Tips To Improve the Handling of a Truck

Unlike a light vehicle, it takes more than just driving skills to handle a truck. It takes proper knowledge, experience and measures to make it move right. The big size of a truck and the extensive utility it offers need to be handled considering various operating techniques and measures and applying them right.

Here are the tips for handling a truck properly:

# Qualified operators only

Only a trained and seasoned driver with proper licenses and permits should drive a truck. It is not just necessary from the terms of truck safety but also in terms of economies of operations.

# Inspecting equipment

The trucking equipment should be checked before you start-off. It should be properly treated, repaired and topped-up when and if required. Also, make sure to get the equipment inspected by a qualified professional to ensure the best of operative value from it.

# Carry your safety gears

Keep yourself equipped with the necessary safety gears that could be needed while you drive. This includes fire extinguisher, tow strap, hi-lift jack, winch, pelican cases, HD torch and health safety kits to keep your drive safe. These will allow you to face hazards and emergencies and let you take control of difficult driving situations easily.

# Observe the operative environment

Go with the rules of the environment in which you operate. Only follow the routes that are allowed as per navigation conventions and observe and consider all warning signs. Be fully aware of all the things that are part of the operational scope of your job and respond to the functional aspects of it accordingly.

# Manage your speed

Always keep your speed within permissible limits of the route you are travelling in. Be watchful with the speed while taking turns to avoid your truck to tip over. Avoid reckless turns, hasty pick-ups and flooring to keep your vehicle in the best of its shape and condition.

# Mind distance and avoid hazards

Always maintain proper distance with close running trucks and dividers on the road and avoid hazards bumps, barricades, holes and objects lying on the way. Also, modulate your speed and use horn on corners and turns and try to avoid sharp merging and tapered roads.

# Load stability

Load should be placed keeping the center of gravity and axle capacity in mind. This will allow you to have a better weight balance on your vehicle and keep your drive risk-free with different load types. Besides, it will allow the goods to be in proper condition and delivered right.

# Driving on Ramps

It is important to take care of the speed on ramp. Try to manage your rise with the hand-brakes on. It will allow you to safely move with the weight and avoid any chance of rolling over on the inclines. Also, remember not to load or unload goods while on ramp to avoid any risk of accident.

# Clear visibility

Keeping the load as low as possible allows you better visibility. While stacking goods you should get the view of the rack or top of stack and visibility should not be obstructed and the sight should not be blocked in any way.

# When the shift ends

Once you are done with your shift park your truck in an authorized place in a designated spot. Check if there is anything that needs to be taken off, specially the inflammables and valuables that are being carried along on the trip. Apply the park brake and turn all the switches off before leaving.