Long haul trucking in Quebec is a job unlike any other in the world. Some people might see it as just another driving job, where sitting behind the wheel for hours a day might seem easy or even dull—but long haul truckers know that transporting cargo across long distances is anything but easy and dull!
The fact of the matter is that not just anyone can be a long haul trucker—it takes the right mindset, honed skills and refined experience on the road to succeed. And, when it comes to carrying cargo that’s precious, expensive or even irreplaceable, these are the same values sought after by companies hiring trucking services.
What’s it like in the mind of a long haul trucker? It’s more than just paying attention to the speed limit or navigating a route—take a look at what truckers have to face each and every day that they’re on the road:
Cargo requirements: First and foremost when it comes to long haul trucking in Quebec, is the cargo. The cargo is tremendously important to understand, as it plays a vital role in the transport process. Is it hazardous material that could be dangerous if mishandled? Is there a weight issue to be taken into consideration? Knowing the cargo like the back of your hand is imperative as a driver because, for the short time that you’re on the road, it’s entirely your responsibility.
Timelines and timeliness: Much of a long haul trucker’s job is time management. First and foremost, there’s the timeline set down by the owners of the freight you’re hauling. Second, there’s the timeline that coincides with your driving schedule—stopping appropriately to rest and eat. Finally, there’s the timeline that inevitably comes with the road: road closings, bad traffic and the like, which forces you to adapt. At the end of the day, a good long haul trucker is going to learn how to balance these timelines to ensure that they come in on time, every time.
Awareness on the road: When’s the last time you drove something that had more than four wheels and weighed several tons? Chances are, unless you’re a trucker, the answer to that question is: not often. Truckers have a tremendous amount of awareness that develops over years of driving big rigs—knowing the blind spots, understanding the maintenance and repair needs of a truck and most importantly, knowing what needs to be done in the event of an emergency or tight situation. Not just anyone can pilot a flatbed or other hauling vehicle!
It might not seem like long haul trucking in Quebec is very difficult or exciting, but the truth is that it’s both! With different cargo going to different places every day, the life of a trucker is one that’s filled with adventure, responsibility and sometimes, uncertainty. What truly sets a trucker apart from other drivers—or even other blue-collar workers—is their ability to consistently come through and get from point A to point B reliably and responsibly.