We all know how rewarding being a trucker can be. . . the freedom, independence, and the wide open road full of changing scenery. What more could you ask for? But it can also be a dangerous business.

The following, in no particular order, is a list of the top five hazards the average trucker might face in the course of his or her job. Don‘t despair, though. We’ll point you in the direction for more information on how to avoid those dangers so your travels are smooth and stress is reduced to a minimum!

The most common question I’m asked by my consulting clients (read that ‘small motor carriers’) is, “How do I grow my company?”

Being the newbie trucker can sometimes be hard, from learning how to acquire your CDL license to actually getting behind the wheel and delivering your first load. Are there any unspoken rules you need to know? Any tips for being more efficient in getting to and fro your destination? Yes and yes. Read on for the best advice we can jam into one blog post on how to adjust to the trucker’s lifestyle.

The most important skill a trucker must possess when it comes to finding and ultimately selecting a load is communication: the art of asking questions.

The biggest mistake many truckers make when doing load research is asking the wrong questions to brokers, shippers. Here is a list of incorrect questions:

You should never be cavalier about your personal safety at truck stops, and that applies to both men and women drivers.

Can YOU say that you’ve logged 25-plus accident and injury free years as a truck driving professional, as well as over 1.25 million miles behind the wheel?

When we discuss ‘niche’ hauling we are not advocating a “put all your eggs in one basket approach”. Spreading your risk is still the best idea. Just don’t spread yourself too thin by trying to haul for too many customers, in too large of an area. Alternatively, don’t haul for just one customer. The rule still applies: No more than 25 to 30% of your total revenue should come from a single source. This is very important in today’s economy, as even the largest companies can be affected by the sudden turns in the market they serve.

It is easy -- too easy -- to choose to eat fast or convenience food on the road. Come on, admit it. You do it quite frequently. With all of the reports about the occupational health hazards that commonly afflict truckers -- obesity being one of the top concerns -- managing your diet should rank as equally as important as ensuring your delivery arrives on time. It is one of the most controllable ways to keep your health in check.

How well does your GPS system work for you? Does it help you navigate the highways with ease and efficiency, or does your device lead you astray or is just plain unreliable?

Niche Hauling: a geographic area, commodity, particular service, unique method, or specialized market for which a small trucking company is best suited.