’re on the job. It may not always be feasible to detour to every tourist attraction or natural wonder on your route. The primary objective remains effective route planning that ensures on-time deliveries and prioritizes your safety and health, which includes adequate rest. If sightseeing begins to compromise these essentials, it may be time to reassess.
4. Check Your Company’s Policies
If travel is a big part of your reason for pursuing trucking, check if your company allows you to take “home time” away from your home terminal. What this means is that you can turn in your truck and take your time off at destinations around the country based on where your route takes you. This gives you more flexibility with sightseeing compared to fitting excursions into your trip plan.
The Road To A Trucking Career
If you’d like to see more of the country while earning great pay and benefits, consider earning your commercial driver’s license (CDL) and becoming a trucker. HDS Truck Driving Institute (HDS truck driving school) can help you get started in as little as four weeks.
