Haulage Work Can Be Tough – So Make Life on the Road Easier

It takes a special type of person to be a truck driver. Haulage work means long hours on the road, days away from home and the family, infrequent naps, and sporadic access to shower facilities. These factors – plus the demands of a tight schedule – all combine to make the driver’s life a tough one.

This is not to say that life as a haulier can’t be satisfying. Drivers get to traverse some fantastically beautiful routes – both nationally and internationally – and meet great people along the way. But even so, why not try to make life just a little bit easier?

We’ve put together a list of just a few products that will make your job easier – and maybe even bring a smile to your face.

Mobile Fuel Tank

This device doesn’t carry fuel for your truck, but fuel for your mobile. We’ve all experienced the inconvenience of running out of battery at a moment when we really need our mobiles. This small, micro-USB charger shaped like a jerry can give you up to 60 minutes talk time. It fits on your key chain ready to fuel your connection to the world.

Made by Devotec, you’ll find the “Fuel 2” on their site. Available for Android and iPhone.

The Ultimate On-the-Go Coffee Cup

Let’s face it: being able to drink a good cup of coffee while on the road isn’t a luxury – it’s essential. This next device is the key to making an excellent cup of coffee in your cab. Specially designed for haulage work, this coffee machine plugs into your 24v outlet. Drop in a coffee capsule (any brand) and within minutes you’ll have a steaming cup of coffee.

Stay Fresh and Clean

Waterless Hygiene brings us two great products for those times when you’re feeling dirty and grimy but don’t have anywhere to take a quick shower. They have developed a range of waterless wash solutions made for hauliers including large pre-moistened wipes, wash mittens, and a waterless shower cap that lets you cleanse the dirt and grease from your hair.

Just put the cap over your hair and massage away for a couple of minutes. The cap releases a special solution of shampoo and conditioner that leaves you feeling fresh and clean.

The “Waterless Wash Mitts” are another great idea. They come in a pack of four and just one is enough to give yourself a full body wash.

Go to www.equipwaterlesswash.com to find out more.

Scale Model Trucks

Lots of drivers are proud of the vehicles they drive for their haulage work, and justifiably so. They take time and effort to ensure that their vehicles stay in good condition, look professional, and have small extras that make a huge difference. Many drivers even have a scale model of their truck at home.

Search-Impex produces excellent, die-cast scale models of many different trucks and vehicles – some even in British hauliers’ liveries. One outstanding example is their 1:50 drawbar Scania “Topline R560 6x2” with a two-axle box trailer. The model comes in the livery of Matthew James Removals & Storage. It’s a limited edition but don’t worry, even if it’s sold out there are many more to choose from.

Mount Your Mobile on the Dash

Having your mobile close at hand when on the road is vital. You need to stay in contact with the office, the client, and your family. But groping around in the glove compartment or on the passenger seat is dangerous. That’s why you need one of these Tallon Systems dashboard mounts for your mobile phone.

Tallon has developed a unique dashboard mount for HGV and light commercial vehicles that fits neatly into your truck’s switch banks or knock-out panels and provide charging solutions for two devices. No special tools are needed to install the units and, once in place, they’re as strong as the dash itself.

For more information and to purchase, go to www.tallonsystems.com.

XTS Sun Core Sunglasses

The UK isn’t exactly renowned for its sunny weather, but when you’re on the road you need to protect your eyes from the sun’s glare, and these new sunglasses from Sportzviz do the job! Providing 100% UVA and UVB protection, these excellent sunglasses can also be purchased with patented prescription “inzerts” so that haulage work is even safer.

Shine Light on the Problem

It’s late at night, dark, and you have to make a small repair to your truck. But with a torch in one hand and a tool in the other, it’s just too difficult. Ring Automotive have the solution with their unique, magnetic LED light that lights up automatically when attached to any conductive metal. Perfect for fixing to a spanner or screwdriver, the two LEDs have a battery life of 8 hours.

Keep Your Truck Clean

If you’re proud of your truck, you want to make sure it looks good and is clean. The Kleers portable 12v Jetwash is the answer. This versatile unit can be run from the mains, its own 1q2V battery or even from a 12v power outlet. With a detachable 17-litre water tank, now you can wash your truck and keep it spic and span all the time.
With the right tools, any job becomes a little easier. Check out some of these clever products when you’re preparing for your next long journey on the road.