Activities for Truckers during down time
Truck drivers tend to be very busy, and traveling non-stop unless on a scheduled home time, and when we are finally home there is not much time to enjoy, before packing the bag, and firing up that truck and keep it moving. Most companies allow 2 days off after being on the road for 2 weeks. But really it's more like 34hrs off because remember you still have to pick up your load on time, and usually that is a few hrs after 48hrs has passed so depending on the location of the shipper, more than likely the driver will need to leave earlier, which usually only gives the driver 34hrs off. Or a 34hr D.O.T restart.. in legal terms. This is another problem for families, because the driver is usually not given the full 48hr off time as promised. So what usually happens is the driver would get home after a long drive, and despite the fatigue; he/she would have and try to do everything possible to stay awake and spend as much time as possible with family, before going to bed. Unless the driver has arrived early enough in the day it is highly unlikely that the driver could go out and enjoy a game of miniature golf, or take the family out for dinner. This is because most of the unloading/ loading processes has already taken up much of the day for that driver to get home. The next morning all drivers usually sleep in and try to catch up on that much needed rest. By that time the rest of the family is out taking care of the usual daily business. But no matter what the driver will always have a more sense of appreciation of time with his/ her family because time off goes by in a flash. But what about single drivers how do we spend our time; as a single driver I can only share some things that I've enjoyed and kept me busy. While all truckers have different taste it's important to remember that staying in a small space for long periods of time can ware on the mind, and turn a driver into a anti social person, and if you are already anti social well....it will only get worse.
Gym - Staying in shape has so many benefits especially for truckers due to the lack of movement, and exercise. But if you can find a way to find parking, and stop for the night at a gym rather than a truck stop then not only will your health increase but your mental health will stay healthy as well. Instead of keeping all that frustration bottled up, why not let it all out on some weights the bonus is that most gyms have showers too so no worries about shower points at the truck stops and if some bad driver will hit your truck.
Goals and Plans- Creating time to sit and think about where you want to be in the future, and making a action plan is critical. Not only will this get the driver to discover more about himself/ herself but also a reason to surf the pavement in all weather conditions besides just earning enough to pay the bills. This will also create some excitement and purpose for getting up in the morning to do it all over again.
Taking time at the local pubs- I find that socializing in a well mannered sports bar is healthy to reconnect with the public and allows the feeling of talking to people I've never met and more than likely will never see again but in the end people will say it was great talking to him/ her thus the driver gets use to being around people instead of being cooped up in box on wheels day after day.
Traveling to vacation spots during off times- I find that going to Vegas, or Winslow, AZ and other popular vacation locations gives the feeling of being on vacation every other week, and its easier to immerse yourself into a activity that is easily accessible due to the high rate of travelers passing thru on vacation.
Texas Holdem- Playing card games in casinos or other locations that provide tournaments, not only provide a long lasting social environment but also a chance to try your luck, and relax
National Forest- Although untested I can only imagine the awesomeness it would be to get a hotel, say in Oregon and spend the couple days hiking the peaks, and enjoying the out doors.
Seeing how there is no better position in life to save $$ and create a successful stream of side income; planing your financial future on your off time is very important, how about investing; or online biz just in case your trucking co. goes on another firing spree.
The point here is it is vital to find out the things you enjoy most and taking the time on your down time to do those things because as time goes on staying inside the truck, it will only become easier to want to stay inside the truck, and not getting some fresh air and stretching those legs.
