Operating a commercial vehicle requires a great deal of skill, focus, attention. However, between complying with Hours of Service rules and regulations, getting caught up in detention at a shipper or receiver, routine or unforeseen maintenance, a change of plans due to weather or road conditions, or other, there are extended periods when you are not driving and find yourself with some downtime. For example, maybe you show up at a receiver but are required to wait for up to nearly five hours to unload. Or, you've hit your 34-hour reset and need to spend the next day and a half off the road. Regardless of the reason, time spent off the road can be frustrating to you as a driver, especially as you typically only get paid for the time while your truck is in motion. However, downtime provides an opportunity to see the glass half full, and really take advantage of the time given to you to channel the energy you would have spent on. driving, into something else.
We've compiled a list of 9 practical and free or low-cost ways to make the most of your downtime when you are not driving. Whether it's listening to an audiobook, watching a feel-good show, or picking up a new hobby, there are so many things to explore. Please remember to never engage in any activity that would distract you from safe driving.
1. Get Hooked on a book or Podcast
Whether printed or virtual, reading a book is always worthwhile. Audiobooks and podcasts, specifically, are gaining more popularity with truck drivers due to the ease and convenience of listening. Both offer an escape to the listener, to get engrossed in the story or the information shared. For audiobooks, in particular, there are thousands of titles and authors from which you can browse, from classics, to biographies, to crime mysteries, and more. You can select a title by your favorite author or explore something new and get completely engrossed in a story. Here is a list of ways to listen to audiobooks for free on your phone or tablet. One popular option is the Libby App, which is available for iPhone Libby, by OverDrive on the App Store (apple.com) or Android Libby, by OverDrive - Apps on Google Play enables you to borrow audiobooks from your local library and listen to them with your smartphone while you're relaxing. It requires logging into your local library and lending the book you wish.
Similarly, podcasts are free digital audio files and another great option to make the most of downtime. They are typically shorter than audiobooks and come in a series, similar to a TV show. There is a podcast for every topic you can imagine, from current events to celebrity gossip, to practical tips and advice, to crime mysteries. Schneider provides a list of the most popular podcasts for truck drivers Top 11 podcasts for truck drivers, recommended by truck drivers. And, if you want to broaden your topic beyond trucking, you may be inspired by this list of the 20 Most Popular Podcasts in America Right Now.
2. Re-Watch Your Favorite Movies or Shows
Re-watching your favorite movies and shows is another excellent source of entertainment. It can also serve as an escape from the scenario in which you find yourself, especially as we know that much of life on the road is stressful and unpredictable. When you have some time on your hands, browse streaming services such as Netflix or Amazon Prime to find something interesting. Or, even if it's not something you've watched before, try something new. At any rate, movies and shows are a guaranteed way to pass the time and get a little relaxation in there as well.
3. Continue your education with a free online course
There is a myriad of free and interesting online resources - also known as Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). The content is pre-recorded, meaning that it's available to you whenever you want them. Similar to audiobooks and podcasts, there is every topic under the sun from which to choose, including varying levels, lengths, and languages. You can find courses from accredited institutions such as Yale, Harvard, and MIT and utilize them to continue your education - whether you are going for an online degree or simply just to learn. Coursera, EdX and Udemy are just three of the many reputable sites. You can know more about them and others here, and then start digging in! The only problem you'll have is wanting more time to keep learning.
4. Move Your Body
Take advantage of the downtime by exercising! With so much time spent in a sedentary position in the driver's seat, it's essential to move your body whenever you can. And you don't need to have a full hour to do this. Even 15 or 30 minutes is enough for a quick walk around your truck or for a simple workout. You can utilize any space you find, whether inside or outside of your truck. Many workout routines for truck drivers are online. Some drivers like to keep hand weights or exercise bands accessible, but there are many routines you can do that do not require any equipment at all. Try starting with one that's easy and simple, such as 6 Easy Exercises for Truckers | Advanced Career Institute. Just moving your body will work wonders!
5. Cook a New Recipe
Learning to cook is a great skill to have in and out of your truck. Many of today's trucks have refrigerators, microwaves, and/or electric stoves. If yours is not, you can invest in these appliances to up your cooking game. Why not get inspired to try out a new recipe? If you're sensing where you can find inspiration, you've guessed it right - online! There are so many recipes of varying levels of difficulty, time and ingredients required. The Food Network's Easy Recipes, Healthy Eating Ideas and Chef Recipe Videos | Food Network is a trusted source to start with for learning to make delicious dishes both on the road and at home. YouTube is also a popular source to find recipes and watch how-to videos for every type of cuisine and diet worldwide. Have fun and get creative with this process! You can even video your friends and family off the road in and enjoy the meal together.
6. Practice Writing
Life on the road lends itself well to unique experiences, including meeting interesting people and seeing interesting things. You can write about them using a pen and notebook, on a tablet, or laptop computer. All you need to do is open to a fresh page and start recording anything that comes to mind. If you would like some more formal training on writing, you can begin with Writer's Digest. You can learn the basics first, and if you're enjoying writing, you can advance to deeper practices. WD has all the information you need in order to take on this new hobby in no time and truly enjoy it.
7. Explore the World of Photography
If you have a smartphone, chances are you also have a camera. You may already have a working knowledge of photography techniques just from taking photos with your phone. If you are interested in photography, why not be intentional about taking more of them and learn a new skill? You can create your own travelogue by taking pictures of interesting places, things, and people and maybe even complement your writing. Photography for Beginners (The Ultimate Guide in 2022) (expertphotography.com) is a good place to start. Whatever you're interested in you can share with photos. You could even upload photos of your travels on social media or to a shared private album with family and friends to invite others into your talent.
8. Learn to Play a Musical Instrument
Perhaps you have a knack for music or have always wondered what it takes to play an instrument. Many musical instruments are small enough to travel with you in your truck. If you choose one that you're interested in, you could keep it in your truck and learn to play it. Two that could work nicely are the harmonica and trumpet. What's great about a harmonica is that it can fit in your pocket and travel anywhere outside of your truck with you, too. Numerous lessons are available on YouTube like Beginner Blues C Harmonica Lesson offering easy-to-follow instructions for starting out. Learning the harmonica online offers much instruction and the internet is full of videos to watch. Learning visually allows you to feel as close to in-person as possible. Take a look and find something that looks engaging to you.
9. Add a New Language to Your Skillset
No different than taking up photography or learning to play a musical instrument, you can learn a new language during your time away from driving. Again, you called it - there's an app for that. Duolingo is a free service offering over 30 different languages. Reviews state that it is an effective way to learn and a fun and engaging one. Commit to mastering the basics of a new language or becoming more proficient in another. You never know how increased language skills can help you someday.
We hope these ideas and resources help you make what can be a frustrating and uncontrollable situation enjoyable and worthwhile. Finding activities that fuel your soul can energize you to be the best version of yourself both on and off the road.
There are countless other ways to make the most of your downtime. What are your suggestions? Share with us in the comments below!