I would like to discuss the topic of load securement. (Now, I know what you’re thinking: what does this have to do with drivers’ wellness? Bear with me; I’ll get to that.) There are many things that come to mind regarding load securement. If you’re hauling a reefer or a dry van, it means one thing; if you’re hauling a flat bed or a step deck, it means something totally different. But one common denominator with it all is that, whatever type of freight you are hauling, it must be secure at all times.
Let’s talk about flatbeds for a minute. There are certain requirements as to how many traps or chains you must have on your load, and how far they must be apart. I believe that you must have two straps or chains on the first four feet of the load, and then the rest depends on the weight and number of pieces or pallets you have on board. There are also certain regulations that require you to stop and check the securement of your load. I think that it’s after the first hour of driving that you must get out and check, and then every one hundred and fifty miles after that (please don’t shoot me if I’m wrong on that).
The procedure regarding dry vans or reefers is altogether different, but you still must make sure that your load is secure. This might mean load bars or straps placed in key locations inside the trailer. Some other types of freight might require you to nail down wood bracing on the floor to hold the pallets in place (little hard if you have metal floors). Let me also add that this is not only the driver’s responsibility, but the loader’s as well. How and where the pallets are placed within the trailer makes a huge difference, too. Bottom line to all this is that braces, load bars, straps, chains, and tie-downs are very important when it comes to load securement.
When it comes to drivers’ wellness, things that tie us or hold us down are not necessarily a good thing. A great goal to have for your wellness includes getting rid of everything in our lives that ties us down or holds us back from living a life that is free from worry and the things that get in the way of the peace within us that we all desire to have.
However, getting rid of hindrances is not as easy as it sounds. It might help you to know that the struggles you face are not new or unique to you. Everyone faces difficulties in this world, no exceptions. What you are going through is a common experience.
So the next time you feel yourself tied down with the difficulties of life, talk to someone. There is way out of the pain and sorrow that weigh you down. Remember there is hope. Stop in and see one of our chaplains today, or give us a call.
For more help, see your doctor or therapist. Check out our Resources Partners when you click this link or click here to contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
Disclaimer
The content provided in this blog is for informational purposes only and is not professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment or care. Further, it is not intended to be a substitute for physician’s advice. Always see the advice of a licensed physician concerning any question you have regarding any content obtained from this blog and any medical condition you believe may be relevant to you or someone else. Always consult with your physician or other qualified health care provider before embarking on a new treatment, diet, or fitness program.
In order to be on the right road to emotional wellness, we cannot go through life carrying a huge load. We must share our burdens and problems with someone else so that the load is not unbearable. We wouldn’t dream of loading 150,000 pounds on an 80,000 pound trailer. Not only should we look for help when our load is too heavy, but we must bear one another’s burdens too. We can help others that are struggling with something maybe that we’ve already been through. Start sharing today. Comment here.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
There are some basic needs all humans have that must be met in order to have emotional well-being. If they are not met, our lives will be in turmoil. At the top of everyone’s list is love. Love is a two way street. We need to give and receive love or we will struggle with emptiness. Start giving love today by telling those close to you that you love them. Remember, there is someone that loves you too. If you’re having trouble finding them, give us a call. Comment here.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
While phoning a local trucking company recently, I listened to an up-to-date recording for drivers regarding safety tips, the location of a road check, and other helpful information. This is a great idea for the drivers of that particular company, if they take the time to call in, listen, and then heed the advice. Very similar to our overall wellbeing, we may hear all kinds of tips and counsel about getting enough rest, keeping our priorities straight, working through conflicts, and so on. Yet if we make the choice to ignore the good information that comes our way, we cannot expect to be well, physically or emotionally. Pay attention – it’s worth it. Comment here.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
It’s a difficult thing when there isn’t enough work for every trucker in a company. You may end up parked and sitting along the road, at home, or at your company waiting for word that a load is ready. One driver I know was asked to help the mechanics and cleaning crew during those slow times. At first this wasn’t easy to accept as he wanted to be behind the wheel doing what he was trained to do. He soon realized that if he continued to grumble and complain about this new development, it wasn’t going to help him or those around him. He began to appreciate the mechanical work because it helped him to stay up to date in that area. You may have valid things going on to gripe about. However, maintaining that kind of attitude will not help your overall outlook. Look for some positive things instead. Let us know how we can help you in this area. Comment here.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
Have you heard the old saying “there are two sides to every coin?” This concept also applies to every type of addiction. The first side of that coin is the physical side, which many refer to as a disease. Physical trauma is evident when the fix a person is addicted to is withheld from them. You could very well see medical complications on this side of the coin. The other side is the emotional side. This is the side that made the moral choice which led the person into a state of obsessive behavior. However, this is also the side that can make the decision to get out and away from these addictive choices. So in any recovery situation, both sides of the coin must be addressed. Let us know if we can help. Comment here.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
Quite often when a person is lonely, they feel sorry for themselves and put their own needs ahead of others. Because they are lonely, this only seems logical to them. They might think “if only my needs were met or my ideas were listened to, I wouldn’t feel so lonely.” This might be hard to hear, but it should be just the opposite. If you are feeling lonely, stop thinking of yourself and notice the needs of others, which will cause you to interact with them. When you reach out and care for someone else, you will feel more confident and have an inner peace which can’t take place if you are only focused on yourself. Next time you are feeling lonely, try putting others first and see what happens. Comment here.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
No blog will be posted on Monday, July 5, 2010 in order to allow our employees to spend time with their families. We will resume blog posting on Tuesday, July 6, 2010. Drivers Wellness hopes you have a safe and wonderful 4th of July weekend!
