All resources Safety
Safety Tips for Truckers
Most incidents are preventable with consistent habits before you roll. These are field-tested practices carriers use in safety meetings — pick the ones that fit your operation and review them monthly.
Before you leave the yard
- Complete a thorough pre-trip — brakes, tires, lights, coupling, and cargo securement.
- Adjust mirrors and seat position while parked, not rolling.
- Plan fuel and rest stops on your route; avoid last-second lane changes in work zones.
On the road
- Increase following distance in rain, snow, and mountain grades.
- Use three points of contact entering and exiting the cab.
- Avoid phone handling while moving — voice navigation only when safe.
- Treat construction zones at posted speeds even when traffic is light.
Fatigue & wellness
- Stop at the first sign of micro-sleeps — coffee is not a substitute for rest.
- Keep water and snacks accessible to avoid rushed convenience-store stops.
- Report equipment defects immediately; small leaks become roadside failures.
At the shipper and receiver
- Wear hi-vis footwear in yards; watch for forklifts and blind corners.
- Photograph seal, BOL, and unusual damage before you depart.
- Never rush backing — G.O.A.L. (Get Out And Look) on every tight dock.
