Long distance delivery jobs: whether you love them or not, if you’re in the business of haulage work, you’ll most likely have to do them on a regular basis. So, whatever your personal feelings towards them may be (and it’s a pretty safe bet that if you’re a haulier, you actually probably do enjoy this kind of work), they’re inevitable – so why not make them as comfortable and classy as you can?
Below is a list of some of the most lux, deluxe and, as boring as it may sound, practical creature comforts you can add to your HGV – after all, don’t you both deserve it?
Killer Cuisine
If you think that long distance haulage work has to be all about fast food, takeaways and petrol station snacks, it’s time to think again. Bring a slow cooker along with you so that you can easily cook for yourself while on the road without having to do very much at all. Stock up on some veggies and meat, throw them in the slow cooker and your meal will make itself as you drive! Not only is it a healthier option than always eating out, it’ll also taste better (because no matter how hard you try, you can’t beat home cooked).
Easy Entertainment
Mandatory rest periods are a good thing, but they can also be a little lonely on your own. The solution? Stay connected! Invest in a mobile wireless internet hotspot so that you don’t have to rely on the WiFi at truck stops (because sadly it’s not very reliable) to chat with your family and friends back home on your break. If you’re more into movies than surfing the web, consider purchasing a mobile satellite dish so you can watch all your favourite shows wherever you are.
Appealing Accessories
This section quite likely isn’t what you might initially think – it’s not all about cool shades and funky hats. Okay, we lied, it’s partially about cool shades, but not just for fashion reasons. Buying a quality pair of polarising sunglasses protects your eyes from the sun, as well as preventing eyestrain, headaches and fatigue… all things you’ll want to avoid while on the road for hours at a time.
It also doesn’t hurt to keep a first aid kit on hand. If the company you do haulage work for has already supplied your lorry with one (and they should), make sure you take a look at it before you go driving off into the sunset – because many times the standard one isn’t quite up to scratch. Having a quality kit readily available will ensure you’re prepared for anything – even if it’s just getting a papercut that won’t stop bleeding in the middle of nowhere.
Just because you’ve chosen a career in haulage work that keeps you on the road with long distance delivery jobs, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have all the comforts of home. Whether it’s a tasty meal or electronic entertainment, decking out your HGV is always a good idea.
Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage work with available drivers, and is now the fastest growing Freight Exchange in the UK.
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