Monthly Archives: January 2021

Valuable Truck Driving Tips from Experienced Truckers

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Experienced truck drivers from Barr-Nunn Transportation, a company known for its driver benefits and competitive pay, share their hard-earned knowledge in this article. Packed with practical tips for both new and seasoned drivers, the article offers guidance on staying safe and maximizing efficiency on the road. The most essential truck driving tips include prioritizing safety over speed by planning routes effectively and understanding how to calculate rates efficiently. Developing a positive attitude and strong work ethic is also crucial to navigate the trucking industry’s ups and downs, so drivers can be prepared for anything from long stretches of highway to unexpected delays.

Over the last thirty-eight years, Barr-Nunn Transportation has forged a culture committed to driver financial stability and career success, which is why our truck drivers are some of the most experienced truckers in the industry today. Not only do our drivers pride themselves on delivering hauls safely, on time, and with quality customer service — our drivers enjoy passing on what they have learned to others.

Top Tips from Barr-Nunn Truck Drivers

Here are truck driving tips from experienced Barr-Nunn Transportation truckers:

Jim P.

Truck Driver Tips

  1. Avoid a “miles” mindset. It’s about money, not miles.
  2. Understand effective rate per mile with band pay, special load pay, etc.
  3. Understand there are good days and bad days, good weeks, and bad weeks.
  4. Accept waiting time in between loads.

Reasons to Work at Barr-Nunn Transportation

  • Good equipment.
  • Good pay.
  • Being treated with respect and as a person.
  • Can always ask dispatch which direction to go if not preplanned when headed to a receiver.
  • Very seldom pulled into for a DOT inspection.
  • Inspection bonuses are great.

Scott B.

Truck Driver Tips

  1. Attitude is key.  
  2. A strong work ethic is a big help.
  3. Not every day in trucking is a good day.  
  4. Must be prepared for the worst sometimes.
  5. Need to run at night and may have to flip your clock.  

Reasons to Work at Barr-Nunn Transportation

  • Strong company communication 
  • The staff always tell the truth.
  • Late-model equipment with great specs.
  • Liberal time off.

Susan & Frank B.

Truck Driver Tips

  1. Run loads efficiently.
  2. Always keep track of your hours to know what you can and can’t do. 
  3. Adapt to different schedules. 
  4. You must be flexible.

Reasons to Work at Barr-Nunn Transportation:

  • Excellent pay and bonuses.
  • The staff is always helpful.

Paul G.

Truck Driver Tips

  1. Drivers need to be good at time management.
  2. Focus on the big picture rather than day-to-day load mileage. 
  3. (New drivers) Avoid unrealistic expectations and manage time wisely.

Reasons to Work at Barr-Nunn Transportation

  • The pay and compensation are the best. After all, we’re not here to donate our time and do volunteer work; it’s all about the bottom dollar.

Ken C.

Truck Driver Tips

  1. Drivers need to be able to flip the clock from day to night.

Reasons to Work at Barr-Nunn Transportation

  • Hardly ever get pulled into a DOT scale except in FL.
  • Preferential treatment at outside shops and OEM dealers.
  • Excellent home time, vacation, and great equipment.
  • Great communication on the night shift.

Gerald C.

Truck Driver Tips

  1. Make use of the technology. It makes the job 100% easier. 
  2. Communicate early and often with dispatch regarding customers, pickup and delivery times, delays, etc.  
  3. Don’t focus on the daily or even weekly miles.
  4. Understand you can make an excellent annual income.

Reasons to Work at Barr-Nunn Transportation

  • The technology that’s available to company drivers.
  • Having the correct information for pick-ups and deliveries. Our customers appreciate the fact we are always prepared. 
  • Very rarely having to deal with maintenance issues while on the road. 
  • The company safety record.
  • The excellent compensation package.
  • The staff at Barr-Nunn is always helpful.

Monti P.

Truck Driver Tips

  1. Ask company drivers the real amount of home time.
  2. Try to take alternate routes when possible.
  3. Ask company drivers about team leaders and how they treat others.

Reasons to Work at Barr-Nunn Transportation

  • The best thing I like about the company is being able to trust the people you work for.
  • The trucks are maintained very well. 
  • Calling the shop when there is a problem and getting assistance immediately.

