Life on the road as a professional driver comes with its own unique challenges and rewards. The profession demands long hours behind the wheel, often far from home and loved ones, navigating various weather conditions and terrains. However, the sense of freedom, the opportunity to see new places, and the satisfaction of delivering goods can make it a fulfilling career.
(Driver Mensur in his truck before a dispatch)
Whether you’re a seasoned driver with years of experience or new to the industry, transforming a truck’s cab into a comfortable, livable space can make a significant difference in overall well-being and job satisfaction. Special thanks to Rain, Smart, Keashia, and Mensur for sharing their experiences and for their contribution to this article.
BEST PRACTICES FOR LIVING ON THE ROAD
KEEP YOUR CAB CLEAN AND ORGANIZED
A clean and organized cab can make a small space feel more livable. Regularly clean your cab, and use organizers and storage solutions to keep your belongings tidy.
Rain: “I have everything I need in my truck except for a shower. My truck is very clean and organized, and I have floor mats in the front and back bunker. I brought foam for the mattress; extremely comfortable.”
BRING COMFORT ITEMS FROM HOME
To make your cab feel more like home, bring comfort items that you enjoy using daily. Personal items can go a long way in creating a homey atmosphere.
Mensur: (on what he brings from home for comfort) “My coffee machine. There’s nothing like the smell of fresh brewed coffee in the morning.”
Keashia: “I always have my comfort music. I also bought a microwave and decorated inside my truck- it has a fridge and closet to help you feel like it’s home away from home.”
PLAN YOUR MEALS
Eating healthy on the road can be challenging, but it’s essential for maintaining your energy and emotional well-being. Plan meals ahead of time and stock up on healthy snacks. Take advantage of our Food Is Fuel book to get the most out of your on-the-road meals.
Mensur: “Thanks to our owners, all our trucks are equipped with a fridge and power inverter. This allows me to bring prepared food from home. The inverter allows us to have a microwave and a coffee machine in the truck.”
Smart: “I prepare [meals], and it has helped me very well. I eat a lot of fruit on the road.”
Keashia: “I pack things I know I’m going to be needing on the road, like home cooked meals for at least 3 to 4 days.”
Rain: “I’m glad that we have a fridge in our truck. I prepare healthy home cooked meals and freeze them. I make pure ginger, turmeric and other teas. I love summer all the fruits and vegetables are in season. For snacks I eat dark chocolate with almonds, and I buy a lot of sugar free snacks. I also buy ginger ale and Gatorade sugar free.”
(Driver Rain pulls into the Cawthra Yard in her truck)
STAY CONNECTED WITH LOVED ONES
Staying in touch with family and friends is crucial for your mental health. Many drivers find that setting a regular time to check in helps maintain close relationships.
Mensur: “Technology today has made it very easy to keep in contact with family and friends. Facetime, WhatsApp, and other messaging apps are convenient.”
Rain: “Having an excellent data plan [helps]. I always have access to others, and I feel comfortable knowing I can connect with family and friends when I am so far away.”
Keashia: “Technology helps me stay in contact with my family and friends on the road. Your phone is important, make sure that [wherever you are] in Canada your phone service is working with you.”
PRIORITIZE PERSONAL HYGIENE
Keeping up with personal hygiene is vital, especially living in a confined space. Make use of truck stops for showers and bring along your favorite toiletries. A clean and fresh feeling can significantly boost your morale.
Rain: “I always bring my therapeutic pillow, clothes, personal hygiene items, phone and headphone, homemade food, and special tea that I prepare the night before. I am used to being away from home all week, and have access to truck stops where I can shower.”
Keashia: “[I bring] extra clothes and towels, lots of socks, soaps, lotions, and feminine products. You never know when you’re going to need these items.”
ENTERTAINMENT AND RELAXATION
Long hours on the road can be tiring, it’s important to unwind. Bring books and movies, or listen to audiobooks and podcasts to recharge.
Mensur: “I bring books and devices such as tablets for entertainment and I sometimes bring my bike or rollerblades. There [have been] many fun and exciting moments on the road over the years. Riding my bike in the countryside of Illinois, nearly crashing on my rollerblades in Massachusetts, seeing fireworks in NYC, meetings and dinners with fellow drivers all over the north east.”
NETWORK WITH OTHER DRIVERS
Building a network with fellow drivers can provide support and camaraderie. Join online communities, driver forums, or messaging groups to share experiences, get advice, and stay informed about road conditions and other relevant information.
Rain: “Introduce yourself to other drivers. Join our drivers WhatsApp! It’s full of information on weather, road conditions, yard issues (line-ups, systems down at yard, road closures, detours, etc). Know that you will see Musket drivers on the highways and at the yards. You are not alone.”
FOCUS ON MENTAL WELL-BEING
Living away from home can lead to feelings of loneliness or isolation. Practice mindfulness, meditation, or other mental health exercises to maintain a positive mindset.
Mensur: “A positive mindset is crucial. Personal hygiene and extra clothes with help keep you comfortable. Entertainment such as books or tablets and regular phone contact with family and friends will help make the road life a good experience.”
Rain: “I used to have some deep feelings of loneliness. The further I drove away from Canada, the lonelier I felt. I no longer feel such loneliness. Although loneliness is a part of life, I’ve learnt a lot about myself and grown positively from the experience. I do meditate and continuously work towards well-being through positive thinking. I find fulfilling conversation with our drivers, and people I don’t know.”
(Drivers Rain and Keashia, among others, pose for a group photo in the Southdown Yard)
Remember, if you’re considering a career in the transportation industry, turning your cab into a comfortable living space can significantly enhance your experience on the road.