When you apply to your first “now hiring CDL drivers” ad and snag your first truck driving position, you may still have quite a bit to learn about efficiency. Time management is often tricky for new CDL drivers, causing them to fall short when it comes to miles. 

Luckily, by using the right approach, you can improve. If you aren’t sure where to begin, here are some time management tips for new truck drivers that can help. 

Adapting to the Road

Even if you’ve done a lot of training, that experience doesn’t exactly match what it can be like on the road. Usually, it takes time to adapt to the demands and lifestyle. Plus, you don’t have the experience it takes to spot the warning signs of an issue, allowing you to avoid incidents that may extend your time on the road. 

When you’re a new driver, understand that your road stamina might not align with veteran truckers. Give yourself a chance to adapt instead of pushing yourself too hard. Otherwise, you may be more likely to make costly mistakes. 

If you aren’t sure what a reasonable mileage goal is at this stage, aim for around 2,400 to 2,700 miles per week initially. Once you get about six months under your belt, shift up, targeting about 2,600 to 2,900 miles each week, depending on where you started. After you finish up your first year, you could start looking near the 3,000 mark, as you’ll likely know what you can do safely at this point. 

Bypassing Traffic

While it may seem like avoiding heavy traffic isn’t something you can control, that isn’t always the case. If you schedule your routes strategically, you can decrease your chances of hitting a rush hour in a high-traffic city. Similarly, if you listen to local radio, you can learn about accidents, giving you a chance to go around them. 

Expediting Loading and Unloading

Whenever possible, see if you can coordinate an early pickup. If you can, this usually gives you extra time to reach your destination, ensuring you have leeway should something unexpected happen. 

Plus, if traffic runs smoothly, you can get your delivery to its destination ahead of schedule. While you’ll want to contact the destination to get your unload appointment updated, if you can secure an earlier slot, this may help you get onto a new run faster, increasing your access to more miles. 

Knowing When to Rest

While you might think that pushing yourself for as long as possible is a good move, it isn’t. If you’re exhausted, you’re more likely to make mistakes or end up in an accident. Additionally, it will take you more time to recover, which can work against you. 

Make sure that you keep both your physical and mental limits in mind. When you start to sense fatigue, planning for a rest is a smart move. Whether it’s simply getting out of the truck to stretch your legs or getting much-needed sleep, acting sooner rather than later usually works in your favor. You’ll be more alert and focused after your break, ensuring you can work efficiently moving forward. 

Ultimately, all of the tips above can help new truck drivers improve their time management. If you’d like to learn more, the team at PTS® can help. Contact us today.