Summary of Trucking Tips

The trucking industry is as challenging as it is rewarding, and the insights shared by seasoned drivers from Barr-Nunn Transportation are invaluable for anyone looking to thrive on the road. Whether you are a rookie or an experienced driver, these tips highlight the importance of balancing safety, time management, and a proactive mindset. Prioritizing financial goals over sheer mileage, understanding the need for flexibility in schedules, and maintaining open communication with dispatch are core strategies recommended by drivers. The common thread among these professionals is an emphasis on staying adaptable, leveraging available technology, and cultivating a strong work ethic to handle the varied demands of long-haul trucking.

FAQs

What are some essential safety tips for truck drivers?

Safety is a top priority for truckers, as highlighted by experienced drivers from Barr-Nunn Transportation. Essential tips include effective route planning to avoid congestion and unsafe areas, adhering to rest periods to prevent fatigue, and maintaining proper communication with dispatch for any unexpected delays or issues. Additionally, making use of technology such as GPS and fleet management tools helps drivers stay updated and avoid potentially hazardous situations.

Why is time management important for truck drivers?

Time management is crucial because it helps drivers meet delivery schedules without compromising on safety. Paul G., one of the experienced drivers at Barr-Nunn, stresses the importance of focusing on the bigger picture rather than daily mileage. This means tracking available driving hours, planning breaks strategically, and avoiding unnecessary rushes that could lead to accidents or violations of hours-of-service regulations.

What mindset should new truck drivers adopt for success?

New truck drivers should cultivate a mindset that embraces both the highs and lows of the job. As Jim P. shares, it’s important to understand that there are both good and bad days, weeks, and even months in trucking. Scott B. emphasizes that a strong work ethic and a positive attitude go a long way in helping drivers adapt to changing conditions and schedules, including the need to switch between day and night shifts.

How can technology improve a truck driver’s experience?

Technology is a game-changer for truck drivers, simplifying route navigation, time tracking, and communication. Gerald C. points out that utilizing the tools available makes the job 100% easier. From electronic logging devices (ELDs) to communication apps that streamline dispatch updates and customer interactions, embracing technology can enhance efficiency and reduce stress on the road.

What should drivers know about pay and compensation at Barr-Nunn Transportation?

Barr-Nunn Transportation is known for its excellent compensation packages and transparent pay structures. As Paul G. succinctly puts it, drivers need to remember that the job is not just about the miles but the money made per mile, including bonuses for special loads and other incentives. This focus on fair pay and competitive benefits makes the company an attractive employer for professional drivers.

Why do drivers appreciate the company culture at Barr-Nunn Transportation?

The company culture at Barr-Nunn is built around respect, open communication, and support. Drivers like Monti P. note that trusting the people you work with is key, and the company ensures drivers feel valued through helpful staff, late-model equipment, and responsive maintenance teams. This supportive environment makes it easier for drivers to perform well and enjoy their time on the job.

Conclusion

Experienced truckers know the transportation industry can be a rewarding and lucrative career. Because truck driving demands as much physical skill as it does mental agility and communication skills, our truck drivers know how to use their experience to manage hours on the road to maximize income. Implement the truck driving tips from experienced truckers at Barr-Nunn Transportation, and you’ll be on your way to a successful career.

You may also enjoy: 7 Money-Saving Tips for Truck Drivers

Interested in driving for Barr-Nunn Transportation? Apply Now

7 Money-Saving Tips for Truck Drivers

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Life on the road for professional truck drivers can be rewarding. Life on the road can also get expensive fast. Budgets bust without proper planning for impulse purchases, unforeseen expenses, and overpaying for convenient supplies. Seasoned truckers know how to manage money on and off the road.

Here are 7 Top Money-Saving Tips for Professional Truck Drivers.

  1. Make a Budget
  2. Limit Spending on Fast Food
  3. Avoid Buying Supplies on The Road
  4. Take Advantage of Reward/Points Programs
  5. Search for CDL Discounts
  6. Avoid Getting Tickets
  7. Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible

Read below for more information on how truckers can save money.

1. Make a Budget

The best move for any professional truck driver is to make a budget and stick to it. A simple what to drill down to how much money is available to spend daily, weekly, or monthly, is to total your paychecks and then subtract your expenses (rent, mortgage, car loan payment, the power bill, etc.). From there, decide how much money you want to put into saving. The remainder is your budget while on the road.