In recent weeks we’ve talked about definitions of addictions. I have a new one that I think best captures the whole meaning. Random House Publishing defines addiction as ‘the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or something that is psychologically or physically habit forming’. I believe this definition takes into consideration everything that could become addictive to us or that has the potential of becoming something we think we can’t live without. There should be only one thing in our lives that we absolutely cannot live without. Do you know what that is? Call us and find out. Comment here.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
As he approached the green light with his truck full of trusses, my brother-in-law was horrified to see a car pull out directly in front of him. There was no time to react or even brake, and unfortunately he hit the car broadside at full speed. He was saddened to hear that the elderly lady died days later from injuries. Understandably, he didn’t want to get back behind the wheel after this, yet he realized that staying stuck there would not help him, his family, or his company. His emotional and over all wellness depended on healing and moving beyond this tragedy. When an accident happens, especially involving drivers who are so conscientious about safe driving, it can seem impossible at first to overcome the shock and anguish. Yet with time and help from others, healing does happen. Let me encourage you to get in touch with someone to help you move beyond an unfortunate event, no matter how big or small, and allow your emotional wellness to be restored. Comment here.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
Many truck stops have pool tables inside the game room. My father-in-law recently told me the guys he plays pool with prefer to call it billiards. They think it sounds better. Not sure I agree with that, but I really don’t play pool that much, so I’ll go with him on this one. One thing I do know is that there are other things we label with a different name simply to make what we are doing sound more acceptable. Things like social drinking and casual sex are just a couple of them. In order to maintain a healthy emotional state, we need to check our lifestyles to make sure we are making the right choices so they don’t come back to cause us pain in the future, regardless of what we or others may call it. Are you making the right choices? Comment here.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
In a recent television commercial, two cavemen were engaging one another in conversation outside of their caves. When their conversation was over, they both headed back into their individual caves. I thought about those caves being dark, cold and somewhat smothering. Our lives on the road can be a lot like a cave. Not the physical part, but the cave of despair brought on by grief or illness. Or maybe a cave of difficulties caused by poor decisions. It could also be a cave of questions and doubts that steal your joy and confidence. Whatever type of cave you find yourself living in, they all can feel very lonely, but this need not be the case. Make a choice to talk and share your struggles with someone today. There are people that will listen, and can help ease the pain and darkness of loneliness. Comment here.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
Driver, are you an honest person? Being honest is hard to do. When a cashier accidentally undercharges me for something, I could come up with several excuses to take the money and run. I’ve had to consciously choose to call the clerk’s attention to it and return the money that wasn’t mine in the first place. I have met people who boastfully brag about ways they’ve cheated or gained unfair advantage over others. It’s hard to do business and trust someone like this, isn’t it? Honesty doesn’t seem to be emphasized very much in our culture and with the media, but I believe people really appreciate when others are honest in their dealings. What do you think? Comment here.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
Have you ever been the cause of a traffic jam in the middle of a busy intersection? It can happen when we’re trying to make that sharp right-hand turn, but there simply isn’t enough room. Everything immediately stops until those around us give us the road space we need. During this time you can feel your blood pressure rise, your chest tighten, and you start to sweat profusely. This type of stress is inevitable in the trucking industry. Let us know how you deal with this kind of anxiety while on the road. Comment here.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
A physical wellness coach once said “Build physical activity into all your work and play.” I agree with that. My own doctor has told me when I go to stores, restaurants, truck stops, etc., to park in the furthest spot away from the building and walk. Well, let me suggest that we build “emotional activity” into all our work and play. How can we do that? Always be on the lookout for ways to address the thoughts, struggles, and difficulties you are having. Come up with a plan you can follow to exercise your mind. Give us a call if we can help. Comment here.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
Drivers should be on constant alert regarding the weight of their trucks. Overweight or overload can be damaging to the highways and your equipment…not to mention your wallet. Regarding our physical wellness, experts will tell you to look for ways to keep your weight down and to push, pull or lift to keep your muscles fit. The same also holds true for our emotional wellness. Work your mind in a positive way so that you can keep your mind from overload. Think about those things that are true, honorable, right, and pure. This will keep you in excellent condition. Comment here.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
Dieticians tell us to eat a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy and protein. If we do this, along with monitoring our snacks, we will look and feel healthy. The same thing applies to what we allow into our hearts. What you let in is what you become. When you allow unhealthy things to enter your heart and mind, do you notice things about yourself that aren’t so appealing? Don’t let the garbage in, keep it clean. Comment here.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
I get a real charge out of watching new drivers enter the truck driving industry. Now, not all of these drivers are young in age and many of them have very little idea what this career holds for them. There are things one can only learn from the school of hard knocks. Time spent behind the wheel alone can provide drivers with the opportunity to become mature in the world of trucking. You will be faced with challenges that will require you to make the right decision at just the right time. Are you prepared for that? Let us help. Comment here.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
In order to be on the right road to emotional wellness, we cannot go through life carrying a huge load. We must share our burdens and problems with someone else so that the load is not unbearable. We wouldn’t dream of loading 150,000 pounds on an 80,000 pound trailer. Not only should we look for help when our load is too heavy, but we must bear one another’s burdens too. We can help others that are struggling with something maybe that we’ve already been through. Start sharing today. Comment here.
For more information, check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
There are some basic needs all humans have that must be met in order to have emotional well-being. If they are not met, our lives will be in turmoil. At the top of everyone’s list is love. Love is a two way street. We need to give and receive love or we will struggle with emptiness. Start giving love today by telling those close to you that you love them. Remember, there is someone that loves you too. If you’re having trouble finding them, give us a call. Comment here.
For more information check out the issues section on our resources page or contact us. You can also call our toll-free Trucker Prayer Line at 1-877-797-PRAY (7729). We’re here for you.
Want to help? You can help us get the word out about www.driverswellness.com by forwarding a link of this blog to your trucker friends and family.
