How truck drivers can save money on the road
Truck drivers can spend upwards of $1000 on work-related expenses monthly. Things like finding fuel, food, and places to rest can take a heavy toll on the finances if not properly managed. There are many drivers that struggle as they try to keep money in the bank and feel satisfied while working.
It takes time to learn the best tips out there for saving money. Here a few secrets drivers have learned for saving cash on the road.
Cook Your Own Food
The average driver spends $5-$50 a day just on food alone! There are some things that can be done to help with this; some drivers have started to bring appliances along for the ride such as electric coolers, small grilles, and even refrigerators!
Cooking for yourself isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but it can be a rewarding and tasty experience. Other drivers or their spouses will make all their food before they even leave home. You can meal prep and heat up your food on the road, or you can keep it simple and grill fresh foods.
When you take care of things beforehand, you’ll have less to worry about while you’re on the job.
Keep a Large Container For Beverages
Drivers spend an astonishing amount of money on beverages. They only cost a couple of bucks, but that can stack up fast if you aren’t careful. Some drivers have begun to carry large water containers with them.
Some gas stations and truck stops offer discounts when you bring your own cup. One big cup could save you hundreds of dollars if you remember to use it every time.
Prepare Yourself For The Route
The better prepared you are, the less reasons there are to open that door. Pre-trip planning can save cash by selecting the best routes. Go to the grocery store before you leave. Make a menu for yourself and bring all or most of what you will need to keep yourself sustained.
You’ll want to think about construction delays, detours and rush hours in big cities. By avoiding slower zones with planning, you’ll save cash in fuel usage. A little preparation goes a long way. If you follow the steps above, your money saving efforts will not go unrewarded.
Stay in the Truck
Keep your stops to a minimum and try to get everything you need in one stop. Try to have everything you’re going to need while driving within arm’s reach so you won’t have to stop to get something you already have.
Have a few snacks and some water on hand to get you through in between meals. This is one of the best ways to protect your wallet while traveling. The more you stay in your truck, the more money you’ll save.
Fuel Point Rewards
There is no way around having to pay for fuel along the ride. No fuel means you might as well have an anchor tied to your truck, because you’re not going anywhere. While there is no way to get around buying fuel, there most certainly are ways to save money while doing so.
Some truck stops, like Loves for example, offer fuel reward perks, and this can save you a lot of money in the long run. The reward programs are free to sign up for. Just ask your truck stop if they have a rewards program and then you’ll be all set!
These are some great ways to keep costs down. Even if you follow only one of these steps, it can add up to save you a couple hundred dollars a month. If you follow all of them, you’re looking at around $1000 extra dollars in your pocket, where it belongs.
The fuel perks can keep your ride going, and your new truck pantry will keep you fed and ready for the next journey. Properly prepare; plan your stops for where your reward program is, get your supplies in order, bring plenty of water, and you can keep that door closed until you get where you’re going. Save that money and spend it on the things that really matter.