Even if your carrier provides a per diem or daily allowance for food or other items, you should know how much of your money you must spend daily, weekly, or monthly. Furthermore, you should consult your accountant on which expenses and how much of those expenses are tax write-offs. You want to avoid thinking you can go over your per diem and only pay the difference between the total amount and what you can write off. For example, if your per diem is $50 per day and you spend $60 per day. You may be on the hook for more than $10 if you can only write off 85% of your per diem total.

Landing on a budget and sticking to it is the way to ensure your expenses on the road are not eating into your savings or more essential items.

2. Limit Spending on Fast Food

The biggest budget buster on the road is food. Unfortunately, every truck driver’s lifestyle brings them into the world of fast food or convenience store grub. Grabbing food on the go up to three times a day or more eats through a driver’s budget faster than heating a four-dollar burrito in a truck stop microwave oven.

Most truck drivers have plug-in coolers or refrigerators on board. Stocking a food cooler or small fridge is smart unless you’re filling it with sugary soft drinks, caffeine-infused energy drinks, or oversized candy bars. Keeping healthier snacks like fruit, veggies, and low-sugar meal bars is a much better option. On average, fruits and veggie snacks cost much less and go much further than other processed options. And they’re healthier too.

Professional truck drivers who maintain a budget, plan out meals and cook their food. Portable stoves, Crock Pots, electric skillets, and blenders are affordable and easily stored for when it’s mealtime. Prepping meals should be a high priority for a healthier and less expensive trucker lifestyle. Simple and delicious meal recipes are easily accessible with a quick Google search. 

3. Avoid Buying Supplies on The Road

The next biggest budget buster is buying over-priced supplies on the road. From toiletries to tire pressure gauges, everything is more expensive on the road. A quick supply check before a trip and routine equipment once-overs will help you avoid overspending at truck stop convenience stores or equipment supply chain stores.

Many truckers buy in bulk for frequently used supplies. Generally, the cost per item or price per use is lower when purchasing in bulk than purchasing each time separately. If you add up the cost of supplies per trip and multiply that by the total amount of trips per year, you may be surprised at how expensive small items can be.

4. Take Advantage of Reward/Points Programs

One of the benefits of being a professional truck driver is the available rewards programs. Truckstop outlets like AMBEST, Love’s, Pilot, Speedway, Petro, and TA (TravelCenters of America) offer cards and points programs. Generally, the purchase of fuel, food, drinks, and merchandise adds to discounts and offers like free showers or other amenities. Use caution when using rewards programs as purchases add up quickly and can ruin your established budget.

5. Search for CDL Discounts

Truckstop locations are not the only places to find discounts. Some hotels, restaurants, insurance companies, phone companies, car rental companies, airlines, and truck repair and truck parts store off CDL discounts. Most CDL discounts are available because truckers, due to carrier requirements, have perfect or near-perfect driving records. Some truck drivers work for transportation companies that offer these types of discounts.

6. Avoid Getting Tickets

A clean driving record is a golden ticket for professional truckers. Speeding tickets and accidents can lead to fewer driving opportunities or cause a carrier to dismiss drivers. Either way, driving less or fighting to get back on a trucking company’s roster costs money. Experienced truck drivers know safety comes first because everything else about the job depends on it.

7. Use Wi-Fi Whenever Possible

If you’re not on an unlimited data plan, your minutes can get used up quickly on the road. The good thing is most truck stops, restaurants, hotels, and stores like Walmart have Wi-Fi available. Tapping into local Wi-Fi can save big bucks on your phone bills. The only watch out is Wi-Fi isn’t always safe from scammers looking to steal your information. Use secure Wi-Fi for things like logging into your bank account or other sensitive sites.

Conclusion

Today’s trucker has an incredible array of opportunities to spend money on the road. Smartphones make purchasing convenient items quick and painless. Unfortunately, today’s access to bank accounts also means it’s easy to go through more money than you want. Use our 7 money-saving tips for professional truck drivers, and you’ll be on your way to enjoying life on the road without breaking the bank.

For more about driving for Barr-Nunn Transportation, read our FAQ.

Interested in driving for Barr-Nunn Transportation? Search Truck Driving Positions or Apply Now!

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