Focus

Dry van truckloads can take you on long trips across the country, so a high degree of focus is essential. Not only do you have to be aware of your surroundings, but you have to maintain the same level of focus for hours at a time. Do your best by eliminating any form of distraction before you drive.

Organization

Truck drivers have other responsibilities besides driving a truck. Part of the job of a dry van driver requires filling out documentation and then maintaining those documents. It's important that you are good at keeping the documents like the shipper's confirmation and proof of delivery for each load organized. By law, truck drivers have to maintain their load records for up to 3 years.

Scheduling

Many industries rely on dry van trucking to meet production schedules. This means that proper planning and time management are essential for anyone who wants to sit behind the wheel. As a driver, you need to be efficient at planning your break time, meals, and route to ensure that you get your load to your customers safely and on time.

Mechanical knowledge

Driving long miles puts a lot of stress on your equipment. Inevitably there will be breakdowns, flat tires, and other mechanical issues while you're on the road. It's always beneficial for drivers to maintain a working knowledge of the equipment they operate. That way, when something does happen, you have the ability to find the problem, get help, and get back on the road as quickly as possible.

Load Securement

As a shipper, it's your responsibility to load the trailer. But as a driver, it's your responsibility to ensure it's safe to handle the rigors of the road. It's beneficial for dry van drivers to have a knowledge of load securement, weight distribution in a trailer, and strapping to ensure safe transit.