June 20, 2024

How to prepare for your first cadence:

advice from experienced truckers who graduated from our driving school

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The first international trip can be a real challenge for a driver. Your comfort and safety on the road, as well as successful navigation from point A to point B, depend on how well you prepare. We talked to our graduates and learned about proven rules for preparing for a long-distance trip.

Money and Documents

This is the most important point that you should pay attention to. On any trip, you must have the following documents:

– Passport with work visa
– Pink (red) paper. Driver Qualification Card
– Code 95
– Employment contract
– Driver’s license with CE category
– Medical certificates
– Psychological tests
– ADR certificate for dangerous goods transportation
– Written ADR instructions in a language understood by the driver when transporting dangerous goods
– Blank European accident report forms
– Blank CMR forms
– Spare tachograph paper rolls
– Maps
– Road toll devices, fuel payment
– Fuel cards (for Switzerland)

IMPORTANT! We also recommend getting medical insurance that covers the European Union territory and will protect you and your loved ones from unexpected financial expenses in case of accidents or illness.

Regarding finances, you should always have both cash (can be in euros) and money on cards to cover fuel, food, and unexpected situations.

“Bread is the basis of everything.”

Proper nutrition on the road is key to well-being and high concentration. More experienced colleagues recommend taking, besides basic food items (in one of our videos, we showed what drivers buy, where they store, and how they prepare food), these items that will definitely come in handy during the trip:

– Snacks. Nuts, dried fruits, and bars that don’t spoil and are easy to consume on the go. They provide a quick source of energy. They are also ideal as light snacks and help combat drowsiness while driving.
More details here:____

– Canned foods. Canned meat and fish are excellent choices for quick and filling meals. Instant foods. Noodles and packet soups are easy to prepare since you’ll always have access to hot water.

– Beverages. Pack enough drinking water, as well as tea or coffee to stay alert.

– Fruits. Apples and bananas are perfect as snacks, they stay fresh for long and satisfy hunger well. You can’t live on pasta alone!

Clothes make the man

Hygiene on the road is a matter of comfort and health. You should always have the following essentials with you: a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and deodorant. Next on the list are a towel and wet wipes. They will help you stay fresh throughout the journey. All other items are optional; just take whatever you use on a daily basis. The driver’s emotional state can significantly affect their ability to make quick and correct decisions. Emotions such as anger or frustration can lead to aggressive driving, which increases the likelihood of road accidents. To maintain emotional stability, it is recommended that you:

It may sound obvious, but we’ll still emphasize trip clothing: it should be comfortable – one, warm for cold weather – two, and you must have a raincoat or windbreaker in your arsenal. And you must have shoes with hard toes; without them, you have no business being in the warehouse, and they might not even let you in.

P.S. If your employer hasn’t provided you with a helmet and safety glasses, be sure to remind them about it! Or buy your own higher quality ones.

Caring for your vehicle

Taking care of your vehicle is just as important as taking care of yourself. First, make sure your navigation system is updated and includes current European maps. Second, have a set of spare bulbs, fuses, and a basic tool kit that might be necessary for minor roadside repairs. And of course, don’t forget the emergency warning triangle, fire extinguisher, and reflective vest for safety in emergency situations.

IMPORTANT! Let’s focus on pre-trip inspection.
Thoroughly inspect the vehicle before each departure. Pay special attention to the transmission, fifth wheel coupling, electronic systems, and tachograph. Engine diagnostics, brake system inspection, and air leak checks are necessary.

Also, be sure to check and replace if necessary the engine oil, filters, and other technical fluids. Verify the integrity of the tires and ensure tire pressure meets standards.

Cabin comfort and vehicle order are also very important. Remember that regular cleaning and washing of the truck not only helps maintain order but also makes pre-trip inspection easier.

First Aid Kit

The first aid kit should contain medicines for common ailments and first aid supplies. Be sure to include painkillers, stomach remedies, antihistamines. And don’t forget bandages and antiseptics for treating wounds and scratches.

Stay Connected to Earth, Not Space

Not everyone has superpowers, so we recommend double-checking your chargers before departure, and take a Power Bank with you. Since your phone and tablet are your connection to at least the company’s logistics manager. And you can’t go anywhere without navigation.

What else?

Experienced drivers often take e-readers for leisure, download audiobooks and podcasts, as internet isn’t good everywhere. Household items for clothing repair (needle and thread will help).

How you prepare for the trip is how it will go. Good luck on European roads!