Navigating the Yuletide Highway — Tips for Seasonal Truckers

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Navigating the Yuletide Highway — Tips for Seasonal Truckers

As December rolls in, so does the surge of festive cheer and, for many, the opportunity to make some extra cash by taking Christmas shifts in the trucking industry. Every year, Americans go into debt to pay for their Christmas shopping, and, while we could cut down on expenses, we can’t afford to skip the magic for the sake of our loved ones. 

On average, we are talking $1,500 debt just for Christmastime, which comes on top of your existing debt. And here comes the real question: What kind of seasonal job can you take ahead of Christmas to recover your expenses? Trucking is the answer, especially as, with the Christmas shopping, you’ll be spending a lot of time delivering parcels. 

It is one of the most effective ways to wrap up the year without hurting your budget. Besides, many delivery and shopping companies are keen to take on seasonal truckers to help their team. 

However, bear in mind that trucking does not come without risks! So you want to stay safe on the road this Christmas: 

Decorating dilemmas

Many truckers go through the hassle of decorating their cabin for the holiday. Christmas bling is a great way to keep your spirits high while you are on the road. So it isn’t uncommon to see a dash display and bright lights. It is meaningful from a driver’s perspective. Many truckers need to stay positive when they are away from their loved ones. 

As a seasonal trucker with less experience under your belt, you want to be careful, As tempting as it is to go overboard with the decorations, it may not be safe to overdo it. Less experienced drivers are at risk of getting distracted by the cabin display, which can have serious consequences. Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents, and this is definitely not something you want to try with a much larger and heavier vehicle. 

Driving with insurance

Before hitting the road, you want to confirm that your vehicle has received suitable trucking insurance for the journeys you have to make this Christmas. This may be a common issue for smaller trucking companies that may skip proper insurance for seasonal drivers in an attempt to save costs. If the truck was designed to be taken off the route during the Christmas holidays until you filled a temporary role, it is worth asking if the vehicle insurance has been maintained or if it’s been paused. 

Mapping the route

It can be tempting for shipping companies to map long routes during the Christmas season as they try to make the most of seasonal truckers. However, those itineraries need to be suited to your trucking experience. Not only would be it potentially dangerous for yourself and other drivers on the road to put you on a long route without sufficient experience, but it could also affect the goods you’re transporting.

So, do not hesitate to review the routes and discuss their suitability with your fleet manager. While they need drivers for Christmas, they need to be aware of the risks of using seasonal truckers with less road experience to replace experienced team members. 

In conclusion, if you are looking for trucking Chrismas shifts to recoup your festive costs, remember to approach trucking with caution. Preventive precautions could make a great deal of difference in keeping you safe on the roads!