Driving a truck may seem like a one-man job, but there’s a world of little guys, ready to work hard to make your job easier. And you can skip the job interview: a truck driver’s best assistants can be found at the electronics store, yours for a small price. While a few gadgets can make big difference in productivity and satisfaction, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the exploding technology market. Smart phones that talk? Mini donut makers? Electronic books? Relax–you can be a tech-savvy, efficient driver with only a few simple gadgets.

GPS Device
A global positioning system, or GPS,  is a driver’s best friend. Most manufacturers offer a model specific to trucking, with truck-specific lane guidance, truck routes, points of interest, service directories, and, of course, traffic updates and maps. You’ll never have to wonder if the upcoming bridge accommodates your truck’s height and weight. You drive, and the GPS will navigate, helping you boost efficiency, minimize fuel costs, and drive with confidence. Try the Garmin dezl or the Rand McNally IntelliRoute.

Internet-Enabled Device
Whether you opt for a smartphone, a tablet, or a laptop, Internet access makes life on the road much more liveable. Before you purchase a gadget, assess your needs. Chances are, you’re using the Internet for email, web browsing, videos, and staying in touch with dispatchers. A smartphone can do all of these, but for videos, you might want a bigger screen. If so, go for a tablet, like the Apple iPad or Google Nexus. Tablets also double as e-readers. Like smartphones, tablets can connect to wireless Internet, or connect via a 3G cellular network. Depending on data usage, plans are available from $15 to $50 per month. Luckily, most truck stops have wifi, so if you’re not quite ready to retire your laptop, you’ll still be able to connect. And there’s no shame in laptops. For drivers with significant computer work, a laptop is the best choice. Both Mac and PC laptops are getting smaller and more portable, allowing users to work efficiently and comfortably on the go.

Digital Audio Player
When you’re on the road day after day, the radio doesn’t cut it. DJ your work day with a digital audio player. During off hours, load an mp3 player or iPod with playlists and podcasts for sustained, hands-free listening. If your truck doesn’t have an accesible audio input jack, connect your stereo to an mp3 player with an FM transmitter or a cassette adapter. If you’d prefer to let the professionals curate your listening, opt for satellite radio. Sirius XM offers hundred of channels: wonderfully curated music channels, sports shows, news programs, and exclusive content from musicians like Tom Petty and Bob Dylan. You can pick a subscription package suited to your tastes, started at $15 per month. Satellite radios are available in portable models, so you can listen in the truck, in the sleeping berth, or at home.

Power Inverter
A power inverter is the most important gadget of all. Plug a power inverter into your vehicle’s 12-volt system and you’ll be able to use standard electric plugs. Instead of purchasing car chargers for each device, you can power up your gadgets by plugging them into a power inverter. This is the gadget that enables all other gadgets. But be smart–power inverters are often designed with truckers in mind, and although we might need a lot of gadgets in a truck, it’s important not to overload a power inverter. Stick to three outlets or less.

Safety is extremely important in the truck driving industry. Van operators take on a very large amount of responsibility when operating a large vehicle. Not only are they responsible for a load of cargo, but also the safety of those around them on the roads. For that reason, truck drivers and van operators must undergo a comprehensive physical exam every other year to ensure that they’re fit to operate such a large vehicle.

The U.S. Department Of Transportation requires this exam before a commercial driver can be cleared to drive. The exam includes four parts: medical history, vision and hearing, blood pressure and urinalysis, and physical and neurological test.

During the medical history section of the exam, the physician asks about your medical history: injuries, surgeries, illnesses, medications you take, and habits such as smoking are all on the list of questions you’re asked.

The vision and hearing portion of the exam is a very important part of the exam, as good vision and hearing are imperative to driving any vehicle. To pass this part of the exam, you must have a field of vision for each eye of 70 degrees or more, and have at least 20/40 vision. You must also be able to distinguish colors, especially those used on traffic signs and signals. The hearing test just tests to see if you have any significant hearing loss.

The blood pressure and urinalysis portion of the exam ensure that your internal health is up to par. To be a driver, your blood pressure must be less than 140/90. It’s possible that you’ll pass the exam with pressures near this level, but you may only be cleared for 3 to 6 months or one year while you work on correcting it. The urinalysis tests for any abnormalities in your urine.

