At the beginning of every year you will find a lot of talk on goal-setting, health, fitness and organization. This is because many feel that the beginning of the year is the best time to start new programs. If you’re a driver, and have been struggling with getting rid of clutter in your life, maybe you need to start where it will help you most – in the truck.

The best place to start organizing is in the place that you spend the most time. For most Drivers that would be that cab-space, also known as “the home away from home” or “the office”. Due to the fact that we spend so much time in that place, it can quickly become a dumping spot. Everything we require when we are away and use on a daily basis share that same space. After a while that space can become very full to a point where it is no longer the most efficient place to be. Yet as a Driver you have to be there. If you add a team operation to the mix, you can imagine how much stuff can be in your truck.

In my past experience of driving and being in supervisory positions I have found that Drivers can lose out due to bad organization or inefficiency. I have seen Drivers not get paid for paperwork because they lost important documents. I have also seen logbook violations because people have not been able to find their logbook in the mess of their truck. When the glove compartment of your truck is so full you can’t see inside, it is hard to update your trip permits. We have all seen trucks that are just a mess and you have to wonder how anyone is productive in that type of environment. So how will cleaning the truck help you get organized?

The best way to think about the truck is to think of it as different sections: First clean it out entirely throwing out anything you don’t need. Give it a good wipe-down throughout and try to get it as close as you can to that new truck feel that we all like. This is also a good time to handle any repairs that have gone by the wayside. Now when you begin to put back the stuff you need, think of the truck based on how you use it. The Driver’s area is the most important area, so set it up with everything within range that you will need while driving. Communications, permits, logbooks, bill of landings, maps and the like should all be in the range of the Driver’s seat. Not so you can use them while in motion, but so that you don’t have to get out of the seat to check directions and other small needs. The passenger area may be a secondary work area or storage area for work items. The sleeper unit is your living quarters and should not have any work related items in it. Make the space as comfortable as possible and use it as a place to relax or sleep. Use under the bunk storage for emergency and maintenance needs.

Organizing your space can increase your efficiency, give you a renewed sense of accomplishment and give you a better mindset towards your working environment.

About the Author

Bruce Outridge has been in the transportation industry for over 30 years and is the author of the books Driven to Drive and Running by the Mile.