Truck Driving in the City - The Complete Guide

Truck driving in the city environment can be downright intimidating. Multi-lane highways, aggressive motorists, rush hour traffic, and restricted routes are a few of the many perils truck drivers face on a daily basis. However, big cities are an unavoidable part of a trucker’s life on the road and being able to safely navigate them is a critical truck driver skill to have.
Many loads originate in or are destined for large metropolitan areas, and even if they’re not, chances are you’ll have to travel through at least one major city while on route to your destination.
Tips to Drive a Truck in Major Cities
The city environment presents some unique challenges for truck drivers. The roadways become more complex, with multiple lanes and even variable speed limits in some cities. Traffic is heavier and motorists are more aggressive, which adds up to a higher chance for accidents to occur. Subsequently, there is a greater need for truck drivers to take additional steps to ensure their safety and the well-being of others while operating in a big city, for example:
· Plan Ahead
‍The first rule of trucking, “plan ahead” works exceptionally well for city driving. Utilize tools such as Google Maps satellite view to familiarize yourself with your route into and out of your destination. Remember to check your dispatch information for additional information regarding the pick-up/delivery.
· Pay Attention to the Road Signs
‍While this tip may seem like a given, it is worth mentioning. Watching for and obeying road signs is ten times more important in big cities than anywhere else. The reason is simple. There are more low passes, and weight restricted routes within a large city than elsewhere. The internet is full of videos and pictures of trucks trapped under low passes, or collapsing bridges because the drivers neglected to pay attention and obey road signs. If there is a sign that says no trucks allowed, it’s not because someone in the city is a jerk and doesn’t want you on that road, it’s because the road isn’t suitable for a 72 foot-long vehicle that weighs 80,000 pounds.
· Eyes on the Road
‍This one goes hand in hand with the previous tip. You should never operate a commercial vehicle while distracted. However, when you’re in bumper to bumper traffic with cars all around your truck it is essential to give 110% attention to what’s happening around you. Turn the radio down, end your phone call, and focus.
· Understand the Interstate Numbering System
‍Triple digit interstate highways are reserved for metropolitan areas and function as bypasses. Single and double digit are the primary interstate highway and often proceed through the center of major cities. In some cities, such as Atlanta and St. Paul, trucks are prohibited from using the double digit interstate through the center of the city. They must use the triple digit bypasses instead. Furthermore, if you’re passing through a city, it’s often faster to use the bypass route rather than proceed through the center due to traffic volume. As always, pay attention to the road signs, CB radio traffic, and your map to ensure you’re on the optimal route.
· Use a CB Radio
‍Despite the advent of cellphones, wireless internet, and GPS, nothing has replaced the useful utility of a CB radio. Purchase one and install it in your truck, and keep it tuned to channel 19. Even in the 21st century it is the primary way truck drivers communicate pertinent emergency information regarding road conditions, traffic backups, and hazards to other drivers. Knowing about a backup ahead of time and someone sharing a workable detour route over the CB can be the difference between delivering on time, and sitting in a traffic jam for three to five hours.
· Pre-Trip Inspection
‍The importance of a pre-trip inspection cannot be over-emphasized. The last place you want to suffer a mechanical failure or breakdown is on a busy stretch of city highway where there’s nowhere to safely park. It doesn’t hurt to pull off at a rest area or a truck stop on the outskirts of a big city to give your truck an extra look before continuing into the heavier traffic.
· Inclement Weather
Anytime there is precipitation anticipate the roads becoming slicker than average in big cities due to a higher amount of residual oil on the highways. A light rain might even make the road far slicker than a heavy rain under the right conditions. Slow down and give yourself extra room to stop and maneuver and maintain your lane at all times. And remember to turn on your headlights and marker lights to be more visible to other vehicles. If you are facing snow or ice, make sure that you are familiar with best practices for driving in winter weather and common winter truck driving tips from experienced drivers.
· Be Alert for Road Debris
‍Debris on the roadway is more common on big city roadways. With so many vehicles in close proximity to your truck it is important to maintain your lane no matter what. Your best option is to watch for debris and slow your truck in a safe manner to decrease the chance for the debris to cause damage to your equipment, or turn the debris into a projectile that may harm other motorists.
· Safe Parking
‍Parking for big trucks is at a premium in most large cities. Be sure to give yourself enough time to depart from the city or stop early enough to secure a parking space at a safe area such as a truck stop or rest area.
Parking on the side of a street or in abandoned lots is dangerous and has cost more than one truck driver their life. Keep in mind that truck stops fill up faster in the busier metropolitan areas and if you haven’t finished your day by 3 – 4 pm you may have difficulty finding a spot to park.
Remember, no load is worth your life, or the life of a bystander. Observe best safety practices at all times, maintain your patience, and plan ahead for a better, less stressful truck driving in the city experience.

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