The physical and neurological section of the exam is similar to a normal physical, where the doctor checks all body systems and reflexes.

If you pass all sections of the exam, you’ll receive a copy of the results, and you may have it printed in card form. If everything went well, you’ll be good to go for 2 years before you need another exam.

View the U.S. Department of Transportation’s physical qualifications for drivers.

Image Credit: Alex E. Proimos

We’re proud of the caliber of van operators we bring on board at Suddath. It’s a very competitive environment for hiring, but we’re committed to finding the best of the best in the industry.

Many factors are considered in our search. We look for a van operator with a good driving record, background, and DOT record. Job history is important because we value stability and want to foster a career here at Suddath. Good money management skills are important, too, since we rely on owner operators to manage their business finances well. All these factors are weighed together to help us make the best decisions about hiring van operators and contracting with independent owner operators.

Beyond what we see on paper, our criteria must naturally include a high level of professionalism that can be demonstrated with our customers. Good communication skills, common courtesy, and a good temperament are traits we vigorously seek.

Our commitment to high standards attracts the best in the industry, as consistently shown in surveys we receive from customers after a move. It’s no wonder why so many of our van operators have won awards for great customer service and low claims.

Matt Gill

Van Operator Recruiter, Suddath

I’ve been a van operator with Suddath since 1997 and have seen the industry change in many ways. There was a time many years ago when you could practically go down the street, pick up two guys, put t-shirts on them and instantly have a crew. Not anymore, and that’s a good thing.

Background and security checks have changed the moving industry’s hiring practices.  I’m glad Suddath conducts their Five Star background check, for everyone’s safety. We can all feel much safer knowing our van operators and crew members passed the test.

I’m a retired police officer from Springfield, MA so that might explain why I feel the way I do about a person’s background. I retired young after being shot on duty. My dad had been a truck driver in Brooklyn, NY and I used to ride with him when I was younger. After retiring from the police force and moving to Florida, my mom said, “Why don’t you just go for your commercial license for the heck of it and get it under your belt?” I eventually bought a rig and became a van operator. You just never know what experiences in your life will make the difference between one career and another.

Fredo P., Suddath

If we’re ever accused of being preachy, it’s because we constantly preach that safety is most important. Safety at Suddath is a constant, daily mindset and it comes from the top of the organization. At a recent company meeting, our CEO said that if we are to become a leader in the industry, we need to excel at three things. Safety was first on the list and we demonstrate it by the investment we make in personnel and processes.

At other moving companies, you’ll often find only one person responsible for any area of safety, including DOT qualifications, keeping up with regulations, insurance, accidents, and the like. Many of our van operators have told us that when it came to safety issues at their former company, they were basically on their own.

We’re fortunate at Suddath to be able to divide our safety program into two distinct departments, allowing us to give van operators quicker and better attention. Our Risk Management department stays focused on OSHA compliance, insurance, accident prevention and resolution, and related areas.  I’m the manager of Safety and Fleet Services at Suddath. My department oversees safety issues related to van operator qualification processes, equipment quality, and ongoing van operator safety. The Risk Management department and Safety and Fleet Services work closely together to ensure the highest safety standards and training programs possible.

Last year, our two departments contributed to earning UniGroup’s Van Liners Excellence and Loss Prevention Award. We’ve won it five years in a row. We competed against all of the carriers in the UniGroup system and were graded in categories of defensive driving training, number of accidents, claims ratio, van operator safety briefings with crew, and other areas. It’s one more validation of our commitment to safety. We expect to win the award again this year.

Jeff Osburn, Manager of Safety and Fleet Services, Suddath

My first job with Suddath was as a receptionist. But I soon realized I wasn’t the office type and that I wanted a more physical job out in the field. I’ve been a packer now for 24 years.

Many years ago, my husband was a van operator with Suddath and that’s where I first learned about the moving business. I used to ride with him on trips, learning how to pack, move furniture, and load a van.

That experience eventually led to the receptionist job, but once a packer position opened up, I jumped at the chance to be out doing something more active than sitting at a desk. I have to say I was also happy to lose 25 pounds once I made the switch to packing. I occasionally work with crews loading furniture, but I mainly pack. My daughter works with me, too. We make a great team. She and I will often go into a home together and pack 150 to 200 cartons a day.

