Let’s be honest. Working in the trucking industry is complicated, and it’s not for the faint of heart. Drivers have to get up at all sorts of hours to make sure their deliveries are completed on time. What’s more, the demands of the job mean that prospective drivers have to be alert, calm, and detail-oriented. Routes may be unexpectedly complex, traffic jams may prevent a timely delivery, and they have to know how to handle potentially-dangerous chemicals.
Not all of those who enter the industry stay, but those who do adapt and thrive. Doing so isn’t easy. Drivers need to hone a variety of skills, from communication to patience, to time management and resourcefulness.
If you’re reading this, you might be thinking about becoming a driver for Puryear, and if you are, you might be wondering what obstacles you can expect while on the clock. Perhaps you are familiar with the challenges but are looking for solutions. Either way, below you can find common challenges that drivers at Puryear face and how they’ve learned, adapted and mastered this industry.
The Art of Maneuvering
When it comes to driving, vigilance and adaptability are key. One of the logistical challenge that drivers will commonly come up against is adapting to the demands of the delivery location.
In a perfect world, deliveries would be simple and drivers could easily bring their cargo to where they need to go without the need for any tight maneuvering. Obviously, this isn’t a perfect world. Drivers are forced to confront the reality that they are on roads that haven’t been constructed for hauling. Sometimes the drop off point is in an inconvenient location. Sometimes it requires you to drive past your destination and double back with a u-turn, only then to require you to navigate tight spaces filled with civilians and buildings and a back into a spot near a dentist’s office. This can be overwhelming for newer drivers, especially if they’ve only recently received their Commercial Drivers License (CDL).
The good news is that, at Puryear, our dispatchers are former drivers. They have the experience with the routes that get taken and help new drivers understand the realities of the roads. With Puryear dispatching and driving is a team effort, and the better the two work in collaboration, the quicker – and safer- the delivery. This collaboration is how many veteran drivers have adapted to the needs of the road.
Time Management
Effective time management is crucial for Puryear Truck Drivers, who face a challenging and unpredictable schedule dictated by customer demands and external conditions. Drivers often encounter a wide range of delivery times and locations, which can require very early or late starts and disrupt their daily routines. This erratic schedule not only affects their personal lives but also necessitates careful planning to make firm delivery windows.
Additionally, the need to adhere to regulatory compliance for driving hours adds another layer of complexity. Drivers must manage their time efficiently to avoid violations of federal regulations, such as the hours-of-service rules, which limit the amount of driving time and mandate rest periods.
To tackle these time management issues, Puryear Trucking uses tools that enhance route planning and efficiency. The company utilizes digital logs and GPS systems that help manage and track driving hours and routes. Digital logs automatically record driving times and rest periods, ensuring compliance and minimizing the risk of violations. GPS route planning, tailored specifically for the trucking industry, provides turn-by-turn directions and considers the unique requirements of trucks, such as avoiding low-clearance areas or narrow roads. These tools help drivers navigate efficiently and reduce the likelihood of delays caused by navigational errors.
Puryear capitalizes on the expertise of dispatchers, who play a pivotal role in optimizing schedules and managing disruptions. As mentioned above, many dispatchers are former truck drivers, which gives them a deep understanding of the logistical challenges drivers face. This allows them to provide precise and actionable guidance, such as advising on the best routes and addressing potential issues before they impact the delivery. Dispatchers also use real-time tracking systems to monitor truck locations and conditions, enabling them to quickly address unforeseen delays and communicate updates to customers. This proactive approach ensures that drivers remain on schedule and that any changes are managed effectively, minimizing the impact.
Dealing with Unforeseen Delays
Stuff happens on the road, that’s a guarantee. As a driver, you can be doing your best, hitting all your deliveries on time, but can still get held up. People get into accidents, machinery fails, roads close and sometimes you don’t make your delivery on time.
