Life on the road can be hard: The isolation, the physical demands of driving great distances  and staying alert for countless hours (and sometimes days) at a time, the constant urgency of being able to get from point A to point B safely and on time…being a trucker takes a toll on you mentally, emotionally, and especially physically. According to a 2014 survey by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, 69 percent of long-haul truck drivers were obese, and 17 percent were morbidly obese. All of that sitting, driving and eating makes it easy for truckers to pack on the pounds. We at Reliable Permit Solutions know how hard it is to keep yourself in shape when you drive for a living, and we suggested several ways for you to keep healthy while on the road in our November 2017 post. One of the tips we gave was [...]

No matter what vehicle you take out on the road, a driver must never fail to be mindful and attentive. A truck driver however must be twice as mindful and attentive for transporting heavy cargo is no easy task. Remember to give complete focus on your job and apply these tips: Look Ahead More than keeping your eyes on the road, you should also look as far ahead as you possibly can. Try to anticipate possible incoming trouble. Look out for cars or for anything unusual.  Keep in mind that whatever is on the road up ahead can be a potential problem to deal with. Look for Escape Routes You should be constantly aware of your surroundings. When driving, it is a good idea to look for escape routes in case you would need to avoid anything. Constantly be alert on what are on the two sides of your truck [...]

At Reliable Permit Solutions, we know how important it is to deliver right on schedule, perhaps even early. Setting your standards high for yourself can present you with many opportunities from your dispatcher as well as the from the customers you serve. Whether you know it or not, if you’re a trucker, you’re in competition with every other trucker on the road, even those from your own fleet. Why? Because being reliable, agreeable, and patient is a hot commodity, and every trucker should learn to have these qualities. Complaining and Griping Something you might come across if you’re new to trucking (or something you might experience yourself, if you let it) is complaints about dispatchers and certain routes, complaints about schedules and difficult customers, complaints about certain jobs… The list goes on and on. Just like any job, people will find something to complain about. But trucking can be one [...]

Trucking is an industry with a with a surprising amount of mystery surrounding it. What’s it like being on the road for such long periods? What is a trucker’s free time like? How demanding is the driving? There’s a lot that the general public doesn’t about the trucking world, and given how much the team at Reliable Permit Solutions helps enable the industry we thougth we would shed some light on some of the mystery. Trucking Can Be Health Challenging You might not expect it from a career based solely on driving, but trucking can be very challenging to one’s health. Alongside the natural risk of vehicle accidents, truckers often have a difficult time getting to the doctor at regular intervals. These and other factors make actually make trucking among the most dangerous jobs in the country. It’s A Populous Industry While it’s easy to look at an office full [...]

If you’re new to truck driving, you might be surprised how difficult it can be to stay fit. Regardless, in most cases new drivers have to pass a DOT physical in order to begin truck driving school. All truckers are also required to pass a DOT physical exam before beginning any truck driving job and every two years. A DOT physical will determine if you are physically able to perform your duties while out on the road. From Reliable Permit Solutions, here is some information about DOT physicals and how to pass them. Prior Health Information The purpose of the DOT physical is to ensure the health and well-being of the CDL holder as well as the other drivers he or she will share the road with. Your DOT physical will begin by reviewing your personal information and medical history. You should state whether you have any conditions such as [...]

The trucker lifestyle is a unique one, taking truckers all over the country, sometimes from one side to the other in very short periods. Like industrial jobs, it involves powerful heavy equipment that comes with certain risks. One of our responsibilities at Reliable Permit Solutions is helping to reduce those risks, and we do that by more than just getting permits handled quickly and efficiently. We are very interested in the safety of all the truck drivers out there, and to help new ones prepare for the road we’ve assembled a few helpful tips for staying safe. Invest in sunglasses Glare can be a major hazard on the road, and it doesn’t just happen in the summer. It can cause trouble for any driver, but much more so for someone behind the wheel of a big rig. Get yourself a good pair of sunglasses that can handle the glare and [...]

At Reliable Permit Solutions, we can help you get your trucking permits fast. We specialize in Overweight/Oversize permits, trip permits, fuel permits, and super loads. In addition, we offer route consulting, pilot cars, and rate quotes. With over 25 years of experience in the industry, we take pride in being the most knowledgeable and courteous permit agents in the industry, and we offer personalized service tailored to every customer. If you need our services, feel free to call us today at 888-949-4220 or visit us online at ReliablePermitSolutions.com. Here at our blog, we’ll keep you updated with what’s going on at our company and in the world of trucking and the open road. Be sure to check back often for the latest news.