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TRIP PLANNING AND JOURNEY MANAGEMENT

SAFTEY FIRST / Post date:
27 May 2020

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Trip Planning and Journey Management

Trip planning and journey management are essential processes for professional truck drivers to address transportation-related safety risks and to improve upon on-time deliveries. 


Research conducted by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) points to human error as the cause of nearly 94% of all serious crashes. By using proper trip planning and journey management tools, drivers may be able to reduce the risk of being involved in a serious crash that involves driver error. 


A well-planned trip can positively impact a driver’s stress level, profitability, safety, reliability, and reputation. On the other hand, bad or no trip planning can have a negative impact in the same areas. 


Proper trip planning and journey management can help a driver to avoid: 

  • Running out of fuel or losing time searching for a fuel station
  • Difficulty in finding a rest stop for breaks, meals, and overnight parking especially with the current patchwork of state and local requirements in response to COVID-19
  • Hours-of-service issues due to taking the wrong route or searching for delivery sites
  • Safety concerns from being stressed, fatigued, or speeding to make up for lost time

 

Effective trip planning essentials should include:

  • Use of navigation software or mobile applications; consider multiple sources such as trucking GPS, trucking atlas, etc. 
  • Locating essential services such as repair shops, fuel stations, and truck stops for meals and rest breaks
  • Planning for where you will take breaks and where you will park overnight; consider back-up options 
  • Planning for delays caused by heavy traffic, bad weather, accidents, and slow traffic; if you expect the unexpected, you won’t be as stressed about it
  • Reviewing the weather forecast and continuing to listen for updates 
  • Carrying food and essential supplies in case you have a mechanical breakdown or are stuck along the roadway for other reasons

 

Remember, trip planning and journey management don’t stop when you finally arrive at your destination. A delivery site may be congested and have confusing or no signage to direct drivers. Research your destination so you know the entrances and exits, dock areas, receiving areas, etc.

 

Always remember… safety first!

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