This is where sticking to protocol and perfecting your communication comes into play. In most cases, it’s the driver’s responsibility promptly inform their dispatcher and keep them up to date. This let’s them notify the recipient in a timely manner. If the dispatcher is doing their job well, they may have even called ahead to the delivery location before you notify them of the delay. With Geotab technologies, dispatchers can keep eyes on drivers in real-time. They may notice that you’re going 10mph on a 60mph road, corroborate that with the GPS system and realize that you won’t make it on time. So they let the location know that there was a hold up. This helps keep drivers focused on getting through the delay without worrying about the details, keeping them cool and collected, and most importantly, safe.
If a driver is held up to the point of needing to stop and rest overnight, Puryear requires a vehicle check during those hours to make sure that the truck is in working condition. This keeps the driver compliant with federal regulation and prevent future incidents down the road.
To help drivers stay engaged and make the best use of their downtime, Puryear provides T-Mobile tablets to trucks, which offer access to various of onboard entertainment. This availability of entertainment options, like watching movies or listening to music, helps drivers manage the stress of delays and maintain morale during long waits. Tablets also offer a range of apps that can be useful for personal productivity or relaxation. Or even help add a deeper technical analysis to your route through apps like Waze.
Bridging the Technology Gap
In today’s trucking world, technology plays a crucial role in helping drivers overcome the many challenges they face. Route alterations are a key feature enabled by technology. When drivers encounter unexpected issues such as road closures, they can use their tablets to find new routes that are more efficient. These tablets come with integrated navigation tools and access to various apps, making it easier for drivers to adapt their routes on the fly. The updated tablet systems in trucks provide turn-by-turn directions and help drivers make informed decisions, thus ensuring smoother and more efficient deliveries.
Automated reminders are also a significant advancement. The new systems alert drivers about important tasks like vehicle inspections and maintenance checks. These reminders are crucial in preventing issues that could lead to breakdowns or delays. With technology streamlining these processes, drivers can focus more on their primary job: safely and efficiently transporting goods. Overall, these technological upgrades are vital in helping drivers manage their challenging schedules and maintain high standards of safety and efficiency
Skills and Training
As we said earlier, the trucking industry isn’t easy and learning to be a good one requires you to adopt and perfect skills you might normally have never trained.
Puryear’s training program goes beyond just initial on-boarding. New drivers are expected to at least have their Commercial Drivers License, but undergo AvatarFleet’s LLLC Safety Training, which doesn’t teach people how to drive, but rather teach them to drive safely. Through LLLC drivers learn a whole new way of driving that maximizes their safety and keeps them compliant.
After LLLC training, new drivers experience the bulk of the training regiment, which focuses on loading and unloading dangerous or sensitive equipment. For this, new hires start at the beginning, they learn the chemical properties of deliveries like propane or butane. They learn the behavior of these loads ,how it can hurt someone, proper protocol for handling them, and why they process them the way they do.
The training provided is not entirely practical, but technical as well. Puryear makes sure to train all new hires in the variety of tech solutions in place. This is where drivers learn how to use the Geotab system, how the drive cam system works, how to log their routes, and how they transfer documents.
Ongoing training is a key part of Puryear’s support network. Drivers receive regular safety updates and can earn quarterly bonuses by completing monthly training modules. This continuous education ensures they stay sharp and well-prepared for any challenges that arise on the road.
Conclusion
In the trucking industry, overcoming challenges requires more than just skill behind the wheel—it demands a robust support system, dedication, and continuous learning. Puryear recognizes that every driver faces unique obstacles, from navigating tricky routes and managing unpredictable schedules, to handling unforeseen delays. That’s why they’ve committed to providing a comprehensive support system that addresses these challenges head-on.
Our experienced dispatchers, advanced technology, and thorough training programs are all designed to help our drivers succeed and thrive in this demanding field. Puryear is dedicated to equipping drivers with the resources they need to excel.
If you’re considering a career with Puryear, we invite you to explore the robust support system we offer. Our commitment to ongoing education and cutting-edge technology ensures that every driver is prepared for the road ahead.
Ready to experience the difference? Learn more about how Puryear can support you on your journey and help you master the challenges of the trucking industry. Visit our website or reach out to us directly to discover how we can drive your success together.
