It’s important to keep your truck clean. Everyone notices a nice, clean truck, especially shippers and receivers. When drivers make the effort to ensure that their trucks are well kept, customers notice this and are more likely to do business with that company.
The benefits of keeping the exterior of your truck clean go beyond just having a nice-looking truck on the road. Dirt, road salt, and debris can all contribute to rust and corrosion, causing early wear and tear and requiring costly repairs. Drivers also believe that the DOT is less likely to perform lengthy, full inspections on trucks that look clean and tidy. Regular cleaning and maintenance of the engine and air filters also help to extend the life of the truck. When it comes to selling your truck, a well-maintained, clean rig is going to have a higher value than one that has been neglected.
It’s not just the exterior of your truck that should be cleaned. Studies indicate that a messy, cluttered workplace lowers productivity; cluttered space often leads to a cluttered mind, causing stress and poor performance. The cab of a truck is no different. It’s the driver’s workspace and often their homes during the week for OTR drivers. Keeping things neat and tidy will help drivers keep an open, clear head that’s ready for the challenges of the job. Besides just clutter, keeping the interior disinfected or sanitized regularly will keep mold, bacteria, pollen, and viruses at bay, improving driver health.
Making cleanliness a part of your regular routine is a great way to make sure this gets done.
- Spend at least 30 minutes a week organizing and cleaning; windows, sweeping, dusting
- Bed linens should be washed every two weeks. Once a month is too long!
- At least once a month, do a deep clean that includes scrubbing the floor and upholstery with warm water and detergent
- Discard any unnecessary items as more clutter is harder to keep organized
Your truck is a reflection of you as a driver and the company as a whole. Keep it clean to project that image of professionalism and show you have pride in your job.