It’s nice not having to punch a clock. You might be done in the early afternoon or into the early evening, depending on the job. Once you’re in shape and used to the physical demands of the job, it’s easy to keep going. I worked until my eighth month of pregnancy years ago because I was already in shape and used to the work. As long as I was comfortable, I was fine. I’m sure I’ll do this for several more years before retiring.

Tammy V., Suddath

Your chance to win: Register to win a free oil change for your truck, courtesy of Suddath Relocation Systems.  We want to know how you have made your life on the road healthier.  All you have to do is submit your story for our “Life on the Road” or “Lifestyle Tips” section with ideas for staying healthy on the road.

How? Submit your story to kmurray@suddath.com along with your email and phone number, so we can reach you. If your story is chosen for our Drivers Room blog you will receive one free oil change.

When? Drawing for the winner will be made on April 30, 2012. We’ll contact the winner within a few days, and publish the winning blog entry on the Drivers Room site.

My dad was a Suddath van operator for many years. I followed in his footsteps and have been a van operator with Suddath since 2003. I started in household and then switched to commercial, doing mostly office and storage moves.

In commercial, you work a lot of nights and weekends. I know many drivers who don’t care for it. But I like commercial better than household and I don’t mind the schedule. With household, the inventory is more detailed because of the type of load. It’s also a more emotional move for the customer. With commercial, the customer’s concern isn’t so much about the furniture as it is about the computers. For computers, we shrink wrap and bubble wrap them, then load them into a computer cart and let the customer seal and lock it. At destination, the customer unlocks the cart just before we empty it. This is standard practice and it gives the customer confidence in our security and protection.

A customer’s biggest concern usually is about what happens at destination. When you’re moving 20 or 30 cubicles of items, they want to know everything will be clearly marked. I put in the extra effort to explain and show them how well everything is marked. We need that same assurance to do our job well and avoid any confusion at destination.

Carlos G., Suddath

My advice to make the move go smoother is to keep a positive attitude. Just try to get the customer to relax. People can be really uptight about moving and not everyone is moving for happy reasons.

The customer might be moving because of a job relocation. They’re naturally under stress because the company told them they have to move to keep their job. Their boss might be giving them only 60 days notice to move their family across the country. That can put people on edge before they even start packing.

When you think about it, you’re walking up to these people’s houses and they’ve never seen you before in their life. Now you’re responsible for protecting everything they own. Maybe their neighbor told them about a bad move they had. Plus, the person’s company most likely hired you, not the customer, so that can add to the tension. After about an hour of being with them and explaining things, you can get them to feel a lot more comfortable. Inexperience can make a customer feel anxious and I don’t blame them. I’d feel the same if a first time mover showed up at my house. I explain my years of experience. Some will say, “Well, if you’ve been around that long, you must know what you’re doing.” Crews might not have much experience, though, and are often still being trained. That can be a challenge if they’re asked about their experience. I coach my crew to say, “I’ve been with the company for a while.”

To protect myself from claims, I take the time needed during inventory to make careful notes on every item regarding existing scratches or damage. It can take four or five hours to do but it’s worth it. If I have the time and the customer is agreeable to it, I like to come a day ahead of the move and do inventory so that inventory won’t be rushed and moving day goes faster.

Brady B. Suddath

I agree with Mike about the freedom. When my three kids were young, I coached all three of their hockey teams. That let me spend more time with them then because business got busier in the summer. I’ll admit it wasn’t quite as easy as far as summer family vacations go. But I could take a lot of time in the winter for coaching and winter time vacations.

My kids are grown now. They are 29, 27 and 25. My daughter’s in her last year of nursing school. The boys are both police officers. I’m kind of proud, yeah. I did at least these three things right, I guess. My wife and I have been married 30 years. She’s smart and very understanding, especially about the holidays.

It takes a lot for me to miss Christmas with my family. Last year I left on Christmas day, right after the festivities. And I’ve slid in late on Christmas Eve and barely made it. Christmas is really the only holiday I care about. You just can’t plan your loads around every birthday or anniversary or activity. It’s just not going to happen. But big things like a birth, that’s different. When my wife was pregnant, I took the ninth month off and a couple more weeks after the baby was born. I took a few days off when my grandson was born, too. How could I miss that?

 Tom C., Barrett